HARBOR BOARD.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1343, 4 June 1878, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD.

The annual meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board was held yesterday in the Government buildings. Present—Messrs E. J. Bichardson (in the chair), R. J. S. Harman, H. P. MurrayAynslcy, D. Craig, H. Sawtell, H. Allwright, P. Cunningham, and C. W. Turner. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, chairman’s statement.

The Chairman said.—The niciflbers of the Board are aware that'wo are here to-day for the purpose of holding our annual meeting, in conformity with the provisions of the Lyttelton Hai’bor Board Act. The tpccial business for which the meeting has been convened is to consider the annual accounts of the Board as balanced up to the 30th of April, 1878. It is not necessary for me to refer to the accounts in detail, as I shall presently call upon the treasurer to read bis statement which deals with the subject. I may however take this opportunity of congratulating the Board upon the sound state of their finances, and upon the largely increased trade with the Port of Lyttelton. The rapidly increasing demand for additional wharfage accommodation has been fully recognised by this Board, as evidenced by plan of new wharves and jetties which they have determined upon carrying out with the least possible delay. The first of these, the new 400 ft. jetty, is to be tendered for next week, and there is no reason why it, as well as the breastwork and a second similar jetty to the eastward, should not he completed and ready for use within the ensuing six months. The extensions to Screwpile Jetty, the Intermediate Jetty, and the Tunnel Jetty, and another berth to the Gladstone Wharf should also bo completed before the next grain season. While upon the subject of the wharf traffic, I feel called upon to refer to the serious detention to vessels lying at the wharves for want of trucks. A number of letters have appeared in the daily newspapers from the masters of vessels pointing out the great hardship and locs entailed upon vessels so delayed. It has- bean quite evident that the demand upon the railway resource’, in vhe, matter of Waggons during the latter ; cnd bf -the grain season has far exceeded the supply, and I think the liar).or Board should again styongly urge upon the Government the absolute necessity of obtaining without fail or delay the 400 waggons (ironwork) which the Board were advised had been telegraphed for in February last, and also the 600 waggons to he tendered for in New Zealand. Unless these 1000 additional waggons are forthcoming before the next wool and grain seasons, I feel sure that a worse state of things than has existed during the past few months yiil ensne.Tn a letter, which will bo load, I pointed out io t»io comuiusioccr of RiilW'ays the urgent necessities of the case, and also that the increased wharf .go accommodation about to bo provided by the Harbor Hoard would be useless without the nniqbey. o i trucks be correspondingly increased. Mr < 'onjoys fully recognised the great importance <■{ ties matter at a recent interview which took plaoo between him and a committee oi this Board. 'J ho Board, I think, cannot urge upon the Government, either by deputation or otherwise, the serious consequences which will ensue if steps arc not taken to ensure the supply of, at least, the 1000 additional wag go ms A navo before alluded to. The engineer has furnished a J plan ior the breastwork from the Lighter Jetty to Tnpncl'Jotty and thence to Peacock's Wharf, which I shall ask the Board to adopt. He also furnuhes a plan showing the position in which ho proposes to place the dock. 1 he annual report of the harbor master wili|be

