HARBOUR AFFAIRS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 39, 13 April 1942, Page 5

HARBOUR AFFAIRS

MONTHLY MEETING FIVE PER CENT WAG E INCREASE The monthly meeting of the Whakatane Harbour Board took place last Friday, Mr W. 11. Boon presiding. Other members present Ave re Messrs G. A. Brabant, G. R. Kent, J. A. Mitchell, R. Ruddick, C. T. Smith, C. Tickner and W. Hunter. The board decided to make an al! round increase in Avages of .") per cent, though tlie discussion Avhich preceeded this decision Avas interesting from an analytical point of A T iew. Mr Brabant opined that Avhile the cost of liAMng had admittedly risen, the blame Avas definitely due to the Government. "Look at the cost of fruit, for one thing," he said, "oranges about as big as golf bails—4(l each; <Sd for bananas. This is all due to the Go\*crnmcnt's protective price fixing policy and I'd like some body to folloAA r that aspect of it up a bit." The chairman declared that any increase, in Avages should be universal. Why not farmers, he asked; Avhy not the farm Avorkers? Everybody should be included. If it Avas good enough for one person it Avas good enough for all. There Avere lfiurmers of assent around the table. The petition from Mr F. S. Brockett for the right to construct a yacht skidwav Avith a floating stage Avas referred to Messrs Brabant and Kent Avith poAA*er to act. Shipping Coy's Complaint The Northern Steamship Company Avrote stating that a report from the Master of the W.P.M. Motu slio»av~ Ed that the Whakatane Paper Mills Avharf Avas at present unsafe for berthage. The pile sheathing had Avorn aAvay Avith the result that belting of Avas fowled, constituting a serious danger to the boats. On tlie occasion of the last A r isit of the ship mentioned a heavy piece of timber had to be requisitioned to prevent the A'essel going under the Avharf. The Company asked that the Board institute an immediate inspection. The chairman reported that repairs had been immediately put in hand, and carried out by the County Council bridge staff and there should be no re-occurrence of the trouble. The chairman's action Avas confirmed. Wharfage Dues The Clerk stated that revenue from Avharfage dues for the past tAvo months Avith comparatiA'e figures also shoAvn, Avas as under:—> February, 1940 £330 17 11 February, 1941 .... 344 10 2 Februar.v, 1942 .... 312 2 5 March, 1940 400 3 10 March, 1941 381 12 7 March, 1942 287 9 0 Commenting upon the position tlin chairman said it could not be expected to maintain the same as in the past. On the whole the position had kept up very Avell. Financial The Treasurer reported that the Bank Account credit Harbour Fund Account Avas £216 5s 4d. The board had also, principally in anticipation of interest due on the 30th September, £3000 on six-months fixed deposit. Report The Harbourmaster reported that during the month the Signal Station stays-had been painted, that regular inspections had been made and that a large log some sft across had been located,, deeply embedded at the entrance of the Orini Canal. The latter item was referred to the County Council stall to take measures for removal. QUEEN BEE PREPARED WAX— 3 jobs done for price of one—cleans, polishes, preserves in one operation.

Rationing System Attention is drawn in this issue to the introduction of the general rationing scheme and the issue of ration books. The public are requested to obtain these from the local Post Offices, it being pointed out that a parent may obtain rationing books lor all members of the family. Persons, 1(5 years of age and over, must produce their Social Security book. Early application is advised.