HARBOUR ADMINISTRATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 46, 23 February 1923, Page 4

HARBOUR ADMINISTRATION.

MR. W. J. WAPIER'S VIEWS.. TOO MUCH SECRECY. GALLOPING TO A FINANCIAL PRECIPICE. Further light was thrown on tti blocking of vehicular access to the ferry steamers at Victoria Wharf, Devonport, by a statement in reply to his critfci, made by Mr. Napier to-day to a "SUr* representative. Mr. Napier said there has never been in fifty years an accident to ferry passengers on the wharf by cabs or" taxis driving to the boats, and the suggestion of protecting the passengers is mere camouflage. The passengers don't want such "protection." They object to be herded and driven like sleep in long-walled passages. Why prohibit "taxis" which are not drawn by horses. Mr. Napier regrets that the" Chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr. Mackenzie, left ■ his amour propre was wounded by the publication of the letter in the Press, but believes that the publication of important notices of motion and letters prior to the meetings of the Board would be » salutary thing, and in years gone by was the practice. It enabled members to get a knowledge of the business before coming to the meetings. Mr. Xapier thinks the main disease from wbich tie Harbour Board is suffering at tie present time is absence from the fresl air of public opinion. There is almost an entire absence of publicity of its proceedings. "When I was on the Board." said he, "all matters of policy were discussed at the open Board upon a motion of which notice had been given, but now everything is referred to the Board in committee. Reporters are excluded, and the decisions of the committee are ratified by the Board without discussion. The public know nothing until irevocable decisions are taken and acted upon. The Board is now galloping to » financial precipice mainly because of tfc» secrecy with which the proceedings naT* been conducted in recent years. Thert must ere Ions; be a complete reconstrnfr tion of the Board by legislation if tin future of the port is not to be jeopardised. The dream of Auckland as » comparatively free port for shipping, and consequent reduction of freights has vanished, and crushing shipping dues are impending as well as heavy Increases in goods wharfage. No member of the Board seems at present to t»ke an interest in the finances of the Board. Mr. Napier accepts Mr. Mackenzie's assurance that what is necessary will be done at Victoria Wharf.

With regard to the remarks of Devonport's Mayor. Mr. H. King, that tie alterations at the wharf could have been got quietly and without "rushing into print," Mr. Napier asks why the Mayor did not prevent "quietly"' the erection of the obstructions. It was his duty to at least try. "I have a great faith m the Press,"' said Mr. Xapi'er. "for keeping, things straight. I prefer the hustle of publicity as a. means of moving things, to the Buddha-like reposefuhlß? which Mr. King so dearly loves in his municipal inactivities at Devonport."