HARBOR MATTERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 900, 26 May 1903, Page 3

HARBOR MATTERS.

(To the Editor Gisborne Times.; Gie, —X am nut afraid of tho public mistaking what I meant when I said that 1 I would wash my hands of tho whole mutter by voting against tho resolution.” Thoro is no room for mistake. What was tho matter ? Tho meeting was a special meeting —“ to consider appointment of an engineer and define duties.” It was proposed not to appoint an engineer but to appuiut instead au overseer of works only at 11200 per annum. Speaking to the motion I said several things not reported, particularly that wo might expect happy divisions of opinion at meetings upon engineering questions, if we had only an overseer, whom of course tho Board must instruct directly. Tho only legitimate meaning that can be put upon tho words quoted was that I as a member would not bo held responsible for any bad results following upon what X considered to be mistaken action ou the part of the Board. And I do not know why you should suggest any other possible viow, as for example that I would obstruct, or that I may intend some hostile action. I think I can truthfully claim that my action at the Harbor Board has always been to help and not to hinder. What I may do, in particular circumstances, in tho futuro, will of course depend, but whatovor I may do I shall eodoavor to protect tho interests of tho community in harbor matters. —i am, etc.,

W. Sxkvwkiout. jp.g,—The Board uudoubtcdly needs both a competent engineer and a competent foreman of works if proper value is to be got for tho mouoy oxpended, W.S.