ENGINEER'S LAUNCH

Northern Advocate, 19 January 1922, Page 5

ENGINEER'S LAUNCH

HARBOUR BOARD DISCUSSION,

DEFERRED FOR A MONTH.

When the matter of purchase of a launch for the engineer cropped up at this morning's meeting of the Whangarei Harbour Board it was mentioned by Colonel Mackesy that another boat than the Kumi had been offered at a lower price, but Messrs Patterson and Drever . both stated that this boat was unsuitable for the Board's purposes. Referring to the Kumi, the engineer, Mr W. M. Fraser, said that the engine was a 20 h.p. one and he felt that a smaller engine would be satisfactory. Otherwise the boat was sound and suitable for the work. He suggested that the Board should agree to purchase a launch and leave over the question of which boat it should be for consideration by a committee. The chairman said that it was apparent that a launch should be bought for the engineer's use, and Mr Mclnnes also favoured that as being cheaper than paying hire. Mr Mclnnes moved that the Board purchase a launch, and that a committee should inspect launches offering. Mr Mackesy said that at the back of his head he still wondered whether another launch was really needed. If it was essential that the engineer should have a launch for his own use then he should have it. The engineer stated that the upkeep of a launch for his use would be very little, and the boat would be a good asset, though Colonel Mackesy said that that was doubtful, as it was in the case of land recently. It might be hard to sell. After further discussion upon various aspects of the engineer's work, Colonel Mackesy stated tha.t he felt that he did not like to be driven and also that Mr Fraser had been running the Board. If ho Teally needed a launch, he should certainly have it. Finally it was decided to leave the subject in abeyance for another month.