HARBOUR RATING AREA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15826, 26 July 1913, Page 12

HARBOUR RATING AREA.

STATEMENT TO BE PREPARED,

At the meeting of the Harbour Board last night the clause in the Standing Committee's report appointing a sub-committee to draft a complete statement of the board's views regaining the increased rating area desired by the board was referred to by Mr Dickson, who moved thai it be scut back to the committee for its consideration. It'scorned to him'that it was an attempt on the part of the board to jnake a masterly retreat. It had run its head against a, stone wall.

Mr Bullock: Just as well to retreat, then, I should think.—(Laughter.) Mr Dickson went on to contend that there was no necessity for this rating area, and that the board could not levy the rate without the consent- of the ratepayers. Mr Riueoll seconded the motion, and strongly opposed the principles of taxing the country districts. In maintaining thai the board" did not require the money he adversely criticised its action in allowing a U<\ increase to John Mill and Co. The people in the country did not look on Dunedin as their harbour, but on Port. Ohalmcrs.—(Mr Platis: "Hear, hear," and laughter.) The people in the southern part of his district sent their [joods t 0 \ n . vereavgill and the Bluff. Mr Belcher said he did not think there was any harm in having the proposed committee'set up to meet the representatives of the country and discuss the matter with them.

The Chairman, in replying to Mr Platte, gave an assurance that the report to be drawn up by the committee would bo submitted to the board before it was sent out to local bodies.

Mr Bullock, in reply. snid he was convinced that when the report was brought before the board there would be good reasons shown why there should not bo the rating area asked for created. Until information was before the board it was rather premature to turn the proposal down without asking for any particulars. _ \ The clause was adopted, Messrs Dickson and Russell dissenting. y