LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2191, 4 March 1881, Page 3

LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

This Board met at their Lyttelton offices yesterday, when there were present the Hon. B. Richardson (chairman), Messrs H. Sawtell, O. W. Turner, B. Allan, H. Allwright, E. G. Wright, P. Cunningham, B. J. B. Harman, and the Hon. J. T. Peacock.

Mr Allwright made an explanation, as he said, in justice to himself. It was with reference to it having been reported in the Press that at tho last meeting he had said “one member of Parliament was as good as another.” The paper in question had no representative present, and as ha had not used any such expression, ho could not conceive where the information was obtained.

The Hon. J. T. Peaccck said that tho position tho reporters occupied at the meetings of the Board at Christchurch was such as prevented them hearing what was said. Ho had attended but one meeting of the Board, but had observed this. The Hon. E. Richardson remarked that hitherto tho place tho reporters occupied at the Board’s meetings had been pretty much of their own choosing. Ho then made tho following statement: —The following sums hove been paid in to the Board’s account during the past month:—Wharfage, £2095 17e 9d ; towage, warps, &o , £l3l lls 9d ; pilotage and Port charges, February, 1881, £331 3s 2d. Total. £2558 12s Bd, Only two of the accounts for payment to-day require ony special explanation. The first is that for the debentures sinking fund for tho year 1881, amounting to £IOOO, which it will be necessary to hand over to the commissioners for investment forthwith. I may state that of tho £ISOO already placed in their hands they have applied £1472 10s of it in purchasing city of Christchurch 6 per cent, debentures, representing £1550. The other item in tho accounts is that for £6058 10s, which sum it became neccsssary to remit home by tho last mail to meet the interest coming due on our debentures on the 30th June next. Tho engineer’s monthly report will be read. Mr Turpin will report on tho overhaul of the dredge and barges at next meeting. The dredge resumed work this morning. The shipping return and the towage return for February are on the table, also a letter from Captain W. R. Williams referring to a question of pilotage exemption. It will be noted that our solicitor advised specially on tho point raised prior to Captain Williams’ letter. The harbormaster reports on the soundings taken immediately outside the moles, and recommends the erection of a beacon on Naval Point and breakwater for the guidance of vessels entering or leavinar the inner harbor. Under our by-laws I find it is necessary to appoint committees by notices of motion. The only permanent committees are the harbor improvement committee and the finance committee, and it will be necessary to give notice for appointing these committees. Acting on the wish of the Board, the harbormaster reported on tho position of the reef on which the Clematis was wrecked, although it is outside tho port, and, consequently, beyond the Board’s jurisdiction. I forwarded copy of his report to the Hon. Colonial Secretary. The letter will be read. A letter will be read from Messrs Bell and Miller in reference to the boilers for the pumping machinery. As the Board are already aware, objections were lodged at the Assessment Court against the Board paying rates on their property for which notices were served. As it appears that tho Borough of Lyttelton are going to oppose the objection, it became necessary to retain counsel, and Mr George Harper’s services have been retained, and the case will come before the Assessment Court on Saturday next, the case having been adjourned at the Borough’s request, to enable them to obtain Mr Oowlishaw as counsel. The Board are doubtless aware that a case of this nature recently came before tho judges in Dunedin, and they gave judgment supporting the advice already given by Mr Harper to this Biard on the question. A collision took place between our steam-tug and the schooner Aspasia on tho morning of the 27th February. I thought it right to ask for a Magisterial inquiry, which was held yesterday. A question relating to transhipments has been referred by tho Traffic Manager to the Board. An application has been received from tho Charitable Aid Board for some old rope for mat-making at tho Old Men’s Home. A report from tho engineer on the state, &e , of tho Purau Jetty will be read. As he reports the necessary repairs would oaly cost £5 or £6, I think the Board might authorise it to bo done. The question of shed sites on the breastwork is a matter for the Board’s consideration. No further communication from the Government has been received. I received a letter from the Hon. Colonial Secretary this morning in reference to the proposed erection of a jetty at Quail Island for landing stock, as the Government have decided to appoint it a quarantine ground for stock, and the Board are asked to assist the Government by undertaking its construction on their behalf. I would suggest that our engineer be instructed to place himself in communication with tho Government authorities, and to assist them in carrying out the proposed work. The engineer’s monthly report was read. It was resolved in connection therewith, on the motion of Mr Harman, seconded by Mr Allwright—“ That the Board authorise the expenditure of a gum not exceeding £6 for repairing tho Purau jetty, as recommended by Mr Bell in his report.” In respect to using the cement testing machinery in possession of the Board, Mr Turner said ho was anxious to make a series of experiments, and was prepared to pay a small sum for the use of the machine. He thought tho machine should be regarded as public property, and available to the public at a small charge. It was agreed to allow the machine to be used, the engineer to be present, but upon no account for any officer of the Board to give any cortifio te of the results.

