HARBOR BOARD'S OVERSEER

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 926, 26 June 1903, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD'S OVERSEER

APPOINTMENT OP MR D. McLEOD. ENGINEER’S RESENTMENT. Nine applications were opened by the Harbor Board yesterday for the position of overseer of works, the applicants being : George Taylor, Spit; John 11. Ramsay, Napier ;

Oscar Krogh, Napier; A. S. B. Willoughby, Gisborne.; James Brown, Gisborne ; Eraud, Kaiti ; D. A. McLeod,’ Gisborne ; W. J. Barlow, Gisborne ; Chas. R.. De Thierry, Gisborne. Captain Tucker asked if they had now an Overseer, and if so why were applications called. The Chairman said that Air De Thierry had been appointed by the Engineer, in accordance with authority given by the Board. , Captain Tucker : But his name is amongst the applicants here. The Chairman said no doubt Mr Mr De Thierry had seen the advertisement, and thought if he did hot apply in due form it might be considered that lie did not want the position, and lead to his being passed over.

Mr Cooper said he would like the opportunity to say a few words. He

thought that the Board, in deciding to do without an engineer, had not sufficiently considered the matter. It was all very well when everything was going smoothly, but the works

lentailed much responsibility, more than he cared to undertake. Though he himself had been one of the causes of the step taken by Mr King, he did not blame that officer, who had been hampered for the want of an overseer o f works. In travelling

round lately he had had evidence of the way in which money had been wasted in other harbors ; there had been none wasted nere, and he was satisfied that they should retain the services of the engineer. If he was in order he would move that the services of Mr King be retained. The Chairman said that such a. motion could only be given by notice.

Mr Cooper: I will give notice to that edect., The Chairman said that Mr De Thierry had been appointed by the Engineer, temporarily ; he had been five years in the service of the Board and was thoroughly competent in every way ;- he was sober, reliable, a man of much resource in regard to work, and with a special capacity

for handling machinery. He had a full knowledge of all the works, in hand, and ho would be competent to take charge of the working of the slip! As an example of the resourcefulness of the applicant, the Chairman mentioned how 1m had devised means to raise the little dredge when it had been sunk in the channel. His great experience and long service entitled his application to favorable consideration., Mr Sievwright, while speaking in high terms of the applicants generally, said they should give preference to one who had served them do well. He agreed with Mr Cooper as to the need of an engineer, but the Board having decided to try doing without an engineer for a while, he thought they could not do better than appoint the man who had the experience of the work.

The Chairman! said that . the appointment was not-, a very serious one ; it was a monthly engagement. Mr Whinray agreed Uiat they should not take on' a strange hand to displace one who had experience and who 'took a great interest in the whole work, besides being most assiduous in hid., attentions. He was of opinion that they should have an engineer, but in making an appointment they shouljl have Mr DcThierry. : - ' i Captain Tucker agreed that they should not displace Air De Thierry, but did they not want another man? Why did they not promote Mr De Thierry when an overseer- was spoken of ? There was no need to displace him by appointing another. The Chairman : It certainly .will from this position. Continuing, Captain Tucker very strongly favored Mr, McLeod, .whose work (especially of the wharf) and experience he spoke most highly. He. hoped they would also keep Mr De Thierry, but for this promotion -he proposed Mr McLeod. Mr Matthewson seconded the motion, and spoke very highly. of Mr McLeod, who was far above the ordinary workman. He had a genius for work, and also had the ability to handle men. They did not want a nigger-driver, but there was a way which Mr McLeod had of getting the best work done. All the applicant were good men, but he considered Mr McLeod the best. Mr Clark -also favored Mr McLeod, and spoke highly of him. He was the most competent man he knew to handle heavy timber, and also .to handle men. Air McLeod was specially qualified for the position. Mr Harding supported Mr McLeod, but not to displace Mr De Thierry, of whom he spoke highly. But for the particular class of work, lie favored Air McLeod, who had given satisfaction in all work undertaken. Mr Hepburn also favored the application of Mr AlcLeod ; they, all knew him and what he could do. In employing Air McLeod, they, could still retain Mr De Thierry in the. Board’s service. , The majority decided in ravor of Air AlcLeod, those for being Messrs Hariling, Clark, Matthewsou, Ilepburu, and Captain Tucker. “ And a very good appointment as time will show,” said Air Clark. The question as to the position of Air De Thierry then came up. Captain Tucker said that Air AlcLcod must he supreme. ' The Engineer said that lie had been given authority to appoint an overseer, and Air De Thierry was fairly -entitled to a month’s notice. Captain Tucker : He has ,not been discharged. ' The Chairman: It means the “ sack ” from this billet. Captain Tucker said a month s notice hud been given by the calling of applications. It was only a question of pay. The Engineer : It appears to me you are repudiating my action, alter giving me instructions. | Captain Tucker : Tnat has been

d °Mr sfevwdgiit said there" might be legal proceedings if they die, not gi\c notice. Mr Whinray : Tnere is room for both of them. . . .. Mr Matthewson raised the point that the hours were too long—eigne hours a day meant better work than. The Chairman said the applications had been called on the speciheation approved of.' Previously the Board had complained that, the hands/were not' kept working sufficiently long. It was agreed that Mr De Thierry should, receive notice .that Mr McLeod would take up the duties after the end of the month In' reply to a question as to. whether Mr De Thierry would have the option of remaining in the Boards service , the Chairman said that would Be a matter for Mr McLeod to decide. He would have the • re-ar-ranging of the staff.