BLUFF HARBOR BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3203, 26 April 1911, Page 2

BLUFF HARBOR BOARD.

ALTERATIONS IN THE STAFF.

{PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.!

INVERCARGILL, April 25. Since the Bluff Harbor Board resolved a month ago to give the whole of the pilot staff three months’ notice of the termination of their ■ engagement, and the chief pilot and harbormaster. Captain McDonald, a year’s leave of absence prior to the termination of his engagement, considerable interest has been evidenced by the residents of theBluff and others in what they considered to have been the too hasty action of the Board. At to-day’s meeting of the Board a motion was considered, which in effect would have amounted to a reinstatement of Captain McDonald as harbormaster. The previous resolution dealing with the staff was carried by the narrow margin of 5 to 4. To-day the Chairman (Mr. R. A. Anderson) after expressing regret that outside pressure which had been brought to bear had made it necessary to give a full explanation of the circumstances leading up to Captain McDonald’s dismissal, gave a detailed statement compiled mainly from resolutions recorded in the minutes of. the Board for the last ten years. It was freely admitted that Captain McDonald was an excellent pilot, but it was. .stated that there had been cases in which his administration as harbormaster had been hardlv satisfactory. The motion was lost by six to three. At a later stage. Captain Lovatt. who had been selcond in. command for 19 years, was appointed acting chief pilot and harbormaster.