The Hon. J. T, Peacock asked with reference to the state of the Bank account and a remittance which had been sent Home. Ho was asking particularly as to if interest was allowed ou daily balances. The Chairman replied no ; only on fixed deposits. As to the remittance sent Home, the Board were gainers by remitting when they did in the matter of exchange. Eespecting passing accounts,

Mr Cunningham suggested that they should bo left "-ith the finance committee. Last meeting £II,OOO of accounts had been passed by the Board without, really, the members knowing whether they were right or not. It would relievo the treasurer’s mind, he felt sure, of a responsibility, and the members of the Board of business they could have no sufficient knowledge of. He merely throw out the suggestion.

The Chairman said ho concurred in tho spirit of the remarks made, but he would, for the satisfaction of the Board, say that no account came before them which had not previously been examined by himself. Mr Cunningham said he felt sure what he had suggested would relieve the treasurer of an uncomfortable duty, one which rightly devolved upon tho finance committee. He then moved—“ That accounts amounting to £11,523 13s 4d bo paid,” and it was agreed to. Tho following communications, which are self-explanatory, with reference to tho late wreck of tho Clematis, wore laid on the table :

Lyttelton, 25th February, 1881

Sir, —In accordance with your instructions to proceed to the wreck of the brig Clematis, I have tho honor to inform you that I went to the Long Look-out yesterday morning at low water. I found tho wreck of tho Clematis lying on a rock with her head W. by S , and by measurement with the Harbor Board’s wire line, 366 ft from low water mark, and bearing N. -10 deg. E. magnetic from tho extreme northerly point of the Long Lookout. On taking soundings, found a rocky bottom with five fathoms of water at low water between low water mark, and the Clematis’ port bilge. The least water found was abreast of the vessel’s mainmast, and close up to the vessel’s planking, where two f aihoms wore struck. On the vessel’s starboard, or seaward side, six and a-half fathoms, increasing to ten fathoms about three cables from tho wreck. I may mention that from tho perpendicular cliff of the Look-out Point to low water mark, a distance of 340 ft, a low shelf of rock extends uncovered at low water, but completely covered at high water. The latter accounts for tho rock appearing further from the main land than it really is, and a high tide with smooth water, liable to mislead in judging tho distance, more especially with a a vessel coming round from the southward and eastward. With coasting and intercolonial trading vessels, the masters generally when tho wind is off the shore, make it a practice to keep close in shore. In conclusion I may state, to avoid any further doubt as to the position of the rock, where I found the wreck of tho Clematis on yesterday is tho same rock that tho barqne Catherine struck on in tho year 1863. I can positively vouch to the latter, as I myself towed tho barqne Catherine from tho same rock to Lyttelton Harbor with the steamer Gazelle. I may farther state that

I soundings were yesterday taken on board of the Lyttelton for an hour at very short distances apart for a pood square mile from the wreck; one rock with a nasty sea on, and no signs of shallow water could be found or seen. I wonld most respectfully suggest that the Harbor Board confer with the General Government, recommending two white painted beacons to be placed on tho Long Look-out, in a direct line with the rock, as it is only in the daytime that sailing vessels or steamers are liable to be close in shore. I have, &c., H. McLellan. The Secretary, Lyttelton Harbor Board. Lyttelton Harbor Office, Christchurch. Sir, —I have the honor to bring under your notice tho enclosed copy of a report from onr harbor master on the subject of the late wreck near Port Lyttelton, and to state that tho Board have to request that tho Government will comply with tho suggestion of tho harbor master, namely, that two white painted beacons be placed on the Long Look-out, in a direct line with tho rock, &c. The spot where these wrecks have taken place being ontaide the jurisdiction of the Harbor Board, they are prevented by law from expending their fands on this work. The cost will bo small, and should tho Government determine to agree with the above recommendation, I need hardly say that this Board will undertake the work at onco for the Government. I have, &0., E, Richardson, Chairman Lyttelton Harbor Board. Tho Hon. tho Colonial Secretary, Wellington. The harbormaster’s report was road, and tho following resolution was carried :—“That effect bo given to the recommendation of the harbormaster, dated 2nd March, that two beacons bo erected on the western breakwater for tho guidance of steamers and sailing vessels in entering and clearing the inner harbor at low water.”

A letter from the Board’s home engineers, Messrs Bell and Miller, advised receipt of payments by the Board, also reporting the progress of some work in hand, was read. With respect to the collision between tho steam tug Lyttelton and the Aspasia, the Chairman stated that the master of the tug had told him the day after the occurrence that a passenger was on board the tug who had told one of his crew that he could prove that he saw the steamer bearing down on the schooner’s light. He (the chairman) therefore thought an enquiry necessary. In reply to Mr Allwright, the Chairman said that the insurance company was not liable where the damage amounted to less than £3OO.

