HARBOUR BOARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6730, 27 February 1900, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

A meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board M-as held at *ho Cathedral Square Offices at two o'clock this afternoon ; present—Messrs I. Gibbs (chairman), E. 6. Wright, A. Kaye, R. Pitcaithly, J- Connal, T. M'Clatchie,' W. Ratclifle, J. Hay, P. Waymouth, G. Laurenson, J. T. Brown » and W. Dunlop. The Chairman in nominating Mr E. GWright as chairman for the ensuing year, said that as dredging, and wharf building would have to be carried out, Mr Wright's knowledge of engineering work would be invaluable. Mr T. M'Clatchie seconded the nomination of Mr Wright, who had' always been a practical member of the Board in every capacity he had occupied. Mr A. Kaye did not see ihow they could improve on their present chairman. It , generally took a chairman one year to learn ■ has -work, and another year to do it. He , proposed that the Chairman should withdraw his motion. Mr Ratoliffe agreed with 1 what Mr Kaye i had said. " j Mr Gibbs hoped that Mr Kaye would, withdraw his nomination, as Mr Wright was j i one of the oldest members of the Board, and was thoroughly experienced. Mr Kaye Hoped that Mr Gibbs -would not •allow (his name to be withdrawn. Mr Gibbs was sure that in. the interests of (the Board his name would be better withdrawn. ""•* Mr Wright said that he had held the position of chairman for two years, out of the twenty-two years during which he had been a member. If his proposer and seconder would allow him, he was prepared to withdraw in favour of Mr GibTjs. If otherwise, the matter had better go to a division. Further discussion ensued, after which Mr Kaye declined to withdraw his motion. Mr Gibbs said that, if elected, he would resign. It was open to them to nominate anyone else. Mr Kaye then asked Mr Wright to withdraw. The Chairman, protested against this. It seemed to him that one man was blocking the whole business of the Board. Mr Pitcaithly considered this was hardly fair to Mr Kaye. Mr Gibbs said he wished to be relieved from the chairmanship, which involved very heavy work. P V. W , a y mouth said he w °uld like to see Mr Gibbs retain the position of Chairman, as he had to bear whatever odium had attached tr> the delayed arrival of the ™ge, a s.d he (Mr Waymouth) considered that Mr Gibbs should remain to reap the fruition of his endeavours after bearing all the worry and brunt of the matter. Mr Wright said that Mr Gibbs knew perfectly well that he (Mr Wright) would not 6tand in the way of Mrs Gibbs occupying the chair. Personally he (Mr Wright) would withdraw if his proposer and Be-, conder would allow him t* do so. He must say, however, that Mr Kaye's action in canvassing the members of the Board beforehand on the matter was at least a new departure from the previous action of any member of the Board. Mr Kaye said he would only give the remarks about canvassing the notice they deserved. Peeling, as he did, that Mr Gibbs was the best chairman tie Board could have, he (Mr Kaye), thought the matter should go to a division, and then if Mr Gibbs, after being elected, chose to resign, no one could help that. , Mr Connal suggested that Messrs Gibbs and Wright ehould witbaraw, temporarily, and settle the matter themselves. It was placing the members of the Board in an invidious position to ask them to decide as matters were. It was futile to ask a- person to stand who said that, if elected* he would resign. Mr Kaye objected to the proposed compromise. ; Mr Dunlop rose to a point of order, and asked if a person could be nominated without his consent. Mr Laurenson agreed with Mr Dunlop. The Chairman then ruled Mr Kaye's amendment out of order.. . Mr Kaye said he had Mr Gibbs's coßsent 'to stand as chairman, and he had merely done his best to secure the best man. Mr' Gibbs said he had given no such promise. The Chairman then declared Mr E. G. Wright elected. Wright thanked the Board for his election, and said that his being a country . member would not interfere with his usefulness, as his house was connected with the Telephone Exchange. He had opposed the purchase of a second dredge until he saw that this was absolutely necessary, but he fully realised the fact that the harbour had been originally designed for sailing vessels, and that .better accommodation for ocean going steamers was needed. He again thanked them. Mr Kaye said that now Mr Wright had been duly elected chairman he might reckon on his (Mr Kaye's) hearty support. (Left sitting.)