THE HARBOUR BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 239, 5 November 1903, Page 2

THE HARBOUR BILL.

The suggestion mido by •< Ratepayer," that Mr (Smith's services in connection with the Harbour Empowering Bill should be recognised by a public recep'ion, is an excellent one, Wo fear it is almost 100 much to expect such a sinking of politick feeling as " Katepayer" sui-geste, but if it could be brought about it would be an excellent object ksson to the opponents 0 f the harbour and afford an opportunity for putticg the claims of the harbour before the public, which would be of great value. Mr Smith has certainly done excellent service, eo far this session. In addition to the Harbour Bill he succeeded in carrying the second reading of the Tatanaki and JJawera hospital Districts Adjustment Bi}j ? the New Plymouth Borough arid Taracaijl Hospital Exchange Bill, and the Taranaki School i Commissioners and Borough Exchange Bill, all matters of very great importance to the future of New JPJy-

noath and the surrounding districb. I fo rh<s matter of fth i Harbour Bill, Mr | imith has dona great service at a very j jtiucal time, a servica whioh present opponents ot the h arbour will recognise later on. It spiuifa volumes for his h'ifit and industry that in the face of the local opposi w:', with Messrs J'otininos. Symos, and Major strongly opposing him in the House, >.h '.t In was ablfi io carry the second reading withom a division. It is clear that ho had succeeded in excising t-ho sympuhy of Bime, disarmed tin opposition of others and secured strong support in influential quarters. It would be a wisn, graceful and tactful act for all parties to unite in publicly recognising Mr Smith's servics. Tiio f,;ct that the Hou*- has practically unanimously recognised that the time h»s coujo for giviug the people power ta raise m ir.ey to improve the haibour will provti invaluable when the IronBind Company's exports are here, as it practically removes all doubt regarding the question of securing legislative ,s.'.notion to the raising of the money i for providing the shipping facilities which will bii required for the Oomp iay 'a business, As regards the absent of the ratepayers we have it on the tuiihority of the Hiuvera Star, which | may be termed the organ of the Opposition to the harbour, that the conKent. of the ratepayers to a loan will bo forthcoming if the ironworks are . s ai't.ed, Under thesa circumstances | the carrying of the second reading may be said to be the crux of the question, as the Bill can now be taken up at its present stage next year, and will, we have very little doubs, pass without trouble, Mr Smith has already received miny congratulations in which wa desire to join, and hopa to see something come out of " Ritspayer's " suggestion.