LENGTHY PUBLIC SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 April 1917, Page 5

LENGTHY PUBLIC SERVICE.

ME. J. 13. CONNETT AND THEMBW, PLYMOUTH HARBOR BOARD." Mr. J. B. Connett, wlio has been chairman of the New Plymouth Harbor Board for tho past fifteen years, and, with the exception of two terms, has been a member since the constitution of tin; board in 1878, and is retiring from active connection with the board, at yesterday's meeting, tho last at which lie would be present, expressed his ap • preciation of tho consideration that had always been shown him by member*. He was retiring with mixed' feelings. On the one hand, be felt that he had done bis share, and had now arrived at an age when he should have a certain amount of reßt, and, on the other hand, lie felt very much the parting from his personal friends. He would always look back witli the greatest pleasure to the " time ho had spont on tho 'board. He did not think that any board had worked with greater harnfony. Although they had differed, there had been no friction, and he believed the formation of a works committee of the 1 whole board, so that every member could be fully acquainted with what was done* had contributed to this end. As chairman, he had never wished to rim tho' show. It was gratifying to see that the policy of the board was endorsed throughout the distriet, as was evident from the fact that five county member* had been returned unopposed, ana, In the case of the two districts where there were contests, this was due to the fact that the sitting members were TetbdM, and was not a question of the boards. pojicy. This showed plainly that 11» town and country districts favored »' progressive policy. The board had fceeß fairly progressive, and ho Was of opinion that there was a great future ahead of the harbor. Perhaps he might be too optimistic. What he had dreamt ME had come to pass to a certain extent, for he had'lived to see a liner berth at the wharf. He believed that the progress in the next ten years would be greater than it had been during the past 20. After the war the trade of the port would increase rapidly, and there would be a fleet of snips regularly trading here. The board nmrt not'lose sight of the fact that the har« bor was not finished. There were works of urgency required. Sheds on the wharf, additional wharf accommodation, werei required as soon as funds were avail'' able. Then the breakwater should be. extended another ROD feet, so as to. provide accommodation for the largest I ships'.' A wave breaker across to Motu-. roa was also required to divert the sand. In conclusion, he said that ho liad always.done his duty to the belt of his ability, and he felt now that be was doing his duty by retiring and alfowing a younger man to come. in. He would,. however,. still take an interest In the progress of the work. Mr. Maxwell said that Mr. Connett had practically a life-long connection With tho Harbor Board, and he was pleased that Mr. Connett had been ably to attain, his great hopes, viz., the, arrif val of the first Home liner, and the com. mencement of a direct service. He expressed the feelings of tho board when ho said that the chairman had served tho board faithfully and to the best of his capacity. Mr. Newton King, as one closely associated with the chairman, also expressed regret at parting from an old friend. He, however, felt it was for Mr. Connc't's own good that he should bo relieved from worries of that nature.' Mr. Connett would have retired last) term, but for the speaker's persuasion., Mr. Wilkinson said all realised that' the province was greatly indebted to the chairman for his sturdy and wholehearted support to the harbor. He had: seen the harbor from its earliest stages,' when it had its ups and downs, and 4a' had always stood for progress. He pointed out that Mr. Connett's position was somewhat unique, in that during his occupancy of the chair no attempt had been made to dispossess him of ths position. The arrival of the first Kg ship had dispelled all doubts as to tke' utility of the harbor. He wished Mr. Connett long life and happiness, and, remarked that if the new chairman carried on the work as well as the past chairman, he would deserve great credit, Messrs McCluggage and Dockrill also Bpokc. Mr. C. E . Bellringer said that sometimes th« chairman had been, criticised regarding the long wait for the fruition of their desires regarding the arrival of Home liners, but the fanlt was not his. They had' to face the fact that from time to time the siaes of ships increased, and new conditions had to be met. The speaker did not think the distriet would allow the Harbor Boar* to stand still. All were of one accord that a progressive policy must be followed, and as soon as conditions were favorable they must carry on the work so as to be in a position to aecommof date the very largest ships. Mr. Marx said that the board had always done its best with the means at its disposal, and Mr. Connett had endeavored to play the game. On the motion of Messrs Maxwell and King, it was resolved thsjt the board expresses extreme regret at the severance of the chairman (Mr Connett) from direct connection with the board, and that |ts full recognition of the services rendered by him be recorded in the minutes. Mr. Connett, in, returning thanks, stated that he was very much indebted to the secretary, who had helped in every way to lighted his ptfsltion, and (tad proved a worthy successor to his father.