HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 63, 15 March 1900, Page 5

HARBOUR BOARD.

MR J. 11. WITHEFORD ELECTED

CHAIRMAN

The annual meeting- oi' the Auckland Harbour Board was held on Feb. 20, when there were present: — Messrs W. J. Napier. M.H.E. (chairman), 'M. Nieeol, A. R. Harris, Heather, YV. Gunson, J. H. Withcford, J. Thornes, J. C, Macky, C.- Grey, J. Stichbury, J. T. Julian, W. Philaon, and A. Kidd.

The Chairman (Mr W. J. Napier, M.H.K.) delivered an interesting address, in the course of which lie said: Once more I have the happy privilege of being- able to congratulate the Board on the continued prosperity of the Port of Auckland and the steady expansion of Its commerce. Our gross revenue during- the past year has again beaten the record, and amounts- to the splendid total of £0Q,?04 10/2. • Our expenditure amounted to £55,384 .4/2, leaving a ba-Jpnce of. cash in the Treasurer's h- Is at the end-of the year of £4320

. We paid off debt in Sinking B and account during the year to the amoun.b of £4712.8/4. The year closes with a balance to the credit of Profit and Loss Account .of £ 12,347 , 4/7. These figures furnish irrefutable evidence of the solid foundation upon which the commerce of Auckland rests, and that our progress is not owing to merely ephemeral causes. The growth of "Auckland's shipping and trade may be measured with the acuracy of a barometer by the annual accounts of this Board, and when I mention the one fact that o\ir annual revenue has increased since 1879—that is, in twenty years—by the sura of .£24,(347 8/3, "some idea may be gathered of the city's commercial development. the heavy outlay which the work of providing adequate berthing- accommodation '-fen*1 the various classes of shipping entajjs,.apdj.be,cost pf maintaining the structures and the various services of the Board in an efficient state, the financial position of the Board to-day is one of unquestioned soundness and strength. Our total liabilities amount to £368,845, whereas our assets, carefully valued, and after writing off an adequate sum for depreciation, amount to £707,309 19/, leaving a surplus of assets over liabilities amounting to £338404 19/.

Mr W. J. Napier moved that Mr J. H. Witheford be the chairman of the Board for the ensuing twelve months. The motion was earned unanimous-

Mr "Witheford was declared duly elected Chairman.

Mr Witheford thanked the Board for his election, and in doing so eulogied Mr Xiecol's and Mr Napier's services as Chairmen in the past. He referred to Mr Napier's energetic efforts in the interests of the Board, especially with reference to the question of deep water frontage. He mentioned that by the last Frisco mail he had received a letter from Messrs Spreckels, of San Francisco stating that the Oceanic Cq.'s magnificent new steamer would be on the line.arid wonld start from San Francisco. for Auckland on June 13, followed by the two other fine steamers, which will be ready by the contract time-