THE PEOPLE'S COLUMN.

Northern Advocate, 9 July 1925, Page 3

THE PEOPLE'S COLUMN.

[Our columns are quite open to the public for the discussion of matter? of public concern. We invite correspondence, but do not identify ourselves with the views expressed by our correspondents.-r-Ed.]

' HABBOTJR PROPOSALS.

(To the te<litor.) Sir, —Since last writing I have perused the proposed Harbour Board Empowering Bill (which I hope many ratepayers are doing), which was deposited at the Courthouse on the 26th ultimo (a week before the public were notified through the Press). Proposals are to borrow £100,000, plus £15,000 already authorised under the last special Act, which, with the present balance on hand of £33,000, makes a total of £148,000. Interest on the last proposal is to be 6i, secured by Ifd rate, making the total liability of ratepayers in the harbour area 2£d on the £1 unimproved value. To pay 6J per cent, for a gilt-edged security is sufficient evidence that the present is not the time to borrow for unnecessary harbour works.- Consumers are already paying £10,000 a year by way of special charge on goods, and the latest proposal involves another £7000 a year. Why can't we wait? What opportunity are we missing and for others to seize? With the particulars of the proposed Bill ratepayers ore told that Dargaville people say they will use the facilities at Kioreroa. I doubt it, in view of the intention of the Government to make the railways pay and the fact that through communication with the railway to Auckland will <?ive the Dargaville people facilities to oversea ship's side at a rate which, I have no doubt, the proposed local port would be unable to compete with. If proposal is so good why not include Dargaville district in the rating area? To my mind the Dargaville folk are like the •Canadian farmer who, when faced by an intruding tear, climbed the loft, leaving his wife to deal with the enemy. Next morning, with his mouth full of porridge, he delivered himself thus: "Didn't we do it well, Betty." —I am, etf.. W. W. LOGAN. "Whangarei, July 7, 1925.