HARBOUR AFFAIRS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20489, 25 February 1941, Page 11

HARBOUR AFFAIRS

FEBRUARY MEETING HELD LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS POSTPONEMENT FAVORED A number of routine matters were dealt with by the Gisborne Harbour Board at its meeting to-day, which is intended to be the last monthly meeting for some time, according to a decision taken to hold meetings in alternative months from now on. Those present were Messrs. A. J. Nicol, chairman, I. J. Quigley, J. B. Broadhurst, C. Mills, H. J. F. Tombles.on, R. D. Dymock, M. Doyle, R'. Murray, W. R. Clark, J. E. Benson, M. T. Trafford, and W. G. Sherratt. The issue of local body elections for the current year was raised again by a letter from the Otago Harbour Board, which pointed out that the nation was now approaching a critical stage in the war, and that a division of the public opinion on local issuer should be avoided in these circumstances. Considerations of expediency and economy favoured a postponement of the elections, and continuity of policy was very necessary under such critical national and international circumstances. The chairman stated that the board had dealt with the matter last July, when it had been decided that the board would, favour a postponement. Mr. Sherratt said he was in favour of holding the elections, and he thought the majority of local bodies also would favour that view. He moved that the board approve the principle of holding an election. Mr. H. J. F. Tombleson seconded the motion, on the grounds that board members should not ask the Government to extend their term of office without reference to the ratepayers. An amendment was moved by Mr. TralTord, that the board reaffirm its previous decision in favour of postponement of local body elections for the duration of the war. He felt that if the board could save the ratepayers’ money, and avoid the disruption which would result from election campaigns, it was justified in its action. Mr. TrafYord's amendment, seconded by Mr. Broadhurst, was supported by all present with the exception of Messrs. Sherratt and Tombleson, and was carried. The works committee reported on an inspection of the seaward works, the results of which were described as “fairly satisfactory.” fender piling along the diversion wall was. closely inspected, and it was agreed that the works foreman's suggested renewal of parts of the lop waling could be deferred. The No. 4 wharf was visited, and steps ordered to prevent further damage to the oil tank pipe line through ships striking the wharf. The report was adopted.

The report of the secretary-manager, Mr. H. A. Barton, stated that during January the dredge A.C. was occupied for 171,1 hours, and lifted and dumped 10,400 tons of silt and sand. Trade returns for January showed that 4553 tons of cargo were handled, inwards over the wharves, as compared with 4278 tons for January of last year, and 3455 tons went outward, as compared with 2221 tons for the same month last year. For the four months ended January 31, 1941, the inward cargo totalled 19,472 tons, a decrease of 819 tons; and outward cargo 13,923 tons, an increase of 3961 tons. Revenue totalled £9BIB for the foui months, wharfages showing an increase of over £750, and the harbour improvement rate producing £1865, as against £I6OB for the same period last year. Ship charges were down by £454, on the other hand. The general improvement in revenue represented £512, this not including rent, £2452, and rates, £1365.

Expenditure for the month, including interest, sinking fund and bankcharges, was £36,243. Loan charge;? absorbed £30,750, the same as last year, grab dredging £1390. as against £IO9O, and general expenditure £4103, as against £4llO.

The report was adopted, the chairman commenting witli satisfaction upon the improvement in revenue.