AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD EXPENDITURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8986, 25 February 1888, Page 5

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD EXPENDITURE.

In order that it may be seen that when the salaries of the Harbour Board officials were under discussion, a number of the members were of opinion that considerable reductions might be effected, wo give a brief report of what took place. At the ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board, on December 13th, the question of fixing the salaries of the Board's officials for the ensuing year was discussed. The Chairman said ho saw no necessity for change, and ho therefore proposed that the salaries for tho ensuing year should be tho same as they were last year. Mr. LaRfiCHE seconded.

Mr. McKenzie moved, as an amendment, "That the salaries should be referred to the Finance and Legal Committee, to report next week." It was just as necessary to retrench in the Harbour Board as in the other departments of the Civil Service. If tho Board were conducted as a private concern, considerable reductions would be offected.

The Chairman suggested that the matter should be considered by the Board. Mr. T. Henderson moved, " That the Board go into committee to consider the question." The motion was seconded by the Mayor, and carried, and the Board accordingly resolved into committee.

It was then moved, " That the salary of the secretary and treasurer bo reduced by £100."

This motion was seconded, bub on being put to the vote was rejected by a majority of two. The salary of the .secretary and treasurer, therefore, remained at £600, and that of the clerks i a tho office was passed without dissent.

When the payment of officials in the engineer's department was under consideration, however, Captain McKenzie moved, " That the engineer's department be abolished altogether." Ho thought that the Board would not for some time be called upon to undertake any engineering works of magnitude, and they could, therefore, dispense with the services of tho engineer. This motion was seconded, and an animated discussion ensued. Some of tho members were opposed to the idea of abolishing the engineering department, and it was suggested that the position of chief engineer be offered to Mr. C. Laßocho, Mr. McGregor's assistant. Eventually, on the question being put, the vote for the engineer's department was carried without alteration.

Captain McKenzie then proposed, " That no chango bo made in tho other salaries." The motion was carried, and tho Board resumed, the action of the committee being formally confirmed.