THE WHARF REPAIRS.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 600, 14 April 1882, Page 2

THE WHARF REPAIRS.

To the Editor

Sir, — Your correspondent signing "Local Talent," whoso letter appeared in your issue o£ the 7th inst., is somewhat inconsistent. In hia first paragraph he condemns the Wharf Committee for .lending too willing an ear to the suggestions of interested parlies ; he nest proceeds to press the suggestions of interested parties upon the Committee's attention, ami consistently concludes his letter by asserting that an injustice will be done unless the Committee lend a willing ear to the suggestions he brings forward. I conceive that every person who procures stores from Akaroa is a ratepayer, and not an outsider, as far as wharfage dues are concerned, whether residing at Wainui or j elsewhere in the Bay. ' may also remark j that the prosperity of Akaroa town is

dependent on the wealth created putside the borough, and consequently I think the narrow view which " Local Talent" profeßses to entertain is to be repudiated. Legislation wisely limits the rating powers of local bodies, and 1 have no doubt " Local Talent" approves of the restriction where the paympnt of rates comes directly home, although he makes an exception with regard to wharfage dues, which, to use his own expression, he would make substantial, in order, I presume, to raise funds to be expended in the employment of " equally capable local talent." Whether this policy would meet with general approval at the present time is doubtful, whatever it may be when Professor Mac has formed public opinion re whurfage dues, and completed the education of the Council. I notice that the councillors have signally failed to pass the Professor's first standard of educationa progress.—Yours, etc.,

CLAP TRAP.