ACCOMMODATION AT PORT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27213, 3 December 1953, Page 13

ACCOMMODATION AT PORT

HARBOUR BOARD'S DISCUSSION

MR J. HALLIGAN DEPLORES CRITICISM

A tendency to publicise statements and opinions which did not enhance the reputation of the port of Lyttelton and which were calculated not to assist the board when it was sponsoring proposals for enlarging and modernising the port was commented on by the retiring chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board (Mr J. Halligan) in his annual report yesterday. “The point that should be emphasised is that the port can. and always has been able to accommodate the largest vessels regularly trading to New Zealand." he said. “Not only can it accommodate these vessels but it can do so in absolute safety. “The object of the development and modernisation proposals is to give road as well as rail access and provide shed accommodation at the port for the benefit of importers and exporters alike.” To Mr P. J. Mowat, the chairman said he was not impugning the loyalty of any member. “It seems to me that it would be better if we were a little more loyal to our board and our port,” he said. “This is the door of Canterbury and I don’t think we should decry the board. We should advertise it in the best light. I feel rather hurt about the way discussions have gone recently.” “We know that when we are In open meeting our remarks are taken by the newspapers and any indiscreet remarks or remarks that are out of the ordinary are seized upon by them.” said Mr E. C. Bathurst. “If we have remarks to make that are derogatory to the board I think they should be taken in committee. I think we should be most careful of what we do in open meeting.” Mr G. Manning did not agree with Mr Bathurst. He said that when the board was in open meeting the public was entitled to be present. “I can’t for the life of me see why if a member is critical of the board that should not go to the press and the public,” he said. “It would indicate that we are not a yes body. I feel that everyone should welcome constructive criticism. I would not criticise any member’s loyalty to the board if he was to criticise the board.” The proper thing was to admit any small deficiencies, said Mr F. W. Freeman. Mr Halligan then said that he agreed that constructive criticism should be welcome.