HARBOUR BOARD

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 127, 24 May 1932, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD

THE NEW CHAIRMAN MR. T. M. GEDDIS ELECTED Mr T. M. Geddis was to-day unanimously elected chairman of the Namier Harbour Board. Mr Geddis was proposed by Mr P. F. Higgins without comment. In seconding tho nomination, Mr A. E. .Tull, M.P., said that Mr Geddis, although a young member on tho board, had always taken a. keen interest in the board’s activities. The position of chairman was not sinecure. Mr Geddis was entitled to the support and assistance of all tho members. Mr -Tull said ho hoped that members would keep in mind the fact that they were representative of all parts of a large district, and that tho board’s .interests would be fully looked after.

Mr R. McLean, in endorsing Mr .Tull’s remarks said that Mr Geddis had shown keenness and enthusiasm in all matters concerning tho board. Acknowledgment by Mr Geddis

“I have to thank members for the groat honour conferred upon me in being elected chairman,” said Mr Geddis. “Firstly, I would like to comment in a general way on the board’s activities for the coming year. The new board has come into office when tho economic conditions of the country have never been worse. A pleasing feature is that the trade of tho port has been on the increase during the current year. The period following the earthquake brought about changed conditions in the harbour which will demand an investigation and reconsideration of the board’s policy. During tho last few months siltation from flooding has created a problem, and tho board has been using its best efforts to prevent any injury to the facilities of the port. With tho changed conditions, board members arc not likely to embark on any major scheme without having a complete and thorough investigation made. When the report of such an in-

vestigation has been made known, the

question of embarking on a permanent policy will be given serious consideration. Once that policy has been decided upon I would like to see it carried out on a five or ten years’ plan, so that a certain amount of permanent work would bo steadily completed. The altered conditions due to the earthquake and the uplift that resulted, requires an immediate investigation by some expert engineer, and I strongly advise the board to obtain Government

advice and assistance in this respect. As far as tho internal ’ working of the hoard is concerned, I propose to familiarise myself w’ith tho board’s finances, and then set out a statement for the information of members and for the public. Tribute to Ex-Chairman In conclusion. Mr Geddis paid a tribute to the retiring chairman, Mr A. E. Jull, M.P. “Frankly, while I have nnt. agreed with Mr Jull on policy matters,” said Mr Geddis, “I feel that, ns chairman, he has set a standard that will be* difficult for his successors to maintain.” The members, ho said, wore pleased that Mr Jull had been reelected uopposed to the board. He valued his services greatly, and would look forward to his advice and assistance both on the hoard and in Parliament. “To-day secs a new era in harbour affairs. Let us act unitedly and in full co-operation, so that our efforts will bo gratifying to tho producers of the district, the importers and the town dwellers,” concluded Mr Geddis.