Harbour Construction?

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 117, 3 June 1937, Page 7

Harbour Construction?

EATEPAYEE.

Sir^— In oue of your recent issues there appeared a report of the annual meeting of the Napier Harbour Board. This must have made very nice redding tp those who are not conversant with the positdon of this public body. Laudatory references to this oue and that one and "back-slapping" in genesal appeared to be the biggest feature of the proceedinge. Surely the "Eip Van Winkle" of latepayers will not swallow all this "guif," bnt wake up to what is going on, or rather what is not going on. Enougii of the airy promises or cha wharr being ready for exportqrs . th'is year, next year, and perhaps sometimes, never., Wili the chairmaii of the board let the ratepayers know what amount of their good, hard eash has been expended to date upon the two terminated contracts, and further what is the estimated (mark the word) amonnt the board proposes to ■ expend in the attempt to complete the apology for anoverseas wharf whieh is contemplated? The amount of the originat estimato might aiso be given, and at the s'ame tirne publ-ish the amounts of * tlie original tenders for the job. The xatepayers might also be informed as to whqther the terminated contracts are iinally disposed of 'as f ar as the board 's ratepayers' liability is concerned. In short: — Will the chairman state whether legal aetions are pending or not? Is it true that a eompromise has been cffected an another case? Is it a fact that "rising costs" are responsible for the imposition of the £12,000 rate? Has not the so-called "efficient" administrat-ion been a big faetor? Will the chairman also state whether the boardTs hnances have shown an actual working proflt or loss eaeh year over the past five years? tWill he also tell the ratepayers how the estimates placed before them have panned out so far? When at is stated that two-thirds of the dredging is completed does this mclude the dredging for the whole joD — not just the wharf sites, but the fairways and swinging basin as well? Will the chairman, or perhaps the chairman of the "Works" Committee, tell the rdtepayers what was the original estimate and what moneys have been expended to date on the dredging? Are the members of the board honestly satisfied with the way the "works" are being "carried on" — I was nearly going to say "progressin £"?. Wili they put aside all the niceties of "pat on the back" stuff and tako an interest in the prosecution of this vital and important wornf Are thcy just on the board for the honour and glory part of it, or are they genuinely interested in the progress of the fairest district in New Zealand? Are not some of tho membofs laughing up their sleeves and in a year's time laugh loudly and say: "I told you so"? Now, there are two members of Parliament who represent the districts affected. I refer to Messrs Barnard and Cullen, who shoiuld be up and doing and ask the Minaster of Marine to institute a f ar-reaching inquiry into the administration of this nnfortunate district 's Harbour Board, which is surely heading for disaster at the expense of the whole ddstrlct. sA little point that should strike them is the "riei.ng costs" plea for impoteing the huge rates. Do they not represent our interests? If so, will they represent the contents of this letter to the proper quarter? They would then be conferring a lasting blessing on the community as a whole. — Y onrs, etc.,

Napier, June 2, 1937.