GROUNDLESS CHARGE AGAINST THE HARBOUR BOARD

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8628, 14 November 1889, Page 2

GROUNDLESS CHARGE AGAINST THE HARBOUR BOARD

AN IMAGINATIVE STATEMENT. At the Harbor Board meeting on Wednesday, Mr Connktt said that a paragraph had appeared in the News lately which Btated that the employees at the works would not huy a copy of that paper on account of fear of those in authority. This must have meant the Engineer and the Board, for they were the ones in authority. He had taken the trouble to enquire about the matter from those employed at the works, and one and all informed him that the statement was a groundless one, and not a fact. The paper remarked that they would make it hot if they found out who it was that stopped the men, as alleged; and no doubt the editor would, for there was no one to drop upon. He did not believe in statements being made which had no truth in them whatever. Mr King said if such a thing as was ] stated in the paragraph was a fact, then the Board would certainly stop such a practice if complaint was made to them. Mr Kynodon thought that the paragraph was not really intended for reflection on the Board. Mr MoKexzie said that the letter was given to him and published in good faith, without a signature \ Mr CoNNErrsaidthat,a number of people were under the impression that the Board was " sitting " on the News when the paragraph appeared. It seemed a case of trying to be martyrised. ' 'Mr King wanted to knbw who the man was that sent the letter. Mr MoKenzie said he could not give it, as the letter was confidential. Mr Kino remarked that he had a good idea who the person was. Mr Paul considered it was a matter that should have been brought before the Board, as it was a serious charge, and should be substantiated. Mr Kino said undoubtedly the paragraph was a reflection on the Board. Mr McKenzie said he believed the paragraph did not reflect on the Board. Mr Connett stated that as it mentioned those in authority, and as Mr Rhind, the Engineer, could only be mentioned in the singular number, it must have reflected on the Board also. Mr Paul endorsed Mr Connett's views, and said the paragraph was certainly a reflection on the Board, and was a charge which should never have been published unless the name of the complainant was signed to it, as it amounted to an anonymous letter, considering the way it appeared. Mr McKenzie said the man who gave him the letter saw him in the street and suid the statement was true, and he published it in good faith. Mr King said ho believed the man who made the complaint had been discharged [ from the works. He asked Mr McKenzie if that was not so. Mr McKexzie replied that lie did not know whether the man was employed by the Board or not now. Mr King considered the statement, if coming from the quarter he guessed it did, could easily bo accounted for. The matter then dropped. Special. — Jones & Co. have decided to positively close their business at Christmas, and in order to clear the stock stdl further great reductions will bo made. Ladies, please remember, we have a splendid lot of fea tliers uud milliuery trimmings less than half-price: also a splendid lot ol bootQ md ihoes, Fried further roduoßd.