The Daily Telegraph. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1883.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3693, 16 May 1883, Page 2

The Daily Telegraph. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1883.

In the re-payment to Mr Vautier of the wharfage dues levied on his shipments of coals destined for the use of the Government the Harbor Board lias done a tardy act_ of justice. The actions of public bodies, like kisses, are often not uninfluenced by favor, and unless for personal reasons it is hard to sec how payment could have been withhold from Mr Vautier. The money had, apparently, been wrongfully taken by the Board from two contractors for the supply of coal to the Government; to one the money was instantly refunded, from the other it was withheld. But because the Board was about to do an honest action according to its lights, it was taunted by one of its members with making " presents " of its money. We do not often agree with Mr W. C. Smith, but at yesterday's meeting he certainly showed a perception of the difference between right and wrong. A great deal of time was expended over tho matter, and eventually it was agreed that Mr Vautier's claim should be included in tho vouchers. On another question the Board did not show so much impartiality as will bo sc.cn from the following letter that was read Avith tho other correspondence :—"To the Chairman of tho Harbor Board. Sir, —On the 13th ultimo I received an invitation from your • secretary to tender for the Board's advertising for twelve months. I thereupon tendered, and the teiyns at which I offered to do the work were found to be explicit, and the .lowest of any tender that yon received. I was surprised therefore to find that it was resolved that fresh tenders should bojuvited because the h'ujhcd tenderer had hot been m explicit as I had been. On behalf of this office I'claim a reconsideration of my original tender on the ground that it was not contemplated that inf pupal or unsatisfactory tenders would be entertained by tho Board, I have, &c , A. Fallot, Manager Daily Telegraph.'* This letter was not taken any notice pf; and tho highest tenderer at the previous meet* ing of tho Board, having had tho advantage

of learning the prices of the lowest tenderer, put in a tender that on this occasion was the lowest by one penny piece. The Board, without a blush of shame, accepted the amended tender, and it now expects to bo regarded from a high stand point of honor. If tho Board will unhesitatingly do such things in small matters, what will it do in large concarns '< In the case of Mr Vautier's claim the Hon. J. N. Wilson is reported to have said that "the Board contemplated raising a largo sum of money, but when it was seen how it paid away the funds at its disposal would it not be said, "Is this a body that can bo entrusted with money. * * Just now it was making things pleasant to Mr Vautier; by and bye it would be somebody else's turn." It is clear from this -language that Mr Wilson has not a high opinion of the Board's integrity, and if all tenders are to be treated as that for advertising, till tho right party gets the contract, his views will be largely shared in by tho general public.