Saturday, February 1, 1890. MR ARTHUR’S OPPORTUNITY.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 411, 1 February 1890, Page 2

Saturday, February 1, 1890. MR ARTHUR’S OPPORTUNITY.

A letter read at the last meeting of the Harbor Board gives renewed interest to a subject to which we have previously made pointed reference. The Public Trustee wrote requesting payment of as annual contribution to sinking fund, and also of £lOB3, an instalment on overdraft from loan account. It is clear that the question is one which it will not do for the members of the Board to palter with, but they ara acting wisely in taking care to deal with the subject in a most cautious way 1 it i 9 with a higher power than the Public Trustee that the Board has jo deal, and while taking care to firmly resist the tyranny of a few selfish politicians, the matter can be best dealt with by avoiding bluster. There may be two opinions on the question as to the right which Parliament had to prevent the expenditure of more thw about half of a loan borrowed for a special purpose, upon the security of the property in the district; but it is a scandalous thing that the ratepayers should also be called upon to provide sinking fund for that portion of the loan which Parliament will not allow to be expended. No other district in the colony would put up with such a monstrous imposition. Had a similar thing been attempted in some localities there would have been great indignation aroused and such vigorous protests made that the inlustice would hot ion;} have

remained. Like many other trials which this district has had to endure, great patience has been shown in the matter. But a determined stand will shortly have to be made, and maudlin sentiment must be cast aside. The ratepayers have to bear a burden which is sufficiently heavy without being unjustly increased. Where now, we might ask, is the great “ Liberal ” Government whose virtues were trumpeted forth during the recent election ? Has Sir Harry Atkinson conveniently forgotten a pledge which he made, to enquire into the question. It is but proper that any risk of a conflict with the Public Trustee hvuld be avoided as long as possible. He is only fulfilling his duty in the matter, and it would be an absurdity for the Board to take him into their confidence until the culminating point arrives. It is to Mr Arthur, the member for the district, that we have mainly to look for relief from the awkward position. Certainly past experience has not been such as to inspire confidence in those who represent the district in Parliament, and unless Mr Arthur declines to be dragged at the chariot wheels of the Ormond element there is not much hope that he will be more than an obstacle to the district’s progress. But he has before him a splendid opportunity, and we hope that for the sake of the district he will not neglect it. He has to decide between two courses —pandering to the Ormond faction or taking up a line in which he will be heartily supported by every elector in the district, friend and opponent alike. We do not want him to introduce any more Harbor Bills, but to takei advantage of the pledge given by the Premier, and if Sir Harry Atkinson has got the proper degree of respect for his word and has something more substantial under his control than a mere rabble, the desired relief will be given without further trouble. If the matter is set forth in a proper light there can also be safely reckoned on the support of all those politicians whose support is worth having.