FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD REPRESENTATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2887, 23 May 1925, Page 3

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD REPRESENTATION.

MR. HOLMS INELIGIBLE

CR. MORTENSEN APPOINTED.

A peculiar position has arisen in connection with the representation of Levin on the Foxton Harbour Board, to which Mr. A. C. Holms, the only candidate nominate, was recently declared elected, (says the Chronicle). The matter is explained in the following letter from Mr Holms, which was read at Tuesday’s Borough Council meeting:—

“I desire to formally advise you that in order to satisfy myself as to the legaltiy of my election as a member of the Foxton Harbour Board, I have examined the provisions of “The Harbours Act,” and formed the definite conclusion that in terms of Section 34 I am not qualified of the Borough of Levin. It is worthy of note that although the Levin Borough is included in the Foxton Harbour District, the surrounding county area (part of the Horowhenua County) is not. part of the district, revealing an illogical position it appears to me. The Manawatu and Kairanga Counties, as well as the Borough of Palmerston North, are included, however. Even were the Horowhenua County part of the Harbour district mv qualification as a County property-owner would not. be. adequate for the purpose of Borough representation. As you are aware, only at the eleventh hour, and in deference to wishes expressed by Foxton and Levin business people, also with the object of avoiding an extraordinary vacancy, was my consent given in the matter of a nomination, regarding which I had earlier in the day expressed doubt ns to my eligibility, and dismissed the possibility of standing for election. The assurances to the contrary, which time did not permit me to investigate, prompted acceptance of nomination—no oilier candidate being available. I regret that any trouble should thus lie occasioned, but am pleased to find that no additional expense i* involved re filling the vacancy —by resolution of vour Council.” The Mayor expressed regret, at the position as he felt sure Mr Holms would have done justice to the Board and Borough.

Discussion took place as to tho possibility of Mr Holms taking his seat as the nominal representative on the rate roll of some Levin firm, but Mr Holms stated that, if there was anyone available with a stronger' standing than himself he would prefer to see him appointed. Cr. Mortensen was l hereupon nominated and consented to represent the Borough on the Board.