LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1929, 30 April 1880, Page 4

LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

Thtjbsbay, Apbii, 2S. The usual meeting of the Board was held at 2 pm. Pre3ont—Hon. E. Rich>\rdaon (chairman), Messrs H. Sawtell, H. P. MurrayAynsley, P. Cunningham, D. Craig, R. J. S. Harman, C. W. Turner, Dr. Turnbull, and the Mayor of Lyttelton. The Chairman read a telegram from Mr R. Allan, stating that he was unable to leave Dunedin hi timo to attend the meeting of tho Board.

The Chairman said : Sinc9 our last meeting the following sums have been paid to the credit of our current account: —Wharfage, £4494 133 7d; towage, rent, warps, &c, £638 163 lOd; filed deposits matured, £13,000 ; interest on fixed deposits, £312 10d ; £18,446 Os sd. I might explain that our threo months fixed deposits, amounting to £25,000, matured on the 2nd April, and that £13,000 of this sum was placed to our current ac count, and the balance of £12,000 was placed at fixed deposit for another three months. Our present fixed deposits are as follows : £IOO,OOO, for twelve months, at 6J per cent. per annum, maturing ut 2nd January, 1881 ; £lO 000, for six months, at 6 per cent, per annum, maturing 2nd July, 1880; £12,000, for threo months, at 5 per cent, per annum, maturing 2nd July, 1880. Making a total of £122,000. A large number of accounts for payment will be laid before you to-day. Amongst them is one for £6OOO, as being interest payable on our dabentures on 30th June next. The finance committee arranged with the Bank of New Zealand to pay the coupons then coming due in London. With regard to tho amount standing to the Board's oredit with the National Bank of New Zealand in London, I may state that the committee directed the issue of a eight draft on that Bank for £7OOO. This draft was purchased at pai by our bankers, and placed to our credit here at onoe The engineer's monthly report will bo read. Mr Turpin's report on the new dredging buckets, to., recently received from tho home builders of our dredge will also be read. He also reports upon other matters connected with the dredging operations. The dredging return for this month cannot be completed until to-morrow, but I may say a large amount of work has been done. Up to yesterday 135 barges had been loaded equal to 33,750 tons. In connection with the dredging I would state that I have thought it desirable to have a very full set of soundings taken from the transporting buoy outwards to a distance of somo 400 or 500 feet outside the moles, and I would reoommond that immediately the dredge completes the work on which she is now employed near inner end of Gladstone Pier, that she should take up her position at the entrance of the innir harbor and to the westward, and do Buch cross dredging works there as may be shown to b 9 necessary from the soundings just taken. A return of foreign vessels arriving and departing from Lyttelton, with their cargoes, time taken in loading cnd_ discharging, &}., is on the table, and furnishes evidence of the largo amount of work dono and produce exported,and of the quick despatch now received by vessels visiting this_ port. The reclamation between the boat jetties and the Gladstone Wharf having been completed, I furnished the Commissioner of Railways with a statement of the cost of the railway's portion of the work, in accordance with the previous arrangement made with tho Government, and in order that the sum (£4479 53) might be replaced on the estimates for the ensuing year, and refunded to the Harbour Board as soon as possible. In connection with the preparation of plans for the timber breastwork between the Gladstone Pier and the screw pile jetty, the question arose as to what were the requirements of the railway in regard to the portion of the timber breastwork where it joins the Gladstone Pier, and which portion would be on land belonging to and vested in the railway. The seoretary, by my direction, at once addressed a letter to Mr Conyers on the subject. He also wrote asking, in the event of the Harbor Board placing a jetty to the east of the present boat landings, whether the Commissioner of Railways would agree to give access to it for drays and carts from the town of Lyttelton. In writing on this subject it was pointed out to Mr Conyers that the reclamation work recently carried out by Mr Stinson had been done, for the most part, "by carts, and without any noticeable interruption of the railway traffic. Mr Conyers has since telegraphed stating that Mr Lowe, the Resident Engineer, was on his way from Dunedin and would inquire into and fully report upon the matter. I saw Mr Lowe this morning, and he informs me that he has now inquired into the matter and is authorised to write that Mr Conyers will write officially intimating to the Board the Government's approval to the proposed cart roud to the jetty in question. By the last San Francisco Mail our Engineer received a communication from Messrs Bell and Miller, our consulting engineers for the graving dock, having reference to a sliding caisson. As this was not contemplated in the original design for the dock, I thought it right to at once cable home on the subject; a oopy of the cablegram will be read. A Teply has not yet come to hand. In the matter of the proposed jetty at Governor's Bay, a letcer was addressed to the Port Victoria Road Board in terms of the Board's resolution, and a reply has been recoived to the effeot that the Road Board will form a track to connect the proposed jetty with the main road to Governor's Biy. As this does not meet the requirements mentioned in the Harbour Board's resolution, namely, that the Road Board should form the stone embankment or approach to the jetty, which is at present outside the limits of the Harbor Board's jurisdiction, it became necessary that I should again report the matter to you. You are of course aware that the Lyttelton Harbor Board's jurisdiction only extends to high water mark within port of Lyttelton, as defined by the Harbors Act, 1878. At present the Board cannot deal satisforily with any of the questions which arise in connection with the deposit of ballaßt, ships, or outlying gullies. The Harbor Board will, I think, agree with me that it is most desirable and essential that they should posse-a jurisdiction over the beach or foreshore reserve round the harbor. You are probably aware that this reserve is a chain in width, its back boundary is a chain back, and runs parallel with high water mark. On the occasion of the recent visit of the Hon. Premier and the Minister for Lands, I took the opportunity of speaking to them on the subject. I gathered from them that they would be favourable to this reserve being placed under the jurisdiction of the Lyttelton Harbor Board, and they would promote the passing of an Act, if introduced at the instance of the Harbor Board, having this object in view. Through the courtesy of Mr Baker, the Chief Surveyor, I have obtained an authentic plan, showing this reserve, right round the harbor, and I would strongly recommend the Board—that is, if they concur with my views on this matter —to pass a resolution directing their solicitors to prepare a Bill, to be introduced during the ensuing session of the General Assembly, to meet the Board's present requirements. I may mention that, by a telegram from Wellington in the papers of the 14th April, it appears that the Government, at an interview with the Wellington Harbor Board, agreed to hand over to that Board, among other things, " The Pilot Station and Signal Station Reserves, and to vest in them the right of the whole of the foreshore round the harbour, subject to any reserves for railway or other purposes the Government might require from time to time." I think the reserve at Little Port Cooper, upon which tho pilot station, buildings, &s., are erected might also fairly be vested in the Lyttelton Harbor Board, more especially as it is very unlikely it will over be used for defence purposes. Section 11 ol the Public Reserves Act, 1878, is evidently framed in contemplation of cases of this kind, where it is desirable that the purposes of reserves Bhould be changed. Experiments are now being made under Mr Turpin's directions with native coal, on board the tug, dredge and barges, and the result will shortly be known and reported upon by him. As no further advico camo to hand from Dunedin relative to Thomson's patent selfregistering tide gauges, it became necessary to order them from elsewhere. Dr. Hector reported to me that tho tide gauges used in Sydney were most effective, and that he was desirous of establishing them in all the New Zealand ports, with a view to obtain uniform observations from them, and it is manifest that information thus gained would be of more than local value. I therefore took advantage of Dr. Hector's offer to obtain two of these tide gauges from

