MR COLEMAN AND THE BREAKWATER.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 7977, 1 February 1897, Page 3

MR COLEMAN AND THE BREAKWATER.

[TO THH EDITOB.I

Sib, I was very ploasod to hear Mr Goleman stato at the meeting of the Chamber of Gommerco that if eleoted he would not oppose tho works at the breakwater being continued with tho money at present available, but that he would oppose any further borrowing until the works had stood a good trial for at leaet a couple of years. With the latter part of his statement I think all the ratepayers will agree, but I am afraid that he is not altogether consistent. A few months ago a handful of Spit residents hold a meeting at the Athensatun, to consider the advisibility of stopping the works. Mr Bennett (Mr Coleman's seconder as the Chamber of Commerce representative on the Harbor Board) aoted as chairman of tha meeting, and Mr c'olemanwas the leading spokesman. jfcJesolutions were passed asking tho Harbor Board to discontinue the breakwater work, and to spend the balance available to improve the inner harbor. Now Mr Coleman has evidently ohaaged his mind, as he is anxious to get on the Board, but I am afraid that if he is elected he may again change front, especially as his proposer, Mr Kinross White, and kis seconder, Mr A. C. Bennett, are well-known opponents lo the oontinuanoo of the works. Mr J. V. Brown, who hos also been nominated by the Chamber, has worked hard for the interests of the town, and is certainly entidod to represent us on the Board, und i trust that on the day of the eleotion every member of the Chamber will roll up and record his vote in favor of a man who does not ohange his opinion merely to gain a seat on the Board. This is the first time for many years that any interest has been taken iv the Harbor Board eleo:ion, and I hope that the ratepayers who Lave the welfare of the town at heart will vote for those members only who are straight-out supporters of tha breakwater. We have quite enough sheepfarmers and representatives of sheepfarmers on the Board *now. It is high time that tho town looked to its own interests, as we may expeot (and get) very little interest from the oountry.—l am, &0., A Mbmbee op th« Ohambeb of GoMMEBOK.