The Daily News FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1902. THE HARBOUR QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 59, 21 February 1902, Page 2

The Daily News FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1902. THE HARBOUR QUESTION.

Thhough the courtesy of the Hon. A. J. Oadmao, 0.M.G., we are enabled to place befere our readers the proposals submitted by him for the censideratioo of the Harbour Board for the improvemedt of the harbour. It may be remarked that Mr Cadman bas no desire to takeover the'karbour, and it will be noticed that he reiterates tbe opinion he expressed at the meeting of the Harbour Board on Tuesday last, tha,t the Harbour Board is the proper body to carry out the improvement a to the harbour. In connection with this, however, two matters were made very clear—lst, that without improvements to the harbour to accommodate the necessary shipping it was hopeless to expect the Ironsand Company could make a start at New Plymouth, and 2ad that the members of the Board were very pronounced in their opinion that there was absolutely no hope of the Board carrying out the necessary improvements. The Board further indicated its readiness to consider any proposals from Mr Oadman on lines roughly outlined by him. Mr Oadman, at the request of the Board, promised to submit definite proposals for the consideration of the Board, and th«se are new in the hands of the members of the Board and appear in this mornings issue. It might have been thought that Mr Oadman would ,be allowed to place these details before the Board before an attempt was made to prejudice people against them ; but not so, already efforts are being mads to make it appear that Mr Cadman is proposing to take over the harbour as a good commercial speculation, and that the ratepayers are losing a good thing. As a matter of fact, Mr Cadman has made it perfectly clear that he has no desire to take over the harbour, but failing tbe Harbour Board being prepared to carry out the necessary im-

provements, be must do so, or abandon New Plymouth at the site for the works ol hi* proposed company. Mr Cadman's proposals appear to us to be extremely reasonable, and likely to bring about the desire of every settler in Taranaki, viz., provide a safe and commodious port, capable of dealing with the largest class of shipping. While settlers have that desire, they are strongly opposed to making themselves liable to another; rate, or increasing the present rate. Allowing the harbour is a good commercial speculation, what loss is it to the average settler for a company to reap the benefit? any ' profit the Harbour Board may make can only benefit the i°ktltrs in the shape of improved shipping facilities and low freights, but they remain liable for a rate ss long as the present loan and the £150,000 to £200,000 required to effeot the neces sary improvements remains, unpaid. Adopting Mr Oadman's proposals on the other hand means the immediate improvement of the harbour, working it by business men on sound business lines, proper safeguards being provided to protect the interests of exporters and importers, and above all, freedom from the existing rate, and release from the dread of further rating being imposed. It means further, the establishment of an industry which must prove of incalculable benefit to the district. It is seedless for any one to try to lead people to believe country settlers will support further | loan proposals. The proper course for the Harbour Board to follow appears to us to be to issue a voting paper to every ratepayer, containing two proposals as follows

■ " I rote for n loan of £ to carry out improvements to the harbour. I vote to authorise the Board to negotiate with the Hod, A. J. Oadman, C.M.G., regarding hia scheme for the improvement of the harbour."

|lf ratepayers were requested to cross j out the proposal they did not wish to [support and sign their names to the i paper and return it to the secretary of the Harbour Board a clear indication of their views would be obtained, and we venture to say that 99 per cent. I would strike out the top line We commend Mr Cadman's proposals to the serious considwation of the ratepayers throughout the harbour district. The decision arrivfd at will have an important bearing ou the future of Taranaki.