REPLY TO CRITICS

Evening Star, Issue 20422, 1 March 1930, Page 11

REPLY TO CRITICS

POSITION OF HARBOUR BOARD LETTER TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dialled by the chairman (Mr Walter Gow), the reply of the Otago Harbour Board to the Chamber of Commerce's complaint that the bjard had not replied to the various points raised by the chamber in iV report of October last ou harbour control was last night approved by the members The reply reads as follows: “ It is to be regretted that the executive of your chamber should feel disappointed because the board has not informed it as to what action is being taken in regard to various points referred to in the report which was prepared by a committee of your chamber and submitted to it. “ You will readily recognise that the Otago Harbour Board is a duly constituted public body, charged with Ihe responsibility of maintaining and improving the harbour for the benefit of the district which it serves and in the general interest of the community, so that while it sets much value upon the report of your chamber, it cannot so far abrogate its functions as to accept, or give effect to, proposals or suggestions made by another body without very careful consideration, which involves some necessary delay. “At the same time, the board recognises that in the performance of its functions it has a duty to give hood to suggestions made by any such body as your charnhei, which has _ special knowledge of commercial requirements and which no doubt, equally with the board, is desirous of promoting the general welfare. “ Now, while not feeling called upon to make interim reports to your chamber as to its movements, it has flot been letting matters rest, and with your suggestions before it has for some time been attempting to secure a satisfactory arrangement for railing Victoria wharf, but that is all that can he definitely said at present.

“On the other questions arising out of your report, the board is of opinion that a useful purpose would be served by arranging for a committee of two or three oi your executive who arc conversant with the purpose of your report to meet and confer with a committee of three members of the board,

when other matters could be dealt with in detail “The board will be pleased to know if your chamber favours this suggestion.” , A letter was later read from the chamber inviting representatives .to attend a general meeting of the chamber to be held on Monday night to discuss matters which were brought before the prrty during its tour. ; Mr Sharpe said that! there was another matter on the order paper for the meeting. It referred to general business, and be thoiight there was food for a very good discussion on the Harbour Board. | It was decided that fts many members as possible should! attend.;