IN THE PUBLIC MIND.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 208, 3 September 1927, Page 8

IN THE PUBLIC MIND.

harbour OWNERSHIP.

PENALISING YACHTING.

(To the Editor.)

It is difficult to understand the mentality?of the Auckland Harbour Board. impression left on the mind of the ordiaenr person who pays the bills is that the baarfT long since came to a point where its outlook was that it was proprietor of port —a benevolent autocracy that was wnojjfl sible to no one. My personal view, wfiW% am convinced would be quite unacceptable the board, is that it is in office to do the beg ' it can for the public as a whole. This - will seem a little novel to the board, while certain members may feel qualm* conscience that prompt them to whether the public have not some rights |gsf least they pay the bills and keep this attga£& body in comfortable seats). The fallacy shipping companies and other nebulous of revenue maintain the harbour's perrertci activities should be exploded. The public m*!? the piper. One of the latest tiling I notice, and which, in fact, prompts letter, is that the successor of the discredits former engineer is anxious to follow in thir-' footsteps of his predecessor and do a little reclamation with a view to making what once a beautiful harbour more a drain past efforts have accomplished. The repot' on the boat sheds in Mechanics' Bay is palpafclr an effort to materialise the old attempt ti reclaim this area. The board owes a duty ttf • the great body of yachtsmen as it does to other sections of the community. It now charge* u adequate rent for the tnmbledowa olwfli ' this area, and until the belated intention : create a boat harbour materialises it shonU maintain these sheds and moorings in praMft > order. There is ample material going to wasfc'v on its dumps to do any necessary repairs, aai* I very sincerely hope that until proper 'hostel harbours are provided we will hear no men of the report that was brought up at the last ■" meeting of the board. PAYER OF DDES.