THE HARBOR WORKS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5303, 10 February 1879, Page 2

THE HARBOR WORKS.

Sir,— Mr Weber's letter in this evening s Telegraph would lead some people to suppose that we are indebted to the late Harbor Board for reducing freights. This is the sheerest clap trap that could be put forward in its favor. The reduction in freight is simply owing to the wholesome competition that at present exists, and in a good measure we have to thank the Union Company, for ■ this. If there was a monopoly, as there used to be, we should very soon see the old rates prevailing. As questions seem to be the order of the day, I wood simply ask, with all their „ vaunting about an extra foot or two on ,- the bar (at rare intervals), does a single vessel now enter the port of greater tonnage than was able to do so ten years ago? If anything, it is rather the reverse. If Mr Weber could point to any of the Onion Company's boats lying alongside the breastwork, his arguments would then be complete. As. i% is, there is hardly .water . for Mr. Kinross's steam lighter ! I trust the new .board will put its face

M againstthe expenditure of another farthing, either for patent "Rakes" or engineer's salary, and go straight for a Breakwater and nothing else. — I am, &c.,' Fuee Trade. February 8, 1879.