HARBOUR AFFAIRS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 5 October 1936, Page 2

HARBOUR AFFAIRS

(To The Editor) Sir, —In his remarks at the opening of the now harbour slip on Saturday, the chairman of the Harbour Board said that the Board would take no notice whatever of any newspaper correspondence. whether anonymous or otherwise, relating to harbour affairs. I sincerely trust that this statement represents the chairman's own sentiments, and not those of the Board. It is distressing, indeed, to hear a public announcement on behalf of a public body, that the public body will ignore any suggestions, however sound, that may be offered through the medium of your correspondence columns. Moreover, the rancour which some people harbour against the anonymous correspondent is not well founded. The correspondent who shelters behind the shield of anonymity to launch a personal attack, or to further iiis private ends, is entirely despicable. If, however, he points out that (for example) an iron post to the south of the mole is a danger to boats and should bo removed, then his identity is entirely immaterial. His reference is to a matter of fact, namely, the existence of the post and the possible danger therefrom. If a correspondent can suggest a sound remedy for the surge in the harbour, which was evident while the chairman was speaking, the soundness of the remedy is not affected by the identity of tlui correspondent. 1 hope that the other members of the Board will disown their chairman’s announcement, and will say, on the contrary, that the Board invite, and will welcome, any suggestions that will assist the Harbour Board in promoting the welfare of the harbour and the district.—l am, etc.. ANOTHER RATEPAYER Nelson, sth October.