HARBOUR BOARD ELECTIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 20784, 5 May 1931, Page 12

HARBOUR BOARD ELECTIONS.

10 THfc EDITOR. Sir, —I have been approached by the secretary (Mr H. P. West) of the Chamber of Commerce to support Mr J. B. Waters’s nomination as a member of the Otago Harbour representing the payers of dues on ships. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, t take strong exception to the officials, either secretaries or presidents, touting for votes for any member of the board, and more particularly so when the sitting representative of the payers of dues is also a member of our chamber. A few months ago the Chamber of Commerce Executive was castigated, and rightly so, by a correspondent in tho Press'for its presumption in dictating to tho powers that bo upon a similar matter. I wish to say that I do not know either Mr Newey or Mr Waters beyond tho fact that they arc both members of our body. Suffice it to say that from any observation Mr Newey has made a good representative of the interests in the short period, and has undoubtedly worthily earned Ins spurs. But why the Chamber of Commerce takes up the attitude of differentiating between two of ils own members is beyond my comprehension. 1 have always maintained that wc should leave local body election matters to the candidates themselves, and guard against all manipulation, thereby fostering'a dignity becoming of an association of business men. Has Mr West any authority in the attitude ho is adopting, as lie is only a paid servant of the Chamber of Commerce? I have spoken to several members on the same matter, and they inform me that probably Mr West is acting on instructions from the executive, who have sought the opinions of the general members of tho Chamber of Commerce. As a protest against the unfair tactics employed I intend to support the sitting member, Mr Newcy, and record my vote in Ids lavour oa polling day. —l am, etc., I’ay r.u of Hues. May u. [ A proof of tins letter was referred to the* president of the Chamber of Commerce, who states: “ The payers of dues are business men, and as such have responsible organisations to look alter their interests—vi V... Chamber of Commerce, Importers and Shippers’ Association, and Manufacturers’ Association. These organisations recommciSiwd tho appointment of Mr J. B. Waters for the vacancy when it occurred last year, but their recommendation was ignored, and Mr Newey was appointed upon the recommendation of the local executive of the United Party. Tho first two mentioned bodies have subsequently decided to actively support the candidature of Mr J. B. Waters, who they consider lias special qualifications for tho position. Your correspondent apparently overlooks the fact that he has a duty to support bis own organisations—possibly lie puts Ids duty to tlie United Party first. The Chamber of Commerce would not be doing its duty if it did not endeavour to get the best possible man to stand for a position, which is virtually that of tho chamber’s representative on the Harbour Board. Having persuaded a man with outstanding qualifications to stand, surely it is the chamber’s duty to ask its members to support him.”—Ed. e,s.:j