THE Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1892. TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2439, 17 December 1892, Page 2

THE Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1892. TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

An effort will be made at the next meeting of the Timaru Harbor Board to rescind the resolution accepting Lobnitz & Co.'s tender for the dredge, and if Mr Talbot votes for delay, as he led people to infer he would by the telegram read at last board meeting, the whole thing will be yet changed. Mr Gibson, we are informed, is now in favor of rescinding the motion, and letting the matter stand over until after next election, and he, with Messrs Flatman, Stumbles, Hill, and Evans, will make five. If Mr Talbot votes for the rescision of the resolution, then there will be six for rescinding and five for going on as at present. One of the five—the chairman—has two votes, so that would make six votes on either side, but it is hardly possible that the chairman would exercise his casting vote under such circumstances. Casting votes are given by chairmen only when there is an equal number on both sides, and it becomes necessary to prevent a deadlock. In this case there would be six on one side and five on the other, so the chairman, would not exercise his extra voting power, and the resolution rescinding the previous motion would be carried. As we have said, it all depends on Mr Talbot now; if he votes for rescinding the former resolution it will be rescinded: if he votes on the other side then this district will be committed to an expenditure of at least £20,000, and, what is worse, the money would be as well spent if thrown into the sea. The next board will not carry out the insane proposals of the present majority, for let us remember that it is not the proposals of the Commissioners that is being carried out, but a new scheme, which was never heard of until recently. However, it is no use going any further into the matter now. There is not the slightest necessity for haste: for the thing can wait until after next election in February. Messrs Lobnitz & Co. undertake to have the vessel ready in six months, so there is ample time after next election.