HARBOR BOARD.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 881, 21 April 1877, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD.

A meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board ■was held yesterday. Present —Messrs Richardson (chairman), Cunningham, Rouse, Anderson, Sawtell, and Hon. John Hall. Mr Turpin’s report on the works of the dredge was read. He also recommended that an expenditure of £6O should be made.

Hon John Hall moved —“ That the expenditure recommended be incurred.” Mr Cunningham seconded Ui thc motion, which was agreed to. The Clerk read the letter of the chairman to the Government respecting the shed on the Gladstone Wharf and the maintenance of the Gladstone breakwater, covering the resolutions passed by the Board on the subject. A letter was read from the chairman to the Mayor of Lyttelton respecting the time-ball tower site in Lyttelton, enclosing a tracing showni" the boundary of the section, and askin" whether the Borough Council would support a measure in the next Parliament vestiu" the site in the Board if the latter laid off the land as a recreation ground, A letter was read in reply, stating that the Borough Council would agree to the vesting as proposed if the Board would do the works connected with it as proposed, in order to render it available for public recreation. The Chairman explained that it. would he necessary to spend some money on the site for the oliicers’ quarters, Ac., so that he had thought it only right to stipulate for the site being vested iu the Board. Hie amount remaining of the grant from the Irovincial Government had been handed over to the Board, and the works proposed would absorb this and a small sum iu addition.

Mr Sawtell moved—“ That the offer of the Government to hand over the funds for the improvement of the Time-ball site and grounds bo accepted.” Mr Cunningham seconded the motion, which was agreed to. A letter was read from Mr Thornton, requesting to hnow the intention of the Board as regarded the continuance of his services as engineer of the harbor works until their completion in June next . A telegram was read from Hon Minister for Public Works, under date 18th April, stating that as the Lyttelton Harbor Works had been taken over by the district engineer, and no inconvenience had arisen, the Government thought it would be better to continue the present arrangement. The Chairman said that there was a regulation which it was necessary should be passed by the Board, and the Government asked to assent to it, and forward it to other colonies for the information of masters of vessels trading to Lyttelton. The proposed regulation was intended to protect the dredge when at her moorings from damage by steamers and other vessels coming in between the moles. It was intended that they should take a pilot on board before coming in, and there woidd be no charge for the pilot. Hon. John Hall could not see that the Board had power to take the step now proposed. He could not find any reference to the matter in the Act, and should suggest that it bo referred to the solicitor for opinion as to

the legality of the proposed regulation. Mr Cunningham thought that it would be a most serious responsibility for the Board to assume to have their servants taking charge of every steamer coming to the port of Lyttelton. If any accident occurred to the dredge the Board would have their remedy in an action, but it would be a most serious thing if an accident occurred to the steamer whilst in charge of one of their servants. They might make a regulation for steamers to go halfspeed in coming in. After some discussion, it was resolved that the matter stand over, in order that the Chairman might consult further with the Deputy Harbor Master on the subject. The*following telegram respecting the shed on the Gladstone wharf and the reserves vested in the Harbor Board was read: “ Government Buildings, April 12. “ Have consulted the Solicitor-General on the points discussed with you re wharves and jetties, Lyttelton. It is clear that they vest in the Crown, and that the Crown can take any action required in respect to them. He thinks it best to leave them in their present position, pending legislative action. With respect to the regulations under which wharfage and other dues are collected, please advise me the dates and where published, in order that they may be looked into. “ J. D. Ormond. “ Hon E. Richardson, Chairman Lyttelton Harbor Board.” The Board then proceeded to discuss the confirmation of the appointments of the various officers, &c., connected with the dredge and steam barges. Hon. John Hall moved —“ That the list of officers be referred to a select committee, to consider the re-adjustment, if necessary, of the staff. Such committee to consist of the chairman, Messrs Wright, Cunningham, and Sawtell.” Mr Anderson seconded the motion, which w r as agreed to. It was resolved to call for tenders for the supply of coal to the dredge and hopper barges, and also for stores. The former to bo alternative as to the coal being taken from alongside the hulk or delivered on board the dredge and hoppers. The Board then adjourned.