Mr Willcocks In Defence.

Southland Times, Issue 4869, 21 February 1884, Page 3

Mr Willcocks In Defence.

to the editor. Sir, — I am much obliged for thegnttuit oub advertisement of the writer in this morning's paper, but you might have spared yourself much virtuous indignation if you had had a correct report of yesterday's meeting of the BlufE Harbor Board. My motion wat distinctly stated to be a test one in order to obtain an expression of opinion from all the members as to whether the harbormaster had acted rightly in detaining the Pareora at the •wharf, and ibat I committed an error in judgment in not withdrawing it before I vacated my seat is all I am prepared to adroit. When the matter was first brought under the notice of the Harbor Board I intimated mj intention of not voting on the question, as I did not consider myself justified in acting as prosecutor and judge. If the Board had shown any disposition to deal promptly with the question while witnesses to prove my assertions were available there would have been no necessity for me to have interfered again. A copy of my letter was sent to Captain Smith, with a request that he would furnish an explanation at the next Board meeting a month after wai ds. This document when received was flatly contradictory of all I had stated, and the result of further inquiry satisfied »ost of the members that the harbormaster had done wrong in giving steamers, exempt from pilotage, a preference over sailing vessels which pay for that serrice. Five members of the Board considered that as it had been the custom of the port to make the whole pilot service available for steamers, the harbormaster was not to blame ; the other five, considering the many former complaints against him, thought he should be dismissed. Until every member had expressed an opinion either for or against, I determined to retain my seat and see the motion out. "Whether the chairman would have given his casting vote in favor of my motion or ■ot I cannot say, but I made up my mind not to waver from my first decision as to the propriety of voting. For this, lam grieved to Bay, I have incurred yonr displeasure, which, of course is avery serious matter. So long as the Harbor Board have two or more pilots I shall, in justice to my employers, endeavor to obtain tbe services of the one I consider best qualified, without reference to anyone's opinion. It was generally understood when the Board adjourned for lunch yesterday that another resolution would be proposed on resuming business in the afternoon, but after visiting the warship there was not time to discuss it before the members returned to town. Perhaps we shall hear more of this »ion.— l am, &c, . W. J. Willcocks.