NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3033, 16 March 1881, Page 3

NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Tuesday, March 15. The Board met at 2.30 p in. Present—Messrs Ormond, Lyndon, Vautier, Wardrop, Tanner, Kinross, William?, the Hon. J. N. Wilson, and Captain Gleadow. On the motion of Mr Kinross, the chair was taken by Mr J. N. Williams. The Secretary read a letter from the Colonial Secretary's office (atldressed to Mr Ormond) intimating the appointment of Mr Orraond as a member of the Board, the Waipawa County Council having failed to make any appointment. Mr Hoadley stated that though he had heard that Lieut.-Colonel Lambert had also been appointed, he bad not bad any notification to that effect. THE CHAIRMANSHIP. Mr Kinross moved that Mr Ormond be Chairman of the Board. Seconded by Mr Tanner. Mr Vautier said the day fixed for the election of a chairman had passed without the election taking phee, and he thought the Government ought to appoint the chairman just as they had appoiated the members for the Waipawa County. Mr Tanner said if the election was irregular the Governor could ratify it. The motion was put and carried unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE. From the clerk of the Waipawa County Council, in reference to their non-election of members to represent them on the Board, stating that the Colonial Secretary had been requested to recommend the appointment of Mr Ormond and Colonel Lambert. From the Treasury, agreeing to the Board's proposal for the appointment of arbitrators to value the assets of the Board, on condition that the Board pay all expenses. Resolved that a telegram be sent to Wellington asking that Mr Seed be appointed to make a valuation, as the Board thought no expense should be incarred in the matter. From the Agent-General, London, acknowledging receipt of draft for £850 for dredge ordered by the Board. Accompanying the letter was a memo, from Mr Carruthers approving of Messrs friestman's dredge as suitable for the Board. Mr Carruthers suggested that the Board should construct training walls to prevent silting, and at the same time have the appliances for dredging at hand. Priestman's was the best dredge they could adopt, as it could be employed on reclamation works and also used as a steam crane.

From Mr Oscar Krogh, suggesting the advisability of the Board purchasing a new diving dress. Mr Vautier stated that a dress which cost £140 could be had from Mr Dunning, of Dunedin, for £90. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr Dunning and get particulars of the dress.

From the Harbor Master, in , reference to one of the mooring buoys requiring painting. From the Clerk of the works, to the effect that the railway line along the breastwork required packing up and several timber guards re6xing ; also that the roof of the pilot's house required repairing at a cost of about £13. Resolved ttiat the Clerk of "Works report as to probable cost of repacking on breastwork, and that the repairs to Pilot's house be authorised. From the captain of the Mary Wadley, asking for a certificate of exemption from pilotage from the port of Napier. Reeolved that the application could not be granted. THE BILVEE CLOUD. The following letter from Mr Vautier respecting the Silver Cloud waa read : — I have the honor to inform you that it is my desire to have the case of the stranding of the schooner Silver Cloud on the 26th January last fully investigated. I consider the inquiry which took place before the

Collector of Customs at this port most unsatisfactory to myself and all concerned in this unfortunate occurence. The result of the inquiry 19 contrary to the evidence, consequently I am desirous of the Harbor Board enquiring fully into the cause of the accident, and hope that my request will be granted by the Board.—l am, &0., J. 11. Tatttiek. The Chairman thought it would be better-for the Marine Board to hold the inquiry. Mr Vautier said he had applied to the Marine Board, and the reply he had received waa that the Harbor Board was the proper body to investigate the matter, but, if tbe Harbor Board refused, then the Marine Board would undertake it. After considerable discussion Mr Tanner said he would move that the Board decline to accede to Mr Vautier's request, considering it more properly the function of the Marine Board. The motion was seconded by Mr Lyndon and carried. BiLA.NCE AT THE BANK. The Secretary stated that the balance to the credit of the Board at the bank was £2225 83 6d. ACCOUNTS. The month's accounts were passed for payment. ADVERTISIKG. It was decided that tenders for the insertion of the Board's advertisements be invited. j THE PIER LIGHTS. Mr Kinross presented a petion signed by twelve masters of vessels belonging to the port and trading to it, prayiDg that efficient lights might be fixed on the piers, to replace the present faulty and worthless lamps. He moved that the prayer be granted. The motion was Beconded by Captain Gleadow and carried. The Chairman stated that in August, 1879, the Board had requested the Marine Department to procure suitable lights, and the request was acceeded to. Wben he was in Wellington last session he inquired about the lamps and was told tbat there was something deficient in them—burners, be believed—and he was asked whether the deficiences should be procured from Melbourne. He replied in the affirmative, but nothing had been heard about the matter since. Probably it would be found that the lamps were lying in Wellington still. The secretary was directed to write to the Marine Department requesting that the lamps should be sent at the earliest possible date. Tbe Board then adjourned.