The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, SEPT. 13, 1907.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2184, 13 September 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, SEPT. 13, 1907.

THE HARBOR BILL. It is probable, as one speaker at last night’s meotiug in tho Theatre seemed inclined to suggest, that a dog-light would have drawn a much larger audience than was present to consider ono of the most momentous issues yot placed before the people of Gisborne. Unfortunately, local residents do not take the keen interest in public matters that wo would liko to seo, and tho result is made apparent in the backwardness of the town in municipal matters. However, it does not follow that because last night’s attendance was limited to less than a couplo of hundred people, the public can be said to bo apathetic about the scheme itself. Proof on this point is found in the universal discussion of the subject amongst all classes of the community. The fact of the matter is that Inst night’s meotiug mas looked upon by tho public as being merely a preliminary gathering, at which no contentious issue would be raised. It had been made known through the Press that the object was merely to stimulate Parliamentary action, and that nothing pledging the residents to support or oppose the scheme would be brought forward. In other words, thero seemed nothing to become enthusiastic over; nothing to fight against- Naturally tho speakers, ably led by Air. Rees, had an easy task in advocating tbit the people of Gishomo should be given an early opportunity to vote upon the question, but they did more —'they made out a strong pi'.ima facie case in favor of the adoption of the scheme when it is placed before the ratepayers. It is true that details were not gone into, and when they are many contentious subjects will bo raised, but the ability of the distirict to assumo the financial burdens involved was proved beyond a shadow of doubt by the figures quoted. A feature that might have been discussed with advantage last night, but which received practically no attention, was the possible necessity for some vital amendments in the Bill beyond the purely technical alterations referred to by Air. Rees. Tho exclusion of AYaiapu from the rating area is imperative if the promoters have a sincere desire that tho scheme shall subsequently be adopted by tlio ratepayers. It is not to be conceived for a moment that tho people of Gisborne will attempt to perpetrate suoh an injustice as to compel the residents of the disitriot referred to to pry rates for a harbor which they do not desire, and which will not benefit them to any material extent. To leave AYaiapu in the Bill is simply to invito subsequent defeat. Then, again, the original Bill stipulates that the loan shall be raised at 4 per cent. As we have pointed out on former occasions, it is extremely unlikely that it oan be obtained for a fraction less than 41 per cent., and it would he much more businesslike if tho Bill were amended so as to empower the Board to borrow oven up to 5 per cent., which would leavo it in the position of being able to accept the best terms available when tho loan is required. Unless some such latitude is arranged for, even though the Bill pass the House, it cannot be made effective unless the money can actually be obtained at tho very low rate of 4 per cent. Provided tbes e matters are settled the ratepayers, in the event of tho Bill passing tlio House, will have a clear and definite issue to voto upon. Then will be tho timo to discuss the rocky bottom that Dr. Collins is concerned about, and the numerous technical points that will he raised by the local amateur engineers, who, according to Air. Clayton, do not hesitate to place their opinions before those of the world’s leading experts. In the meantime we can safely congratulate the promoters of the scheme in having taken a forward step in a most important project, and upon having thoroughly justified its favorable consideration. The public oan confidently be appealed to to sign tho petitions that are to ho circulated, and upon these being presented to the House the passage of tho Bill will, in all probability, be acceded to.