THE JOHN TOWNLEY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 368, 19 March 1902, Page 3

THE JOHN TOWNLEY.

'A. special meeting of the Haxbor Board was held yesterday afternoon to confer with Mr Anderson as to the new dredge John Townley, prior to the Board taking it over. There were present: Messrs Townley (Chairman), Clark, Matthewson, Sievwright, and Captain Tucker. The Chairman said that since Mr Anderson’s arrival he had authorised the temporary lengthening of the rudder, and they had had a pleasant run out that morning, when the dredge steered fairly well. The steering gear had been their only trouble so far ; it was to be regretted that so much time had been lost, but it seemed now as if she would do all right. Had any member any question to ask Mr Anderson ? Mr Matthewson : I do not see that we have any questions to ask Mr Anderson. The simple question is does she steer properly now ? Captain Benny, who was present, said that at first the boat steered very badly, hut now she steered very well ; better than the boat he was in command of. He suggested details as to the chains, etc. Pie suggested that another foot be added to the rudder. They should also have two thorough seamen aboard, not as they had that day, when he ordered the rudder to be put hard aport and she was put in the reverse way. With what he suggested he could take the vessel singlehanded and steer her all right. The lengthening of the rudder would make •*it harder to work, but it would be more satisfactory. With four strokes by what he suggested as to the rudder chains, the vessel would move in her own length. While she was in the river she would have to be worked with caution, as they got into shallow water—it was the same with all twin screw boats. The Chairman : From your experience of the boat you have no hesitation in saying that with the alterations she is absolutely satisfactory and safe lor navigation in the channel ?

Captain Benny : Yes. I anticipate no trouble whatever. Mr Matthewson : That is independent of the twin screws altogether ? the ordinary rudder action ? Captain Benney : Yes. Continuing, the captain said the boat was really large enough for steam steering gear. In reply to further questions. Captain Benney said that one could not wish for anything better in deep water ; with the alterations she would steer like a yacht, but flat bottomed boats always required careful handling l in shallow water. The telegraph should be shifted on to the other side of the ship, as the breakwater was on the other side. Also there would have to be care that the rudder did not strike the wharf. Mr Anderson, in reply to the Chair' man, said that the rudder would be flyed up permanently to the satisfaction. of the Board’s- engineer. The Chairman said that the position was entirely satisfactory, and though it was. rougher that day than it would be necessary for the boat to go out, the boat had answered splendidly throughout, as far as he could see as a landsman. In reply to Mr Whinray, Captain Benney said that he had relied on the rudder coming in, only manipulating the screws when the mistake was made by the men. In reply to Mr Anderson, Mr Whinray said he understood that the screws were for propulsion, and that the helm should answer independent of that. Mr Anderson : In that case, there would he no object in putting in twin screws.

Mr Whinray understood that the object of twin screws was that if one broke down there would he one left. Mr Anderson said he understood the Board wanted the twin screws to assist the steering in the narrow channel. He wanted to understand clearly what the position was. Mr Whinray thought that the boat should answer her helm. He understood that the boat was steering with her engines, whicji should be for propulsion. Mr Anderson said he believed the rudder would do for the steering, but he would not accept that as a condition ; one of . the main objects of twin screws was for steering in a small space. Captain Benney said he was satisfied the boat would steer with one screw. Mr Anderson thought the boat would steer with the rudder only, but would not accept that as a condition. Mr Matthewson : All the better if she does. The Chairman said that was very satisfactory, because with one engine she could be slewed round 'if the rudder was not satisfactory. He noticed that when one engine was stopped the vessel was brought round satisfac*°Captain Benney said that the dangerous place was at the end of the breakwater. He had seen other vessels out there having a good deal of trouble. , ~ The Chairman : Twin screws shou.d be invaluable. , ... Messrs Matthewson and Sievwright said they were quite satisfied with the report given by Captain Benney. Mr Clark asked the Engineer about the slight deflection in the deck which he had reported on at last mectingThe Engineer said this referred to the support of the crane. Mr Anderson said that anything Mr King gave him they would put right, provided they fixed up the matter of the steering. They had got a list of the alterations Mr King required, and these would be attended to. The supports for the crane was a small matter. They would not make any question about that. Mr Clark said the only matters on which they needed to trouble Mr Anderson was this point of the deflection and the rudder. Mr Anderson did not think much of the deflection. They must have a little spring about anything. "neY might get it too rigid. He was willing to meet Mr King in every Mr Sievwright was sure Mr Ander‘son would meet them fairly. Mr Anderson : I would not be a party to anything that was not a first-class job. We were rushed at the last moment when the dredge was being finished. I admit that the rudder was not the right thing, but we will get over all that. There was one point, and that was as regards the balance that is due to us. If you take your conditions you had to pay us for the boat as soon as she arrived in the river—and I want you to pay

