HARBOUR BOARD.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 31, 31 October 1907, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

liEOIiOiNISATION PROPOSALS.

FEELLXG OF BUSINESS MEN.

A representative of Tiib Dominion interviewecTa number of prominent men in tlio shipping world yesterday in reference to the reorganisation of the Harbour Hoard staff, as foreshadowed in this paper. Though not officially connected with the Board, tlio magnitude of their business transactions with that body renders any important change in its administrative methods a matter of considerable moment to theni. It was 011 this ground that their views. in regard to the alteration wore solicited. But the gentlemen seen were diplomatically discreet, though courteous. Whilst hot'averse to discussing matters confidentially, tliey firmly but politely declined to talk, " for publication. This much may bo said, however, without any breach of faith, that tile proposed reorganisation was not regarded with any pronounced apprehension. Mr. Ferguson s undoubted abilities were fully appreciated, but it was generally agreed that lie had long hold a unique position, and that, a system tiiat had proved signally succcssful under his regime might fail in the hands of a successor, when those peculiar advantages that have characterised Mr. Ferguson's long term of office are taken into consideration. A change of, system was inevitable sooner or later, and now that the necessity had arisen, it could be .contemplated without any serious qualms or dread forebodings. The Mayor's Views. The new system, as predicted in The | Dominion, will probably be is follows: Consulting Engineer: Mr. William Feiguson. Secretary: Mr. V. L. Cachemaille (nonAssistant Secretary). Engineer: Mr. E. D. Cachemaille (now Assistant Engineer). Wharves: Captain Munro (W' lar 'n l S er )- Accounts: Mr. H. E. Nicholls (Accountant). Harbour: Captain Johnson (Harbourmaster). ■ The matter was brought before tlio Hon. T. W. Hislop, and his opinion- sought as Mayor, rather than as a member of the

Harbour Board. I "Until the definite appointment of the various officers you mention is made, it will not do for me to express any decided opinion," said the Mayor, in reply to the reporter's query. "It may be-taken that tho appointment of. the engineer is virtually settled, but the question of secretary has not yet been dealt yrith. The position that Air. Ferguson held in relation to the Board could not reasonably be expected to be attained by any other man. Ho commenced at tho beginning, when tilings were in a sniall way, and has become intimately acquainted with the intricacies of tho various departments. It lus been found in municipalities in the Old Country, however, and in New Zealand to a smaller extent, _ that

it is a good system to have committees entrusted with tho management of the Various divisions of administration. Hitherto, oil the Harbour Board, there has only been, 0110 Committee, and that had had cognisance of everything. 1 think it will be advantageous, in the future, to have committees with tho special duty of looking after the various departments—guided largely, of course, by the responsible officer at the: head of tho department. Tho men at the heads of the departments should bo responsible' to tho board, through tho secretary. I do not know'of any other method by which tho Board can become 'properly acquainted with'' tho working, of oacli department,' and the habit and -mind of the man in 'charge. Tim knowledge is essential. In the Harbour Board, in addition to the engineering, secretarial, wharves,, and accounts and harbour departments, there aro other departments, such as the mechanical. I have boon a member of tho Board for over two years and a half, however, and as far as I. can remember, only on two occasions have \wo seen any of the heads of departments, apart from the engineer and secretary. I think the scheme I have outlined is much the safer, and more likely to give continuity of effii.ciency." ,