WAIPIRO BAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2141, 25 July 1907, Page 1

WAIPIRO BAY.

(i’ltOM OVlt COIUIESrONDKNT.) July 20. The objection of the Waiapu County to the Gisborne Harbor Bill will presumably have the effect of considerably weakening tlio chances of the Bill. The suggestions for a eompromi; e, or at least, a conference between the Harbor Board and the Wuiapu Council which, lias emanated from the reflective mind of one of the Board’s most prominent members, is tantamount to admitting the. injustice of the Bill in its present state. To my mind there are few ratepayers in this Comity who would wish any arrangement 'made on their behalf other than the absolute exclusion of Waiapu’s responsibilities. The proposition too, of an arrangement whereby Waiapu should be exempt from tiie harbor rate for 3 years, is a very poor effort to compromise when wo remember tlicstatemcnl made at one of the Board’s meetings “that it might. never be found necessary to collect the rate at all.” -

The merging of the old loan into the proposed new one is essentially a dodge to perpetuate our labilities to Gisborne; and the clause compelling the local bodies to undertake tlio collecting of the rate and accounting in full for the amounts levied, whether collected or not, is far too impertinent for rational consideration. It is to be hoped that every Waiapu ratepayer, both European and Maori, will make if is business to sign the petition against the Bill ; and in the event of a vote on the question, nothing whatevor should prevent him from exercising his privilege at the booth. It is satisfactory to know that Tolaga Bay besides the thinkers of Gisborne will then he with us.

The reserve at To Puia Springs, the leasing of which has been a practical “thorn-in-the-side” for something like five years, has now been bought back by the Government. The price however, is only about one-half the amount mentioned last election time. (£1300). It is neverthe less a step in the right direction and will doubtless prove of great benifit to the district and the community at large. The Government valuator, Mr. Moorliouse, has completed the valuation of effects and returned whence he came, leaving Mr. and Mr. Beere of Dunedin in charge of the baby asset. The beneficial results of the To Puia waters can hardly he overestimated so that any grants for improvement;: will not ho wasted. Although it is too early to expect any money voted to that end, there is a sum of £175 put on the Estimates this year.