Chamber of Commerce.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 111, 26 July 1895, Page 2

Chamber of Commerce.

THE BREAKWATER. Mr Samuel said the statement made by the Chairman with regard to the increased dues received by the Harbor Board was very satisfactory indeed. While on the subject, he thought no harm could result by alluding to the condition of the breakwater, which he regarded as-very serious.' The structure was, in fact, no better at the present time than it was on the day when the public-put their hands in their pockets to raise money for the purpose of protecting it. During the late session an Act was passed giving Harbor Boards power to overdraw to meet emergencies, and he hoped that the New Plymouth Board, the members of which seemed to fully appreciate the position in which they are placed, would not hesitate to avail themselves of the power conferred upon them, and that they would take immediate steps to repair and protect the breakwater. He considered that even if as a result of their tenure of office the Board could show a better financial position than when they were elected, and, at the same time "the breakwater was in a worse condition, and more liable to be destroyed, then, in that case, there could be little doubt the ratepayers would consider the members had grossly "neglected their duties. He spoke very feelingly on the matter, as he fully recognised its importance, arid it could not be denied that the structure was in a serious condition. Mr Cock said this was rather a delicate question of his. 'Had the new Board carried out the intention of the old Board, and made blocks to protect the outer wall until such time as the apron work could have been completed to the point, and the blocks could then have been taken up again, the wall would never have gone away. The old Board could not overdraw a penny, but, as Mr Samuel had stated, the Legislature had passed a measure which gave the new Board fuller powers. The system that had recently been adopted of doing the protection work by contract was, in his opinion, ho better than the prisonlabor, and the Board would find that out before many months had elapsed. He quite agreed with the previous speaker that it was quite essential some immediate steps should be taken to repair the breaches in the breakwater. — News.