HARBOUR BOARD.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1730, 22 April 1913, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

MR. A. LEIGH-HUNT ASKED TO STAND. LOCAL BODIES AND PARTY SPIRIT. A deputation headed by Messrs. Thos. Dalliuger ami J. G. W. Aitken waited--011 Sir. A. Leigh-Hunt yesterday afternoon with a reciucst that lie should allow himself to bo nominated as a candidate to represent (lie citizens of "Wellington on tho Wellington .Harbour Board. "There are certain nieipbers representing tho citizens at present," said Mr. Ballinger, "whom we do not think aro doing their duty. Take Mr. Hindmarsh for oxample. During last year he attended only eight ordinary' meetings out of 19 held. Now, that is not good enough. And further he only attended 19 meetings (including, committee meetings) out of a possible '15—rather a sad record. On referring to tho figures I find that the profit for the year beforo last amounted to G. 91 per cent, but last year it was 5 per cent, a drop of nearly 2 per cent. We feel that What is wanted on tho board are keen business men who will carefully watch the-expenditure. We know your ability and that you never miss a meeting on bodies you are connected with. Others know of your connection with the Hataitai -Ratepayers' Association and the good work you liavo done there." ,

llr. Aitken said that there were others beside himself Who would be glad if Mr. Hunt would' consent to stand. He realised that it meant that his time would bp infringed upon, but was satisfied that lie had the public interest ab heart and that he would give a Rood account of himself. ,

Sir. |H. G. Hill referred to Mr. Hunt's sterling character and conscientiousness, and said tliat he had received many communications during the past fortnight from citizens urging that Mr. Hunt ba asked to stand. . What' was wanted now on the board . was a fighter who would not allow things to go on as thej' had been going. He would practically be tho lock in tho scrum to bold the pack together. He hoped Mr. Hunt, would consent to tile request and decide to stand lor the board.

Mr. Leigh-Hunt said lie was pleased at the expressions of confidence in himself. During the past few days he had received numerous requests to stand for tho board and the Oily Council, which he had consistently refused, not because he did not think it his duty as a citizen, but ho had his home and business, and was a particularly busy man. Ho had come to tho conclusion, too, that there was a sphere outside those positions where useful work could be done. Ha would like to say that tho present was a most important time, not.only duo to the important works contemplated, but just now the local bodies were faced with a movement on the part of a certain section of tho community to capture thosa bodies. He could not see why they should do so. It surely did not need "parties" to attend to the work in connection with the wharves and ships, and it was time to rise and emphatically protest against a section of the community acting in such a manner. If lie" decided 1 to stand it would bo solely on. that, account. Ho promised to turn the thing over in his inind again, and would give Mr. Ballinger an answer' at 10 o'clock this morning. -MR, E. A. WEIGHT ASKED TO STAND Mr. E. A. Wright has received an influential requisition that, he should contest a. seat, on the Harbour Board. -Mr. Wright,-will give his , answer to-day.