HARBOR BOARD MATTERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2345, 19 April 1892, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD MATTERS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —Just a parting word or two on this seemingly never-ending question,which has, I trust, reached a final stage so far as the present Harbor Board is concerned. The shingle-shifting proposals have now been thoroughly discussed, and at Geraldine, Pleasant Point, and Temuka, they have been unanimously condemned, and there is every reason to believe that in all parts of the Harbor Board district the opinions of ratepayers are against the proposals of the Harbor majority. Throughout, in defending their interests, the ratepayers have been forced into a contest they did not wish to enter into, and a position they unwillingly occupied. And the Harbor Board majority in forcing the ratepayers to give so clear an exposition of their views have only themselves to blame if they happen to occupy a somewhat unenviable position, as the ratepayers at first mildly remonstrated in the form of petitions, etc., to the board, but they were treated with the most profound contempt, and their petitions ignored. Consequently there was no option but to call public meetings at the chief centrss, and clearly show by unanimous resolutions how such an enormous expenditure vas condemned. Even now it is quite untecessary for the Harbor Board majority to pose as martyrs, as the ratepayers ask at their hands a most reasonable thing. From tie first they only asked, and are asking now, for a postponement of this question until after a new Harbour Board has been ebeted ; they are not asked to prove dishonest to their convictions by ary means, but to do in the future vhat they have always done in the past, viz., faithfully and loyally serve and represent the ratepayers in their capacity of Harbor Board members to the end of their present term, and if at the next election of a rew Harbor Board they cannot conscientioisly conform to the majority’s views it win be no dishonor to stand aside, and ratepayers will none the less thoroughly appreciate and value their past services so disinterestedly rendered. Harbor Board members cannot complain of unfair treatment, for there has not been the slightest imputation made against their reputations, or their honesty of purpose, integrity, or good faith questioned, either as ratepayers, citizens, or as members of a public body. Of <ourae every man is the guardian of his iwn honor, but to an outsider there is no apparent reason why Habour Board members should resign, as the resolutions passed were only the necessary and legitimate expressions of opinions on the part of ratepayers for their representatives' guidance. Whatever may be the ultimate decision, one very good purpose has beon served by this discussion, ratepayers have been aroused out of their apathy and- indifference, and no doubt will take a more active part in future elections and a keener interest in matters so vitually affecting their continued prosperity, and the progress cf Bouth Canterbury generally, —I am, etc,, ’ G.J.AV.