HARBOUR BOARD SOCIAL

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 70, 16 December 1937, Page 8

HARBOUR BOARD SOCIAL

End Of Year Ceremony

SPEAKERS PAY TRIBUTE

TO PORT

With the completion of formal business the Wellington Harbour Board at its final meeting last night marked the close of the year with a social function. The chairman, Mr. D. J. McGowan, extended to members of the board and the staff the season’s greetings and expressed the hope that one and all would enjoy a happy and prosperous isew 1 The toast of “The Port of Wellington” was proposed by Mr. l. R. Baiter, who said that in his opinion M ellington possessed one of the best natural Ports iu the world. Practically every part of It provided a safe anchorage. It wa» admirably suited as a base lor aerial tr “ The beauties of the Waitemata we all admit,” said Mr. Barrel-, 'but the utilities that can be offered by Wellington cannot be surpassed by anj other nort in the Dominion.” . . Replying, the Hon. W. Nash. Minister of Finance and member of the board, said he had lived in Wellington for 281 vears and had never ceased loving i.. It was one of the finest cities he knew. Other cities might have greater attractions, but no other city with which he bad ever come in contact had bi ought him happier memories.

Visit of Flying-boat.

“Wellington as Wellington has made a magnificent contribution toward the development of the Dominion,” said Mr. Nash. “I question whether any other port in New Zealand provides better facilities for travellers and those who deal with cargo. I am certain no other harbour is better managed. I am equally certain that Wellington will play an even greater part in the development of this country.” ‘ Mr. Nash said that toward the end of the month New Zealand would be visited by probably the largest flyingboat ever to leave England for this part of the world. It was proposed to bring it to Wellington, and it was up to Wellington to prove that its harbour was suitable for such aircraft. “It might be,” added Mr. Nash, “that if the Wellington people and the harbour board are enterprising enough, Pan-American Airways will bring a plane down here. I think our facilities will compare favourably with those of any other city in the Dominion.” Mr. A. Fletcher, who also replied to the toast, said there was no question but that Wellington harbour had wonderful natural advantages. He agreed with Mr. Nash that there was an even greater future ahead of the city than had been visualised in the past. The health of Mr. W. T. Wood, of Australia, an ex-member of the board, who was present by special invitation, was toasted with musical honours. Mr. P. R. M. Hanna, assisted by Mr. J. F. B. Stevenson, projiosed the toast of “Members of the Wellington Harbour Board,” coupled with the names of Mr. C. M. Turrell and the Hon. P. Fraser. Sound Financial Policy. Mr. Turrell paid a tribute to the policy adopted by past members, and said that from a financial point of view he did not think there was a sounder public body in the world to-day than the Wellington Harbour Board.

Mr. Fraser said that every new member of the board took up his duties with a high appreciation and recognition of the valuable work done by his predecessors.

“Wellington certainly cannot be charged with being parochial,” said Mr. Fraser. “I was endeavouring the other day to explain that to my very good friend the mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, and I think he agrees with me. At least, I hope so. (Laughter.) Wellington, and Auckland, too, can share and appreciate the beauties of other parts. We want all to pull together in the interests of the country generally.” i The toast of “The Staff” was pro-posed-by Mr. C. H. Chapman, M.P., and Mr. W.‘ H. Price, and replied to by Mr. A. G. Barnett and Captain P. S. Peterson.

Mr. H. Morrison proposed the toast of “The Press.”

The health of the chairman, proposed by Mr. M. A. Eliott, was toasted with musical honours.