THE WHARFINGER.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 202, 6 August 1884, Page 2

THE WHARFINGER.

CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS TO BE TAKEN. At the Harbor Board meeting last night, the report of the Finance Committee with regard to the above matter was presented. Mr. Lewis, the Chairman of the Committee, said—Since the last meeting of this Board the Finance Committee have had a meeting in connection with the wharfinger and his conduct of late, and we found on going through his accounts a deficiency of some £52 17s. 3d. On discovering this we instructed the Secretary to write to the sureties informing them of what had taken place, which he did, and they have responded to the call, and have paid the amount. The Committee have decided, on going fully through the matter, if you approve of the course, to instruct our solicitor to take proceedings against the wharfinger. The charge would be a criminal one as money has been paid to him, and he is really a defaulter, and it is to our interest to protect the sureties, and is a matter which requires your full confirmation. Mr. Tutchen—l move that criminal proceedings be taken at once against the Wharfinger. I suppose the charge would be that of embezzlement. Mr. Brown —I will second that motion.— Carried. A letter was then read which had been forwarded to the solicitor, instructing him to make application to the sureties for the money. The Secretary—The application was made and the money was paid to-day. Mr. Lewis—Seeing the position we are in with regard to our Wharfinger, I think it is time some steps were taken to put a person in his place, or else lease the wharves. There is a gentleman acting for us temporarily, but we must do something definitely.

The Chairman—l think we must dismiss the late Wharfinger first. Mr. Smith—He has sent in his resignation. The Chairmain—We cannot accept it, but can only dismiss him. Mr. Kenny—l second that. Can iid unanimously. The'Chairman—The next question is that of overdue salary. The Secretary— He has been paid up to the 6th of July, and there is £6 due. Mr. Lewis—Pending the action being taken against him I shall move “ That the amount be held in the Secretary’s hands.” Mr. Moore—l second that. Motion carried.

Mr. Lewis—l beg to move, “ That applications be called for the sendees of wharfinger to be in by this day week, at a special meeting of the Board.” This work really requires the attention of some one who is up to it. Of course the present Wharfinger has no sureties and we don’t know how things may be going. I am in favor of having it carried on in the same way as before, at least I don’t mean that Mr. Joyce—l hope not. (Laughter.) Mr. Lewis—lt would be better than leasing the w’harves. Mr. Kenny—l will second the motion. Mr. Brown—Would it not be more wise to make some temporary arrangement pending the result of action, we can then call for applications. Mr. Lewis—l think we can make an agreement, it will be just the same as before. The proposition was then put, and carried.