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Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1924, Page 2

fr appeared to he accepted at one local lioilv meeting this week that an internal organisation representing a section of the community may not approach tbi> local body directly by letter, but should do so through the medium' of one or other of the district representative's on the local hotly. This seems to he rather a new departure, which if (allied to the full in its logical application would cut otr all communications to the local body except through the medium of the ineinheis. An individual's rights to approach the local body would be equally in jeopardy. Such a procedure would be rather a drawback for it is not possible always to get into dose touch with the members in a scattered district. There might be the complaint too that the new members aie not frei|iient visitors to all parts of the district they rep resent, and so would not he any more familiar with the circumstances of the case than any member of the local body considering an explanatory letter respectfully written, ft would be no doubt advisable for all parties (whether individuals or internal organisations) to acquaint members representing them with their requirements, but to veto the right to approach the local body direct appears to he quite beyond all that is reasonable in the matter. The discussion showed however that the members were anxious to give direct service where they could and those with requirements .should avail themselves to the fullest of tbi.frnine of mind. Certainty a personal advocacy will often carry the day when a plain, matter of tact letter might not carry sufiicient weight to arouse Ihe interest of a meeting. Familiar with the ins and the nuts ol the subject, the members can afford information on 1 oinls which might lie rather obscure or insufficiently explained by letter. The discussion should induce the public therefore not- only to preter their requests by letter, hut also beforehand enlist the good offices nf the members to su| port and urg** reasonable vo*llll ‘si, alfe.liilg local H'Oili I cinelils.

At t lie annual meeting oi the Grcviniiuth Harbor Hoard this week, Mr Jesse Steer was re-elected Chairman. The Chairman said he would like to eotii'i’ont on the financial position of the Board, which was most satisfactory. Xot.withstauding the expectation that the opening of the Arthur's Bass tunad would have an adverse elici t oil .hi* trade ol the poll, lie was p,leased Ui make a .statement, that he knew would astonish a good many. The revenue derived for the year ended March Al. 1!LI. was £ IS.OHO. an excess of £IOOO over that of the previous year. The trade for the eight mouths sime ihe tunnel had been opened has been greater than that in the previous corresponding |eriod. Wheihei these conditions would continue was questionable. If there was a decrease in revenue, they would have to “cut their cloti. to the required measure.” Mr 'lenliuiit said the Board would have to get down to brass tacks, The dilleiiTuc the tunnel made wa„ much against (i ivy moil tit. On looking over the estimates, he was forced to that conclusion. The teport of the Commission appointed to consider a deep sea lia,boiir scheme should be now to band. When that report was icceived. Ihe Board might then lie able to work out its redemption. Jlc referred to the tact that goods ordered by him oil May 111. at Dunedin, to come by sea. had not vet. been received. This wa.s iliscomaging to tradcis, as the goods ordered by rail .should he to hand in ■IS hours. A comparison made in the matter of the charges between tail and sea was to tile distinct advantage of the latter. •‘Froni my experience and I venture to say it is not singular, we shall have to get down to the bottom of things, if we are to keep tilings right at the port.” he concluded. The Chairman said that as rogards the delay in transit, it ua.- most, difficult to find the cause, as nobody appeared to he able to make a specific complaint, lie laid the blame on the shipping companies. In his exle’ience the railway charges weie greater in most things. However, lie was quite in accord with Mr Tcnucnl that the report of the Commission he expedited. It might be advisable to make reductions in the charges. As the engineers now had all the information they required he moved that they lie requested to furnish a report at the earliest possildo date. This was agreed to.