read, also a letter covering a report of a commission of inquiry into the damage to some o the shipping during the late S.W. gale. I lay upon the table the return of dredging done during the past month (May), It will be noted that 164 barge loads of mud have been removed, amounting to 29,520 cubic yards, or 41,000 tons. A return, attached to the treasurer’s statement, shows that the total quantity of mud removed from the inner harbor during tlm past twelve months to have been 287,280 cubic yards, at a cost of rather less than sfd per cubic yard, including the cost of repairs recently carried out to the dredge and barges. Great credit is due to Mr H. Turpin, the superintending engineer, for the economical and efficient manner in which the work has been carried out. lam pleased to be able to report to the Board, upon the safe arrival of our debentures in London,; the National Bank of New Zealand having received a cablegram to that effect, and I trust we shall shortly hear of their successful negotiation in London. The New Zealand Shipping Company received a letter from their London manager by the last Suez mail, covering a copy of a letter from Messrs Laird, the builders of our steam tug. It appears from this letter that rapid progress is being made with her building, and there appears to be but little doubt but that she will be completed to contract time, namely, the 22nd of August next. Wo may reasonably expect her arrival here by December next. Another letter from the Shipping Company covers copy of a telegram in reference to the insurance rate on the tug if insured in London. I shall have to ask the Board to pass a resolution upon the subject. An application has been received from the Lyttelton Borough Council, asking the Board to dispose of 400 yards of fire hose recently imported from London. In view of the present requirements of the Board and of the wharfage extensions shortly to be carried out, I cannot recommend the Board to part with the hose in question. A letter will be read from Mr Joyce, the time-ball keeper, asking that certain additional work may be done to the building. However necessary the work in question may be I feel bound to call the Board’s attention to the fact that they have already expended the sum of £544 upon it. Subsequent to our last meeting I received an intimation of His Excellency the Governor’s approval of the plans for the new jetty, and tenders were immediately advertised for. The tenders are to be sent in by the 11th Juno, and I shall ask for authority from the Board to open them on that day, and refer them to our engineer, in order that we may receive his recommendation thereon in time for our next meeting on the 13th inst. I omitted to mention that the following amounts have been paid into the Board’s account since our last meeting: —Wharfage for—weeks ending £1234 19s 9d; pilotage and port charges for May, 1878, £348 2s 8d; warps and refund Pier Master’s salary, £B7 2s 4d; £1670 4s 9d treasurer's statement. The Treasurer laid his annual statement before the Board as follows Harbor Board Office, Christchurch, 31st May, 1878, The Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbor Board, Christchurch.

Sir, —In submitting my statement of receipts and expenditure for the twelve mouths ending the -30th April, 1878,1 think it well to accompany it with a few explanatory remarks. It will be noted that the total receipts during the year amounted to £20,732 18s, and the expenditure to £36,084 15s 2d, thus leaving a debit balance of £9951 17s 2d.

It is hardly necessary for me to explain that this excess of expenditure over receipts was brought about by the purchase of the Peacock Wharf property and two adjoining sections, amounting in all to £21,900. Had the proceeds of the loan been to hand at the time the purchase was made, the amount might fairly have been charged against it, and the result would then have been a credit balance of £12,000 instead of the present overdraft of £9951. The Board will doubtless not lose sight of the fact, that the accession of this valuable property is bringing them in an increased revenue under the head of wharfage, and also of the fact that should the Government require to occupy any portion of this property, the Board is entitled to receive compensation for it under the provisions of the Harbor Boards Lauds Act of last session.

The wharfage receipts are shown to amount to £19,802. This, however, includes an amount of £2020 belonging to the previous year. The actual amount earned during the past year is £17,435, that is after deducting the cost of collection. Attached to my statement is a return (A) showing in detail the wharfage dues received during the past two years. It will be noted that there is an increase of £2562 on this year over last year’s receipts. This is of course to some extent due to the fact that the Board have since January last been receiving the wharfage from Peacock’s Wharf. The trallic of the port has also largely increased, and is steadily increasing. A return which I have prepared shows the aggregate tonnage passing over the wharves, during the past twelve mouths, to have been: —General goods, 135,868 tons ; timber, 15,922,241 feet; sheep, 603 score : wool and skins, 53,005 bales ; and 1530 horses and cattle. Further particulars as to the through tonnage, local tonnage (Lyttelton), and transhipped goods, will be found in the return alluded to.

