HARBOR BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1058, 27 November 1903, Page 2

HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Harbor Board was held las', evening, when the following members were present: Messrs J. Townley (Chairman), Ooopor, Hepburn, HardiDg, Sievwright, Whinray, Matthewson, and Captain Tucker.

FINANCE. The following statement of finance was submitted : Harbor improvement account, dr., £15,643 6s 5d ; ordinary account, cr., £15,354 7s 9d ; outstanding amounts, arrears oi rates 1901 £BS 17s 7u, arrears of rates 1902 £217 os fid, wharfages current £2l 19s 9d, rent Tauwbareparae £49 11s Bd.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Public Trustee wrote asking information in regard to the proposed loan to the Borough. The Chairman said that, as the poll was not carried, the borough was not in a position to borrow. Lieut. F. Symon, of the submarine mining station, Auckland, wrote stating that he had been unabie to obtain a chart of Poverty Bay. As he had to report on the probable cost of blowing up these rocks, it was necessary for him so have some idea of their shape and size. He wished a plan or tracing to be forwarded.

The Secretary said that the information had been supplied, HARBOR BOARD BUILDINGS.

Mr T. Coulthard Mullions wrote forwarding plans and specifications for the proposed Harbor Board buildings. In answer to Mr Harding, the Chairman said that Mr Mullions was charging 3i per cent for preparation of plans. Mr Whinray thought the charge was an excessive one.

Mr Harding said that Mr Mullions would got no 3J per cent as far as he was concerned. The Chairman said that the matter could be considered at a later stage. MR REYNOLDS’ REPORT.

Mr Leslie Reynolds wrote acknowledg ing'the Board’s communication, embodying resolution of the Gisborne Harbor Board accepting his services for report upon dredging. He thanked them for Che offer to supply information required, and asked for a plan or print showing the general arrangement of che dredge, as well as a plan of the harbor, showing especially the sand deposit at the entrance and the proposed extension of the groyne. It was agreed to supply the information required.

BRIDGES. The Chairman introduced the question of bridges, pointing out that the matter was one of considerable importance to all local bodies. No one disputed the necessity of better bridge accommodation, although one local body objected to the proposed site. It was for the Harbor Board to say what position they took up. Mr Cooper did not think they need bother about the question of bridges, for the Borough Council would never carry anything out. (Laughter.) Mr Matthewson did not see where the Harbor Board came in regard to the ques tion of bridges. They should steer clear of the whole question. The Board got no benefit from the bridges, and should leave the question to the local bodies interested. They should wash their hands of the matter.

Mr Sievwright thought thought they should have the conference before arriving at a decision. Mr Matthewson said that the question to be considered that evening was one bridge, but bye-and-b,ye they would have more. Tbe Board should keep clear of the matter. Mr Sievwright disagreed with ,Mr Matthewson, for the Harbor Board was in a measure interested in the bridges. The Chairman said that before the conference met it was for the Board to say what position they intended to take up. Mr Matthewson wanted to see tho Board kept clear of all responsibility in regard to bridges, from which they did not derive any benefit. Mr Sievwright moved that tho matter stand over until aftor the conference. Mr Cooper seconded. Mr Harding thought the Board should decide straight away, aud not wait to bear what others thought. He was opposed to the views expressed by .Mr Matthewson. The Harbor Board derived a direct benefit, aud should not repudiate any claim in regard to the bridges. Mr Cooper emphasised the necessity of better bridge accommodation. If they wore liable to contribute they should willingly pay their share. Mr Whinray thought there was a tendency on tbe part of local bodies to shirk their responsibilites. It was impossible to widen the presont bridge, and there was no doubt another bridge was necessary. The Harbor Board had paid its share to the existing bridges. He noticed that the County Council viewed the matter in a carping spirit, and not in a way calculated to forward tho best interests of the district. They required to look at the question in a broad way. Tbe bridge was a necessity, and it would have to come. Mr Matthewson thought the Harbor Board had sufficient to do to look after matteis in connection with the harbor. They should allow the other local bodies to take care of the bridges. As ratepayers they were only too willing to contribute to the cost of the bridges through the other bodies, and had no desire to repudiate their responsibilities. Discussion took place as to whether the

