The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1908. THE OUTER HARBOR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2331, 26 October 1908, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1908. THE OUTER HARBOR.

Just now, when the Show and other holiday attractions are claiming the chief attention of the public it

will probably be difficult' to arouse much enthusiasm over harbor masters. At the same time, when it is remembered that the question of an outer harbo-r —-to be or not to be— is the most vital one affecting the interest of this town and district, we malco no apology for directing the thoughts of our readers to the notable report upon the subject which is published ;in to-day’s issue.. As wo pointed out recently, the matter is at present in the hands of the experts who have issued reports, exceedingly diverse in character and in so mo respects absolutely contradictory, as to the best methods of obtaining what is desired. The Board is now reaching a definite stage in its efforts to lay before the ratepayers the essential facts of the position, and the document which wo publish should bo carefully perused by those who desire to thoroughly understand exactly how the matter stands. The report is not a unanimous one, but has been approved by a majority of the Finance Committee, and it will come up for the consideration of the Board as a whole at its meeting to-morrow. The statement set forth docs not give a definite lead to the public, but it docs, at any rate, set forth very clearly the chief contentious features which, in all probability, will ultimately be left to the ratepayers to settle for themselves. The financial statement prepared is one that can bo accepted unreservedly as an accurate estimate of the position, and places this important factor in so definite a form that members will be able to face the whole issue with much more confidence. These whose faith in the future of the district is as sanguine as our own may be disposed to make a good deal of allowance for the future expansion of the Board’s revenues, but this is not an aspect that will bo seriously considered by those from whom it may be sought to obtain the loan. In- such cases as this the conservative estimate is the only safe one. The next meeting of the Board should be an extremely animated one, and with the additional information at its disposal we shall watch with interest the result of its deliberations.