In the item “ £5106, pilotage, port charges, and harbor master’s fees,” is included a sum of £413 earned during the previous financial period, and consequently the actual amount earned during the past year is £4693. This is £l2l above the sum received during the preceding year. I attach a return (B) showing the details of the pilotage, &o„ receipts during the past two years. The other items under the head pf receipts call for no further explanation from me. With regard to the items of expenditure, it is not necessary for me again to refer to the one relating to tho purchase of the Peacock Wharf property. The item “ interest on overdraft” will of course disappear from the account immediately the proceeds of the loan are to hand, which should not be later than August, next. The next item, £1312 for the steam tng subsidy, exceeds the yearly contract amount by £312, that sum being in arrear on the Ist of May, 1877. The last item on the expenditure side calling for remark is that of £602 for special repairs to the dredge. This chart? e was in fact for new plant, necessitated by reason of some of the dredge gear, as originally constructed, being insufficient for the purpose for which it was required. The work was put in hand by the Government at the time of tho Board’s constitution, on the understanding that they should meet the cost. The accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the Lyttelton Harbor Board on the 30th of April, 1878, shows the liabilities to amount to £21,503, and the assets (which include all the property of the Board) to £318,993, giving a credit balance of £297,489. In this statement T have deducted 5 per cent, for depreciation on wharves, jetties, buildings, &c., basing their value on the original cost; and in the case of the dredge and barge plant, I have deducted lOper cent, from their, original cost for depreciation. I have also prepared a statement (C) or the dredging carried out since the commencement, and it will be gratfi.yjug 'to the Board to lenrn that tho cost of dredging during the past twelve mouths, including all the repairs, is something less than 5-Jd per cubic yard ; and I take this opportunity of testifying to the unremitting zeal and attention bestowed upon the work by Mr H. Tnrpin, tho superintending engineer of the dredge and barges. I inclose the following returns for the information of the Board :

(11) Statement showing in detail the revenue earned, and expenditure incurred, within tho twelve mouths ending tho 30th April, 1878, exclusive „f amounts fairly chargeableagainst loan. (E) Estimate of ordinary revenue r.nd expenditure for the ensuing twelve ihohtbs,' eliding 30th April, 1879, based on the pre vions years’ accounts. *"■ (F) Approximate estimate of receipts and expenditure under loan account. In conclusion, I desire to place on record the ready and willing assistance I have at all times received from the harbor master and other officers of the Board, in carrying out the duties of my office, C. H. Williams, Secretary and Treasurer. The following tabular statement was also read: — RETURN OF DREDGING WORK DONE IN THE PORT OF LYTTELTON. 1876-77.

SUMMARY. Eight and a-liulf uiouuio onAnig 30th April, 1877 — 85+ barge loads, amounting to 1a.,/-U cuou, 213,100 tons. , . Twelve mouths eudiui' 30th April, 18(8—lo96

barge loads, amounting to 287,280 cubic yaxds= 399,000 tons. Total amount dredged since commen-emeni—-2450barge loads=44l,ooo cubic yards=6l2,loo tons. DREDGE AND BARGES—MAINTENANCE. Expenditure—l2 Mouths ending 30th April, 1878. £ s. d. Salaries 4275 2 C coals, and current repairs, including outstanding accounts to 30th April, 1878 2755 5 3 £7030 7 9 Cost equal to 5Jd per cubic yard. C. H. Williams, Treasurer. 17th May, 1878. PILOTAGE AND OTHER FEES. A tabulated statement of the pilotage, port charges, and harbormaster’s fees received during the year, and a return of wharfage dues for the same period as contrasted with the year ended 30th April, 1877, were laid on the table. From the former it apneared that the total amount received for pilotage, &c., during the year ended April 30th, 1878, was £4092 IGs 7d, the amount received during the preceding yearba ing £-4571 19s sd. The wharfage dues for the year ending 30th April, 1878, were £17,435 0s 7d. The dues received for the corresponding period of 1877 were £14,873 Is lid. Tabulated statements of revenue and expenditure for the year, assets and liabilities (estimated), and an estimate of probable ordinary revenue and expenditure for the coming year were also laid on the table, giving in detail the information contained in the treasurer’s statement. Mr H. P. Murray-Aynsley moved, and Mr Craig seconded—“ That the (printed statement of receipts and expenditure of the Lyttelton Harbor Board for the twelve months ending April 30th, 1878, and also the statement of estimated assets and liabilities of the Lyttelton Harbor Board on 30tb April, 1878, as examined and certified by the auditor under the date of the 17th May, 1878, bo allowed by the Board, and that the same be certified accordingly under the hand of the chairman of the Board, in conformity with section 41 of the Lyttelton Harbor Board Act, 1876.” i The resolution was agreed to. harbormaster’s report.

