THE OLD PILOT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 7566, 12 May 1919, Page 4

THE OLD PILOT.

HARBOUR BOARD CHAIRMAN-

SHIP

MR. A. G. BIGNELL RE-ELECTED

On Friday evening, Mr. A. G. Bignell was re-elected chairman of the Wanganui Harbour Board by unanimous vote of the members.

He was nominated by Mr. O. E. Maekay, who said the general public did not realise the excellence of Mr. Bigneil's services and the difficulties he had been laced with. Now, however, the dredge was on its way but, the loan had been carried and peave was at hand. The pilot who had brought them safely [through past years would now bring them safely to port. The seconder was Mr. J. B. Murray, [who congratulated Mr. Bignell on the 'way he had filled the position. In returning thanks Mr. Bignell said he took a wry keen interest in ih* harbour works, and, rightly or wrongly, jhe had always done what he considered was best in the interests of the port. The Board had justification for its actions in the past. He was pleased to welcome an old member m Mr. Meuli back to the Board. He had given the Board valuable assistance in the past. He was also pleased to welcome Capt. Holm ti assist the Board in carrying out the work. His practical knowledge should make him a very valuable and useful member.

Proceeding, thp chairman said the Boftrtl wn* in a splendid position to go on actu rely with ail the work. Mr. Sutherland was ready to go ahead with the extension of the mole.s, td open the quarry nnd complete the basin wall. Until the dredge came certain work' could not be done, but still there was a lot that could be done. There was sum* cient iraterial for the construction of tho mole, more material had been bought at Greymouth, and the plant was sufficient for present needs. There was nr> reason why the harbour works should not go on with all possible speed, and the Board was in the gratifying position to offer returning soldiers work. In conclusion the chairman said ne took it as a compliment to the Board's policy thai the old members, with one exception, hfid been returned at the recent poll. The endorsement of the lonn by the ratepayers was most satisfactory and unique'in the annals of loan proposals in Wanganui. Mr. MeulV and Capt. Holm also returned thanks. The latter enid his only reason in standing wn.s to expedite the work. Tf they found him ns good n member as he intended to be he wonlil ■be like Caesar's wife—above repro;u;h.