MINISTER OF MARINE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 74, 20 December 1928, Page 10

MINISTER OF MARINE

HARBOUR BOARD'S CONGRATULATIONS

The appointment of the chairman of the Harbour Board, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, as Minister of Marine, Minister of Industries and Commerce, and Minister in Charge of Immigration, was the subject of appreciative references at last night's meeting of the board.

On the motion Of Mr. T. Moss, seconded by Captain C. McArthur, a resolution was carried expressing the board’s pleasure and high appreciation of the high honour conferred on the chairman in his elevation to Ministerial rank.

In expressing appreciation of the valuable services rendered to shipping by Mr. Cobbe during his long connection with the board, Captain McArthur said that he hoped the Minister would now take into consideration the question of developing the mercantile marine of the Dominion by the establishment of a training ship for boys to fit them as seamen. Several other members, including Messrs. C. H. Chapman, M.P., C. M. Turrell, G. Mitchell, and Captain F. A. Macindoe. (secretary of the Merchant Service Guild), also congratulated Mr. Cobbe.

In replying, Mr. Cobbe said he was in an embarrassing position, as he was a modest man. He had been very happy in his connection with the Harbour Board, and he hoped too much would not be expected of him as Minister of Marine, as he was essentially a country man. If any of them thought he should _ resign his position bn the board duripg his term of office as Minister, he was quite ready to do so. (Cries of “No! No.”) Jle thanked members for their good wishes.