HARBOUR BOARD

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 130, 26 February 1925, Page 10

HARBOUR BOARD

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT. The monthly meeting of the Harbour Board was held last night. There were present—Messrs. G. Mitchell (chairman), P. J. McGowan. C. J. Norwood, J. G, Harkness, T. R. Barrer, T. Moss, n D. Bennett, 11, W. Welch, J. W. McEwan, J. G. Cobbe, M. Cohen, and Captains C. P, Post and C. McArthur. The statement of shipping and cargo for the month of January showed a total of 150,727 tons, as against 131,550 tons for January of last year; the tonnage of .vessels arriving was 327,158 tons, against 284,033 tons in January, 192-1; and of vessels departing 183,228 tops, against 16-1,412 tons in January. 192-1. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £959.700 2s. Id., in addition to ,£BO,OOO on fixed deposit. Payments authorised totalled £62,124 Os. Bd. The chairman read his statement of the work of the past year and the future policy of the board, as reported under separate headings. Mr. t Cphen complimented Mr. Mitchell on his review and proposals for the future, the latter showing that the board was still alive to the requirements of the port. Mr. Cobbe said he could not help congratulating the chairman on tho broad outlook-he had taken in regard to a port which was destined to become the greatest one south of the line. Mr. Moss said that it was the country members who could apnreciate the good work being done, and he agreed with the previous speakers in what they had said of the chairman’s speech. Mr. Norwood said he would-.not like it to go forth that the city members were any less proud of the progress made by the port than the country representatives, and he added his ineed of praise to the chairman for his lucid statement. Captain McArthur assured members that shipping men were gratified# with the progress of the port. Mr. Bennert added his praise for the report presented to the board, which should stand on record as a very fine statement of the year’s work. Several other members spoke in a similar strain. On the motion o-f Mr. Cohen, seconded by Mr. McGowan, n hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman for his (.report, The general manager’s report on wharf facilities at the mouth of the Hutt River was formally received, \