WHANGAREI HARBOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 20 September 1929, Page 11

WHANGAREI HARBOUR.

WORKS AND EXPENDITURE.

BOARD'S REPLY TO CRITICISM.

[BS TECEGIUPH.—OW2? COEEESPOSD23JT. 3 WHAJs GAB EI, Thursday.

Criticism of the operations of tie Wiangarei Harbour Board and tie expenditure vl its loan moneys has been expressed at several recent meetings of the Wiangarei Chamber of Commerce. At to-day's meeting of the Harbour Board it was reported that at the last meeting of the Chamber of Commerce the principal speaker, Mr. J. F. S. Brings, stated that in connection with the board's loan ez. pen ai t,lire the sum of £52,045 was an accounted for, and that on this point an explanation was due. He placed before the chamber a statement of expenditure. The secretary of tie board, Mr. W. M. Fraser, explained to-day that the representations made by Mr. Briggs were misleading and be submitted a summary of works and expenditure on account of" the bart>oar improvement loan of £120,003 as recorded in tie board's balance-sheets.

Tie tQtal expenditure was £107,966 7s Id and the balance on expended was £l?.{ly> l£s lid. The secretary further explained that legislative authority was obtained for all items of the expenditure and the board's; accounts were kept strictly in accordance with the Harbours Act and tie requirements of tie Audit Depariroent. In view -af. tins statement* made br~Mf. Br-frK. tie Chamber of Commerce wrote to the board asking that- the chairman be permit f-ed to address tie chamber on harbour matters. > "

After .considerable discission the beard decided to grra publication to a summary of assets and liabilities. revenue derivable from nort dues. reclamations and other sources, and cast .of dredging, building wharves, jetties and interest on leans. The board declined to permit its chairmas to address a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce on the eronnds that nil facts ware already available to the chamber. The board further decided to invite the council of the chamber to inspect the works of tbe board.