Mr Wright said, in respect to the decision, he was in favor of the Board paying half the damage, seeing tho steamer had been partly to blame.

This was agreed to, and the chairman was desired to see to it. The Chairman said he had retained Mr G. Harper to defend the demand of the Lyttelton Borough Council for rates. Mr Allwright remarked that the chairman had placed the matter unfairly before the Board. Tfce Borough Council did not propose to deal with anything more than whether tho Board should or should not pay rates on their Lyttelton offices. The instructions to Mr Oowlishaw, as acting for the borough, wore to proceed for the recovery of these rates. He heard the rates wore paid by the Board on their Christchurch offices, and did not, see why the., should not be paid in Lyttelton. The Chairman denied that tho Board paid rates as such in Christchurch.

Mr Wright asked whether tho Lyttelton Borough Council had claimed for the rates on the whole of tho Board’s property. The Chairman replied in the affirmative, and said that the Board had resisted it.

Mr Wright remarked that in that case they must resist the rating of the offices.

The Chairman said their solicitors had advised them to object to pay any rates whatever, as the admission of one small rate would be fatal to the whole objection. Mr Allwright said the Borough only wished to claim upon the offices and Mr Derbidgo’s house in Dampier Bay.

The Hon. J, T. Peacock considered that under these circumstances the Board should aay these rates, as any private holder of a ease from Government would have to do.

Mr Cunningham endorsed this view, and said that the lease from the Government held by tha Board contemplated that they should pay rates, for it actually said so in terms. The Chairman said, in equity, he was prepared to admit that the rates for those two properties should be paid, but, in the face of an Act which plainly stated they should not pay rates, he still felt the Board should defend the action of the Borough in demanding the rates. Mr Turner proposed—" That the chairman’s action in retaining Mr George Harper in the matter of the proposed Borough Council’s assessment on portions of the Harbor Board’s property be approved.” Seconded by Mr Harman, who said that while he did so ho felt that the Board should not be exempted from rates for those particular properties. The motion was carried.

Mr Allwright asked if any oorrespondenos had been received re tho proposed bathing place. The Chairman replied in the negative. Mr Cunningham asked if it was lawful for a big ship to carry her light in the main rigging, because if it was in the case of ships it would be applicable to smaller vessels. He asked the question more with a view to having a definite opinion given by the harbormaster for the guidance of masters of the smaller class of vessels.

He was referred to the regulations in force. Mr Cunningham asked 'what amount of money had been paid to members of the Board for travelling expenses during the five years of its existence. He thought the public should know what expenses the members claimed and were paid. He bad been asked the question. The Chairman said that only in one or two instances had any been claimed, and Mr Cunningham was not one of them. Mr Wright’s notice of motion to reduce the wharfage on grain from 2s per ton to Is now came on for discussion. Mr Wright said it was four years since he first asked the Board to consider the question of reducing the wharfage rates. At that time he proposed a general redaction from 2s to Is 4i upon all goods passing over the wharves. He now asked a reduction from 2s to Is upon grain alone, as the one item that needs relief more than any other, except potatoes and a few other items. He felt justified in making the demand, as nearly every Harbor Board made a distinction in favor of grain, the reason being obvious that the trade was not only a moat important one, but a heavy wharfage charge forma a considerable percentage on the value of the article, or in the case of Lyttelton about 1£ per cent, on wheat at 3s fid per ‘bushel. Farmers now under stress of low prices take oven a farthing per bushel into account on the prices they pay for threshing or carting, and they therefore fully realise the benefit of one-third of a penny per bushel on the wharfage. Dunedin made a distinction in favor of grain, which he asked the Board here to make, and charge Is as against 2s on ordinary merchandise. Quoting from published reports, he said the increase in the revenue of the Board during the past three years from wharfage was equal to 62 per cent., and that, therefore, the Board need not hesitate to make the reduction on financial grounds. The wharfage on grain last year amounted to £10.695 14s, and his proposal would cut off half the amount, or £5347 17s, and he thought a return of the last three years’ operations would show that the sum cut off could be dispensed with. For while the ordinary expenditure, exclusive of loan expenditure (hut including the cost of dredging), was £30,367, the ordinary revenue, including interest on deposits amounted to £45,715, or £15,347 over the requirements of the Board, while all he asked the Board to relinquish was only about one-third of that surplus. He said ho hod not lost sight of the fact that the surplus named included £7673, derived from interest on fixed deposits, which item would gre dually disappear as the balance of the loan (£106,196) became exhausted, but, on the other hand, the ordinary expenditure included £8363 for dredging, which ho believed would presently disappear; so that for all practical purposes the Board, he considered, had raised a revenue of £45,000 when it required only £30,000, and it might now with good grace relinquish onethird of the surplus in the manner he had proposed. He moved—“ That the charge for wharfage upon all grain shipped from Lyttelton be reduced from two shillings to one shilling per ton.” The Hon. J. T. Peacock, as seconder, said he found, after accounting for all receipts t nd expenditure in 1879, there was a balance of £11,056, and for 1880 £15,347, making a total balance in two years of £26,404, from T’hioh deducting £10,720 as representing intern ts on fixed deposits left a balance of £15,684, and £13,860 for dredging deducted.from this left a balance of £29,813 as the surplus of eat