Sydney, one for use in the inner harbor, and the other at the pilot Btation at the heads. Th« two will cost from £25 to £3O, being about half the amount authorised to be spent hy the Board on the purchase of one. Acting under the Board's resolution in regard to the

time ball tower, I obtained a report from Mr Strouts, and as he recommended the cementing of the outer walls, I caused tenders to be advertised for the work. I have since recoived a letter on the subject from Mr Oane, who wan formerly architect of the building. Both Mr Strouts and Mr Cane's letters will be read. Tenders for tho work have been sent in to-day, and will be laid before you. One of tlie pilot boat's crow at tho Heads has intimated his intention o£ leaving the service, und it will be necessary to appoiut some one in his place Applications for the appointment will bo laid before you, and it will be necessary to make the appointment. The matter of dealing with the case of one of the hands on board the Heathcote who has been suspended will also como before you. Having become hware that Messra Money Wigram are sending the steamer Norfolk to Lyttelton, I hive made it my business to ascertain the draft of water by this vessel and other steamers of that firm, and find that the deepest load lino of the Norfolk is more than one foot less tLun that of the Stad Haailem, so that there is no doubt about their being able to steam direct to or from sea to our wharves. The Norfolk has sailed, and may be expected hero early in June. Eeturns of the number and tonnage of foreign vessels arriving at and departing from the wharves in Lyttelton, together with the timo takon in discharging and loading, were kid on the table, from which the following is extracted : Lady Jocelyn, 2138 tons, 103 days at wharf ; Euterpe, 1197, 80 days ; Remonstrant, 1045, 81 days; Bruce, 120 C, 59 days; Pwko, 1136, 45 days; Pleiades, 1020, 54 dajs ; Ingle wood, 1077, 24 days ; Wostern Monarch, 1385, 20 days; Maraval, 1257, ',26 days; Waimate,lls7, 33 days; Westland, 1116, 34 days ; Bon Nevis, 1060, 30 days ; Star of India, 1040, 43 days ; Margaret Galbraith, 889, 20 days ; British Empire, 5 1499, 29 days ; Salamanca, 1262, 21 days; Nebo, 1383, 18 days ; Padishah, 1249,10 days ; Buttermere, 993, 24 d*ya. The Engineer's report was read, as tolilows: — The Chairman Lyttelton Harbor Board.

