HARBOUR BOARD.—This Day.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1697, 27 July 1875, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.—This Day.

The fortnightly meeting of the members of the Harbour Board was held this afternooD. Present : Messrs. Daldy (Chairman), Niccol, I Mays, Eaton, McKenzie, Buchanan, Holdf ship, Brett, and Macfarlane.

APPLICATIONS,

An application was made from the settlers at the Lake and Wade districts, respecting a shed at the waterman's steps on account of the increase of trade and passengers, which render such a shed necessary. The application was signed by about thirty settlers. Mr Holdship considered the application an important one, and ought to be lefc to the Wharf Committee.

On the motion of Mr Holdship, seconded by Mr Mays, a resolution to that effect was carried.

REMISSION OF FINE,

A letter was read from E. T. Dufaur, solicitor, asking the Board to remit the fine imposed upon Captain JRicketta, of the cutter Fannie, as his client was ill able to pay the amount and as he had done all in his power to keep the light burning. The cbairmain said the fine was £10, and he believed that there were mitigating circumstances in the case. The light had been kept burning during the night, but had blown out in the morning. Captain McKenzie said the master was a man of unexceptionable character, and if possible, a portion of the fine at least should be remitted. Referred to Captain Burgess to report thereon. WHARF CONTRACT. An application from Mr Alexander Watson, contractor, for an extension of time in respect of his contract on the wharf, was referred to the Works Committee. AGENCY. An application was read from J. Cruickshank, Esq., offering to act as agent for the Harbour Board in London. The letter was received. REPORTS. The report of the Works and Finance Committee were read and adopted. Statement of Funds : General account, £443 3s 4d ; loan account, £35. Total, £479 3s 4d. Funds : Balance in Bank, £1,959 4d; cash in hand, £13 5s Bd. Total, £1,972 6a. Account ordered to be paid : £444 3s 4d ; balance, £1,528 2s Bd. Loan account : Balance in bank, £1,380 17s 4d f account to be paid, £35. Total, £1,415 17s 4d.—The accounts were passed. MR. NICCOI/s MOTION. Mr Niccol moved, " That it is desirable that the duties and responsibility of consulting engineer should be clearly defined," Mr Niccol spoke at length on the subject of his motion, and thought that they should have one man, such for example as Mr Macdonald, and that he should bear the responsibility, and they Bbould know, in case of any error, who to blame. He would not speak disparagingly of Mr Moriarty, but he felt strongly that the Board should have one consulting engineer. The Chairman felt the importance of Mr Niccol's motion. When Mr Moriarty was here, he promised in case of any serious difficulty arising, he would come come down and see for himself. He should be sorry to see any one else placed between the Board and Mr Moriarty, and he would take care that the matter should be fairly represented to the Board, and the question settled as to who the consulting engineer should be. Mr Moriarty had offered to act, but he had not been appointed.

After discussion among members of the Board, Mr. Niccol consented that his motion should be referred to the "Works Committee, who would gather information within the next two mouths and report therton.