OUR HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 258, 29 October 1907, Page 3

OUR HARBOUR BOARD.

PROPOSED. ENLARGED REPRE SENTATTON.

PAYMENT OF CHAIRMAN.

~ Tll i. Hon - E - Mitchelson, chairman of the Harbour Board, ,vas waited upon this morning by a representative of the Auckland "Star" to ascertain his views -with respect to the new Harbour Bill, a summary of which was published yesterT am speaking without having seen the bill," said Mr. Mitchelson, "but from what has appeared in the Press there seems to be several matters which require consideration. For instance, I do not see how they can very well separate the interests of Onehunga and Manukau County. Another trouble is that it entails preparing rolls for Manukau, Avondale, Mt. Albert, Mt. Eden, Mt. Roskill, Remuera, Epsom, and One-tree Hill. This will mean seperate rolls, as the districts for electing members of the Board are different to those for the general elections. Now, the preparation of those rolls will entail considerable expense, and be a serious matter if it has to be done at the cost of the Board. It will mean keeping a returning officer. You see, the ratepayers' roll will be of no use because it is the extended franchise, and even if it were not, the boundaries are different." "As to the division of representation in the proposed bill?" "I notice that the shipping interest receives less representation than they have had in the past, and also that the Chamber of Commerce loses its special representation by one member, also that Grey Lynn is to have some representation, and Devonport, instead of a member, will join Birkenhead in the sharing of one representative." "I believe you always favoured Onehunga being under the control of the Auckland Harbour Board?" "I am strongly in favour of both harbours being controlled by the one board as their interests are virtually one, but I think it would have been better if the Government had deferred this proposal as far as Onehunga is concerned until a decision has been arrived at as to whether or not it is intended to create a separate Board for Onehunga. I have reason to believe that the Government will create a Board for Onebunga. If, however, such course is not adopted, Onehunga certainly deserves more representation than one member between it, Newmarket, and Parnell. Onehunga should hare at least oc>> member on the Board. On the general question, I may say that I believe strongly in the extended representation, for it is the people as a whole that contribute the revenue of the Harbour Board, for they pay upon all that they eat, drink, and wear. For that reason I hold that they have every right to vote foT the election of members." "Do you approve of the proposal to pay the chairman of the board?" "As I shall be out of office before this becomes law, I can speak freely upon that question. I may say that I consider the payment of chairman quite right. It is a great tax upon a man's time, and unless he has private means, he really cannot afford to take the position. What Ido say, however, is that the amount proposed is not sufficient. Such a small sum as £100 a year does not justify a man giving half his time to the Board's work. Of course, if I had not been nearly at the end of my term, I would not have spoken so plainly upon this point, but as it is, I can say positively that I think the proposal is in the right direction."