THE HARBOR BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2596, 2 September 1909, Page 4

THE HARBOR BOARD.

We entirely concur with the attitude of Mr. W. D. Lysnar in persistently urging the claims of the district to an Outer Harbor. Unfortunately for those who have similar ideals it was Mr. Lysnar’s bungling methods which were largely responsible for the postponement of this great and necessary work. However, that is past history now, and wo shall gladly support him in the future legitimate efforts he may display to again make the Outer Harbor scheme a live issue. At the same time we must protest most emphatically against the pessimistic spirit displayed at yesterday’s meeting in Tegard to the dredge which has been ordered by the .Board. Mr. Lysnar’s own policy on the matter will not bear investigation for a single moment. Even if the construction of an Outer Harbor were sanctioned, it would not be available for use for close on ten years, and in the interim the steadily growing trade of thei port could only come through the river channel. The past winter, though particularly free from heavy rains, has provided several instances in which the entire trade of the port ■has been seriously impeded through the blocking up of the river. If the inconvenience is serious now, what would it be five years hence, when the trade will have greatly increased? Yet Mr. Lysnar seriously suggested the reduction of expenditure on the maintenance of the Inner Harbor. The majority of the Board, on the other hand, took the view that the river must be kept clear for traffic and, the existing plant having proved woefully inadequate, they decided upon purchasing an up-to-date dredge. Mr. Lysnar, with, characteristic modesty, lias set his opinion against that of everyone else, and declares that the dredge will have to be dug out of the channel once it gets in, and that, generally speaking, it will prove a failure. This is a matter concerning which we shall know more eighteen months hence; for - the present we are content to leave the role of prophet to so courageous an exponent. In the meantime, it must be borne in blind that the fact of the Board having found it necessary to moke better provision for river traffic does not in itself constitute an antagonistic attitude towards the bigger pro- ' ject of an Outer, Harbor.* This is a topic that should always be kept in view, and' we should like to find the present Board again giving it some consideration.