US >fhe Chairman said this was coming to the point at once. It was a question for the Board to consider. Ha mg the assurance from Mr Anderson that he was willing to get over the difficulties that the Engineer had pointed out, then came the question ol payment. The difficulties nad not been overcame yet. Mr Anderson : They will all beo\ei°°Captain Tucker : Then will arise the question of delay and overtime and That has not been P Tucker : But it will be l Anderson ; 1 will he glad to meet you on this point, hut I may well be straight about that—you can t Cl Captain Tucker v 1 always thought you understood so, hut did not know Anderson : I will tell you : You have gone in for certain alterations I ain’-'oing to have things put right, ttic penalty, am going to but about un. i say this taJiG , threat It you think you have CU The fc Chairman : The specifications Pr Mr d ind o erson said he knew the conditions. He had hoped this question ' , SptS‘«lSfi tae alwrintended to wise it- I have aak d 0 er

and over again that you be written to to that effect—that we intended to enforce the penalty. I have always kept that well to the front. Until we come to discuss the question we do not know whether your answer is sufficient or insufficient. I have always felt that Messrs Anderson had something up their sleeve. I have some recollection that when we did make alterations, it was to be without prejudice. Mr Anderson : That is right, but we would not accept it in that way. Captain Tucker : Well, it is news to me that we have done anything to affect our right, if we think it fair or just, to enforce the penalty. As to labor, workers could always be got by paying the price. Mr Anderson : You are wrong there —not at certain seasons. Captain Tucker said that perhaps a certain class of labor could not be obtained. That might be an excellent moral answer, but not satisfying to the Board. There had been a delay of

twelve months, whfch was very scri- ! ous. The ratepayers were irritated ' at it. He thought they .should, do their best to inflict the penalty. If they could not they should be more “ fly ” next time. Mr Anderson thought that such a remark as “ more fly ” uncalled tor. Captain Tucker said he meant nothing personal or offensive to Messrs Anderson ; lie simply meant that they would be more careful next time they went in for a dredge. The Chairman said the specifications said the dredge should be delivered in the Gisborne river and paid for within Mr Anderson : You took the dredge over when she arrived. Captain Tucker : How ? Mr Anderson : By putting your men on board. - ~ Captain Tucker said whatever they had done was done with the express understanding that the dredge was not tikpii over. Mr Anderson : This is the first time I have heard mention of it. Captain Tucker :• I knew perfectly well that would be said. Mr Anderson a I think I had better I leave if you wish to discuss this point in private. ~ . . I The Chairman : We have nothing to | do in private. It is a public matter, g Mr Sievwright: What is the ques. I tion * I The Chairman : Captain Tucker has raised the question of penalty. Captain Tucker': No, it is the other way round , Mr Anderson says that we have taken the dredge over, and I say no—that what we have done was with the understanding that she has not been taken over. Mr Clark said that if they had the defects remedied, as Mr Anderson assured them would be done, they need not trouble as to whether the dredge was taken over.

Mr Anderson : 1 give you my assur- i ancc they will be done. Mr Matthewson : We have had a little experience of litigation. I do not want any more of it. Captain Tucker : I do not think we need decide the question at this sit11in’ reply to Mr Matthewson, the Chairman said the final payment was £IBOO. ■ „ Mr Anderson : Suppose you authorise payment of £I7OO. Captain Tucker : We might as well pay the whole and be done with it. Mr Andersonl think so, too. ( Laughter.) , ... Mr Sievwright: Let us pay, with the right to go for Mr Anderson. Captain Tucker said they should either endeavor to force the penalty or leave it alone. If they tried to enforce it they must keep some in hand. Mr Clark did not think they were in a position to state what stand they should take. They should make sure as to their right in the matter. They had to try and protect the interests of the ratepayers, and if they could legally establish a claim to a penalty they should do so-. They had had much trouble, loss of time, and anxiety, and they were out of interest, for twelve months. He should say retain £SOO and pay the balance. He did not want to ..be too severe but they should in justice to the rate payers retain something. P Captain Tucker said the penalty full would lie much more than that. Mr Anderson said he did not mind telling them that the firm * had not made anything out of the contract, Mr Clark said they knew there had been a rise in the cost of iron. Captain Tucker : The vessel is admittedly incomplete. , Mr Anderson : Who admitted it . Captain Tucker : I understand y have practically done so. Mr Anderson : Because I com P here and oner to do anything y°“ * e | - more 1 admit the boat is incomplete ! sorry you meet us in that, way 1 Cantain Tucker : Whether you admit it C or P not ! say the rudderis not righU Mr Clark : It is a Pity to raise these questions-we have Mr Ander son’s assurance. ’., , h ' CaDtain Tucker : Well, put it on the penalty. We should hold a thousand t 1 move that we pay £l Cap°Uin er Tucker:-I move that we retain a thousand pounds until we discover our legal position, that to ne ascertained as soon as possible. Mr Matthewson felt confident th if they took legal advice they not inflict the penalty- ~ nn Mr Anderson said if they paid £ISOO he would he satisfied at. the Present, time. He did not want to hurry the thine. Let them take legal advice. Mr Sievwright thought it a reasonable amount to retain. Captain Tucker : I would sooner pay the whole. I think it would be trivial and paltry. Either we have the right to a penalty or we have not, Mr Clark did not care for either motion. His idea was to retain £SOO till they’ saw what could be doneThe Chairman said members could not come to a fair conclusion until they had read the specifications. Mr Clark said they were wasting time now. If the Board thought there was a penalty, they should refer the .matter to their solicitor. Mr Sievwright agreed to alter his motion to retain £SOO. The motion to retain £SOO was unanimously agreed to,