HARBOUR RATING AREA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3098, 30 July 1913, Page 54

HARBOUR RATING AREA.

STATEMENT TO BE PREPARED. Ac the meeting' of the Harbour Hoard last night the clause in the Standing Committee’s report appointing a eub-oommitlee to draft a complete statement of the board’s views regaining the increased rating area desired by the beard was referred to by Mr Dickson, who moved that it bo sent back to the committee for its consideration. It seemed to him that it was an attempt on the part of the board to make a masterly retreat. It had run its head against a stone wail. 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 Russell seconded the motion, and strongly opposed the principles of taxing the country districts. In maintaining that the board did not require the money ho adverse’y criticised it- action in allowing a increase to John Mill and Co. The people in the country did not look an Dunedin as their harbour, but on Port Chalmers. —(Mr Platts: “Hear. hoar.” and laughter.) The people in (ho southern part of his district sent their goods to Invercargill and the MlttfF. Mr Belcher said lie did not (hink 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 Platts, gave an assurance that the report to ho drawn up by the committee would be submitted 10 the board before it was sent out to local bodies. Mr Bullock, in reply, said ho was convinced that when the report was brought before the board there would be good reasons shown why there should not be 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.