HARBOUR MATTERS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 194, 12 May 1921, Page 7

HARBOUR MATTERS

NEW BOARD MEETS

MR. HARKNESS RE-ELECTED

CHAIRMAN

The first meeting of the new Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon. The members present were Messrs. J. •• Harkness, C. AL. Turrell, T. Moss, <’• J. B. Norwood, G. Mitchell, .1. B. AFEwan, J, Leuehars, 11. D. Bennett, M. W. Welch, J. AV. M'Ewan, J. G. Cobbe, and Captain. C. MacArthur. Air. Harkness, the retiring chairman, was in the oltajr Air. Harkness reported the result of the recent election. He congratulated the re-elected members. He knew tho interest they had taken in the work of uieTioard in the past, and felt sure they would continue to do their best in the public interest. He also welcomed the five new members of the board. He believed that tho duties of a member of tiro Harbour Board were even more important than the duties of a city councillor, since the 'trade ami prosperity of the port were directly affected, by the board’s work. He moved uhe following motion: “That the Wellington Harbour Board resolves to place on roeord' its appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the port of Wellington by Messrs. W. Cable, C. IT. Chapman. A. M'Leod, R. 18. Sinclair, ana R. A. Wright, M.P., during their respective periods of membership on tho board, ami directs that the secretary convey the board’s appreciation to each of tho gentlemen named.” Mr. Cable, added tho chairman, had. been a member of the boaixl for fourteen years, Air. Wright for eight years, Mr, Sinclair for six years, and tho other ex-members for two years each, Tho motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Welch moved that Mr. Harkness should bo re-elected chairman. He said ho had scon Mr. Harkness's work and ha<l every confidence in him. Mr. Turrell seconded tho motion. Mr. Harkness, ho said, was a man of vast business experience, and the work of tho board during the next year would require tho services of such a man. The Dominion had a lean time ahead of it end the finances of the board would require to l>o very carefully guarded. The boaixl had a- programme of works running into a million sterling, but much of the. work could not be carried out at ilio present time owing to financial stringency. Wisdom and caution would bo required in tho expenditure of a portion of the money on tho more urgent works. Tho board had a more difficult task ahead of it this year than had been faced iu any other year. Tliere was no othor nomination and the motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Harkness returned thanks briefly. Ho said that he was deeply grateful for the high, honour that had_ been conferred upon him. He believed that friendly relations would exist between each member of the board and himself He hoped that something would be accomplished during the year that would bo of benefit to ’the port and ,to the city. The year that had passed had been one of excoExling difficulty and trial. The coming year promised to present even greater difficulty, though the problems to bo faced were in nature the same. Mr.

Harkness referred briefly to the problems confronting the board, and again thanked members for their confidence. Mr. C. E. Daniell (Wairarapa) and Mr. M. Cohen (Manawatu) were elected members of the Wharves and Accounts Committee.

Captain MacArthur and Messrs. Turrell, Norwood, Mitchell, J. B. M'Ewan, Bennett, and. Daniell were appointed ao Investment Com mil tee.