WELLINGTON HARBOUR BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 122, 27 April 1925, Page 5

WELLINGTON HARBOUR BOARD.

[Published by Arrangement.]

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE COMBINED MANAWATU DISTRICT. In asking for your support at the election to bo held on Wednesday next, I wish to state that: Many of the electors have told mo that the sitting members, having occupied seats on the board for 14 to 18 years, during which period no election has been held, they desire to see a change. 1 am opposing the two sitting members. Flease vote for either of them, but give lolley, the pew candidate, a vote as well. The board announces reductions in age amounting to 25 per cent. These reductions appear to have been decided upon at a meeting held during last week. It is rather an unusual action on the eve of, and during the progress of an election. I suggest it should have been left until the new board was constituted. These concessions have been made in haste, without due consideration. The board’s rate is 4s per ton on inward cargo; 25 per cent, reduction is Is per ton. It is impossible for this amount on, say drapery furnishings, ironmongery, or-luxuries ever to reach the consumer. Two shillings per ton reduction on goodß used directly by producers, such as benzine, oils, fertilisers, cement, etc., would have reached the producers immediately, and been of service to him. The railway facilities on tho wharves are inadequate and on some wharves, of bad design. I consider that each wharf should have direct connection with our railway system so that the expensive cartage charges and the damage from extra handling could be cut out and goods for despatch to the country could be sent direct from the ship’s side. I agree entirely with tho 25 per cent, redudtion on outward produce. Wellington is a port with great natural advantages. These, together with the enterprise and good management of all concerned from the very early days, have given us a heritage of great and increasing value which belongs, not to the Harbour Board, but to the inhabitants of the Wellington countryside. Yours for still better service, the new candidate.—H. Tolley.