THE WANGANUI HARBOR RATING BILL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 816, 21 October 1887, Page 32

THE WANGANUI HARBOR RATING BILL.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND MAIL. Sib, —In your leading columns of last week reference is made to the Wanganui Harbor Bill. ' It is evident that the measure may be looked at from two different points of view. That I should have preferred the Wanganui standpoint is. not remarkable: but I most emphatically deny that my remarks “ were totally unwarrantable ” when I referred, to the opposition of the large land-holding class, or that I made “ an attempt to mislead the House in advance ” as to the true nature of the Bill. My letter was written with a copy of this year’s Bill before me, and as it is not the same as last year’s, and does not include Rangitikei, your remarks as to the worthlessness to Rangitikei of the “ little mud harbor ” do not apply, to it. We continually hear that Wellington influence and the Wellington press are against it, butthatdoesnotprevent us from holding an honest opinion that our river entrance is capable of great improvement, though we do not, of course, anticipate ever being able to compete with Wellington in the direct trade. There are, however, many other directions, such as the advent of a regular Union Steamship Company’s steamer, and of larger vessels to carry our timber to Australia, which can and ought Jto be secured. If we are willing to tax ourselves to secure benefits such as these, and the rate cannot be imposed without a vote, where is the “gross injustice and wrong 1”—I am, &c., The Offending Correspondent.