Board should further consider the subject before meeting the deputation, and a vote being taken it was decided to first go into the matter. Captain Tucker thought that it was an error to say that the Harbor Board was liable to contribute towards the cost of the

bridge. It was altogether outside their function, and unless their contribution was fixed as in the past the mattor should not be considered. Expenditure on the bridges would not increase the revenue of the Harbor Board, and it was saddling the wrong horse to try and make them responsible. There was no claim on the funds of the Harbor Board to provide bridges within the Borough.

Mr Sievwright moved, “ That the Harbor Board is prepared to stand its fair share of a bridge over the Taruheru, sub ject to the local bodies agreeing on a particular site." He could not follow the arguments of Captain Tucker and Mr Matthewson, for he could not see how they could distinguish between local bodies. They should ali pay their share. Mr Whinray seconded the resolution. Mr Matthewson said that a railway or tramway to the Motu would benefit the Harbor Board far more than a bridge over the Taruheru. He was in favor of bridges,

but could not see that it was a part of the duty of the Harbor Board to find them. Mr Harding asked if the Harbor Board had a say in regard to fixing the site of the bridge. Mr Sievwright thought the Harbor Board had the same say as any other local body. They were included in those local bodies called upon to contribute. Mr Cooper : Then we are liable. Mr Matthewson : Of course, if we like to make ourselves so.

Captain Tucker thought it was just as reasonable for the Harbor Board to be expected to contribute towards the cost of making roads as to the cost of a bridge. Mr Harding supported the motion, pointing out that the law gave them power to pay their sharo of the cost of the con struction of bridges. If they did not do so a commission would be set up, and their share would be assessed. The amount they were asked to contribute was very small, and should not meet with objeclion from the Board.

Captain Tucker asked if tbo Board could legally contribute. Mr Sievwright quoted clauses in tbo Act ifi show that local authorities could eoniribute.

The motion was c.mifd by six to two, Messrs Matthewson and Tucker dissent-

ing.. The deputation, which included Messrs W. D, Lysnar, Charles Grey, A. F. Matthews, Winter Hamon, T. Morrison, -it. and Beere, representing the McOonnt-. ' ■'Wotagii CqUPeili end County Council, a-- ' - Heard, Whataupoko Road Board, was then. The Mayor said that the first thing to be decided was the question of site. The Borough Council had decided in favor of Roebuck road. Mr Matthewson wanted to know whether they should vote as members of the Harbor Board or meeting of ratepayers. His ideas might be different as a member of the Harbor Board and ratepayer.

Mr Whinray thought they should vote as intelligent- citizens, irrespective of being members of the Haibor Board, Borough Council, or Road Board. (Laughter.) Mr Matthewson said that they should hear the deputation, and afterwards decide the matter id Board moetiug. _ The Chairman said that they had invited tho deputation to be present, and should certainly hear what they had to say.

Mr Matthews, chairman of the Wbataupoko Road Board, wanted to hear what the County Couueil had In say on the question. The Whataupoko Road Board were uuanimous in regard to the necessity of bridging the Taruheru, but desired to see the bridge at Cobden street instead of Roebuck road. The Cobden street site would bo much cheaper and preferable in every way. It was the duty of the Whataupoko Board to oppose tho erection of tho bridge at Roebuck road, as it would not relieve the congestion of traffic on the present bridge. _ Mr CBoy, member of the County Council, said that he represented the Wuimata ridiug, aud to erect a bridge at Roebuck Road would uot be any benefit to tho ratepayers of that district. Tbe present bridgo unsered all the purposes of country settlers, and would do so for a year or so. Ho was not against progress, but thought they could go on very well as they were for a time.

Mr Sievwright: Would you believe in widening lire present bridge ? Mr Grey : No, I do not think it is necessary.

The Chairman : At last we have found one contented man. (Laughter.) Mr Grey, continuing, said that the bridge was a luxury, and if the town people wanted it they could pay for it. Thera wore many bridges which were required much more than a new one over the Taruheru. In his owu district they required a bridge much more, and could not get it. The County Council had enough to do just now to look after the roads.

