PATEA HARBOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 107, 9 May 1933, Page 9

PATEA HARBOUR

PROGRESS REPORTED OFFICIALS’ ANNUAL REPORT At the monthly meeting of the Patea Harbour Board yesterday, the annual reports from the chairman, Mr A. T. Christensen, and tho secretary, Mr E. O. Horner, were submitted. As Mr Christensen, stated in speaking to the reports, the year had been a good one, the board showing a profit of £4OO on tho year’s workings. This was very commendable, when it was known that .very few boards were able to show a i profit at the end ot’ this financial year. 1 The Patea Board was not going backiwards, and as soon as the depression lifted it was going to make even more rapid progress, and fully combat the rivalry of the road and rail traffic. Despite the continuation of the depression, stated tho chairman’s report, tho general account is well up to that of other years, the receipts being greater, and the expenses being much the same as last year, resulting in a profit on the year’s workings. Rates have again come in remarkably well, with the result that outstandings are reasonably low. Our Hawera collector continues to do excellent work. Trade has been very satisfactory, and despite the shipping dispute the number of visits made by boats trading to the port has increased, and also the amount of export* trade has been well up to the usual, while import trade is still very fair. One lease expires during the coming year, and it is presumed that there will be keen •competition for it. The board has written off as depreciation a similar amount to that of last year, as our estimated assets are now unduly Inflated.

The secretary reported: The revenue of tho port is still well maintained and everything is working very satisfactorily. the year’s activities showing a small profit. The imports arc unfortunately still decreasing but this is accounted for by the depression and tho lesser importations are in evidence at all ports, but the increase in exports here more than balances this deficiency. The cost of the working of the dredge has again been small as compared with the cost of past years, but the berths and channel have been kept in firstclass order, in fact tho depths everywhere have never been better. Experience has shown that if the leakage through the walls is arrested, the depths will be maintained much more easily, thus allowing for better shipping. Considering tho unsatisfactory financial times through which we are

passing, the. board must consider itstlf very fortunate in the satisfactory manner in which the rates have been paid. Finally, J have again to thank the members for their vlose and constant attention and support, and also the clerk. th 0 harbourmaster and the other members of the staff for the faithful manner in which thev have carried out their respective duties.