GREY HARBOUR

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1938, Page 8

GREY HARBOUR

New Board Meets MR J. RYALL ELECTED CHAIRMAN. The newly-constituted Greymouth Harbour Board met last evening for the first time, when there were present: Messrs W. Clayton, J. B. Kent, P. J. McLean, J. A. Murdoch, J. Mulcare, G. Perry, J. Smeaton, and A. H. McKane. Mr McLean was voted to the chair. Notifications of elections of new members were received as follows:--Greymouth Borough, Messrs P. J. McLean and J. B. Kent; combined districts of R.unanga and Brunner Bojoughs, Mr J. Smeaton; combined districts of Hokitika, Kumara, and Ross Boroughs, Mr G. Perry; Inangahna County, Mr W. Clayton; Grey County, Messrs J. Mulcare and ,1. Ryall; Westland County, Mr J.„A. Murdoch. The Hon. Minister of Marine forwarded notification of the appointment of Mr A. H. McKane as a member of the board from May 18, 193 K until the last Wednesday in April 1941.

On the motion of Messrs Clayton and McKane, the chairman’s honorarium was fixed at £lOO per year, the same as previously. JVllr Murdoch nominated Mr McLean for the chairmanship, the motion being seconded by Mr Perry. In nominating Mr Ryall, Mr Clayton said that he had in mind the long services of Mr Ryall and his qual fixations for the position. There had been only a small number of chairmen over many years, and he thought that the principle was wrong, and that others should be given the opportunity of holding the chair. Some had been members for 25 years without having the chance to become chairman.

Seconding the motion, Mr Smeaton said that he agreed entirely with Mr Clayton that after a rean had held the chairmanship for so long a period it was up to the board to give others an opportunity. He would admit the fine work of Mr McLean over a long period, and he hoped the fact of his supporting Mr Ryall would not interfere with their friendship of many years. Mr Ryall had the qualifications and had very long service on other local bodies, particularly the County Council. Mr McLean’s nomination was supported by Messrs Perry, Murdoch, McLean and Kent, whilst. Messrs Mulcare, Ryall, Smeaton, McKane, land Clayton voted for Mr Ryall, who was elected by 5 votes to 4. Mr McLean, in congratulating Mr Ryall, said that he thought with his own 22 years of service that he should place himself in the hands of the board. He appreciated Mr Clayton's reference to the office being a rolling one, and he could assure the members that he had no feeling against any of them. The old board members had always been loyal to him and given him their support. The board had an efficient office staff, and had great responsibility, as Greymouth was the only port in a very extensive area. It was for the board to keep the port open and efficient. He thanked those who had supported him. Mr Ryall had a lot of experience. He thanked Mr Ryall and the other members of the old board for their assistance at all times, and said that he thought he had given a pretty good record after 22 years’ service.

Thanking the board for electing him. Mr Ryall said that he could only promise to do his best to deserve their confidence. He agreed that the office should go round and that everyone should have a term. He welcomed the newly-elected members and Mr McKane, and felt sure that he would have their hearty co-opera-tion in carrying out his duties as chairman.

Mr Murdoch congratulated Mr Ryall on his appointment, and said that there was a good deal of sound commonsense used by the mover and seconder, and he knew that the conditions obtained when he was formerly a member of the board. He felt sure that the harmonious relationships of the past would continue to exist and that the members would have the chairman’s co-operation and sympathy. On the motion of Mr Murdoch and the chairman. Mr McLean's services were recorded in the minutes.

Stating that it was necessary to have a town member as deputy-chair-man, Mr Kent proposed Mr McKane. Mr Kent declined nomination. Mr Mulcare moved and Mr McLean, seconded the nomination of Mr Clayton. Mi- Mulcare said that it was not important that the deputy-chairman should reside in town, as it was easy to get hold of country members. Mr Perry said that quick communi-! cation and the telephone had greatly, overcome the objections of the past. Mr McKarrt withdrew his nomination, and Mr Clayton was elected. I Mr Clayton suitably returned thanks. I On the motion of the chairman and Mr McLean the whole board was elected to constitute the finance com- 1 mittee. . | A motion by Mr McKane that the chairman be chairman of finance lapsed, and on the motion of Messrs McLean and Murdoch, Mr Clayton was appointed.., I Mr Smeaton declined nomination. | The second Wednesday in each month was fixed for meeting night, 1 on the motion of Messrs Perry and Smeaton. 1 | Messrs McLean and Murdoch were elected to the Westland Centennial. Executive. I On Mr Murdoch’s motion, the secretary was instructed to procure copies of the Greymouth Harbour Act and regulations for each member. I Mr Kent asked if anything been done about the conference with the Borough Council regarding the Blaketown “Frog Pond.” If the board facilitated the conference, it would be a help to all. !

The chairman said that as the board was new, all members should pay a visit to the board’s works. They could then meet the Borough Council on the spot. Mr Smeaton said that it would be the only way to finalise the matter. They could nevex- reach an agreement, round the table. I It was decided that the board meet for an inspection of works at 2 p.m. on the next meeting date. | Mr Murdoch said that he had seen complaints in .the papers about the cost of leases. He asked if anything had been done about the matter. • The chairman said that it had been fixed up.