HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 151, 26 June 1907, Page 7

HARBOUR BOARD.

The fortnightly meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon. The Hon. E. Mitcheison, chairman, presided, and there were also present Messrs H. J. Bradney, C. C. Dacre, H. D. Heather. W. J. Napier, J. B. Macfarlane, A. Keyes, G. W. Basley, W. E. Hutchison, and Captain McKenzie."

Pleasure Craft.—The Secretary for Marine (Mr Geo. Aliport) wrote that the Board's resolution urging that legislation should be introduced to empower Harbonr Boards to control more effectively than at .present the pleasure craft plying in limits controlled by boards, that the matter would receive consideration when the Harbours Act was being cousolidated and amended.— The letter was received.

Water Charges.—The Town Clerk wrote in reply to a request from the Board that the City Council could not see its way to reduce the price of water at present, more especially in view of the fact that until the Waitakerei waterworks were completed the city would not reap the full benefit therefrom in the way of reduced cost.—The letter was received.

Widening Customs-street West. —The Town Clerk wrote asking the Board to deal with the matter of the straightening of Customs-street West, as one of great urgency so that definite arrangements might be made at au early date to obtain this much-needed improvement before Massey Bros, commenced the erection of their building.—Received.

Devonport Drainage.—The report of Dr. Purdy. District Health Officer, on the alleged pollution of Devonport beaches by the sewage system, as already published, was forwarded by the Devonport Borough Council and was adopted without discussion.

Adjustment of Boundaries. —The secretary to the Auckland Gas Company wrote accepting the Board's offer with regard to the adjustment of boundaries in Customsstreet. They asked that the boundary at the north east corner be amended by extending the line of Customs-street eastward for 23 feet, thus makring the angle more manageable.—The matter was referred to the Board-in-Comniittee.

Harbour Board's Conference.—D. L. Oaehemaile. secretary to the Harbours Association, wrote asking the Board to nominate four representatives to this year's conference, and inviting the Board to forward resolutions for consideration.—Consideration was deferred pending the fixing of the date of the conference.

Ashford Litter.—Mr A. Rosser. secretary to the Trades and Labour Council, asked that accommodation be found for the Ashford litter now in Shed A on the wharf. In a shed fhat could be opened at any time on an emergency. The Traffic Manager reported that the letter was placed in the 6hed for use in case of accident to those engaged on the wharf or in steamers. It was now in his custody, but he could not undertake to look after if if it were placed where, anyone could get it.—The report was adopted.

Devonport "Wharf.—The Devonport Carriers' Association requested the Board to place an officer in charge of the goods shed on Victoria wharf, with, instructions to observe the same honrs for opening and closing as were ol>. erved in the other sheds under the Board's control. Tinder the exist ing arrangements goods wore detained at the Auckland side, and sent over after 5 p.m., the Devonport shed being kept open to receive them. Carriers were thus detained at their work till a very late hour. The Traffic Manager reported that there was not much cargo landed at Devonport after 5 p.m.. but he thought it would be an advantage to haTe an officer in charge of the wharves .at Devonport. who could, if deemed desirable, collect storage, wharfage, and tolls.—The letter was referred to the Board-in-Committee.