Our Dunedin Letter.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1030, 20 April 1894, Page 6

Our Dunedin Letter.

■ ♦ (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Harbor Board, like the High Schools and University Governors is in financial troubles and has to take steps' to place matters on a better footing. The estimated revenue for the incoming year is about L 45,000, and after making provision for interest on loans, exchanges, commission, etc., have only L 7500 to meet current expenses which are estimated at L 7200, leaving only L3OO to carry on any necessary works. At a special meeting held on Monday the financial position was considered, and alternate schemes for improving affairs were submitted, and the matter is to be further considered. The schemes were — ' The creating of a rating district presumably benefited by the harbour and to levy a rate upon it sufficient to meet the expenditure.' • The saving of over LIO,OOO in interest on loans by getting a Government guarantee and getting the money at 3| per cent. *An increase of the present harbor rates.' 'An ad valorem rate on general imports.' Your member, Mr T. Mackenzie, has written a very able letter on the matter to the Daily Times which is well worthy of perusal. The annual meeting of householders to elect school committees in the respective districts takes place next Monday evening. The various reports of the city and suburban schools to be submitted and which are being published show affairs to be in a very satisfactory position, and the attendances are again looking up. It is said that no conditional licenses will be granted at the next Dunedin race meeting, and that all booths will be run on temperance principles. So those requiring a stronger stimulant than lemonade or soda water will have to take a flask with them. The George street drapers have again changed their minds re the half holiday. For some time they have been observing Thursday afternoon, but finding such an arrangement very inconvenient for the customers have decided to keep open all the week and, in order to comply with the Act, let their employes away in sections some afternoon in the week until Parliament settles on a compulsory half-holiday dealing with all business people. The annual meeting of the Otago Rugby Union was held on Saturday evening Mr Jas. Allen, M. H.R., one of the vice-presidents, occupying the chair and a large number of delegates were present. The following clubs were admitted to the Union : Clinton, Kaitangata, West Taieri, Moei aki, Cambrians, Hills Creek. The principal business was the discussion on the affiliation to the New Zealand Union, moved in a strong speech by Mr M. Cohen and supported by a number of other speakers ; Messrs Chapman, Allen, Milne and others opposed. A vote was taken about midnight and resulted as follows — for affiliation, 20 ; against, 19. The meeting then adjourned until next Saturday evening.