HARBOR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 April 1917, Page 7

HARBOR BOARD.

!• MONTHLY MEETINGv Sj'#' The ordinary meeting cf the New Plymouth Harbor Board was held yesterday when there were present Messrs. J. B. Connett (chairman), Newton King, E. Dockrill, J. MeCluggage, C. E. Bellringer, C. A. Wilkinson, J. Marx and E. Maxwell. Mr. D. J, Hughes was granted leave of absence. HARBORMASTER'S REPORT. The harbor-master (Captain Waller) reported that during the five weeks ending April 14, 24 vessels aggregating 26,431 tons, entered the pott. The imports for the period totalled 6310 tons and the exports 2303 tons, k total of> 8613 tons of cargo handled, ANNUAL BALANCE SHEET. At a special meeting prior to the ordinary meeting the matter ef the adoption of the annual balance sheet came forward. In moving the adoption, Mr. C. A. Wilkinson considered that, it was very satisfactory, except that they were approaching the end of the loan money, and that would 'be a question that the new Board would have to face.. The land revenue account was in a healthy state, although on the other hand this could not. probably be taken as a good sign, because it meant that they were getting rid of their capital. .On the whole he thought the balance sheet disclosed a very satisfactory position. . Mr. C. E. Bellringer, in seconding, considered that the position shown was very gratifying. Taking the position ov the trust account it would be seen that whilst the land revenue account had been increased by £1423 9s Sd, the trust account showed an increase of £1143 8s 2d compared with the beginning of the year, which must be considered very satisfactory, especially as ten months interest on the new loan had been paid. This showed that they were holding their position well. The general account also showed an increase of £49, which was very satisfactory considering that shipping had been affected by the war. The dredging account showed that the cost of running the two dredges, which had been estimated at about £IO,OOO, had been £9340. There was still £19,000 in the loan account, so that, if necessary, dredging could be carried on for two years, apart from any special' work. It was satisfactory that they had held their position as'well as they hai. : ,br:, The balance sheet was adopted. THE PATRIOTIC ROOMS. ' Mr. D. J. Hughes wrote stating that he understood that one of the rooms sow being used by the Ladies' Patriotic Committee was being let and ho would like the Board to,carefully consider the matter and to pillow the committee the use of the room until such time as the war was over. Mr. C. E. Bellringer said that the Mayoress had spoken' to him on the matter. The ladies were much concerned about it. They pointed out that this was the largest of the rooms and the one in which they held their fareWells. If they lost possession of it it would seriously interfere with their Work. Rather than lose possession, the ladies themselves would prefer to pay rent. Apparently he had been blamed in them after, but he pointed out that in letting the room he had merely acted in accordance with a resolution of the Board. He pointed out that the ladies had first been allowed the use of one rooM, but had afterwards been allowed the use of the other rooms, it bs.iig understood that the room could l« let When required. The ladios were doing a splendid work both for the men at the front and in New Zealand, and if the Board could assist them in any wa> it should do so. Mr. Wilkinson also recognised the splendid work done by the Ladies' Committee and he also felt that the Board should allow them, if possible, to retain possession. He suggested that the matter be referred back to the chairman with a view to his arranging tor the ladies to retain possession of the fooni. A resolution to this effect was carried. NGAMOTU SEASIDE IMPROVE-: • '«"" ■ MENT. The" Ngamotu Seaside Improvement Committee asked, the board for a contribution of £6O towards proposed planting improvements at *he foreshore. He stated that a comprehensive plan was now being prepared by Mr. W, W. Smith, curator at Pukckura Park, and when ready would be submitted to the Board for approval. over for consideration when plans are submitted. GENERAL'. " ' The lehairman stated that the committee set up had not yet prepared a report to the erection of a ished on the wharf, as it was considered advisable that Mr. Henderson, superintendent of works, who was now; in Wellington, should he present. The committee were granted an extension of time.