CRITICISM RESENTED

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 149, 25 June 1915, Page 6

CRITICISM RESENTED

MR. FLETCHER AND MR. BEAUCHAMP. Mr. R. Fletcher, M.P., strongly resented the criticism of the Harbour Board attributed to Mr. Harold Beauchamp in a letter in the Evening Post, dated 16th May last. He charged Mr. Beauchamp with accusing country members of the board of being timid, and so had reflected upon the chairman mid other members of the board. Country members had always been willing to assist in the development of the port as a whole, It was very bad taste for a, gentleman who was a former member of the board to so criticise it. Mr. Fletcher resented Mr. Beauchamp dictating to the board. He could make no better financial arrangements that he himself bnd brought davni and presented to the board. He took particular objection to Mr. Beauchamp applying the term " masterly inactivity to the board. A great deal of work had been carried on during the term of his own chairman* ship. Mr. Hindmarsh protested against a speech being made. It was undignified for the board to take any notice of tho criticism appearing in letters to the papers from every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Mr. Fletcher: "Mr. Beauchamp ie a gentleman of importance in the financial world. He pointed out only a few days ago that local bodies need not look for loanjs, but must carry out works out of revenue. That is what the board has been doing." Mr. M. Cohen concurred with Mr. Fletcher. Mr. Harkness held that any man was entitled to express an opinion of the board. The matter then dropped, Mr. Fletcher expressing his satisfaction if hm objection to the criticisms were placed on record. TO TBE BDIT6R. Sir,— ln the case of an infant, it is always a healthy sign to see' it sit up and take notice : that indicates growing strength, and tho unfolding of its youthful mind, and augurs well for its future physical and mental development. I think I may fairly claim that the attitude of the Wellmgton Harbour Board to-day resembles the case of the infant in question — that is, judgihg from the discussion that took place at the meeting of the board held last night, when several members warmly resented my_ late criticisms upon the laissez-faire policy of the board. If such criticisms have had no other effect than causing the members of the board "to sit up and take notice," I shall be more than gratified. Their long period of somnolency is already calculated to greatly prejudice the interests of this port and the important district it serves.— l am, etc., HAROLD BEAUCIIAMP. 25th June.