over the expenditure in the two year*. It would of course be proper in future he thought to set apart annually a sufficient sum for renewal and depreciation, but such an allowance had actually been made in the above figures before the balances named were struck. Supposing, however, that it was necessary, he thought there was no occasion to keep up the high wharfage on grain, for he considered grain contributed, both directly and indirectly, considerably more than merchandise or anything else, for he found there was a large profit made upon pilotage, port charges, &e., and it was the large number of ships coming for grain which increased the profit. Ho found grain paid £10,695 out of a total of £28,315, and general merchandise £837-1 only. He did not know why valuable merchandise should be let off easier than less valuable grain, which costs so much to produce and leaves so little profit, and thought an article which helped so considerably to swell the income of the harbor-master’s department might very well be treated on its merits; besides ships loading grain load quickly, therefore do not occupy berths long. He did not wish to bolster up one business at the expense of another, but if there were any classes of business which should be lightly treated, it was those which promoted local industry. Some people thought any reduction in wharfage would not go into the farmers’ pocket, but he said it would mostly, as farmers were now shippers, or sold their grain free on board. Ho felt satisfied that tho Board not only could but should decrease the charge, and therefore seconded the resolution. Incidentally he might suggest that the reduction of Is per ton would help to make up tho overcharge on railway carriage, and tend to increase the quantity sent for shipment. Mr Allan was in favor of shelving the proposal for tho present. Ho thought what the farmers were suffering from was not the third of a penny on the wharfage so much as scarcity of shipping. A better course, he considered, would bo for the finance committee to report what revenue could be dispensed with with a view to making tho port ns nearly a free one as possible, which, in his judgment, was calculated to benefit tho farmer to a much greater extent than tho reduction proposed. He moved, as an amendment—- “ That before reducing tho rates of the wharfage or other charges, the finance committee be requested to report at an early date as to tho amount of available revenue it will be prudent for the Board to dispense with.” Mr Sawtell seconded the amendment. Mr Cunningham said everyone knew that £SOOO of the Board’s revenue could be spared, but he for one would resist making grain a special article of itself for the reduction, Such a course, in his opinion, was not to bo expected of the Board, representing, as they did, the commerce of the Port. It was to bo deprecated to make reductions for one particular class, and he should prefer to make the reduction extend to the clauses in the tariff marked E, F, K, L, N, P, representing agricultural produce,'hay, straw, chaff, potatoes, turnips, &c., timber, firewood, posts and rails, &0., minerals, native coal, bricks, &c, Mr Harman concurred with this view. Mr Wright, by permission of the Board, again spoke to the resolution, saying if Mr Allan’s amendment was carried the question would bo shelved for this season at all events. The Chairman deprecated any hasty action being taken. He was far from agreeing with Mr Allan that the farmer would be so very much benefited by this being a free port, and in tho matter of the proposed reduction he thought tho most of it wonld go into the pockets chiefly of the largo purchasers. Mr Allan’s amendment was then put and lost. Mr Cunningham moved—“ That a redaction of 25 per cent, be made in the present charge for wharfage at the Port of Lyttelton under clauses E, P, K, L. N, and P of tho railway tariff.” This was seconded by Mr Harman, and Mr Wright having accepted it and withdrawn his resolution, it was agreed to unanimously. The Chairman presumed that effect wonld be given to it as soon as possible. Mr Turner then gave notice of motion—- “ That this Board desires to reconsider tho charges made by the Harbor Board, and instructs tho finance committee to report tho extent to which reduction, it any, can safely bo made, and what items shall be effected thereby.” Mr P. Cunningham gave notice of motion for the next meeting that the following members constitute the finance committee:— “Messrs Aynsley, Turner, Allwright, and Sawtell, the Chairman to be ex officio a member—three to form a quorum ; and tho following be the Harbor Improvements Committee :—Messrs Herman, Peacock, Wright, Allan, and the Chairman, ex officio —three to bo a quorum.” The Chairman was authorised to arrange for the erection of the jetty at Quail Island for landing quarantined stock upon, as asked for in tho Colonial Secretary’s letter of March let. Tho Board then adjourned.