Harbour Boards' Conference.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 165, 16 July 1904, Page 2

Harbour Boards' Conference.

The Harbour Itoard yesterday discussed the question of the Harbour Boards' Conference. Mr Ward moved that the chairman and Mr Foreman ix> elccu<d delegates to the conference, Mr Rn-le to take the place of either gonlli:mnu who is unwblo to attend. Mr Price seconded.

Mr McLean moved that Mr Maxwell's name be substituted for Mr Foreman's, remarking that nsehalruum for some years Mr Maxwell had gained an extensive knowledge of harbour affairs. Mr Hornby seconded.

Mr Maxwell did not liko tho idea of being proposed to replace Mr Foreman, anil the amendment was withdrawn. The motion was carried. Mr Ward moved that It l>« on Instruction to tho delegates to advocate tho payment of chairmen of boards. He thought that no man could carry on his own business and act as tho board'B executive- ofliccr at the same time. Ho remarked that this board haul ton fortunate in obtaining chairmen who wore willing to devote their services without payment.

Mr Maxwell opposed Uie motion, as he considered payment for services would detract from Uio 'honour and dignity of the office. Mr CoiuuAt (chairman) eaid ho had generally opposed this idea, but was now going to change. It hud been painted out to him that it was all very woll tor him, with Independent nieunu, to vote against payment, but wealthy men might very easily keep out better men who could not afford to devote time without payment. It required a (treat a_ mount of time to carry out tho duties of office, and a country member could not do It without payment. Mr Foreman, whilgt agreeing: that It would bo well to give, boards tho power to pay tkeir chairmen, thought it Bhould be optional. The word 'may" ihould bo substituted for "shall."

Mr Dingle said that honour was good as far as it went. But the vory honourable positions of Governor of tho colony, Premier, or member of Parliament, had (food salaries attached to thorn.

Mr Ward said the motion was just to glvo power to grant tho chairman an honorarium.

The motion was carried, Messrs Maxwell and McLean opposing. Mr Foreman asked if It were fuir for the Government to use the hari.ours free of charge* Mr King thought this should be submittal to the conference.

Mr Maxwell pointed out that the Government was now entering Into competition with privately' owned coal nines. Why should It get its coals admitted free ? The scope of Government operations was everyday increasing, and something should bo dono to break down tho system. Thoro was no knowing how far this would go. Government steamers should at least pay wharfages. Mr Ward favoured the motion.

Mr Price pointed out that tho New Plymouth breakwater had not been built entirely with ratepayers' money. Tho Government had contributed £11)5,000.

Mr King said tho Government was taking away nearly all the board's revenue ; there was hut little land revenue now.

The matter will bo placed on the order paper.

Mr Maxwell moved that tho delegates be instructed to oppose to the uttermost any action in the direction of making boards who have rating power elective on anv other basin than by vote of the ratepayers Mr King seconded, and the motion was carried.

Mr Maxwell moved, and Mr Foreman seconded, and it was resolved that the conference discuss tho following : That when land or other property belonging to a harbour board m taken under tho Public Works Act, such board should be compensated as inrroaso of private property.