HARBOR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1919, Page 7

HARBOR BOARD.

MONTHL? MEETDHJ, > ' ( The New Plymouth Harbor Board met yesterday morning, Present: Messrs. Newton King (chairman), C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., C. X. Bellringer, J. S. Connett, E. Maxwell, C. E. McGuinne»s and W. Docfcrilt. An apology was received from Mr. 3. McCluggage, absent in Wellington. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. On the motion of Messrs. Wllkltißon and Bellringer, the retiring chairman (Mr. Newton King) was re-elected to the position. Both paid tributes to the sacrifice- of time and other interests Mr. King had made In carrying out the duties of chairman. There was no other nomination, and Mr. King took the chair, briefly acknowledging the honor conferred upon him, and took the opportunity of publicly thanking the committees la the different parts of the district for the splendid support they had given to the proposals. ' THE HABBOR LOAN, The chairman read the figures recorded in connection with the late poll. He thought it was a matter for congratulation that the support had been so hearty. The vote had been practically unanimous, and gave the members every confidence to go on with the scheme, so they should now go right ahead to make the port what they had all desired. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson said the result was very pleasing, and was a vote of confidence in the Board, and, he might add, in their engineer. He paid a tribute to the assistance rendered by the Press. The Board would be abla to proceed with the work now that the war was over, and he thought the results to be achieved would justify the confidence placed in the scheme and the Board.

Sir. Bellringer stated that whilst they had a fine vote In New Plymouth, it was gratifying to note the excellent BUpport accorded throughout Tcranakl. There were a few who had voted against the proposal, but there would always be found a few Who voted against anything. Mr. Dockrill said he was pleased at the result, as it showed the great sincerity of the ratepayers. It would be an admirable thing if they could carry out the harbor scheme in its entirety. This at present was beyond them, but they could proceed piece by piece, and as the public saw the trade and the harbor grow they would realise the Importance of the work. Mr.. Connett said the result showed the people generally were beginning to look at the port in a united way. Whatever differences that might have existed in the country in the ,past had disappeared, and throughout the district the ratepayers were unanimous that the work of development should proceed without delay. He thought the Board might endeavor to get the shipping companies to review the decis'on that certain works would have to be carried out before they brought their largest boats here. Dairy companies were anxious to get regulardirect shipping of dairy produce as well as Meat, and he thought the companies might very reasonably be asked to modify their decisions. They should lose no opportunity in getting the benefit of direct shipping at the earliest possible moment

' Mi. 0. E McGullltiess, as representative at No. 8 area, thought It a matter for congratulation that the vote, was so favorable. Part of the area, Waimate, had been removed, but he thought the ratepayers there would realise the position, and regret their decision not to join with the rest of TaranakL Mr. E. Maxwell said It was a pity the Waimate Plains were cut out If there waa any regret It would be by the Waimate ratepayers at missing this opportunity. The carrying of the loan meant a big thing to all, and would be the means of lifting New Plymouth and the rest of the district. The Board waa catering for the trade of the province. It was essential they should hasten on with the worlt, as It was necessary that they should be able to secure the accommodation for the vessels to come here.

Mr. Wilkinson moved, "That the hearty thanks of the Board be accorded to the Taranakl Press for tbe splendid support of the Sroposals for harbor Improvements."—Seconded y the chairman and carried.

• SHORTAGE OF ACCOMMODATION. The chairman remarked that tbe shortage of wharfage accommodation was becoming a serious question. At present the Orlssa was at the port and would probably be there for another 10 days. The Ngahula was due here shortly, and the Kla Ora, another Home steamer, was expected on the 22nd, so they would have three boats here in 10 days and only one berth was available. GENERAL. The harbormaster. Captain Waller," In his monthly report, stated that the number of vessels arriving were 18, tonnage 16,675 tons, imports 4888 tons, exports 2578 tons, total, inwards and outwards, 7446 tons. Government coal 308 tons. Mention was also made of the sailing vessel. Thrasher, being in port for 56 days.—Received.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. J. Blatr Mason, engineer, reported:— Paritutu.—The Paritutu dredged on 17 days and Removed a total quantity of 20,000 tons of spoil In 50 loads, 16 loads Were lifted with the buckets and 34 loads with the sand pump. Dredging was stopped for three days owing to the Easter holidays while one day was lost for want of a fireman. Owing to a shortage in the Board's stock of coal It was decided to close the dredge down on the 7th for the annual overhaul, there being Just sufficient coal in her bunkers to take her to Well'ngton. The dredge' was prepared for the sea on the Bth and 9th, leafing for Wellington en the 10th inst, reaching there on Bunday, 11th hist. The Thomas King has been placed on the gridiron and blocked up preparatory to her equipment for the placing of stone on the sea walls.

In connection with the Harbor Acts plans are belgn prepared for submission to the Marine Department showing the designs and proposed methods of building the sea walls.—Received.

NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr. Bellrlnger moved: "That a permanent committee be set up to be designated as the General Purposes and Reserves Committee to (1) consider and report upon all matters remitted to it by the Board; (2) to deal with any matters of pressing emergency that may arise from time to time; (3) to have the oversight of the Board's reserves and to make recommendations concerning the same. The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported to the first meeting of the Board following any meeting of the Committee. The Committee for the ensuing year to be the chairman, Messr3, Connett, Hughes, Maxwell, Wilkinson and Bellringer.

That the Board remit the following matters to the above committee for report thereon: (l) Theutlllsatlon of such part of the reserve at Moturoa as may be BtUtable for the erection of ""IE? 1 for th * Board's permanent employees. Th» motion will be discussed at the next meeting.