OAMARU HARBOUR MASTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26200, 10 July 1946, Page 3

OAMARU HARBOUR MASTER

METHOD OF APPOINTMENT CRITICISM OF PROCEDURE When the matter of arranging an interview with Mr C. A. Barker, of Westport, in connection with the appointment of a harbour master for the port came before the Oamaru Harbour Board yesterday, Mr J. B. Chapman said he had heard some criticism on the street about Mr Barker's visit, suggesting that bis personality would have some influence on his appointment. „ , The chairman (Mr W. M. Cooper) said the board was standing by its policy made at a special meeting, when it was decided to have an interview with the applicant. Mr D. S. Bain said a full board had insisted on a personal interview, and they were not going to appoint a harbour master without one. Mr A. C. McLelland: Was he really appointed harbour master? » The chairman: Subject to his meeting the board. „ . „ . „„„. Mr McLelland: It is the first I ve heard of Mr Barker being appointed Mr Bain asked for the minute to be read, and the secretary (Mr T. J. Guthrie) read a minute stating that the board had agreed to meet Mr Barker and that an appointment would then be considered. Mr G. P. Cuttriss supported Mr Chapman and said they could not afford to ignore public criticism. They were out to secure commendation. Captain Barker was second officer at Westport, he said, and he understood that the harbour master there would be retiring shortly and that Captain Barker could step into that position. " Would we have a harbour master for 18 months or one indefinitely? he asked. If Captain Barker’s credentials are desirable, then he should be appointed. “ Was the board employing Captain Barker or was Captain Barker employing tne board? ” he asked. Mr W. E. Aubrey asked whether if Captain Barker met the board and his credentials or personality did not appeal, his appointment would not be made. Mr Cooper- The position is quite fair and we want a friendly understanding. So far as Captain Barker is concerned his credentials are in order. Alleged Salary Increase Oiler Mr McLelland: Was not the real reason for the invitation that Captain Barker found the salary offered too small? There was a move on for some time and he was asked to come for a larger sum. The chairman: Who made the offer? It wasn’t I. , , x Mr McLelland: I’m not saying, but why were new applications not called for with a salary commensurate with the position? Mr Cooper said the four applications had been considered and Captain Barker’s was the one decided upon. It was decided that the board meet Captain Barker on Thursday, July 11. at 2.30 p.m. Admission of Press Later in the meeting Mr Cuttriss moved that the interview with Captain Barker on Thursday be taken in open meeting. Mr J. B. Chapman seconded the motion. Mr A. MacMillan said he would like to see the meeting taken in committee. The last harbour master saw the report of his appointment in the newspaper, and in fairness to the applicant he would, not like an open meeting. Mr Cooper said he was in favour of everything being open to the press. They could invite the press and anything which was desirable not to be made public would be deleted upon request to the press representatives. Mr Chapman said that Mr MacMillan’s fears were too groundless. By proceeding behind closed doors they were only causing resentment. Mr C. J. Dugdale was in favour of an open meeting “If any member of the board said anything dissenting, he would have to ‘ carry the baby.’ With the admission of the press, he would ‘ curb his tongue ’ and not voice opinions which would antagonise the public.” Mr Cuttriss: If we want ot gain the confidence of the public we will have to take the public into our confidence. Mr Williams was in favour of the admission of the press, but he said that they were dealing with other people who might not want their business in the press.

Mr Bain said the interview was a matter between the man and the board and should be taken in committee.

The motion was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.