The Secretary read the following report from the harbormaster

Lyttelton, 9th May, 1878. Sir, —I have the honor to forward yon my report on the harbor department for tho year ending 30th April, 1878. 1 have much pleasure in stating that even with the great increase of tonnage into and out of the port, no casualty has occurred to the shipping, and the Harbor Board’s property has hesn equally as fortunate, with the exception of the eight coir springs destroyed by lire in the Government shed on the Breastwork. Inward Pilot Station at the Heads.—Houses and boats are in good order and condition. The lookout house on tho hill will require little repairs, and fencing is necessary at the pilot’s house to shelter and prevent tho sprays during heavy north-west gales from destroying plants about the grounds. In Lyttelton.—Tho boats, buoys, and moorings are in good condition. The latter I would strongly recommend should be seen to as soon as convenient, in case of the mooring chain being worn at the edge of the mud, as all tho moorings have now to stand tho strain of a larger tonnage than they were originally intended for. The above overhaul will require the diver for three or four days. The coir springs at the Gladstone Pier are in very fair condition; yet the number of ships visiting the port leaves me short of springs, more especially that I am now obliged to use them in berthing the large ships at the intermediate wharf. I, therefore, recommend that a coil of coir same size ns now in use ho ordered as soon ns convenient.

I have no change to suggest for the working of the staff under my charge, as all the employes have given satisfaction, and 1 have received no complaints. Tot you are aware that their duties have greatly increased for the last twelve mouths, more especially in Lyttelton, on account of the many removals at the Gladstone Pier, and at the other wharves. These removals are as often done at night as they are in the day time, causing extra labor to the pilots and to myself, for which no charge can be made. I would, therefore, most respectfully recommend for the favorable consideration of the Board that the pilots merit an increase of salary. I have the honor to he, sir. Your obedient servant, H. McLellan, Harbor Master. Secretary Lyttelton Harbor Board.

Harbor Office, Lyttelton, 25th May, 1878, Sir, —I regret that since forwarding you my annual report that I have now to report that during the terrific, gale at 5, a.m. on the morning of the 16th inst., the barque W. C. Wentworth, schooner Omaha and schooner Enterprise received considerable damage against the breastwork, as will be seen by the enclosed inquiry. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, H. McLellan, Harbor Master, Secretary Lyttelton Harbor Board. ACCOUNTS. On the motion of Mr H. P. Murray-Aynsley, seconded by Ai r Craig, accounts to the amount of .£202 14s were passed for payment. HAEBOE MASTER. The Chairman brought up the report of the committee appointed to inquire into the charges that had been brought against the harbor master, re berthing ships. He said the report which exonerated the harbor master from undue preference in berthing vessels, had been read at the previous meeting, so that now it was only necessary to refer to it. The Chairman said ho thought it would now be expedient to lot the matter drop. After some remarks from Mr Allwright, Mr Harman moved, and Mr Craig seconded —“The report be received, and a copy thereof sent to the General Manager of the N.Z. Shipping Company and to the harbor master.” WHARFAGE ACCOMMODATION. A letter was read from the Chairman of the Board to Mr Conyers, calling his attention to the scarcity of waggons and trucks, and to the fact that vessels berthed at the various wharves, steamers excepted, have been nearly four times as long discharging as they would have been had they had such a supply of trucks as they were able and anxious to work. It was pointed out that next season the railway would have to carry the produce of nearly 75,000 acres for this district alone, in excess of this year’s production, and therefore if the Board’s information is correct, i.c,, that no new trucks beyond those being erected here are provided for next season, nothing but heavy loss and serious delays can be looked forward to for next year. It was pointed out that unless further provision is made by the Government by way of increase to their rolling stock, it would b£ almost useless for the Harbor Board to continue their expenditure on improvements,, as the wharfage accommodation noiy. existing * s n °t half utilised, owing to the deficiency of stock on the railway. STEAM TUG. The following letter was read from Messrs Laird, of Birkenhead, to the manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company, reporting progress in the building of the steam tug for Lyttelton harbor: — Birkenhead Iron Works, Hth April. 1878. Dear Sir, —In reply to your note of the 10th inst. regarding progress made with the tug, we fiaye to report 1. Keel, stem, sternpost, and nboefi three-fourths of the frame erected, and, Sfic will bo completely in. frame about the end qf 'this week. Beams partly made, floors bout,' outside plating nearly all on the, pSfcnfisfes,' decks cut and stacked. ' 12. One high and one low pressure cylinder cast and part bored, the other two, as well as condensers, moulded at the foundry. Paddle shafts part forged, cranks forged, and part machines and Other wrought iron work in progress. Boiler plates nearly all on the premises, and a good many of the inside, as well as shell plates, part worked. We will benr in mind the importance attached to prompt delivery. We remain, yours, &c., (Signed) Laird Bros. INSURANCE OF STEAM TUG. The secretary read a letter from the general manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company with reference to the insurance of the steam tug, in which it was stated that, in reply to a cablegram asking what rates of insurance were demanded for the tug, the reply from the Bondou manager was “ Insurance tug, 605.” It was moved by Mr Turner, seconded by Mr Harman, and agreed to —‘.'That the secretary propose to the local insurance companies the risk on thq steam tug, &c,, for the voyage outwards to By t tel ton, and to complete the same to the extent of .4X2,000, provided the companies will accent rates not exceeding those quoted from London.” FIRE HOSE. A letter was read from the Lyttelton town clerk asking, by direction of the Mayor and Borough Council, if the Board would dispose of 600 feet of their hose, now landing from London. Mi Murray-Aynsley suggested thr.t the Board, might lend a certain quantity of fiosb until they could import hose of their oHyii, and he would move a resolution "to'that effect as follows — “ That tbd Lyttelton Borough Council have the loaii of GOO. feet of fire hose till they are enabled to import their own, but only on condition that it is to be used in case of fire.” My Craig seconded the resolution. Mr Turner said that if the Lyttelton Borough Council were to have the hose belonging to the Board at all he should prefer that they should purchase it. Mr Allwright pointed out that the Borough. Council would only borrow the fiojj in cases of emergency, and wop.ld ot yiicc take steps to import the 600 it. required' from England. Th-j resolution waj agreed to. TIME BALL* A letter was read from Mv Alexander Joyce, asking that certain necessary improvements and repay,-a might be made to the Time Ball Tower, It was moved by Mr Turner, and seconded by Mr Cunningham—“ That an expenditure not exceeding A2O be authorised.” Tho motion was agreed to. TENDERS. The Chairman stated that the tenders for tho. now jetty were to be sent in by the 13,th June,' anrbaJgbV;^^

