SEEKING AN ENGINEER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18888, 10 December 1924, Page 8

SEEKING AN ENGINEER.

Now that the report of the commission of inquiry into the collapse of the Western Wharf has been presented and .approved, public interest turns to the harbour's future. That future lies in the hands of the Harbour Board. It has authorised the work recommended by the commissioners as essential to avert a recurrence or extension of disaster. There is no room for doubt that the board will vigorously give effect to those recommendations. But upon another point some misgiving may very reasonably be felt. Will the salary that the board offers for a new engineer attract applicants of outstanding ability? The outgoing engineer's salary is £1050: the board has decided to offer his successor £1250. The disparity is too great, even in view of the fact that Mr. Hamer received increases on account of prolonged service, extending through twenty-one years, and the related certainty that his successor may expect similar increases. It is

doubtful whether £1250. will induce men of very high qualifications to apply- - That modest amount may not "event some exceedingly capable men from seeking the post. It is conceivable that among young engineers of brilliant capabilities and laudable ambitions there may be found some glad to accept appointment at the figure, because of the rise in status and responsibility that the post gives. The figure may prove big enough to attract engineers of minor ports and even assistant engineers of important harbours. But it may seriously limit the hoard's choice to men without first-rate experience, and at this juncture such a limitation should be avoided. Auckland should not be satisfied with any

appointment open to criticism as second-rate in any respect. There is here yet a harbour in the making, so far as its port facilities are con--cerned. Great as is its shipping, it is destined to become greater. Some splendid provision for this development has been made, but more must be made- The board's new engineer, however appreciative of what has been done, will find the care of present equipment only a small part of his task. Expert in technical knowledge, he will be called upon to exercise also vision and wisdom in policies of expansion. By setting so low a limit on the salary, the Harbour Board is reducing to a lottery its search for an adequately capable man. This risk should not be run. A review of this point, in the light of the approved adage about being penny wise and pound foolish, should at once be taken by the board.