HARBOR BOARD

Evening Star, Issue 18884, 7 March 1925, Page 12

HARBOR BOARD

CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT 'Flic annual report of the chairman of the Otago Harbor Board for last year was presented to an adjourned meeting of the hoard last night. The report showed that the receipts for 1924 amounted to £161,623 3s lOd, as compared with £148,621 7s 7d in i 923, and £128,141 Is 6d in 1922. The expenditure (hiring 1924 was £154,886 4s 4d, as against .'£38,905 Is 4d in 1923, and £150,810 6s i : 1922. OTAGO DOCK. In accordance with the agreement, the Port Chalmers Borough Council was called upon to pay £SOO to the board towards the dock deficit for the year ended 1923. Consequent on the council’s straitened finances, it avas again agreed to refund its contribution. To reduce the working expense of the docks to a minimum, a report by the engineer on fife question of the electrification of the docks was considered during the year. Whilst .approving of the principle of electrification, further consideration has been deferred pending a further report from the engineer on the question of file reduction of the dock staff. BOARD’S JUBILEE. The most notable event during tjie year was the .attainment of the jubilee on July 6 of this year. To commemorate this unique occasion a jubilee dinner was given at the Savoy Tudor Hall and present members of the board, members of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives, representatives of the commercial, shipping, and local body interests were present to the number of approximately 100. The gathering was a highly successful and memorable one. Past and present employees were not overlooked in the matter of the celebrations, a social and dance being tendered by the board to the staff. There was a large attendance, and the function was of a happy and enthusiastic character. DEEPENING THE HARBOR.

During tile year the question of the deepening of the Lower Harbor from the Heads to Port Chalmers wharves to a depth of 40ft, and the dredging of the blind channel to a depth of 40ft, to enable vessels to come straight up to the wharves (thereby cutting out the bend at Dciborah Bay), was considered. As an outcome it was decided that, as the improvements suggested require the services of an up-to-date dredge, the engineer submit a report to the board as to the necessity, cost, and style of a now dredge. This report was awaited. At the October 31 meeting a concise history of the works undertaken to improve the harbor entrance, and the results attained thereby, from Sir John Goode’s time (1884) to the present time, was submitted by Mr E. Roberts, C.E., an ex-member of the board. .Mr Roberts urged that there was only one way to make the harbor a first-class one, and that was to carry out the original designs of Sir John Coode in their entirety. The engineer and harbor master submitted their comments thereon, and the hoard gave the whole matter careful consideration, finally deciding that Mr Roberts bo thanked for his communication, and the engineer be asked to submit an estimate as to the cost and manner of raising (he mole at the entrance. SHED AOCOMMODATION.

The work of providing further shed accommodation lias been continued during the year. The construction of the new Q and Qa sheds was completed in Juno, and reflects credit on the engineer and his constructional staff. Further accommodation is to bo provided by (ho placing of doors on Qa shed, making it a closed shed. A commencement has been made with the new reinforced concrete shed at the Kitchener street wharf. This wharf iias long lacked the provision of necessary shed accommudal inn. SUPER AN N CATION SUE EME.

“It A becoming jnm>asiiigslv recognised,” stated the Chairman, “ that employees who have given loyal service during the larger portion of their lives should not be reduced to a state of penury when no longer able to work efficiently. It must surely lie a stimulus for the best of service when an employee, realises that if, during Ids days of vigor and enthusiasm, lie is giving of his best, he is making provision and is being assisted to make provision for the time when he will require to make room for otluvs. 1 suggest that in almost all instances, and as an economic principle, it is desirable that employees of any corporate ibody should retire at certain fixed ages. If employees are to hold down their positions for all time, so to speak, regardless of the degree of eltioiency they are able to exercise, well, then, there is a reduced incentive for the youthful employee or the one of more advanced years. These and other views were advanced by our secretary in a minute which he submitted to the board on May 26 recommending the inauguration of a superannuation scheme. A special committee was set up, and after considering the matter exhaustively recommended the adoption of a scheme for the permanent staff, under the National Provident. Hoard. The maximum pension is £3OO, on the usual 60th.s basis. The working details are receiving attention, and the scheme will be brought into operation early in tho now year.” TAIAROA HEAD LIGHT.

’file icport stated that the hoard entered into an arrangement, with the Marine Department with respect to the maintenance of the. Taiaroa Head light and fog signal for a trial period of six mouths. At the expiry of tins term the Marine Department cancelled this agreement on the plea that it was too costly, and offered to enter into a now agreement at a reduced rate. The hoard’s delegates to the Harbor? Conference, waiter on the Minister of .Marine (Hon. G. J. Anderson), with the result that a payment of a, slightly more satisfactory commensurate sum to the stall was accepted. 'Che question of lighting by electricity was under consideration by I lie engineer, and a report on this subject would be forthcoming early in the year. The report was received.