THE HARBOR RATE CASES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 216, 1 November 1888, Page 2

THE HARBOR RATE CASES.

The decision in the Harbor Board cases is one of those half-decisions which tell against both sides. It is evident that the Board’s demand for the rate was not a proper demand as to one half of the rate ; therefore, as the appellant was successful so far, he gets his costs from the Board. It is to be regretted that more care was not taken both in striking and demanding the rate, so as to leave no loophole for a single ratepayer to evade his share of the general burden. When so much money was being spent in law, a little spent in the direction indicated would certainly not have been wasted. As it is, all well-wishers of the district will be glad to have the poor satisfaction of knowing that it is only on a technical point that the appellant is for the time allowed to haie the benefit of the other half of his rate. This, we understand, will have to be demanded in proper form, and sued for again. We are told that the cases will again be fought out, but we are unable in the face of the present decision to discern on what grounds the dissentient ratepayers hope to be again successful. However, there appears to be a great deal more in the matter than the ordinary mind is able to fathom, and we have had so many surprises lately that it would be well that this matter should not be treated lightly,