WESTPORT PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 428, 14 December 1868, Page 2

WESTPORT PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

The following forms the conclusion of our report of the proceedings at the last meeting of the Progress Committee : BRIGHT STREET "WHARF. Mr Alcorn said he believed that G-overnment had given a grant for the erection of a wharf opposite Bright street. It would be well to see that it would not interfere with the construction of protective works. If another site were similarly taken up, it might materially do so. The Chairman happened to know something about the grant, and, as the matter was public, might refer to it. The application was made under the 13th section of the G-oldfields Act. It was made by Mr M'Leod and another, and was for leave to construct a wharf, at the end of Bright street, with permission to occupy a site, collect tolls, and so forth. The application was forwarded to the Warden, and he transmitted it to the Provincial Secretary. The Provincial Secretary required some further information as to the sort of wharf to be erected ; that information was given ; and the grant was made. Whatever action the Committee might desire to take with regard to such construction, he thought it was now too late. He believed the wharf was to be 30 feet frontage, and 40 feet from the bank, and to be a little above the level of Bright street. Mr O' Conor thought the man who undertook it deserved the thanks of

the community for doing so. If he put up a proper wharf, it might be a protective work at the same time. Mr Alcorn : The Committee or the community need not flatter themselves that he is to put a protective work there.

The Chairman: "Under the G-old-fields Act, encouragement is very properly given to private enterprise. He is constructing it for the use of the public, and the consideration he get-! is the collection of tolls.

Mr O'Conor : Has he any monopoly. The Chairman : Not that I am aware of. No monopoly was asked for at anv rate.

Mr Alcorn said the reason of his referring to the matter was that, if the Crovernment gave away the other available site, they would have no good site for themselves, without incurring extra expense. Mr O'Conor : How would it answer your purpose to take steps so that all applicants in such cases should give public notice of their applications, as in the case agricultural leases ? Mr Alcorn thought it very necessary. There were tracks given away sometimes without the public knowing anything about them. He gave notice of the following motion, for discussion at next meeting : —" That the Government be requested to compel any parties applying for any privilege, such as levying tolls on tracks, bridges, wharves, &c, to give notice to the public by advertising in the local newspaper, so that an opportunity of objecting may be afforded." The meeting was then aiiourned.