Sir,—Messrs Hawkins completed their reclamation contract on tho 21st April, having exceeded the contract time by fourteen weeks. | Mossrs Hawkins allege to account for this delay, that part of the outer embankment sub- j sided eight times, to the extent of six feet each | timo. This would indicate that a very large increase of embankment was incurred over and above the allowance calculated for in the contract quintities submitted with the tender. I am aware that the embankment Bubsided in thi3 manner several times, but it is impossible to ascertain the surplus quantity that was thus incurred. Messrs Hawkins also found that much delay was caused to them by having to cross the railway with their waggon loads of earth; tho great number of holidays that intervened during their contract timo also caused much loss of time. It appears that the stipulated number of men were employed during the whole of the contract time. I think Messrs Hawkins must be credited with unavoidable loss of timo to a considerabl9 extent, although fourtean weeks seems a great deal to attribute to the causes abovo stated. The contract of Mr St>n3onfor reclamation between tho boat landing and Screw Pile Wharf is nearly complete!. The now boat landing at Peacock'B Wharf being finished, it will he necessary to remove several old boilers, and to level and slope the ground before it can be used for boats. To make this slip fully available the old shed should be removed or the end doors taken ont, so that boats can bo hauled up ur.der tho shod. Before letting a contract for the timber breastwork on the new reclamation it will be necessary to dradgo the mud in front of the slope which has risen by the weight of the embankment until in some places it is dry at low water, where there was originally 7ft. of water. I think when this mud is removed the front of the reclamation will settle down, and must be made up again. If tho dredging is to be done at once it will be necessary to relieve the contractors from all responsibility in regard to the maintenance of that part which is likely to subside from this cause, The work of the dock is making very good progress. The inspector informs me that a great number of the pile heads in the wharves are Bplit by the weather. It is very important that these cracks should be filled with Stockholm tar and resin to preserve the pile heads from rotting. One of the steamers has a projecting plate in her fide, which has repeatedly torn off the chafing plate from tho end of the screw pile wharf. It will be necessary to replace these with a plate 15in. wide, made to fit the round of the pile. If this is not done, the pile will be injured. Plans are being got out for the timber breastwork on the now reclamation.

Mr Cunningham thought that the penalties against Messrs Hawkins and Co. Bhould not bo enforced, as the contractors had not been guilty of any wilful neglect or delay. Besides this the Board had not suffered any loss by the time fixed by the contract being exceeded. He would move that tho penalty be a nominal one of 50a.

Mr Sawtell said that to move a resolution like this was absurd. Either thoy should inflict a penalty of a substantial oharacteror remit it altogether, and after the explanation of the chairman and engineer he would prefer to see the penalty remitted altogether. Mr Turner would support a motion for remission of the penalties entirely. The motion of Mr Cunningham was net seconded. In answer to Mr Craig, the ohairman said the penalties for which the contractors were liable amounted to £6OO.

Mr Craig moved " That the penalty be reduced to £50." Dr Turnbull seoonded the motion.

Mr Turner moved, as an amendment—- " That the penalties incurred by Messrs Hawkins and Co. be remitted altogether, in consideration of the oause shown by them." Mr Cunningham seconded the amendment. The Mayor of Lyttelton did not think it would be fair to the other contractors to re« mit the whole of the fines, because he was aware that contractors considered the question of fines on tendering. The amendment was put and negatived, and the resolution agreed to. Mr Harman moved—" That the Board approves of the repairs to the jetty piles as recommended in Mr Bell's report on 29th April, and also of the taking over by the Board of the boat shed belonging to Hawkins and Co., in exohange for the old smithy now used by them at Officer's Point. The Board further approves of the action of the ohairman in authorising the procuring of a working model of the graving dock at a cost of about £10." Mr Aynsley seoonded the motion, whioh was carried. The secretary read a letter forwarded to the Commissioner of Railways, asking him whether Government had any objeotion to traffic crossing the line where the Board wished to establish a town pier. The Mayor of Lyttelton brought before the Board the unsheltered position of tho boat landing as proposed at the town pier. His reason for doing so was that the boatmen had spoken to him about it. The Ohairman would bring the matter before the Board at a subsequent meeting, when detailed plans would be submitted. Mr Cunningham objected to the proposed town pier, as being too near the railway" station.

The matter then dropped. The Ohairman brought under the notice of tho Board the question of the foreshore. Considerable discussion followed, the members considering that the question was too large a one to deal with at once. It was ultimately agreed to ask the Harbour Improvement Committee to report at the next meeting, the ohairman undertaking to have a rough draft of the Bill brought up at the next meeting. Accounts to the amount of £12,084 13s were passed for payment. On the question of cementing the Time Ball Tower, The Mayor of Lyttelton trusted that the Bourd wo'uld pause before they destroyed what was now tho only land mark in Lyttelton, and disfigured what was, in an orchitectural point of yiew, a very handsome building. The Ohairman read the specifications, showing that the main characteristics of the architecture of the building would be preserved as much as possible by the process proposed. Tenders for the work were then opened, and it wbs found that the lowest of the three sent in was informal, no deposit being sent, and the other two were largely in excess both of the architect's estimate and the lowest tender.

After Borne discussion, it was resolved to refer the lowest tender to the architect, with instructions to accept it if satisfactory. After some further routine business, the Board adjourned to meet on Thursday, 13th May, at Lyttelton.