HARBOR ELECTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 62, 14 March 1901, Page 3

HARBOR ELECTION.

(To the Editor of the Times). Sib,—Judged from the numbers who voted at tho last abortive Harbor Board election, burgesses fail to realise the serious consequences that will surely follow the return of men inexperienced in public affairs. Two of the candidates nominated have yet to serve their novitiate. Lot them chock their ambition which though laudable in a sense, may be disastrous to the public weal. If their patriotism is genuine they should withdraw in favor of tho tried men, Messrs Tucker, Joyce or Whim-ay, who, although veterans in public affairs, still retain the energy and zeal of youth. Tho Harbor Board is to-day the most important local governing body in this electorate. Hence tho necessity of having tried men fo administer its affairs. The expenditure is large, and the works being carried out purely experimental. It is a matter of grave doubt whether the present system should not be abandoned in favor of the contract system. If the quantity of material has been excavated from tho river-bed that tho total returns indicate, the Board should have about nine acres of reclaimed land for leasing. Probably, before this time next year the Board will have to decide whether it is not advisable to abandon further work in connection with the river, merely keeping it open for small vessels, which means no relief from lighterage charges—l am, etc., RATEPAYER..