HARBOUR BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1545, 29 August 1905, Page 2

HARBOUR BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

MESSRS H. E. JOHNSTON AND D S. JAMISON APPOINTED.

With a hundred applications in for the positions of bead and assistant storemen for the Gisborne Harbour Board, needless to say the deoision of the Board at their meeting yesterday was anxiously awaited. The salary offered for the head storeman was £3 10s and the second storeman £2 10s. Tho applications were from all partß

of the district, embracing all trades and

professions under tbe sun, whilst there were several applications from Napier and elsewhere. The senior position was first considered, and after about an hour had been spent in oonsideriDg the merits of the 33 applicants a discussion arose as to whether the duties attaohed to the office had been clearly enough defined. Several members contended that the head storeman was to be a sort of tally clerk and private detective, one who could pounca upon any individual who sought to bring in more than the regulated quantity of luggage, or endeavoured to laud goods without payiDg the usual wharfage.

In tbe latter connection some serious allegations wore made by Mr W. D. Lysnar, who stated that he had been informed on most reliable information that

the Harbor Board was losing more than the salary of the storeman twioe over through goods being brought in free of wharfage. “ I was informed by one man connected with a local business house,” continued Mr Lysnar, 11 that only the other day four tone of Btuff came over the wharf without paying wharfage, and that this was only one of nujflerque oases,” A draper had also informed him that those engaged in that particular trade went outside and made large purchases, which they brought in as personal luggßge. Mr Lysnar further contended that the head storeman should be a man who, when the occasion demanded it, should not bo above taking off his coat and assisting in handling the goods. The Chairman stated that all applicants for the position understood that they had to do this.

After considerable discussion, it was decided that, whoever was appointed, was to I be informed that he would be expected, if neoessary, to assist in handling cargo. ifhe list was then carefully gong through and the number of applications reduoed to three. Those loft in were : H. E. Johnston, P. Bayly, and D. 8. Jamison, and a final ballot being taken, Mr Johnston was elected by more than a majority of the Board-

There were 60 applicants for the posiI tion of second storeman. As Mr Jamison had been runner-up for the senior position, and was also an applicant for the second storeman, Mr Sievwright proposed that he Bhould be appointed. This was seoonded by Mr Clark and carried, there being only one dissentient, who desired the claims of some of the other applicants to be ooneideied,