HARBOUR TAXATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 15, 18 January 1894, Page 4

HARBOUR TAXATION.

We aro glad to observe that tho Harbour Board almost unanimously refused fco re-impose the obsolete and vexatioua system of wharf t-jlla, and declined in ether directions to increase the taxation upon shipping. The berthage accommodation at Auckland is amplo for all present purposes, and will probably suffice for many years to come. The hoavinossof tho taxation has been a subject of constant and just complaint by shipmasters and traders. If it is a question, therefore, between keeping the big dredge going here by a special rate and letting her go South, there will, wo imagine, be no two opinions among those who aro directly interested in shipping business and the progress of Auckland as a seaport. By keeping down our port charges we may hope for such a natural growth of revenue as will enable the dredger to be sot at work here quite as soon as tho berths she might create come into actual demand.

Tho main things that should be insisted upon in harbour, administration aro : —lsb, to keep down extravagant administrative expenditure; 'and, 2nd, to'see that future works aro carried out with the clearly defined object of bringing the b! ippirig near tho city, and not of carrying it further over towards Worth Shore. Taxation has reached its extreme limit; it may perhaps be endured in order to secure the gradual improvement of shipping facilities, bub if sn additional f 2,500 a year were wrung from the taxpayers now, without definite aim, it would almosb certainly bo frittered away uselessly. That sum would provide intoresb on £50,000, and when the necessities of tho porb demand extensile works ii will be roally more economical and effective to raise £50,000 am! carry them out upon a well considered plan than to draw money year after year from the pockets of tho people before it is wanted and employ it in doing work which may accomplish bub little towards tho attainment of any harbour improvement that will permanently increase the facilities of the port for loading and discharging ships.