THAMES HARBOUR.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4671, 7 March 1924, Page 4

THAMES HARBOUR.

MONTHLY MEETING OF BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Thames Harbour Board was held on Tuesday evening. There were present Messrs R. Coulter (chairman), S. Loughlin, D. G. McMillan. A. A. Wagstaff, J. W Dauby, D. Donaldson, and A. Bruce. The secretary, Mr Sanders, was also ni attendance.

A vote of condolence with the wife and family of the late Mr E. W. Parsons was passed.

PAEROA REPRESENTATIONS

The secretary, Marine Department, Wellington, wrote stating that the question of the appointment of an additional member of the Board, as authorised by the Harbours Act of last, ses.sion, was taken up with the principal law officer in view of fact that there appeared to be a doubt as to whether there was any provision in the Act for the appointment or election. Tn his opinion it was difficult to see how it could be contended that the Act contemplated the appointment forthwith, but that the Act contemplated the existing Board carrying on their duties without any alteration until fin election occurred lit the ordinary course. RIVER CARGO. The Northern Steamship Co. Ltd. wrote with reference to the landing of cargo on the decks bf any vessel that were occupying wharves when the company’s steamers called during the night. It was stated that this was the general custom throughout New Zealand, and also that as the cargo was so stowed it was not always possible to keep goods on board and land them on the return trip, as suggested by the Board. FIRE INSURANCE. The State Fire Insurance Co. wrote giving the amount of fire insurance on the Board’s property. The matter was referred to the chairman and secretary for investigation and a report. FIDELITY GUARANTEE'. An insurance company wrote advising that it would not agree to make any payment beyond that legally due under the Board’s guarantee policy. A cheque for £l5l 13s 2d, the amount agreed upon by the two parties, was therefore forwarded. The chairman said that he had discussed the matter wTth the insurance company, but had not agreed upon accepting any particular sum. The amount -appeared to be all the company was legally liable for. The offer was accepted. Mr Bruch moved that a fidelity bond for £5OO be ararnged for the same company for the present secretary. The fact that a fidelity bond was oflittle value to local bodies as it only covered the past twelve months and the audit was not made until some months after the end of the financial year was discussed. THE LOAN. The manager Bank of New Zealand, Thames, wrote in reference to the Board's loan. The chairman said that this had been .carefully considered by the local committee, and it was recommended as follows: . (a) That the Board advertise in the centres enumerated by-the Bank of New Zealand the issue of a loan of. £20,000 bearing interest at the rate of six per cent., and having a. currency of 20 years, (b) That inland exchange on the purchase money O’’ the above be borne by the Board, the principal to be repayable at Thames, (c) That the offer of the Bank of New Zealand to provide overdraft accom-i modation to the extent of £15,000 against the hypothecation of the above debentures be accepted, (d) That the preparation of the deed of hypothecation and the debentures, and the printing of the latter, be left in the hands of of the Bank of New Zealand, (e) That steps ne immediately fallen to secure the necessary authority to give effect to the foregoing. HARBOUR SCHEME. ■ (a) That the Thames Borough Council be approached with a view to ascertaining the terms under which they would be prepared to supply, stone, etc., from their proposed new quarry to the Board in connection with the harbour improvement. (b) That the engineer be instructed to proceed with enquiries, with respect to the acquisition of dredging and other, plant, and also with respect to any contracts- necessary in connection with the proposed harbour improvement works. Tn moving the adoption of the re-

commendations the chairman said that the committee had gone carefully into the questions, and had many conferences with the bank manager. The proposed plan was only a temporary one.

Mr Wagstaff seconded the motion. Mr Donaldson asked the position in regard to the applications received some months ago from private firms. H e thought that some assurance should be received from the bank tliat the rest of the money required would be available.

The chairman said that when the Board was prepared to do business the private firms were not in a position to lend the money. He had made many investigations in Wellington ami Auckland, but had found that the debenture tax had made investors shy of lending money to local bodies. All inquiries that could be made had been made. Tn regard to the bank be felt there wa.s no doubt that it would stand by the Board if required.

The committee was of the opinion that money -would become cheaper m the next few years. It had therefore proceeded with caution, and had only recommended that a small sum to meet the requirements should lc raised at present. If a dredge was to be purchased this sum would last nine or twelve months. Air Danby said that the local com-' init.tee had been actuated by a desire to have the work commenced as soon as possible, and also to save money. It would be foolish to pay a high interest rate for a long period of years. After many points were explained the motion was carried unanimouslyThe formal resolutions striking the rate as security for the loan were then put and carried. TURUA WHARFINGER.

Mr McMillan brought up the question of the wages paid to wharfingers. It was the same at Kopu as at Turua, yet the amount of work was much greater at the latter place, and the salary should be greater. The chairman explained that when the board visited Turua it was found that the Turua people desired to consider the matter, and for that reason it was deferred ''until the February meeting.

Mr McMillan said it had been stated that the Turua business men would contribute towards the cost of a permanent man, but he had found no foundation for the statement. The necessity for a permanent man was very great, as goods were never checked, and consequently offer lost. The presen. man would perhaps take up the position if the salary offered was sufficient.

Mr Laughlin was of the opinion that a man should be appointed and paid by the settlers, shipping company, and Harbour Board in proportion. Mr McMillan said he would not advocate anything that would raise or tend to .keep the charges up. It would be bid business for the board, and would perhaps drive trade to the other river.

Mr Danby said he understood that the bulk of the cargo was received by a weekly boat, and he suggested appointing a man to act on one day a week to receive and deliver the cargo from this boat.

Mr McMillan said that this would work all right if all the settlers called for their goods on. the day the man was in charge. A man was willing :b act as a permanent officer for £lOO a year on certain conditions. It was decided to defer the matter until the following, day, when it was intended to make a tour of the harbour and visit Turua. FINANCE. Accounts totalling £452 10,s 9d were passed for payment.