The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1378.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 346, 10 August 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1378.

Fkoji telegrams received at Carlyle, from the Chairman of the County Council (Mr Geo. S, Bridge) and Mr G. F. Sherwood, it would appear that Government are disposed to be libera! in the matter of an Amended Patea Harbor Bill, if only the people will show their confidence in the work, and desire for progress, by taking 1 some share of the responsibility. There will be little hope ot the Bill passing, unless settlers are willing to agree to some similar rating clause to that in clause 15 of the New •Plymouth Amendment Act of last session, which enacts that in order to provide for the payment of interest, and a sinking fund of one per centum per annum, >lie Board shall have power to levy a rate, the maximum of which shall not exceed one shilling in the pound on the rateable value of property. As it is property-owners who will chiefly benefit by the harbor works, and as there is not the shadow of a doubt as to flic great improvement to navigation which will follow compk-tion of even present contract, there should be a unanimous acquiescence in the request made by Government, and which will decide the fate of the Bill. If assent to the rating clause is given, then there is much to hone tor. Government will aid liberally. Should strong opposition arise, it will be interpreted to moan that there is little desire fur progress, and that help

is not required. A. rating clause is simply a provision in case of accident. The Board being elective, and the members, for the most part large prop"i’tyowners: will have too much regard for their own pockets, to rate even so low ns one penny in the £, except under great pressure. There is scarcely the remotest possibility that a necessity for rating would arise. We cannot, however, expect to ho able to borrow money, if it should be required, unless w-’ show confidence in the work being done. The readiest way of showing that, and getting help, is by agreeing to a rating clause.