NAPIER HARBOURMASTER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VIII, Issue 215, 13 August 1918, Page 6

NAPIER HARBOURMASTER

BOARD WILL NOT APPEAL. MEN MUST GO.

At to-day’s Napier Harbour Board meeting the harbourmaster (Captain White Parsons R.N.R.), advised that he would probably’ have to go on active service again, and intimated that he intended to go before the Medical Board. The Naval Adviser had informed him that, if he was not essential he should again join the Navy.

Mr. W. Kinross "White moved that the board appeal for Mr. Parsons, and Mr. McCarthy seconded.

Mr. W. A. Chambers said the harbourmaster was not essential. He was a good man, but nothing should be done by the board to hold any man back! Sentiment should not stand in the way of winning the war.

Mr. A. E. Ju.ll (chairman) said he would ever be a party to an appeal for any man, even if it was the secretary or himself. He suggested that Mr. Parsons should be granted leave. Mr. White said they should not overlook the fact that Mr Parsons had already served. The chairman moved a resolution granting Mr. Parsons leave of absence.

Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion. Mr. Parsons had, he said, proved himself one of their best officers. Mr. Parsons himself wished to go and relieve some of those who were on active service.

The chairman’s motion was carried. and in the event of Captain White Parsons going on active service he will be granted leave of absence.