THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1923. HARBOUR PROPOSALS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4526, 12 February 1923, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1923. HARBOUR PROPOSALS.

The Thames Harbour Board’s proposal to take a poll bn April 26 on the question of raising a, loan of £60,000 for harbour improvements, as outlined in the complete report published in our Friday’s issue, is one that should receive the most careful attention and consideration from every ratepayer in the harbour rating district. This applies' equally to those who happen to be for or against the proposal. It was clearly stated at the Harbour Board meeting at which tiie proposal to borrow £60,060 was approved that the present modified scheme, though presented in detail by the Board’s engineer (Mr. E. F. Adams), was in reality merely the first portion of the work as outlined by Mr Blair Mason in the original proposal, with slight modifications in berthing facilities, etc., to enable the possibility of the present proposal immediately becoming revenue producing. On the assurance of the members, therefore, it is made evident that the proposal now under consideration is the initial stage of the larger scheme —work whereby the Board anticipates proving that the harbour improvements will be of genera) benefit. The chairman of the Board (Mr C. W. Harris) has announced his intention <if shortly “slumping” the country in support of his Board’s proposals. This will he welcome, as there is not unlikely to be many who will desire to make themselves more conversant with the exact nature of the proposals, as well as to have an opportunity of asking questions. If a thoroughly logical conclusion is to be arrived at it is essential that the ratepayers should take a live and keen, though unbiassed, interest in the harbour question. Cause and effect must be the main consideration. The question o! paying rates would bo a mere detail if the benefit to be derived was assured. On the other hand, it would ne unwise to countenance the scheme if the evidence produced is unconvincing. Among the principal questions

to consider are : (1) Would t'he proposals outlined in the report provide an effective harbour ? (2) How far, and to what extent, would it benefit the entire rating area'! (3) Iff. the benefit to be derived is made obvious, would it. be such as to justify the raising of a loan of £60,000 ! What happened when harbour proposals were miide ten or twenty years ago is immaterial. The ratepayers should concentrate their attention on the present and future, so that, whcthci supporters or opponents of the scheme, they will be in a position to record their votes' with the satisfaction of knowing that they have carefully and conscientiously weighed up all the facts and arguments adduced, and arrived at a decision born of careful reasoning. • When first announced the proposed readjustment of telephone charges caused quite an uproar in the centres, and it was obvious that the majority of the cities had not given the new proposal's much, if any, careful consideration. It aimed at. the pockets of those w.ho are in the best position to pay ; consequently they arose to ward off what they then regarded as a financial blow. The tune has changed, however, and harmony is restored, at least in Wellington. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has, in fact, passed a resolution approving of “an increase in the rates. As pointed out in our issue of' January 24, “some scheme to place the service on a better financial basis was necessary.” After the howl if careless criticism that arose when the new proposals were announced, the Minister should feel doubly gratified at the change of attitude shown by Wellington business mem The somersault performed in this instance emphasises the absurdity of overestimating the value of hurried criticism..