HARBOUR BOARD.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 846, 10 March 1877, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

LYTTELTON

Friday, March 9.

The adjourned meeting was held at 3 p.m,, at Lyttelton. Present—Hon E. Richardson (chairman), Hon J. Hall, Messrs B, Craig, P. Cunningham, E. G. Wright. J. Anderson, H. Sawtell, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, Xi. J. S. Harman, and J. T. Rouse. The Chairman gave a resume of the business he had done since last meeting, including correspondence, &c, stating he had procured plans in existence in connection with a graving dock for Lyttelton, and that he had also ascertained particulars with regard to Norwich Quay main sewer. There was a difficulty regarding the goods coming through by the narrow gauge being conveyed to the vessels, ancP.he had been agkejj to sanction the removal of the large ships and the berthing of small in their place. This he had refused to allow, but had communicated with the Government regarding putting the narrow gauge lines to some of the smaller wharves, and he saw the Government were that day taking steps in that matter. Accounts were ordered to stand over, no banking account having yet been opened. Correspondence was read—from public Works Office, stating Mr 'Higgensou, the superintendent engineer for South Island, would be instructed to go round with an officer appointed by the Board and define the limits of its jurisdiction, The Government would collect the wharfage rates, charging the Board 2 per cent, as the railway could not be advantageously worked unless the railway authorities had the entire management of the traffic. Regarding repairs to existing wharves and extension of wharf accommodation, it was proposed that all such works should be done by the Harbor Board, the railway peeping its own permanent way in order. Regarding wharf ex tension, the Government were advised it was necessary for the Board at once to make such addition to the Screwpile and intermediate jetties as would enable the railway to work the increasing traffic to full advantage. Mr Higgenson had bem directed to furnish Board with requisite information The large shed in course of erection on Gladstone Wharf was in a different position to other railway sheds, as it stands on the wharf vested in Board. It being, however, desir able that the whole of the storage should be

in the hands of the railway authorities, it was considered advisable to value shed as part of Canterbury railways, and take it over, the Board consenting to the shed occupying part of Gladstone Wharf, as at present. Regarding the two reserves now being used for quarrying purposes in connection with Harbor works’ there was some doubt whether they were Government reserves, but the Government would be willing to hand over to the Board all interest they found practicable. The Hon John Hall said he objected to the proposal re the shed on the Gladstone pier. The shed was occupying a part of the wharf, and the consideration offered was not, in his opinion, sufficient, He would move—“ That the Board cannot agree to the proposal contained in the letter of the Minister of Public Works of February 22nd, for the transfer of the shed on the Gladstone wharf ; but with a view to meet the wish of the Government, that the whole of the storage accommoda tion should be in the hands of the railway authorities, the Board will be willing to give them a lease of the shed on fair terms.”

This was seconded by Mr Harman, and carried.

Mr Cunningham said it was impossible for the Board to collect the wharfage for 2 per cent, and he considered the offer of the Government most liberal, and begged to move— “ That it be accepted,” Seconded by Mr Hall, and carried.

A letter was read from the Secretary of Customs, Wellington, enclosing Order in Council conferring certain powers on the Harbor Board,

Letter read from the Board’s solicitor, stating that in bis opinion the delegation of power under the Marine Act to the Board as a body corporate was of doubtful legality.

Mr Harman moved—" That the solicitor of the Board being of opinion that the delegation of powers under the Marine Act to the Board as a body corporate is of doubtful legality, the Government be requested to obtain the opinion of the Attorney General thereupon., and that in the meantime the Board cannot undertake the powers purported to be delegated to it." Seconded by Mr Wright, and carried.

It was resolved-—" That the chairman and Mr Aynsley be authorised to sign Mr Williams’s appointment.” From the secretary for Customs, stating that as the Board were in the receipt of the pilotage and port dues they should pay the salaries of the harbor staff.

A discussion ensued, the matter being eventually allowed to stand over. A letter was read from the deputy harbor master, applying for necessary stores.

The action of the chairman in the matter was approved. From Mr Thornton, Government engineer, recommending that the sails belonging to the dredge and hopper barges should be sold, as they were of no use, and were being much damaged by rats.

It was determined the sails should be sold by auction.

Tenders from the Banks for the business of the Board were then opened, the Board going into committee to consider them, and the tender of the National Bank was accepted. The Chairman made a statement regarding the plans of graving dock, and documents relating thereto, which were placed on the table.

The chairman was authorised to purchase a safe at a cost not exceeding £l2, and the meeting then adjourned till that day fortnight, 23rd inst, at 2 p.m, at Christchurch.