LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13726, 16 April 1908, Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE HARBOUR BOARD AND CARGO. Sir.—l i.jtice in the report of the. Harbour Board's meeting yesterday Mr. Mitchelwm took strong exception to my statement re the receving of cargo, though he candidly admits " that it had been discussed by members privately" (which is the usual custom, when you have a doubtful pet ncheme) to try the strength of the members of your Board. I stated "it was being worked quietly." Mr. Mitchelson says it was-"' discussed privately." so what is be complaining about? I am sorry if I have given offence re the expense* of i the £1,000,000 loan, but I think you will ] pardon me because Mr. Napier, who poses as tho Board's expert on every matter that j comes before it, and in this instance has given the "shew" away, stated yesterday. " at the only time that the receiving and delivery of cargo had been discussed it. was : distinctly grated that the Board was in a i position to take it over without charging one penny for the work at the existing rate? of wharfage and paying the cost of labour themselves." At present the cost ot receiving and delivery oi cargo costs the Board nothing (why is the Board so anxious to receive cargo'.'}, and if what Mr. Napier says is correct, '" unless it is . miscalculation of Mr. Napier's product." it is plain English that the consumer is being taxed by heavy wharfages when there is no necessity for it. and the sooner the public agitato for a reduction on leading lines the better, P. ViJtir/E, Manager, Northern Milling Co.