HIGHER HARBOUR COSTS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 106, 21 May 1937, Page 6

HIGHER HARBOUR COSTS

Mr. Geddis Will Explain As Soon As Possible HAS FUNDS T0 CONTINUE "Just as soon as it is possible to do so, the public will be dnformed of the exact position. In the meantime, however, the board has ample fuuds to carry on the work." This is the reply made by the chairmnn of the Napier Harbour Board, Mr T. M. Geddis, to inquiries he has received as to what the extra costs of the new harbour works will be in consequence of the altered industrial and economic conditions. The board at its last meeting imposed .i rate of £12,000 to cover a defioiency caused by unforeseen increases in costs, and since then Mr Geddis has received a nurnber of inquiries as to what those oxtra costs will be. "Everyone knows, of course, that all costs have considerably increased, and it is perhaps desdrable at this stage that I should confirm ihe fact that tho board cannot hope to escape the effects of these genefal increases," said Mr Geddis this morning. "It is obviou9 that the cost of the harbour-improve-ment works will be proportionately increased, and, although the position has been under close examination during the past few monthe, I do not propose to discuss the. probable amount of these increased costs until certain factors which are at present douDtf ul can be ascertained with sufficient accuracy to enable me to make a reasonSbly . sound and reliable statemeni^. "Just as soon ae at is possible to do so, the public will be informed of the exact position," he added. "In the meantime, howcver, the board has amplo fuhds to carry on the work, and if I may express my own personal opinion it is this: that 'so long as the additional expense does not exceed an amount represented by the general rise in the level of costs, then there need be no anxiety regarding the. board 's ability to proceed with the work as originally pianned, "It as well known that the district's policy Is to provide up-to-dato and comprehensive harbour facilities, and these will be provided at the earliest possible date. The public has no cau36 for any apprehension in regard to the matter. ' ' r