HOKITIKA HARBOR BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1917, Page 3

HOKITIKA HARBOR BOARD.

Friday, F«.b 2. The Board met at 730 p.m. PreBent —Messrs It. Wild (Ctiuiioiau), F. McGregor and G. E. Chapman. The minutes cf the previous meeting were read and confirmed and outward correcpoudenca read and appioved. A quantity of formal inward correspondence was also received. A deputation from the Hokitika Borough Council consisting of Messrs Perry (Mi ;.yor ) and Con son and tbe TovuCl-ik (Mr Airirewes), waited on the Bom! to a k for cinaideretion of the pay count of rates in Cam Square, cemetery, ewimmiug bath and abattoirs. Mr Perry pointed out that the financial position of the Borough was not a strong ore and also that these reserves were used for public pur-

poses and were not revenue making, After a ceaeral dLcassion in which the Chairmen referred to tbe financial position of tbe Board, he said he recognised the Boiou h ratepayers were paying a big share of the rite, abont one half of it. He recognised that, the reserved were of public utility and be was in favor of not collecting the rates on Caes Square and the cemetery. Ha thought however, that it was a reasonable request for payment on behalf of the abattoirs and swimming batb. This suggestion met with the support of members and the deputation, the Mayor expressing tbe opinion that their request had been fairly met. The deputation expressed its thanks

for the hearing given and then withdrew. REPORTS. The Harbormaster reported the channel was running straight out to sea, with a depth of feet at neap tides. On January 6.h a fire broke oat in gone on Mr Sparkes’ property at South Spit which spread rapidly, burniDg portion of the dd wall and some of the trestle work leading to the new wall. The fire had bean put on 4 at a cost of £8 12/. —Received, The Chairman moved that Me Sparkes be written to asking what he is prepared to do in meeting (he damage caused at South Spit, and that the Chairman of Finance be authorised to deal with Mr Sparkes.—Seconded by Mr Chapman and carried. In connection with the fire, the Chairmao expressed his appreciation of the very active services of the Harbormaster (Mr W. Scott) in this connaotion, stating that he was at work at the scans of the fire from one o’clock in the afternoon till seven o’clock next morning. He moved that the Board place on record its appreciation of the work of the Harbormaster in this connection.—Seconded by Mr Chapman and agreed to. FINANCE. In connection with the collection of tbe special rate, the Chairman annoueced that £753 0/8 had been collected, leaving £G36 11/4 yet to be collected.—Raceived, It was resolved that active steps be continued to collect the jaraouaia outstanding. Accounts amounting to £382 10/4 were passed for payment, including £314 on account of interest on loao, MOTION OF SYMPATHY. The Chairman moved that the Board desires to express to the relatives of the late Mr C. R. Glass its sincere regret and sympathy at hip death and to tender to them tbeir appreciation of tbe cervices rendered by him during hia term of office. —Seconded by Mr Chapman and carried in eilenee. , J The Beard rose at 8.10 p:m.