HARBOR LOAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 10871, 15 April 1929, Page 6

HARBOR LOAN.

OPPOSITION BY FARMERS’ UNION.

BOARD’S .METHODS CRITICISED

Unexpected opposition to the raising of the extra £40,000 required by the Harbor Board to complete the harbor works was expressed by members of the Poverty Bay executive of the Farmers Union on Saturday. The subject was introduced by- Air J. C. Field, who pointed out that the diversion c-ut was now filled up with sand and if the height ol the walls were increased it would only mean increasing the sand bar which in turn would bank up the river Hood waters and settlers’ homes on the- Hats might he inundated. He contended that the authority to raise further funds to finish the harbor, now being sought by the board in the form of a declaratory judgment from the Supreme Court, should on’v be obtn nod from the ratepayers. The hoard was asking the Supreme Court to usurp the functions of the ratepayers in the present procedure and even then there was no definite assurance that the works con’ll he completed with the extra money.

Air l l '. S. Bowen considered that “not another hob” should he made available to the hoard until a commission had inquired into the past expenditure, lie alleging that, the £750.000 raised had been squandered. There, would he no progress until the present hoard was displaced and 'he Ciivormnent took control and finished the works. It would he preferable if the works wore uncompleted until the present policy was abandoned. On the motion of Air J. Brian! it was decided in protest against the mis ng of further moneys to complete the. works until a commission appointed hv the Government had investigated the policy and methods ol the hoard.