The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1938. Harbour Board Chairmanship

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1938, Page 4

The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST”

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1938. Harbour Board Chairmanship

Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper

MR. J. A. I'TNLAYSON, who was re-elected chairman of the Whangarei Harbour Board, stated that next year lie will expect the board to appoint, another member as chairman. He takes the unselfish view that ‘‘a man can be long enough in the .chair,” and would have retired from the chairmanship this year but for the fact that the hoard’s policy was attacked at the recent elections, and he feels an obligation to maintain the continuity of that policy following its endorsement by the electors.

Northland is fortunate in having public men who are actuated by the spirit of public service, and not by selfish ambitions, or the desire for personal prominence. In the ease of Mr Finlayson, it can be said that no man could have devoted himself more sincerely than he has done to the important ideals of providing for Northland a deep-water port with all the facilities for handling both inward and outward cargo. Considerable progress has been made towards this objective, but much remains to be done, and, whatever’Mr Finlayson’s personal feelings in the matter, the public may not wish him to retire from the generalship until the work is further advanced.

The port of Whangarei has now reached a critical stage in its development, and it is fortunate that the new board assumes office with si elear-eut mandate as to the line it is expected to take. The question of road access to the Port Whangarei wharf, provision of facilities for motor trucks, and the question of storage shed accommodation there —these are matters which demand early decision. The first impulse in .the process of attracting overseas vessels to Whangarei with cargo has to come from local consignees, and they should be given every possible encouragement.

In the meantime, Mr Finlayson is to he congratulated on his re-election to the chair, and on having associated with him a board which may be expected to co-operate to the fullest extent in performing a very important work. The progress of Northland in general, and of Whangarei in particular, hinges to a great extent on the successful development of the port. The board is fortunate in having an experienced chairman and a capable staff. Pastdifferences should now be forgotten in a united effort on the lines approved by the electors on May 11.