INVERCARGILL HARBOR BOARD

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2723, 31 January 1910, Page 2

INVERCARGILL HARBOR BOARD

CHAIRMAN’S AXXC.H. ADDRESS. [Per Press Association.l INVERCARGILL, Jan. 29. The annual address was delivered by Mr R. A. Anderson (Chairman* of the Harbor Board) at the meeting yesterday. There had. he said, been a continuance of the steady expansion which had been manifest for many years past, and the receipts placed to the board’s credit during 1909 wore ahead of those of any previous year. The income had amounted to £25,740, being £792 in excess of that of 1908, which in turn was £2644 larger than that of 1907. Probably the increase would have been greater but for the occurrence towards the close of the year of the coal strike in Sydney, which restricted shipping operations, and affected the receipts of the hoard in common with other similar institutions. The increase of revenue .was principally in wharfage dues on exports .(£759), increases tin pilotage dues (£240), and port charges (£45) The collection of pilotage dues and port charges undertaken previously by the Customs department has this year been done by the board’s own staff, the amount being £7625. There is every indication that the current year will show a continued development! The collapse in the .frozen melt market reduced the exports of sheep and lambs, and as farmers were favorably situated with regard to feed 1 they were able to carry the stock which under ordinary conditions would have been sent away. M 00l shipments, therefore, are expected to show a substantial increase.