Original correspondence

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 620, 23 June 1882, Page 2

Original correspondence

TBE WHARF, To the Editor.

Sir,—l understand that al last night's meeting the Council decided on letting the collection of dues for a year, the reason of tins short term being that they may see how the new tariff works, and then be free to make alterations if necessary. Since it is not too late, 1 would venture again to bring up the question of the imposition of outwards dues. Of the necessity for an imnioved jetty all must bf> agreed, but I may mention that the Wanaka ou the 13th inst. was agiound for an hour before being able to get alongside, whilst tiie preceding and succeeding vessels both nanowly escaped being caught by the falling tides, which in each case would have resulted in a detention of four hours. Whether the jetty be lengthened or a new one built, a considerable sum of money will be required, and this cannot be borrowed unless there he sufficient income to pay interest and sinking fund on the loan. Tiie net inwards dues may be taken at about £80, a sum altogether insufficient for so much as keeping the present jetty permanently in repair, much less for extending it or building a new one. Were, however, outwards dues put on at the same rates as the present inwards, there would be an annual income of about £180. This would enable the Council to make such improvements as would greatly benefit the town and district. For example, with a jetty affording ample water, we should get Larger steamers here : and on Anniver sary Day, at Easter, and at other holiday times the Rotomahana, Manapouri, or some of the other new boats might bo seen round here with a thousand excursionist. This would bring money into the place, aud recoup us over and over again for the small outlay imposed on outwards dues. Of the justice of outwards dues there can be no question. It is acknowledged that inwards cargo rightly pays for the accommodation the jetty affords: and, why it may be asked, should not outwards cargo also pay. Some urge that the exemption is in favor of the farmers, hut it may he pointed out that not one farmer in twenty sends away his own produce ; and oven supposing the farmers' did export their own produce, the question to be solved is, who is to keep ttie jetty in repair whilst they use it free of charge? Furthermore, outwards dues are charged in every other civilised port. It is greatly to be hoped that the Council will reconsider the question of imposing outwards dues before binding themselves for even a twelvemonth. —Yours, etc., W. H. HENNING.