NO DIRECT SHIPMENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22289, 26 March 1947, Page 2

NO DIRECT SHIPMENT

POWER POLES FOR H.B. Criticism’ of the delay in the, shipment of poles to Napier and Gisborne from Australia was made by members of the Hawke’s Bay Electric-Power Board this week, when comment was passed on the fact that a consignment of poles due from Newcastle in February was still being awaited, despite a promise from the Shipping Controller for their transport. '‘lt seems to me that this country is suffering far more from orders-in-council than acts of God,” said Mr. M. S. Chambers, when commenting on the further endeavour made since the last meeting to obtain the timber controller’s permission to permit l the Port Tauranga to unload a direct shipment of poles at Napier and Gisborne. Referring to a suggestion from the Prime Minister, that the poles could be transhipped from a main port, the chairman, Mr. S. Ashcroft, pointed ou: that it would cost approximately £2 per pole extra to do this, which meant an ancrease to the board of £GOO. Owing to the congestion of shipping, delay on arrival would still remain. Mr. Ashcroft said that nothing could be done, but to have another lot of poles cut and await shipment from Grafton. Other material needed for the board’s reticulation scheme was available, added the chairman.