GREY HARBOR BOARD.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 September 1901, Page 2

GREY HARBOR BOARD.

The regular meeting of the GreyHarbor Board was held at the Board’s Chambers last night' Present—Messrs. Petrie (chairman). Mathieson, Campbell, Sliecdy and Bussell.

The Chairman said that at last meeting lie had regretfully to refer to the absence through illness of Messrs, Kerr and Sheedy. It was now his sad task to refer to the death of their former colleague, the late Hon. James Kerr. It was difficult even now to realise that the old, kindly, familiar face was, gone from among them. He moved that this Board place on record its appreciation of the services rendered by the late Mr. Kerr, and that a letter of condolence at the irreparable loss be sent to his widow. Mr Sheedy in seconding referred in terms to the deceased. He had known him for over 35 yeays, and could testify that he had worked zealously for the welfare of the district, and was a loss to the community. Mr Campbell in speaking to the resolution said he echoed the words of the two previous speakers. Mr Kerr was a staunch friend and toiled long for the welfare of the district.

Mr Matheson also had full sympathy with the resolution. He hoped with Mr Campbell that when they were followed to their last home they would have as good a record.

Mr Bussell had not met the deceased gent'eman on the Board, but had in other positions met him and could endorse all that had been said. Besolution carried.

The Chairman said that since lass meeting the Engineer-in-Chief had been interviewed, and it was agreed to proceed with both walls simultaneously, Mr. Hales also attached a good deal of importance to dredging in the harbor. The Government at the request ot the Westport Harbor Board had imposed the extra 3d per ton royalty on coal. The revenue accruing therefrom would amount to about £2,500 per annum, and would be a substantial addition to their already strong finance. The Engineer’s report as follows was read and dealt with

“On the Cobden side the railway line is being raised and protected. “Avery successful blast was fired in the quarry on Thursday, 12th inst, bringing down a largo quantity of stone. Thirteen hundred pounds of powder were used, and the stone is nearly all of a large size,”

“The derrick crane will be finish* in about a week.

“In tipping quarry spoil the cost is considerably increased by Mr O’Donnel’s stable being in the way, which prevents side-tip wagons being used to a great ex* tent. The fencing will also be inconvenient when filling up the low-lying sections on the other side of the road.

“ The County Engineer and Mr Walton examined the site of a proposed footpath between the locomotive shed and bridge. It would cost about £260 to construct.

“All the close piling on the south breakwater has been driven—one short pile at the inner end was washed out.

“Sir John Coode recommended the opening up of the channel to Lake Earoro, and estimates that it would increase the tidal flow due to the lagoons by 21 per cent, or the total tidal flow of the lagoons and river combined to 8 per cent, which he regarded as an important addition to the scouring power of the river in dry weather. The additional water, he states, would be 5,400,000 cubic feet passing in and out over the bar each tide. This gives the following results :

Showing that the tidal water in the river itself is only about a third greater than that expected from.the late and lagoons when improved. ' The above does not refer to ordinary fresh water flow of the river. The plans show that about 69,000 cubic yards of material would 1 have to be removed, supposing none flowed into the channel from the sides and as the dredging went on. At Is it would-cost £2950, and would take six or seven months to do. Certainly preliminary work would require to be done, costing about £950, making a total of £3,900, say £4,000 for making the channel. If the dredging cost as much as that done some years ago an additional £B6O would be required—the preliminary work mentioned includes making a moveable span in the lagoon bridge, removing all the stone and material at the bridge which now blocks the tidal flow, repairing dredge and punts, making new gravel boxes, and building a small wharf for the crane, etc. The question as to whether the work should be done now is a financial question for the Board’s consideration.” Resolved that the County Council be written to in regard to the fencing in of JN’elson Quay and Robinson street Cobden ; that the question of footpath be held over, and that special meeting of Board be held to deal with lagoon dredging. The harbor master reported as follows :

“I have the honor to inform you that the bar at this port has continued in fair condition. During the past fortnight a considerable amount of sea has occurred owing to bad weather and heavy westerly seas rolling on the coast. The average depth of water on the bar has been 20ft 61n, and in the river 19ft.

I would respectfully draw your attention to thy proposed extension of the North breakwater that the width of the entrance is carefully watched. Previously the walls have encroached on the river, and the present entrance is 50 feet short of the proper width sanctioned by the Board, which is a serious matter in the navigation of the port.”

A good deal of correspondence in regard to the diamond rock borer was read, and the Chairman instructed that full narticulars would likely be to hand before nest meeting.

A strong worded letter from Mr Griffiths was read, a copy of which was ordered to be sent on to Mr Smith for his reply before any further action was taken. The application of Mr H. Scott claiming compensation for injuries was referred to the overseer for report. The doctor’s bill against Mr Taylor was ordered to be paid, and consideration of further compensation held over till next meeting for further information. Another application for compensation was adversely reported on by the overseer. The Chairman said Mr Madden had applied for the use of crane to lift m terial at Sesketh. The Board had promised to givo him every aid. Mr Sheedy moved that the request bo granted at a rental of 25s per week, with a guarantee of £IOO. The Chairman to appoint a man to take charge of crane. Mr Matheson seconded, and said all assistance should bo given Mr Madden, as the old Hesketh was always an eyesore. From Mr Spiers offering jE3 15s per ton for old rope. Accepted.

Prom Mr Pilcher pointing out to the* Board that the imposition of 3d per ton' of coal is disastrous to the Point Eliza--beth Coal Company. . Eesolved that Mr Pilcher be informed', the Board will take no action.

Prom Mr Martin stating that his horse had sprained its fetlock whilst crossing Oobden bridge and asking for some compensation as the horse had been unable to work for six weeks.

Mr Matheson moved that the . engineer be instructed to get the bridge approach attended to.

Mr Eussel "Seconded. Carried.

Mr Sheedy wanted to know why on Sunday last the tug had no flags on board and had to borrow one to “hoist half mast.”

The Chairman said he had no know* ledge of the oocnrrence but would make enquiries.

Tidal Volume cubic ft. Grey River ... 41,785,700 Lagoon at present 25,714,300 Total ... 67,500,000 After dredging the figures would be:— Grey river as before 41.785,700 Lagoons 31,114,300 Total ... 31,114,300