GREYMOUTH HARBOR BOARD.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 6 November 1901, Page 4

GREYMOUTH HARBOR BOARD.

The regular meeting of the Greymouth Harbor Board was held last night. Present—Messrs Petrie (Chairman), Russell, Matheson, Campbell, M’Kochnie and Sheedy. The receipts since last meeting were £IB9B 14s 7d, The Harbor current account has a credit balance of £2014 14s 2d, tlio fixed deposit account £6,300. Accounts amounting to £97116s 6,d were passed for payment. The Chairman reported that a slight accident had happened on the wharf to one of their servants, Mr Mikoz, and he had put a man on in his place. He had granted a fortnight’s leave of absence to John Walton, and had settled for the return of the defective diamonds at a loss of 0%. Action approved of. The Engineer reported as follows: — The diamond drill was ordered by cable on 24th October to be sent by first steamer from New York. The morning after last Board meeting one of the tenderers wired offering to supply a set of carbons in addition at the price quoted. This would not, however, have made that tender the lowest. On 2nd inst a cheque was received being a refund on diamonds returned to the supplier. Several offers for boilers suitable for the diamond drill gave been received. I think it will be advisable to wait a few days till we hear from Mr Walton, who was to get particulars of boilers in Christchurch. The railway line to the North breakwater has been lifted and protected at the quarry end, and the men are now working at the other end. Stone is being deposited as usual at the south breakwater, and an additional bay of piles is being driven,”

Eeport adopted. The Harbormaster reported as follows: “I have the honor to inform you that the bar at this port has continued in good condition during the past month. A considerable amount of sea occurred owing to exceptional bad weather. The average depth of water on the bar has been 21 feet, and in the river 19 feet 8 inches. On October 26th I removed a large snag from alongside the wharf at No 1 crane. In the attempt to lift one end up to got it slung, the chain sling parted and the snag dropped back into the water. James Mikoz had his foot hurt owing to the ropes getting foul of his leg. He is not badly hurt, and will be able to resume his duties in a short time. I would recommend that the snags that have accumulated about both bridges be removed or cut up; also that the short stumps of piles at the upper bridge. In a fresh a snag may settle under a vessel and we would not be'able to detect it until too late to prevent damage, and snags allowed to accumulate at both bridges increase the risk. Mr Napier Bell in his . last report recommended the short piles to be removed, as they are a source of danger and stop timber from drifting past. Ihe lower end of the wharf is still shallow. The shipping for the month of October has been—lnwards, 49 steamers, 16,767 tons, 4 sailing vessels, 87 tons; total, 16,854 tons. Outwards, 48 steamers, 16,297 tons; 2 sailing vessels, 259 tons ; total, 16,556 tons." The chairman said the danger from snags was considerable, and he moved that the Engineer be authorised to get same cleared away, the cost to be charged to the Point Elizabeth Company.

Mr Campbell, in supporting, thought an error had been committed in allowing the company to cut the piles. Mr Sheedy thought it would be better to leave the matter in the.hands of Captain Connor, with instructions to get all piles cleared away. Mr Matheson seconded. He thought Captain Connor was the proper party to do.

The Chairman was quite willing to agree to the amendment. The train question was to get the timber removed. Agreed to.

Eosolved that the Chairman be instructed to wire Mr Pilcher, manager of of Point Elizabeth Company, giving him 24 hoars’ notice to have the piles removed and the snags cleared, failing compliance the work bo proceeded with, and the company charged with the cost.

From Mr Guinness stating that he heartily concurred with tin resolution relative to coal mine. Mr Petrie said Mr Guinness had sent him the following report of what transpired in the House when the State Coal Mine Bill was under discussion. It was as follows

'• Mr Guinness asked the Premier whether the Commissioners had forwarded any report on any mine in the Grey district, and if so, would such report be laid on the table. “ The Premier stated that several reports had been received on mines 'in the Grey district. He would, as far as he could, lay them on the table.

“Mr Guinness asked whether the Government would consider the advisability of starting a coal mine in the Gray district ? “The Premier —All districts are the same. The Government are not confined to the Grey or any other district. “Mr Guinness replied that he did not wish the Government to be confined to Grey, but not to be confined to Buller, as the report indicated was being done.

“ The Premier stated that the Government had a great responsibility, and would select the best possible mine.’’ Mr Sheedy said it was the duty of this Board to strongly urge upon the Government to open up the mine at Point Elizabeth.

Mr Matheson thought the matter was not altogether hung up, and in a little while they might hear something definite.

It was resolved that the Chairman wire to Mr Guinness asking for further information.

From Nancarrow and Co., offering to sell the Board an oil launch for £loo. Referred to Cdptaia Connor for report if it is required. An application by Mr Vickcrman for a movable crane on the wharf to unload vessels was referred to the Railway Department. From J. Sneddon, Blackball, relative to bridge over Grey River near Ngahcre. The Chairman moved that the Minister of Public Works be wired to urging upon him the necessity of constructing the bridge, as it would greatly increase their revenue by a large export of coal. From Mr William Martin asking the

Board to grant him £lO towards damage • received to his horse on the Cobdcn bridge. Referred to the Oycrsccr to report on

the accident. From Mr Scott applying for some assistance from the Board, as he had been put to a good deal of expense over the accident received by him whilst in the Board’s employ. Held over till next meeting. The Chairman to make enquiries In reply to a question Mr Russell said the boro in the Brunner Mine was down 460 feet in good coal country.