HOKIANGA HEADS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20900, 16 June 1931, Page 10

HOKIANGA HEADS.

SUSPENSION OF SIGNALLING. NO NEED FOR ANXIETY. COUNCIL MANAGER'S COMMENT. The protests forwarded to the Minister of Marine, the Hon. J. B. Donald, as a result of the publication in tho New Zealand Herald on Friday of a statement that owing to tho necessity for economy in Government expenditure tho Marine Department had decided to abolish the position of harbourmaster at Hokianga Heads and lo discontinue the signalling services, were the subject of comment yesterday by Mr. It. B. Russell, manager of the ITokianga County Council. Mr. Htiss?ll stated that there need be no undue anxiety about tho possibility of the signal service or any other essential service at Hokianga being eliminated. "Negotiations are proceeding between the Marine Department and the local body for the adjustment of some items of inlomp previously collected by the department," Mr. Russell added. "J am of the opinion that no insurmountable difficulties lie in the way to prevent the establishment of a local harbour board, which would be prepared to give adequate and lifficient services as demanded by the requirements of shipping using the harbour, [t should bo remembered that in all cases where control has been transferred tlieio liave been many things to adjust and many items requiring consideration." Mr. Russell said it was to bo regretted that the impression had been created that the Marine Department was dropping its responsibilities without endeavouring to provide an effectivo substitute. Emphatic messages of protest wero forwarded from Auckland to the Minister of Marine on Friday from tho Auckland Merchant Service Guild, the Seamen's Union and tho two shipping companies affected by the decision. It was stated on the announcement of the proposed discontinuance of the services at Hokianga that the Marino Department was prepared to hand over to tho Hokianga County Council at a nominal rental the lighthouse reserve and the two cottages, also the entrance light. The council was further informed that if it was agreeable to undertake the responsibilities of a harbour board, it would be vested with tho requisite powers. This arrangoment would enable the council to levy shipping for any services rendered. Tho council then decided to seek further information before making a decision.

The secretary of the Merchant Service Guild, Captain B. Burk, yesterday received word from Mr. Donald that the negotiations with the County Council were in progress. Captain Burk said this was not very reassuring, seeing that the harbourmaster at Hokianga was under notice of transfer and it had not been announced

who was to succeed him. In consequence Captain Burk despatched a message to the Minister asking if he would give his assurance that the harbourmaster would not be removed until the arrangements between the Marine Department and County Council were completed and a qualified successor appointed.