N.P. HARBOR BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 316, 16 February 1910, Page 7

N.P. HARBOR BOARD

RE IULAR MEETING. The New Plymouth Harbor Hoard held its annual meeting yesterday. Present — Messrs. ,J. 15. Cor.nett (chairman), N. 'King, E. Dock-rill, Price, Wilkinson, Hughes and Maxwell. Mr. J. B. Connett was re-elected chairman. The ordinary meeting was then held. SHIPPING AT THE PORT. Captain W. J. Newton, harbormaster, reported that for the four weeks ended February 12 the shi-y-ig at the port had been 27 stcncs inwards and 27 steamers' outwr.v ■ •■. The aggregate gross tonnage amounted to 215,700 tons. Imports amounted to 3840 tons, ma.d« up of 3225 tons of genera! cargo, 432 tons of private coal, and 18!) tons of railway coal . The exports amounted to 1381 tons. The dredge worked 10 days, making* 150y 2 trips, and removing approximately 5277 yards of sand. HARBOR WORKS. The foreman of harbor works reported that during the past month fifteen new braces and two new chafing pieces had been fixed on the old wharf, and the. tarring of the deck had been completed. The engine-shed had been re-covered with new iron, and the roofs of the adjoining dwelling and stores had been painted. Repairs had been effected at the harbormaster's residence. The foundations of the mixing-hmise had been cleared of sand and repairs effected there also. All the piles, squared timber, and rails required for the new coal bin had been prepared, the necessary openings had been cut in the breakwater, and the driving of the piles had been commenced. GILL STBEET EXTENSION.

A deputation from the Borough Council, comprising Councillor F. C. Bellringer, Mr. F. T. Bellrmger (town clerk) and Mr. J. Ellis (representing tho borough solicitors), waited on the Board and requested tlrat a further narrowstrip of land in Gill Street, opposite Messrs. Burgess, Fraser and Co.'s warehouse, be dedicated to the council for street purposes, the authorities in Wellington having declined to accept the street as at present sifrveyeu. The Board'could not accede to the <requett, but passed a resolution suggesting that the Borough Council should interview the authorities in Wellington. The chairman was authorised to accompany the deputation, if necessary, feo explain the position. REVISION OF THE STAFF. ! Mr. Maxwell moved, according to notice, "That the Board, with the object of effecting economy where possible, review the duties and wages of all its employees, dispensing with the services of such as' can be done without, and reducing the wages where such is warranted." i Mr. Wilkinson seconded, on condition thaf a committee would be set wp to go fully into the matter and report. The mover and seconder both pointed out that conditions at. the harbor had changed very considerably since his motion °was first brought forward. The foreman's staff had been reduced by nineteen, and the harbormaster's' staff also reduced. The latter official seemed doubtful now as to whether he could manage with the staff' allowed him. It. was especially desirable that no scare should be caused amongst the employees.

The motion was carried, and a committee was set up. comprising the chair man and Messrs. King. Maxwell. Dock rill and Price.