SOUTHERN ENDOWMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27573, 15 December 1950, Page 8

SOUTHERN ENDOWMENT

Sir,—X would suggest that “W.S.A.” takes a Cook's tour round all the reclaimed land. Acts or no Acts he will undoubtedly realise that fully 95 per cent, of the whole reclaimed portion forming the main business and industrial centres of the city was drained and roaded on a 50/50 basis, and he knows as well as X do that the city has violated both Acts and its by-laws in sub-divisions alone and other aspects where vested interests have been concentrated. “ W.S.A. ” further knows the privileges in drainage extended and the violation of health and all other laws and Acts through city drainage emptying into the Otago Harbour. Have the Acts been enforced here, and if so what would it cost the City Council? When Lake Logan, now a much used and prized city sports area, was handed over by the Harbour Board did they go the land law way? I do know the Harbours Act, and working under the law is at times very difficult and long drawn out, especially when some legal mind discovers the existence of a very old Act which upsets the applecart. As I stated before, surely " W.S.A. " has greater foresight than to ask why we concentrate on city rates, simply because the city collects the rates, city firms and workers benefit through transport and loading. I am more than surprised at his suggestion concerning counties contributing through a rating area as the county districts could by-pass the port of Otago as an exporting and importing centre and consign their goods to and from Bluff, Oamaru and Timaru. How then would Acts and laws apply to a depleted port? We need Acts and laws and more common sense between the two local bodies elected by the same people. Is it any wonder Dunedin is still in the doldrums after 100 years of existence? Let us co-operate for the promotion of more industries and the city’s progress, free from vested interests, Acts and hidebound conservatism and get on with the Southern Endowment and relieve the congested cross wharf railway shed traffic, which it would do “ W.S.A.” good to go down and inspect for himself. I am, etc., Thos. Anderson. [“ W.S.A.” may exercise the right of reply; otherwise this correspondence is closed.—Ed. ODT.] '