EFFECT OF WAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21529, 16 December 1939, Page 8

EFFECT OF WAR

Harbour Board Attitude Policy To Remain Unchanged "It is to be regretted that the close of the year saw our Nation embarked on war again after a space of some twenty years of peace,” remarked Mr W. T. Ritchie, chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board, in the review of the year’s operations which was presented at the Board meeting yesterday. “It is too soon to state how this new situation will affect the Board’s revenue and trade generally or to make any forecase as to the progress of the Harbour Improvement Scheme under a war economy.” continued Mr Ritchie. “It is certain that many problems will have to be met and solved in the coming year, but, in the meantime, it is sufficient to record that the policy Of the Board will be to make no outstanding changes until forced to do so and to maintain normality as long as possible. “Following on the outbreak of war and at the request of the Marine Department certain local organising and supervision work was undertaken and the services are being maintained by the Board without difficulty. “The Board resolved that should any members of the staff enlist or be called up into the armed forces their superannuation contributions would be paid by the Board during their absence and they would be restored to their positions on their return. The secretary, Major G. R. Lee. left for Burnham as a member of the New Zealand Special Force towards the end of September and he was replaced by Mr F. Oxford, retired Collector of Customs, in a temporary capacity. However, Major Lee returned to Timaru on leave in October owing to an indisposition and has resumed work until called up again.”