The Evening Star FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1885.

Evening Star, Issue 6914, 29 May 1885, Page 2

The Evening Star FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1885.

Mr Do.valo Rkid at th« meeting of the Harbor Board yesterday turned the tables in a most effective manner on Mr Eluer, who has always a good deal to say by way of objection when any expenditure in the Upper Harbor is proposed. The Works Committee submitted a report, in which inter alia it was recommended "that the " wharf between Rattray and Stuart streets " be continued the whole length, as originally " designed," the present berthage for timber vessels being fully occupied. Mr Walks explained that room would thus be given for all vessels coming up, which it appears is by no means the case at present, The cost is estimated at about C.'i.OOO, and it is manifest the work is not only desirable, but absolutely necessary, in the interests of the port of Dunedin. Mr Kr.iiHK, as a matter of course, objected to anything being done, and, with a view to delay, moved that the recommendation be referred to the Finance Committee. The same report of the Works Committee contained also the following paragraph :- -" Instructions have been given "to have the Port Chalmers wharves " deepened as soem as possible." Mr Kv,n«, in speaking to Mr Elder's motion, observed that now that time had been occupied in questioning the report, he wished to take exception to the proposed expenditure at Port Chalmers. It was proposed to dredge the approaches to the Port Chalmers wharves. Now the dredges had been working there for eight or nine months already, and if it was not sufficient, he thought it was time the Board abandoned the attempt to keep the place open ! The harbor, Mr Retd very properly affirmed, was of no use whatever if berthing accommodation was not provided for the vessels that came up to town. The representatives of Port Chalmers on the Board, if they persist in their determined opposition to measures for the improvement of the City wharves and approaches thereto, must not be surprised if they find themselves hoist with their own petard, and a spirit of retaliation excited which may lead to a considerable curtailment of expenditure at Port Chalmers. The Works Committee appear to have made their recommendations with sound judgment. They propose that the rleepening of tine approaches to the Port Chalmers wharves should be immediately proceeded with, so as to render them conveniently available for their specific purpose. At the same time they recommend the Board to delay no longer in executing the projected work of extending the Rattray street wharf, so as to afford berthin" accommodation for all vessels coming up. Mr Ki.dkr and Mr Mills as reasonable men, should be content with having what is reejuired done at Port Chalmers without carping and cavilling at the Upper Harbor expenditure. We agree with Mr Rkid tlmt, " notwithstanding the "croaking and injury attempted to be done "by Mr Elder especially, the money " required will be forthcoming," not only for operations now on hand and about to be undertaken, but for the completion of tinwhole scheme of harbor improvement.