GREY HARBOR BOARD.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 7 February 1901, Page 2

GREY HARBOR BOARD.

The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was lield last night. Present—• Messrs Kettle (chairman), Guinness, Shccdy, Petrie and Mathcson. The Finance Committee passed ae-

counts amounting to £789 19s sd. The receipts since last meeting were £3. The general account had a credit balance of £2578 11s Bd. In regard to platform erected at wharf the Chairman said lie had arranged to meet Mr Christophers, when he hoped a satisfactory arrangement would he made. The Engineer reported as follows : “Mr M'Kay’s plant has been taken over, and we are giving the roof iron a coating of tar to preserve it. “ The locomotive from Stillwater has been brought down for inspection. The other one will be ready soon. The delay was caused by having to wait for a portion of the machinery from Wellington “ The diamond crossing is nearly ready for pUttiHgJii; “ Sleepers have heeft-Ordcrcd an d the 11 ail way Department written to, asking if they can supply 4-inch ste'fil axles. “ The large crane will be taken to the quarry this week, and the Dispatch Foundry will then commence work taking it down. “ The six-chain curve has been set out, and as soon as permanent marks arc put down on the sills repairs can bo nut in' hand.

“The Cobden Bridge is being examined. The piles on the approach, Greymouth side, arc rotten and useless. A considerable number of the diagonal struts show signs of decay at their lower cuds. It will tike several days to complete the examination. “So far, I have been unable to hear of any boring rods in the district suitable for going down the depth required at Brunner.''

Mr Guinness complained that a man, who had steady work from the Borough work, was taken oil and put on by the Board’s overseer. He said this was w rong.

In reply to Mr Shcedy the engineer said the piles rotten at Cobden bridge were at the approach on the Grcymouth side and were of black birch. A concrete wall would be the better and cheaper way to repair, One of the piles was completely eaten through.

In reply to Mr Petrie, Mr Thompson said he would be able to go on with lagoon bridge in a couple of days. In reply to the Chairman, Mr Thompson said one of the locomotives would be ready soon, and would be required for ballasting. The Chairman told the Overseer that he had no right to do as he had done in this matter, and if he had known in time he would have stopped it. Mr Sheedy complained in a like manner. The Overseer would require to bo looked after.

Mr Petrie said that all residents should get a fair chance and not only first-class men. It was not for the Overseer to say uho should go and who be refused work. Mr Mathiesou said the Board would then consider the question of wages. The Chairman presumed Mr Mathiesou did not propose to reduce wages. Mr Mathcson said ho had no such intention, and he would sec they were keptup.

A long discussion took place as to the appointment, and it was resolved that Mr Thompson be asked to temporary appoint a locomotive driver from the list already in and did not wish to reduce wages. The harbor master reported bar good with 22 feet of water. During January 37 steamers and 3 sailing vessels entered inwards and 3G steamers and 5 sailing vessels outwards.

From County Council granting permission to lay line from quarry at Cobdcn to bridge.