NESON HARBOR BOARD.

Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10974, 14 March 1904, Page 2 (Supplement)

NESON HARBOR BOARD.

MR. GRAHAM, M.H.W., REELEOTED CHAIRMAN. From Colonist, Marc'- 2nd. A- statutory meeting of I'.ie Nelson Harbor Board was held at the Municipal Buildings yesterday morning, the ordinary monthly m afcing followed. There were present: Messrs J. Graham M.H.R., B. McKenzie M.H.R., Finney, Hanby, eield, and Hon. F. Trask. A telegvm apology was received froii Mr T. Best, who was too unwell to be pre?- at, and Mr Talbot was reported to b< ailing. ELECTION OF CH/ s RMAN. The Clerk (Mr R. C. Pitley) having taken the chair, inv.,nd nominations for the position i i Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Trask moved thai Ir Graham be re-elected chairman. '• 'Te said that Mr Graham had had ir -cc years of worry and trouble in t; office, and it would, without doubi. be gratifying to him to have one > . ir, at least, at the end of which he :ould look back and say that matter had gone smoothly, and that it had been a pleasure to him to occuj y the chair, he was sure that this V ould afford the members much gratis -jajbion also. There was every indieati n that the troubles of the past were swept aside, with one exception, tb-re being a little trouble still existing, but that he felt sure would be ovorcome with satisfaction to the Board, if not to all concerned. The Board was engaged carrying out a work for the benefit of the public, that was their sole aim, and not one of them wished to do injury to anyone. Without wshing to unduly eulogise the Chairman, he could say that Mr Graham had given his very best services'to the Board, and had carried out his duties fairly and well. He hoped that the year ensuing would see the work carried forward pleasantly and expeditiously. . Mr Hanby said that he had great pleasure for the third time seconding the nomination of Mr Graham for re-election. Every member must endorse the remarks of Mr Trask as to the hard and worrying time the Board, and the Chairman especially, had experienced. Mr Graham had displayed great- staying power in sticking to things as he had in circumstances. All difficuties had so far been overcome, and he hoped that the future held none in store, and that the coming year would be, if more eventful, les3 troublesome than the past. Mr McKenzie, in supporting the motion, said that a new institution, like new machinery, could not be started without some friction. As far as his observations went, Mr Graham had given satisfaction in the chair, and it would be to the disadvantage of the Board to make a change, in fact he did not know any other member of the Board so well fitted for the position. Personally he thought Mr Graham's great energy made him too anxious to push forward, and it would be better for himself and for the Board if he was not so anxious, but he believed Mr Graham had given general satisfaction in the district. Too much attention should not be taken of the statements of irresponsible persons regarding matters of which they could not be really well informed. He believed that the Chairman had really tried to do his best for the people and the district. No other nomination being forthcoming, Mr Catley declared Mr Graham elected, taking the opportunity of gratefully referring to the assistance Mr Graham had given him in inducting him into his office. Mr Graham said that he heartily thanked members for his re-election for the fourth time as Chairman, and more heartily still for the kind manner in which the proposition had been moved and received. As had been stated, it was simply impossible to get an institution of the kind into proper running order without some friction. There had been troubles, but he was glad that he had bad the hearty co-operation of members in carrying out his work. The work the Board was engaged upon was something not attempted before, and there had been delays, and a considerable time occupied in preparations; and friction was apparently unavoidable. He could say that he had given the same attention to the business of the Board that he would to his own, and of course he had been anxious, and had done more work than perhaps some of the members were aware of. However, he felt that there would ; be less of this in the future, and there was now more assistance. The Board was exceptionally fortunate in its officers. Mr Barrowman, the foreman, was a man with life long experience in his work, and could not be excelled in the Colony. Mr Bruce, the dredgemaster, was also a i first class man, who ungrudgingly devoted much time and attention to the Board's work. Mr Catley, the newly appointed secretary, too, was a most obliging and gentlemanly \ officer, who would soon have everything at his finger ends. With regard to himself, he had at first declined appointment, having no intention when he assisted to get the bill through the House of being a member of the Board. However, he was very glad that he had afterwards consented to appointment, and been able to a3sisfc the Board in the difficulties that had followed. Things were now going smoothly, but it would be necessary for the Board to study ways and means before the works were finished, as it did not seem likely that the cost could be kept within the amount the Board were led to believe. What would be done would be done economically, and whatever the cost, there would not be any mis-spent money. He thanked the Board for their assistance and courtesy, and would say. with regard to the public that many whose intentions were in the direction of assisting had not done so, as they were acting in ignorance, members of the Board being the only persons properly acquainted with the business that had occupied the'attenfeion of the Board.