The Daily News MONDAY, DECEMBER 20. HARBOR BOARD RETRENCHMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 268, 20 December 1909, Page 2

The Daily News MONDAY, DECEMBER 20. HARBOR BOARD RETRENCHMENT.

General satisfaction will bo felt lliat the Harbor Board lias decided oil a comprehensive scheme of retrenchment in its ordinary working expenses, it has been only too apparent during the past few months that the port revenue of the Board was' being most seriously affected by the loss of passenger tax, and while we are convinced that within a couple of years the growing cargo trade of the port will more than compensate for decreased passenger traffic, the position is such that every penny of revenue must bp conserved to keep the balance o» tlie safe side. There were only two possible means whereby tljat eud'eould be ensured—by retrenchment of the "tall, hy increase of the harbor dues, or both. The latter alternative, however, which would probably operate seriously against tho progress of the port, cannot be considered except as a last resource. On the question of retrenchment of the staff, we are, as we indicated some time ago, in thorough accord with the object of Mr. Wilkinson's proposals, which the Hoard adopted. There may be room for a difference of opinion, however, so far as the sfclieme affected the position of the present 'harbormaster. The whole tenor of the discussion showed that the only object the Board had in view was tho effecting of economies owing to the altered financial position, and t li:i i c.iptain Hood's qualifications were nut in question. If the Board is satisfied with the services rendered by the harbormaster during the past "twelve years - and no dissatisfaction was evinced at the meeting of the Board on hrnlay*—it is almost natural to expect that his chance of preferment under the new conditions is such that no undeserved injustice will be done. Retrenchment is always a most unpleasant duty, mid hpwever much it Slight be regretted, I someone must suffer when expenditure has to be reduced. The saving of £42f> per annum, which will be effected under the resolutions', is a very material item to tie Board, and we are satisfied ut the same time that efficiency need not be impaired in the slightest degree liv the change. That is, at least, so long as the volume of shipping remains at the present not inconsiderable level. In this connection we cannot shut our eyes fo the fact that Captain Hood's estimate of the stalling essential for working tinport did not, as it .should have, show a proper appreciation of the ro Muircinents of his employers. Under the altered circumstances it should have been apparent, to hirn that economies must be effected, and lie would have shown a more commendable spirit had he endeavored to make tlje savings. Whatever his native, wlietlijjj- it were out of loyalty to his assistants, or because he believed the existing «tal! was absolutely necessary—there is no doubt his judgment was at fault, 'there is

one other aspect of the retrencl scheme respecting which the public is inquiring, and, incidentally, milking insinuations regarding the attitude of the local newspapers' on the matter. It is being alleged' in connection with the economies understood to have been effected fy the «epretary*s olficc, the press suppressed the ami ijiyiili--0113 comparisons are being drawn between our respective treatment of the secretary's and the harbormaster's departments. AS a matter of fact, we have too knowledge whatever respecting the changes in tho secretary's office, although wo understand some alterations were made when the necessity for rate- • collecting i)p longijr existed, the piatter was considered by the Board iit committee, however, the reporters being informed that their presence wan not require!. ■Further, so far as we are nwure at the women I, the result of the committee deliberations' were not reported in open Hoard. At its next meeting the matter of eUecling economies in other directions will, no doubt, be fully discussed, the foreman's staff particularly coming un'der review. With the completion of the breakwater, some at least of the permanent hands can be dispensed with, until sucli time as the new harbor works are undertaken. On the whole, there will probably be a saving of .6600 ultimately effected, a giyi that..^ortld^^

lit)' of a rate. The Board is at pre;nt passing through a somewhat try ,g period, but a marked advance, in iu aaneiul position, consequent on the veiling of the port to deep-sea ship* rag, should be hqqu in the not distant, iture'.