Mr Clayton (County Council) endorsed Mr Grey’s remarks, pointing out that the county ratepayers would bo unanimous in opposing the erection of a new bridgo. Mr Lysnar criticised tho attitude taken up by County Council delegates. The proposed new bridge would, ho said, benefit tho county ratopavors far moro than it would the townspeople. It was no use the County Couueil saying their ratepayers would not benefit, and it was a short sighted policy for them to oppose tho proposal. They should uot stop progress, but assist it. The present bridgo was too narrow, and there was too much traffic

over it. It was not tight for the County Council to object to it, und he was sure that when the matter was brought bofoie the Commissioner they would bo compelled to fall in with the proposals of the Borough Council and other bodies, it was lar better, in the County Council’s own interests, that they should decido the matter amicably. He moved, “ That in tho opinion of this conference a second bridge is necessary, in order to relieve tho present congested traffic.” Mr Sievwright was in accord with Mr Sievwright’s remarks, provided they could agree on the site of the bridge. Ho secondod the resolution. Mr Clayton said he thought they wore going ahead of the times. As far as the county was concerned, there was no need of another bridge for some years to come. Mr Sievwright said they could take it lor granted that the County Council was against it. Captain Twyier quite understood that Whataupoko would greatly benefit by the erection of another bridge, and were getting off very lightly in -only being asked to contribute oneeighth of the cost. He thought their share should he increased, as weii as the share to be paid by the Borough .'Council. It was obvious that if tiie County Council wanted the bridge they would push it forward. The ■dwellers of Gisborne and Whataupoko were the chief parties interested, and if amalgamation had taken place they could fairly have charged the whole cost on those districts. Mr Sievwright said the Whataupoko Board would not have moved in the matter but for the Borough Council. Personally, he was satisfied to leave things as they, were ■at present. Mr Matthewson said the question ■before the meeting was bridge or no bridge, irrespective of site. Mr Morrison (Borough Council) spoke in favor of the erection of an"olher bridge, and suggested the formation of a committee representing ■' the several bodies to go into the matter. He supported tbe resolution. If they decided in favor of the bridge, the County Council would be compelled to pay its share. Mr Harding said that ail they could do was to vote for or against the bridge. He would vote that evening as a member of tile Harbor (Board.

Mr Lysnar understood they, were to vote as a conference of local ’bodies. He did not Take it that they were present as a deputation. The Chairman said they were sitting that evening as a conference, ana should vote accordingly. The motion was carried by ten to four, Messi'y Gray, Clay toil, MaL■thewson, and Captain Tucker opposing.

Several members expressed the opinion that a bridge over the Taruheru at Roebuck road would be a mis-take. They thought it should be erected at Cobden street. The Chairman said that from the discussion there appeared to be little chance of the bridge being put across the river at Roebuck road. Mr Lysnar said that the present site was not satisfactory, and the Borough Council should be asked to withdraw the application which it had made. A Committee could he appointed to go into the matter. He moved a motion to that effect, which was carried. DREDGeMASTER’S REPORT.

The Dredgemaster reported that the dredge John Townley had been in constant work since the last meeting, with the exception of one small breakdown and three days for quarterly overhaul of boilers, also fitting on the brakes for lowering hopper doors. The amount dredged was 4709 cubic yards, mostly sand near the breakwator. Mr W. B. Mackio, engineer of the dredge, also reported to tho Board in regard to necessary repairs which had been effected. Everything in regard to the dredge was now working first-class. HARBORMASTER’S REPORT.

