The Star. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1888. THE HARBOR PETITION.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1860, 21 February 1888, Page 2

The Star. (PUBLISHED DAILY .) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1888. THE HARBOR PETITION.

Ik yesterday's issue we published the full text of the harbor petition, so that settlers may at their leisure read the document. It is a full statement of the case, and it sets forth in moderate language the history of the legislation which has landed the district in its present unhappy and difficult position. It would have been truthful to have said that the Act o£ 1877 was rushed through, not only in spite of the urgent opposition of many ratepayers, but that it was put through after the representatives of objecting ratepayers had left Wellington, having been lulled into a sense of security by promises which were made only, as it turned out, to be broken immediately the deputation's backs were turned. Those promises were broken and the Act was forced on by a Government which, having just scrambled into office, was anxious to strengthen itself, and secured certain votes by this breach of good faith. At that stage, if at no other, the harbor project was distinctly a political job, perpetrated to assist a weak Government, and the Parliament of the day was a party to the jobbing. It would not, perhaps, have been wise to mention this circumstance in the petition ; and the case is strong enough without mentioning this lamentable episode, which is none the less true. The petition constitutes a strong case for the relief of settlers on the equities of the whole transaction, and for the relief of the district as a measure of sound policy. "We need bardly say that every ratepayer should make a point of signing the petition, no matter at what inconvenience to himself. The more representative it is of the whole district the more influence it may be expected to have. Certain action haa been taken by the Committee, and it is the duty oi: everyone to support that action loyally, even if he does not in all respects see eye to eye with the Committee. It is also necessary that what has to be done shall be done quickly. Parliament is expected to be in session again within a few weeks, and Ministers must be already pressing forward the preparation ot* their .measures, so that it is very desirable that they shall have placed before them at once a full and complete statement of the feelings of the settlers on this subject. We hope and believe that Ministers will be able to devise a scheme which shall give real and substantial relief, and that, with a full statement of the whole case before it, Parliament will give its assent to the proposals.