CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2419, 6 February 1909, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence on public matters is wolcomed at all times, but it must be distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opinions of its correspondents.] THE HAilßO.lt BOARD ELECTIONS. [To the Editor.] Sir, —Your very pertinent leader upon an important question is entitled to some reply as to the attitude of Miv Townley and myself re Outer Harbor proposals. And here let me say at once that I am in favor of an Outer Harbor, but the conditions must be shell as far as it is humanly possible to ensure success in the proposals before tlie Board. So far we have not received that assurance and where there is a doubt it is well to bo cautious. We are suffering at the present moment from immature and ill-advised schemes, not only in harbor matters but other municipal works which I need not here dilate upon but which .are matters of miost serious consequences to the burgesses of this town. Harbor-building is perhaps the most difficult and problematical of all undertakings, as results often, ensure what human foresight could hardly forecast. And you yourself seem to be deluded with the idea that a majority of the Board are hesitating in their duty in the advancement of the district in not referring the scheme to the ratepayers. To precipitate, such a referendum to the ratepayers until the Board are. better assured and more unanimous as to what is best to recommend would be to court defeat at the moulds of the. ratepayers even more pronounced than the late Borough proposals. I agree with you that it would be nothing short of a calamity if his Worship the. Mayor should succeed in getting, what I can only call his own nominees, on the Board and so force it to adopt- ill-considered schemes. The one safeguard still remains and that is the ratepayers who, I feel sure, would defeat such immature proproposals in a much more emphatic manner than the late proposals were. The estimates of increased revenue are important matters and which ale relied upon too much. "Whilst this will always bo tlie main port for an important district with great future possibilities in coal and timber; in addition to its present staple commodities, as- well as a tourist route when the Waikaremoana track is made available, but with tlie Tokomaru and Waikakapu freezing works being promoted it will materially lessen tnc revenue of this port, and these elements must be considered. The question ol maintenance of an .Outer Harbor with all its experienced staff and appliances necessary to its efficient working has nob been sufficiently considered. Apart from the main issue, is the proposed scheme going to bo a work free from range and will the shipping have confidence in it? So far iwe have received no such assurance though the matter has been most assidicmsily canvassed in shipping circles. Then again I notice the Wellington Harbor Board, a most important and wealthy corporation, says “Taihoa”owing to the monetary stringency. And, sir, while all the Board recognise that improved shipping (facilities are a necessity in the near future when satisfactory ** proposals have been matured that position is not yet arrived at, although .the Board are moving in securing the site for the necessary stone,and other matters are being steadily promoted and -will, hi due course, mature, I hope, in a satisfactory scheme being adopted,but until much that is now doubtful is cleared up it would be well to possess your soul in peace, and not unduly bustle the Board in this important juncture. -I am, etc., 1 wmNKAT . IPS.—I would like to make it clear that I have nothing to say personally against the other candidates, but it is as a combination working for Mr. Lysnar’s aspirations that I consider it necessary to voice a warning. J.W I’HE HARBOR BOARD ELEC- * TIQNS. [To the Editor.] Sir, I have read carefully your leading article in this morning s “Times” and regard it as a. strong personal attack-' on our Mayor (Mr. Lvsnar) without in all fairness pointing out that that gentleman s advocacy on the Harbor Board has ; relieved us of rates and 50 per cent, ol wharfages. An old saying is that tlie. proof of the pudding is in tlie catinu.” and in your criticism of Mr. Lvsnar you, in all fairness, should have admitted that the quality of the pudding is proven by /mr having no rates. The above is only one of. a number of benefits and economies secured for us, by Mr. Lysnar in Ins public career.—l am, etc.’, Wm. F. CRAWFORD. February, 5. [Mr. Lysnar worked hard to have the wharfages increased, but it was Mr. Townley who moved the. resolution resulting in the -remission of rates. —Ed “Gisborne* Times.”]