- In his monthly report the Harbormaster stated that the channel had improved very much since bis last report. Soundings taken that day at low water, tide guage at zero, were as follows :—End of breakwater 13ft 6in, Snark’s landing Bft 6in, big crane Bft, second bollard 9ft 6in, Waikanae Bft, stockyard 9ft, half way up wharf Bft 6in. The Harbormaster pointed out tho danger to shipping caused by people living near the banks of the rivers cutting down trees and leaving the small branches and stumps on the banks. At high tide or flood these branches get washed off the banks and settle in the channel, causing great trouble and expense to shipping. With the sanction of the Chairman metal had been put on the road near tbo new part of the wharf, giving a berth to load wool lighters. Boat steps had been built at tbe top end of the wharf since last meeting. A notice should be put up stopping boys and others not capable of handling boats from going outside the breakwater. The old port of tbo wharf was in a bad state, many of tbo piles being eaten through and stringers rotteD. This part of the wharf was used for working all coastal cargoes, and should be in good order.

The Chairman said that the report W?.s much more satisfactory than the one ot the previous month.

Mr Whinray said that judging by the accident that occurred one evening recently the recommendation in the Harbormaster’s report in regard to bc-ys going out boating was a wise one.

Captain Tucker : How are Wd going to stop them ? The Chairman . We cannot pass a by-law dealing with' the matter. Mr Matthewson : It happens all bite world over, and we cannot stop it. On the motion of Mr Whinray, it was decided to post up a warningnotice to boys out boating, as re-

commended by the Harbormaster. .The report was adopted. OVERSEER’S REPORT; The. Overseer reported as follows: — Haiti wharf extension : The bulanco of the limbor for this work has been delivered ; is all of fair quality, and by tho ond of the week will be tarred ready for use. Twenty-four of tho piles huve been driven in pusition. Owing to the hardness of the papa rock, through which we have to bore holes to receive the piles, progress for the first 100 ft. or so will necessarily bo slow ; however, I expect with favorable weather to have about 100 ft. of tho wharf finished by the end of tho noxt week. Dredging : Dredging has been going on steadily during the month. The John Townley has been engaged, principally removing sand from the mouth of tho river. She was laid up Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of last week for the purposo of having her boilers cleaned, which were found to bo in a very bad state with “ scalo.” The spring water, as we rcceivo it, is very severe on tho boilers. Advantage was taken of this time for fixing the screw brakes to tho chain barrols of the hopper doors and other necessary work. During a fortnight of this mouth tho crow of tho John Townley has worked about two hours pc-r day over-time. Tho small dredger is doing good work in removing tho papa rock that is being blasted out of the channel in the vicinity of tho lower beacon. The late small fresh has removed a good doal of the sand at the mouth of the river. Sixty-three yards of gravel have been put on the formation at the back of tbe town wharf, giving anothor 100 ft. of approach for dray traffic on to wharf at a cost of 4s per yard. One of tho punts was on tho slip at the beginning of tho month under-going repairs. Both punts are now in good order, and in constant use. Western groyne : Owing to tho stono aud gravel for this work only being procurable in small quantities from time to time—according to the woathor—l have mado provision for storing about 800yds ot crushed stone and shingle and 1000yds of stone for rubble filling, which I am now receiving from tho carters, crushing, and taking across tho river in ono of tho punts. 1 have ordered from the Karaka sawmills a quantity of timber required for this work, some of which has como to hand. Tenders are to hand from Cable, of Wellington, und Nivon and To., of Napier, for tho supply of pile-driviug machinery. I would recommend that u toudur for maebinry, without suotionpump, bo aeceptod, for reasons which I can give to your meeting porsoually. I recommend u progress payment of £SO to Humphreys aud Son on thoir iron supply contract for wharf extension. I havo had boat landmg Btcps fixed at tho top ond of the wharf, and back shoathing of wharf joined on to tho bridge approach.

EXTENSION OF GROYNE, Two tenders were received Tor supplying pile-driving plant to he used in connection with the work of extending the western groyne, Messrs .Cable arid Co.’s tender being accepted Tbe price for the engine, including one 30cwt monkey and one lllcwt do., with bolts and plates, was £312. The engine is a duplicate of that supplied to Messrs McLean Bros, for driving the piles of Glasgow wharf in Wellington, and similar to that used by the same firm on the Kaitaratahi bridge contract.

The Overseer said that this would be all the machinery that he would require to euable him to get on with the work.

Tiie meeting concluded at eleven o’clock.