NEW HARBOUR BOARD CHAIRMAN

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 204, 26 May 1938, Page 10

NEW HARBOUR BOARD CHAIRMAN

Mr. C. M. Turrell Elected

TWO NOMINATIONS FOR POSITION

Mr. C. M. Turrell was last night elected chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, in succession to Mr. D. J. McGowan. One of two members representing the payers of dues on British ships, Mr. Turrell has been on the board for 19 years. There were two nominations for the position—Mr. Turrell and Mr. C. H. Chapman, M.P. In accordance with the board’s custom, a vote was taken on each nomination separately. Mr. Chapman’s name was put to the meeting first; there were four votes for him and nine against. Mr. Turrell was then elected unanimously. Nominating Mr. Chapman, Mr. R. McKeen said he understood that it was the board’s practice to appoint the senior member as chairman. Mr. Chapman was, he believed, the senior member, and therefore, entitled to be elected. Mr. J. O. Johnson seconded the nomination.

Mr. M. A. Elliott nominated Mr. Turrell. He said that, owing to his absence on business, Mr. Turrell had been unable to occupy the chair for the full period during which he had formerly held office. It was, therefore, reasonable, he contended, that Mr. Turrell should be elected for another term. Mr. W. Appleton seconded the nomination.

Mr. McKeen said he bad expected that the board’s practice would be carried out as in the past. If Mr. Turrell had been unable to fill his full, term, it had not been the board’s fault. Mr. Barter had been appointed to succeed Mr. Turrell and Mr. McGowan had followed him. He had hardly expected that the board would change from its ordinary practice, otherwise Mr. Turrell would have been reappointed earlier.

Mr. J. W. Andrews said that he had not been a party to any practice such as that mentioned by Mr. McKeen, and did not approve of it. He, therefore reserved the right to vote Xis he wished. The vote was then taken.

Mr. McGowan, before leaving the chair, expressed appreciation of the consideration and help he had had from the members of the board and the executive officers. The last two years had been particularly strenuous, because of new legislation involving awards and conciliation council meetings. Mr,. W. H. Price congratulated Mr. McGowan on his excellent work in the interests of the board. Mr. Chapman said that the way in which Mr. McGowan had conducted the affairs of the board had been marked by scrupulous fairness. Mr. McGoyvan was one of the most kindly and genial chairmen under whom be had ever sat, said Mr. McKeen. lie had conducted the business In such a tactful manner as to preclude any hostility or bickering. Other members spoke similarly. Mr. Turrell thanked the members for electing him as chairman. $