The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1909. THE OUTER HARBOR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2396, 11 January 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1909. THE OUTER HARBOR.

The resolution which stands in the name of Mr. W. D. Lysnar to be moved at to-day’s meeting of the ■Harbor Board should have the effect of bringing the vexed question of an outer harbor a stage nearer to settlement. Mr. Lysnar proposes that Mr. Marchant’s scheme shoud be forthwith placed before the ratepayers for their consideration, and this certainly seems to us a proper course to take. If the Board or a proportion of its members favor Mr. Reynolds’ scheme in preference to that of Mr. Mar-, chant, then let both schemes go before tlio public. Up to the present the attitude of the Board lias been one with which we have been in entire sympathy. It has obtained reports on the feasbility of the proposed work, and lias investigated very carefully the financial position, so that it now has in its possession all the facts that are essential to a lair consideration of the position. We can readily understand the diffidence of the Board in coming to a definite conclusion, and saying in so many words whether this or that is the better scheme, or whether the ratepayers would be well advised to accept any. The whole question is surrounded with difficulties, and lie would be a hold .prophet who would venture a forecast as to the ■actual results of adopting any of the proposals at present under consideration. However, this is not necessary. If a scheme is adopted, the ratepayers will have to find such money as may be necessary to finance the work, and it is proper that the responsibility should rest entirely and completely on their own shoulders. Tlio Board’s duties cease after arranging the necessary machinery whereby the public can give expression to its wishes, and in supplying all possible information that will assist towards a sound conclusion. Having obtained this information there is no reason for delaying the taking of a poll. We should like to see both Messrs Marchant’s and Reynolds’ schemes placed before the ratepayers, together with the report of the Board on the financial position' as well as the report issued by a minority of the Board. Before the poll is held sufficient timo should bo given to permit of the project being fully debated at public meetings, and at these gatherings it would bo distinctly useful to- have the benefit of the opinions of the members of the Board themselves. Having discharged their duty in placing the issue before the people, they' could very properly from the public platform advocate whatever policy seemed in their individual judgment to be the wisest to follow. There is,, however, no excuse for further delay, and inaction at the present juncture will naturally be taken as a wrongful attempt to thwart the wishes of that large section of the people which is in favor of the construction of an outer harbor.