Crane decision

Press, 14 November 1977, Page 18

Crane decision

Sir, — Perhaps D. Stewart’s criticism of the Lyttelton Harbour Board is justified, but he lays insufficient blame on the attitude of the Christchurch National Party members of Parliament. Two points come readily to mind. The Minister of Transport, the member for Rakaia, removed a South Island member from the Ports Authority, who, in a minority report, supported the development of Lyttelton Harbour. The member for Lyttelton, when unable to accompany a deputation to the Minister of Transport, got as a replacement the member of Parliament representing Port Chalmers — Lyttelton’s arch-rival. Is it any wonder that Port Chalmers progresses while Lyttelton suffers financial difficulties? — Yours, etc., B. BRADLEY. November 4, 1977. [Miss Colleen Dewe, member of Parliament for Lyttelton, replies: “Your recent correspondence alleging I have not been interested in the decision of the Appeal Authority on the second container crane shows how ignorant people can be of facts. Since the Ports Authority recommendation became known I have met with the Lyttelton Harbour Board twice (on May 30, and September 21) and accompanied the appeal delegation to the Minister on August 26, and also attended the final hearing on September 27. On October 27, when the Minister of Transport made his announcement on his appeal consideration, I gave a radio and press release to the news media expressing my “bitter disappointment” at the result, I have since written (November 2) to the Lyttelton Harbour Board assuring them of my support and offering my assistance with any proposals they wish to make in order to obtain a second crane for Lyttelton. Your correspondents B. Bradley and D. Stewart

would be far more credible if, before rushing into print, they sought information rather than endeavouring to score petty political points out of a matter of deep concern not only to me but to Lyttelton and Canterbury.”]