and he desired the Board’s authority to open them on that day, in order that they might be referred to the engineer for him to report upon in time for the next meeting of the Board on the 15th instant. On the motion of Mr Craig, seconded by Mr Harman, it was resolved—" That the chairman be authorised to ope a the tenders for the new jetty, and to refer them to the engineer for his report.” NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr Harman obtained leave to postpone his notice of motion regarding probable total costs of the works in Lyttelton harbor during the next two years, until the next meeting of the Board. On the motion of Mr Turner, seconded by Mr Harman, it was resolved—" That the next meeting of the Board be hold on the 13th inst., in Lyttelton, on arrival of the 12.10 train from Christchurch.” The Board then adjourned.

Months. No. of Barge Loads. Cnhic Yards. 187(5. 1st to 31st May h „ Juno > ,, July ) 14th to 31st August ... 1st to 30th September... 1st to 31st October 1st to 30th November... 1st to 31st December ... Dredging not commenced. ... 3(5. li.orir began 50 122 130 101 ojlBO 9,000 21,900 23,400 18,180 1877. 1st to 31st January 1st to 28th February ... 1st (o 31st March 1st to 30th April 133 23 Dredge under repairs. 118 138 24.180 4,110 21,210 24,810 Total, 1870-77 851153,720 1877-78. Moiii.Lio, V ; Nii. of Burge ' Loads.' Cubic Y ards. 1877. 1st to 31 st May] 1st to 30th June 1st to ylst July ,, August 1st to 30th September,.. 1st to 31st October 1st to 30th November... 1st to 31st December ... 113 136 11.3 151 147 170 111! 119 25,710 24,480 20 340 27,720 26,400 311,000 20,280 21,420 1878. 1st to 31st January 1st to 22th February 1st to 31st March 1st to 3£)th April til Dredges A; barges undergoing overhaul ami repair. B'h p'a 25,380 29,700 29,100 Totals, 1877-78 1,590 287,280