Chairmen of Harbour Boards.

Southland Times, Issue 14815, 17 December 1900, Page 3

Chairmen of Harbour Boards.

«. TO THE EDITOtt. Sir, — As one who has some knowledge of the responsibilities devolving upon the officials referred to above, I freely endorse the remarks of Mr U. McFarlane in this morning's Times regarding the exceptional way they are treated in the matter of compensation for the time and services they bestow to the functions incidental to their positions. But few of those engaged in ordinary business occupations would care to sacrifice personal engagements in the punctual, disinterested, and efficient way that Mr Mitchell has performed his duties as Chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board for so many years without adequate compensation tberefor. There appears no reasonable grounds for withholding from Harbour Joards' chairmen emoluments similar to those allowed mayors of boroughs, chairmen of county councils and presiding officers of other public bodies. It is a noticeable defect in the clause of the Harbours Act relating to the election of chairmen, and it would appear to have been framed for the special behoof of what are known as the " leisured " class of society. lam informed that in the present state of the law no vote of the Board in the direction indicated would be allowed by the Auditor-General, but inasmuch as a large majority of the present members of the Bluff Harbour Board are residing at long distances from the port — the regular place for holding their meetings — and have often to visit it at personal inconvenience, ami as each naturally looks to occupy the position of chairman some day, they might appropriately take the initiative of moving to have the law so amended as to place these officials on an equal footing in the matter of compensation for their services with those of other representative bodies. I presume the proper course to adopt would be to eotnmuuicate with kindred institutions in other parts of the colony with the view of united action to abolish the present anomalous state of the law on the subject. If that be done I am of opinion that a satisfactory solution of the question would be arrived at during next session of Parliament.— l am, etc., VV. Craio. 15th Dec.