PATEA HARBOUR BOARD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 41, 19 February 1915, Page 8

PATEA HARBOUR BOARD.

The Chairman of the Patea Harbor Board (Mr A. Christensen), in his annual report, says:— “The secretary’s report shows a satisfactory state of trade, considering what the port at present labors under

n the matter of the state of the en

trance during neap tides and also iy shortage of vessels. It is hoped and anticipated i however, that this unsatisfactory state of affairs will ere

uany months be remedied. The main

features engaging the attention of the Board during the year was the engagement of an engineer of high standing (Mr MacDonald, of Gisborne), to report on the most advisable course

to adopt to improve the port. Mr MacDonald’s report and plans, were submitted to the Marine Department for approval, but the Department disapproved of one item, viz.>the deflection of the line of outer walls to the south. Consequently, the Board was under the necessity of conforming to the wishes of the Department, and the ue«/proposals were eventually approv-

ed in November; and it is intended to immediately proceed with the work of extensive dredging and extension of t e walls. Mr R, S. Thompson (late assistant engineer to the Otago Board), was appointed jn August last as resident engineer, and later, was appointed engineer-in-charge of aJJ works, the Board considering tba*? there was no necessityito employ a consulting engineer at a prohibitive fee when Mr

Thompson’s extensive experience would avail. It is fully expected, therefore, that before next busy season the port will lie considerably improved and the inconveniences of the past obliterated. J'lie Board has now under consideration

the saving of expenses to shippers from town wharf by removing the town sheds and plant to a site close to the railway station, and thus save cartage and other incidental expenses to the benefit of both the Board and shippers. The anticipated loss to the Board through lack of steamers and weather and port conditions this year is estimated, at the least, £320, irrespective of the loss of inward trade. It is hoped that under the new conditions all this and more will be retained to the advantage of the Board and shippers. During my absence in the Old Country the business of the Board was ably

controlled by the deputy-chairman (Mr Grainger); and I have to thank the members for their attendance to the many meetings—special and ordinary's —they' came to; no doubt at great inconvenience to themselves. I also wish to thank the staff, particularly the secretary, who had a lot of extra work during the past year. In conclusion, I feel quite sure that the future of the Patea Harbour will be a prosperous one, and when the improvements outlined take place, shipping companies will, no doubt, find it practicable to put more steamers on. The local Freezing Works have increased their 'capacity, and more wool and other produce can be secured to go through the 'port when improved.” The Secretary’s annual report reads : “The not result of the revenue account for 191!, shows a satisfactory profit of £1385 6s 9d (this includes a transfer of £539 4s Gd from last year’s maintenance account on the western wall to £IO,OOO loan account), making the net profit for 1914, £846 2s 3d. The items of revenue show an increase on all lines, and the expenditure a considerable decrease, notably on maintenance account and bank interest. The trade totals fairly' well, in nearly’ all the principal lines a slight increase, and the inward tonnage also shows a slight incerase. It is hoped that this year will recover a deal of the lost export trade, consequent on anticipated improvements. There is still £1421 2s 7d available for expenditure out of the last £SOOO loan. Advances nut of the general account, in anticipation of the £86,000 loan, amount to" £1320 3s 7d.”