HARBOUR AFFAIRS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11194, 27 April 1922, Page 3

HARBOUR AFFAIRS

THORNDON RECLAMATION AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL BODIES' FINANCE ACT. SOME “DRASTIC” CLAUSES. / A. meeting of the Wellington Harbour Board was held last evening. Present: Messrs J. Gr. Harkness (chairman), C. M. Turrell, C. E. Daniell, T. Moss, U. J. B. Norwood, G. Mitchell, J. Lenchars, H. D._ Bennett, W. M. Welch, J. G. Cobbe, and! Mr G. Mitchell, M.P. LEAVE .OF ABSENCE. Mr J. B. McEwen wrote that he would shortly be leaving New Zealand for «• period of eight or ten months, and asking for leave of absence. This wae granted, on the motion of the chairman. FINANCE, The following credit balances were reported:—Current account, £194 19e 9d; imprest account, £4490 9s 4d; on iixea deposit, £IIB,OOO. Accounts submitted for payment wore:—lnterest, accounts, claims and wages, £30,026 2s Id; progress payments on contracts, £6702 Is 9d; salaries for April, 451643 16s; total, £38,371 19s lOd. TENDERS. The chairman reported that the tender of Messrs E. \V. Mills and Co., Ltd., for the supply and delivery of steel reinforcements for Fipitea wharf construction had been accepted at £3lll 17s 6d. The following tenders for annual supplies and services for the twelve nlonths ending March 31st, 1923, have been accepted. at schedule rates: —Removal of rubbish, D. Andrews; coal, A and C schedules, Westport Coal Company, Limited; coal, D schedule, D. Andrews; cartage, Miunt, Cottrell and Co., Ltd. GREATER THORNDON RECLAMATION.

A letter from Mr J. Marchbanke (engineer) stated that arrangements had\ been put in hand for the survey. woric required in connection with the greater Thorndon reclamation work. The survey would be made by Mr F. McLean, chief engineer of the New Zealand Railways, assisted by Mr Dowell, an officer from the department, and Mr K. T. Jenson, assistant engineer of the Pipitea wharf. The chairman said the work had already been commenced. Mr Welch asked what right had the Central Progress League or any other body to interfere with the work of the Harbour Board. The chairman: I don’t know that they have interfered with our work. Mr Welch: We can carry on, our work without the Central Progress League or any other body directing what we should do. Mr Mitchell: Nonsense. Mr Bennett: They are trying to assist. Mr Cobbe said he was jrlad to eee the people of Wellington waking up. GOVERNMENT CONTROL NECESSARY. The Hastings Borough Council forwarded a copy of the letter which they had circulated throughout the country in reference to the Local Bodies’ Finance Act. Mr Bennett eaid the Act had been subjected to a good deal of debate by local bodies. It might have some faults, and' there might be distasteful features, but it was time the Government stepped in .and made some amendments to the finance of local bodies. The finance of the country had got almost out of hand. The letter, however, did not raise any new points that had not been discussed. He proposed that the letter bo received. Mr Moss thought there need be no hurry in dealing with a matter of suchimportance. Mr Daniell observed that there were .some local bodies which had a number of accounts, and had not kept a strict watch on them, and it was necessary for the country that some check should be kept on them. There would be beneficial results from this law, and the grip of the Treasury was wanted over administration generally. The Act would not affect the Harbour Board. The chairman: It does affect us, just as it affects any other body. Mr Daniell said he meant . that the Harbour Board handled. their accounts in a different way to local authorities. • The chairman said he agreed with the general principles underlying the Act, although there were details which might require revision, Clauses which were too drastic should be amended. On the proposal of Mr Moes, seconded by Mr Daniell, the 1 letter was referred to the finance committee for consideration and report. RECLAMATION AT THE HTJTT. Mr Welch asked if anything had been done with regard to reclamation at the Hutt. .

The chairman said that the Hutt River Board wrote some time ago, saying that certain works were to bo carried out, and plans were being submitted. No further communication had been received.