MR DUNCAN AND HARBOUR IMPROVEMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 May 1930, Page 6

MR DUNCAN AND HARBOUR IMPROVEMENTS

(To the Editor) Sir, —In Mr Duncan's reply in last night's issue of your paper he mentions that he was engaged at the time of answering my letter in preparing the information re tonnage and rate for the Fruitgrowers to-day. In perusing that report I see no reference is made to the same; evidently Mr Duncan has forgotten. So that there can be no mistake 1 will put the questions again. (1) What is the total tonnage for inward cargo at Nelson Mapua ? (2) Assuming the cost of proposed harbour improvements at £150,000 what rate would need to be struck to meet interest and sinking fund thereon? (3) Seeing that the whole province is vitally affected in the prosperity of the fruit industry would he be prepared to strike a Harbour Improvement Rate on all inward and outward cargo to meet the above. If so. what would be the nxtra amount per ton on the pa'st year's business '( As the proceeds from the industry will return to the district this season, a sum of not less than £300,000, Mr Duncan will, I feel sure, give a straight out answer to my questions. If he is in. favour of the above there will be no need to obscure the issue by deluding the ratepayers that they will have to pay for the. extra cost of improvements. 1 am C. P. STANNARD. Nelson, 28th May.