The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBOBNE, AUGUST 6, 1906. THE WAIKANAE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1826, 6 August 1906, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBOBNE, AUGUST 6, 1906. THE WAIKANAE.

A.monh the subjects that may come up again for discussion at this afternoon’s meeting of the Harbor Board is that of reclaiming a portion of tire Wai> kanae mudbank. Such a proposal was incidentally brought up at last meetiug by Mr Harding, and that gentleman is not the oi;q to allow a subject ho has introduced to be cast aside without being threshed out Tho proposal was met at tho outset by tho formidable legal obstacle that any reclamation work done would become the property of the owners of the banks adjoining. Mr Harding thought thac might bo got over by purchasing tho strip adjoining the stream on either side Tho probability is that in return for such a valuable improvement the owners of the property would gladly code any rights they might have that would interfere with the carrying on of the work But thore is one point that has not been mentioned, and which ought to be cleared up at tho outset. What bearing would tho experience of the recent flood have on the matter r Those who witnessed the raging torrent sweeping down this ordinarily sluggish stream on tho night of the hood last m,onth will naturally have some misgiving as to whether the I narrowing of the “ stink pond'? as' it *

lias boon termed, whilo converting tlio unsightly into tlio beautiful and usoful would not also bring with it a sorious penalty in timo of Hood. Mr Napier Bell made the bold prediction that tho Wailwinuo would steadily reclaim itself as an effect of the railway works until it hi came little nioro than a trickling stieam for surplus drain water. When tho railway traflic bridge was being constructed, Mr 10. J. Ohrisp strongly opposed tho oroclion of a floodgate, which tho Department was willing to undertake. Ho urged that, in caso of Hood, it would bo a serious thing to liavo a lloodgato in such a position. Many sonsiblo people laughed at the suggestion, as who would not, seeing tho stream in its ordinary state. But last month th so who had laughed wero (juite willing to admit that tnoy wore in tho wrong and that Mr Chrisp had done a public service in persisting in his objection. Therefore, while all must feel with Mr Harding tho need of something being done to improve what is now an oyesoro at low tide, tho (juestion of an exit for surplus Hood water should bo kept in mind.

imperial parliament. Ou; cablegrams to day in regard to tho proceedings of the Imperial Parliament are of more than ordinary intorest. The Bannerman Govornmeut escapod a most humiliating dofeat on a labor question, only being saved by live votes, and that with the assistance given by Mr Balfour coming to tho rescue. The trouble occurred over an amendment submitted by Sir Charles DiHce on the Trades Disputes Bill. An amendment submitted in such a way by an irresponsible member might not have been regarded as an expression of want of confidence, but it at least servos to show how even the strongest Government may suddenly find itself in a minority on a question that by at least one section is regarded as of great importance. It was unfortunate that after Mr Balfour had taken up such a magnanimous stand there should be a misunderstanding ou a minor matter, and a question arise as to whether the Premier had made a breach of faith with the Opposition. Ho denied having mado a promise which ho was accused of breaking—a promise not to prolong the debate —but the light in which this donial was viewed is best gauged by the withering contempt shown by Mr Balfour and the Unionists in withdrawing from the House. It is quite clear that the Government has a thorny path to tread in tho matter of labor legislation. The Education Bill is giving tho House of Lords something for the peers to exercise their miuds over. The Bill was read a second time without division, but the tenor of the speeches indicates that there are troublous times in store when tho committee stage is reached. One speaker made a significant threat. There is a grave suspicion also that some of those who took an active part in the discussions in the House of Commons were only too eager for the House of Lords to exercise their power of revision or rejection. Interest must increase instead of lessen with the further progress of the Bill.