HARBOUR BOARD.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1293, 11 May 1878, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

Friday, Mat 9.' A meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board was held at the Government Buildings at 2 p.m. Present—Hon. E. Richardson (chairman), Messrs C. W. Turner, E, G. Wright, D. Craig, H. P. Murray-Ayr.sley, H. Allwright, H. Sawtell, R. J. S. Harman, and P. Cunningham. THE CIIAIKMAn'S STATEMENT. The Chairman said—Since our last meeting tho following amounts have been paid into the Eoard's credit : Wharfage for week ending 13th April, 1878, £749 14a 10d; pilotage and port charges for April, 1878, £5Bl 17s sd; wharfage for fortnight ending 27th April, 1878, £934 lis 6d ; total, £2266 3s 9d. A report from our engineer, re graving dock and reclamation works, will be read. 1 lay on the table return of dredging done during the month of April. It shows that 162 barge loads have been removed, amounting to 29,160 cubic yards, or 40,500 tons. This, considering that the Easter holidays intervened, is a most satisfactory return. I may say that the dredge is still working between the lighter and Tunnel Mouth jetty out towards the Moles. A small sample of some ten gallons of silicate marine paint was placed under effer to the Beard by the importers, Messrs E. B. smd P. A. Bishop, and I authorised its purchase; and Mr Turpin proposes to try it upon one of the barges which wilj shortly have to be washed for the purpose of cleaning. A letter has been received from the Government, replying to the

one from the Board of the 13th February last relative to harbor defences, stating that they havo the matter under "consideration. As directed by the Board the plans of the new jetty were forwarded to Wellington on the day of our last meeting, and I have received a telegram stating that they will be submitted to the Colonial Marine Engineer on his return to Wellington. I requested that the approval or otherwise of the plans might be telegraphed in order that no further delay should occur in calling for tenders. The repairs authorised to Peacock's Wharf are proceeding. I may say that I saw the Commissioner of Euilways on the subject of laying narrow gauge on to the Tunnel Wharf and Peacock's Jetty, and measures were taken to do so. The narrow gauge is now laid on to the former, and will be carried on to the latter in the course of a few, days. As directed by the Board I have arranged with the New Zealand Shipping Company for sending out the tug. The letter on the subject will be read. Two offers for leasing the sheds on Peacock's Wharf will bo laid before you for consideration. Hollis and Williams' penalty for overtime should be enforced to the extent of one-half, as there is no doubt they were to blame for a great portion of the delay. The yearly accounts are in an advanced state, and will be audited next week. I should suggest that our next meeting be held on 3rd June. engineer's report. The report of Mr 0. N. Bell, engineer to the Board, was read, forwarding plan for proposed dock, as suggested by him. The cross sections were being taken, and estimates being prepared so as to give the Board an idea of the cost. He submitted also suggestions and plan for reclamation from Peacock's Wharf, instructions on which as regarded a definite line of reclamation was requested by Mr Bell. Mr Harman said he thought it would be just as well if Mr Bell were made acquainted with the fact that tho Board would be in favor of a large dock, so as to meet all the requirements which were likely to arise in the port. Mr Wright pointed out that Mr Bell intended giving 300t't. for the dock.

After some discussion, Mr Harman moved—" That the length originally proposed for the dock be adhered to." After some discussion, Mr Harman withdrew his motion, it being understood that the chairman would confer with the engineer on the matter. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amounts of £136 5s 5d were passed and ordered to be paid. DEFENCE OF LYTTELTON IIABBOB. A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary respecting the defence of Lyttelton harbor, stating that the matter was under the consideration of the Government. The letter was in answer to one from the Board asking whether the Government intended taking any action in the direction of defences at Lyttelton harbor prior to the session of the Assembly. STEAM TUG. A letter was read from the Board to the New Zealand Shipping Company, embodying the terms upon which the steam tug for the Board was to be brought out. Mr Wright moved that the tug be insured as recommended in the letter of the Board. Mr Turner seconded the motion, which was agreed to. peacock's wiiabf. Two offers were read for the renting of the sheds on Peacock's Wharf. On the motion of Mr Turner both tenders were declined. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE. Mr Cunningham moved —" That a committee be appointed to consider what changes if any should be made in the wharfage rates, harbor dues, and pilotage fees, also in the rules regulating the berthing of vessels and the time the vessels may be permitted to occupy berths alongside the wharves. Such committee to consist of the chairman, Mr Turner, and the mover." Mr Harman seconded the motion, which was agreed to. CHAEGE AGAINST THE HABBOBMASTEB. The report of the sub-committee appointed to consider the charges made against the harbormaster as to the berthing of vessels of the New Zealand company was brought up and read, exonerating the harbormaster from any blame in the matter. SUGGESTIONS. Mr Turner suggested as matters for consideration of the committee appointed by the resolution above that they should endeavor to make arrangements for English vessels to discharge into the Gladstone Wharf shed, and not allow them to remain at the wharf unless they were working their full time. He might also suggest that as done by the dock companies at home, arrangements should be made for supply of ballast. Mr Aynsley pointed out that it would be necessary to consult the railway authorities before the Board could notify the regulation as to discharging into the Gladstone shed. The Chairman wished to call Mr Turner's attention to the fact that the position of the Gladstone shed was fixed by Act of Assembly. Hence he could not see how they were going to use it. Mr Turner —Well, then we must build one of our own. NOTICE OF .MOTION. Mr Harman to move—" That the harbor improvement committee be requested to report the probable total cost of the works, Lyttelton harbor, which it will be desirable to undertake within the next two year*, so as to enable to Board the decide whether it will be necessary at the ensuing session of the General Assembly to apply for an increase in the borrowing powers of the Act." The Board then adjourned until June 3rd, when it will meet at Christchurch at noon, being the date fixed for the annual meeting.