OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 66

OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Otago Harbour Board —the first meeting of the new board —was held on Thursday evening, the chairman (Mr J. Loudon) presiding. There Were also present Messrs H. C. Campbell, W. Begg, D. Larnach, F. S. Tyson, D. F. H. Sharpe, H. M. Driver, J. B. Waters, T. Anderson, H. E. Moller, J. H Duncan, A. Campbell, and Captain Coll M'Donald. Prior to commencing the business of the meeting the chairman welcomed the new members, Messrs A. Campbell, Waters and Anderson. LOCAL BODIES CONFERENCE. The chairman reported having that afternoon attended the conference of local bodies called by the Otago Hospital Board to discuss the best means of providing productive work for the unemployed. Mr Duncan remarked that it was a pity that the chairman had not put before tile meeting the fact that the board had recently offered to provide work for 30 men, and only 21 had turned up. This seemed to be a peculiar position, and he was sorry to hear that it had arisen. The chairman’s statement was noted. DOCK DUES. The Standing Committee recommended in connection with the damage to the g.s. Port Nicholson, received at Quarantine Island in October last, that, with a view to meeting the company with respect to an allowance in the dock dues, the matter be referred to a sub-committee consisting of the chairman, Messrs A. Campbell, H. C. Campbell, and J. B. Waters to report.—The chairman said that a statement had been received from the Auditor-general regarding this matter, and it was agreed that the sub committee should consider this statement, and submit a report at the next meeting of the board. SOUTHERN ENDOWMENT. The Standing Committee recommended, with respect to the communication from the Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Board in connection with the area adjacent to Wharf street, and now being reclaimed, that the Drainage Board be advised that the board assented to this Work being undertaken in accordance with the proposals, and the estimated cost submitted, such cost to be borne equally by both bodies. —The recommendation was approved. ; LEITH FLOODING. The Standing Committee recommended, in the matter of the combined engineers’ report and the sub-committee’s report of April 14, with respect to the Leith Hood, that consideration be deferred to a special . meeting of the board to be held on a date to be fixed by the chairman, the sub-committee meantime to consider the matter further. Captain M'Donald pointed out that the " committee had been unanimous on the point that the responsibility of the board extended only from Forth street to the eea. Finance was required to carryout the work that the engineer had recommended as a temporary rpeasure, but this ' point was still being held in abeyance. The committee had recommended that a representative should be sent to Wellington to find out if there was any- chance of raising a loan to finance the work below Forth street. Mr Moller: We shall have to keep our eye on those boulder traps. Mr Moller added that these traps were the City Council’s responsibility, and if it did not fix them there would be trouble again. Mr Begg stated that the council had already commenced the construction of one of these traps under the unemployment scheme. It was decided that the calling of the special meeting be left in the hands of the chairman, who intimated that he would fix a date early in June. HARBOUR BOARD ELECTIONS. The Standing Committee recommended, with respect to the communication from the Chamber of Commerce relative to an amendment of the section of the Act which prohibited payers of dues from voting both at elections of representatives of the payers of dues and of combined or constituent districts, also suggesting more adequate provision for persons or firms paying dues through agents being placed on the rolls, that the letter should be received, and the chamber be advised that the matter was being looked into. . The chairman stated that there was nothing much with the existing legislation. The Harbour Boards Act said that no one could vote twice at the same election. He had talked the matter over with the board’s solicitor (Mr JC. Stephens), who was recognised as one of the leading authorities on harbour board legislation in New Zealand. Mr Stephens had promised to go into the matter and frame what he believed would be an amendment that would remove all doubt, and obviate what happened at the last election. In reply to the query by Mr Moller, Mr Loudon said that he thought the question was one that could very well be brought before the Harbour Board’s Conference. ■ _ It was decided that the Chamber of Commerce be advised that the board was making every endeavour to settle the question beyond doubt. UNEMPLOYMENT. The engineer submitted a programme of works that could be proceeded with under the unemployment scheme if finances; permitted. The cost of material for these works would be about £6OOO and of labour £2400. To a question by Mr Moller as to how the board s finances would stand the -strain, the .Chairman replied that it might, get an overdraft of £5OOO. Mr Tyson objected to this procedure. There was a serious depression at present, and there was no indication regarding when it would lift. The board was the custodian of the ratepayers’ money, and, whilst no one regretted the unemployment position more than he did, he maintained that the board had to look after its own affairs. Several members expressed their objection to borrowing. Mr. Sharpe said he considered they were putting the cart before the horse. They were now awaiting a statement on the board’s finances, and now they were planning to spend more money.

Mr Waters thought the board was doing as much as possible by holding its own employees. .It was decided to defer further consideration of the matter until the July meeting, the board to keep on as many men as possible in the meantime. HALF-TIDE WALL.

The Standing Committee reported having noted the communication from the Marine Department advising approval of the removal of 6500 feet of the half-tide wall in the Victoria channel and the construction of 500 feet of a protecting wall at the entrance to the cross channel opposite Kilgour’s Point. Mr Anderson asked if the 500 feet were to be added to the existing wall at Kilgour’s Point.—Through the chairman, the engineer replied that it was. Mr Sharpe said that before the board committed itself to the work he wanted to know if it had been approved by the harbour master and the engineer; also, what the expenditure would be and how long it would take. The chairman replied that the work would cost about £5OOO, and would occupy two years. The urgent part of the job was the removal of the portion of the wall facing the Victoria wharf. This would have to be cleared away, or it would be impossible .to bring ships of any size up to Dunedin. When the wall was put in it was practically in the centre of the harbour; now there was only about 700 feet between it and the wharf. The position was altogether ridiculous. One of the greatest improvements to the harbour that had been suggested was to get rid "of the wall at the top end. * Mr Duncan thought the work should be proceeded with. The board was not committing itself to the whole programme, and the work was one way of keeping men usefully employed. He would move —“ That the work be proceeded with.”

Captain M'Donald seconded the motion. Mr Sharpe pointed out that the recommendation referred to the complete removal of the wall. He thought that it should be shown that the work had been done on the recommendation of the engineer and the harbour master. At the request of the chairman, Captain M'Lean explained that since the construction of the oil companies’ wharves, the area between Victoria wharf and the half-tide wall was so congested that when other ships were lying alongside.the wharf it was almost impossible to swing a vessel, as in some cases there was merely a matter of inches of clearance. The chairman said that the work could be commenced, and probably 1000 feet could be removed. If for financial reasons the board was unable to continue, the work could be stopped. Captain M’Donald said that in addition to the portion of the wall under discussion, consideration should be given to clearing away the wall abreast .of the Ravensbourne wharf for the convenience of the vessels berthing there. He thought the engineer and the harbour master should he given a free hand in the removal of this part. The work could always be stopped if finances ran low. The motion was carried. SHIPS FOR OTAGO HARBOUR. Mr Moller said he had noticed in the press that certain vessels were discharging cargoes for Dunedin at Wellington and Lyttelton. It occurred to him that the board might make a slight alteration in its charges so that these vessels might be brought to Dunedin, even when they had only a small cargo. Unless they did something they might find a larger number of boats transhipping their cargo at northern prots. The chairman: You really mean that these vessels might be charged for berthage, etc., on the basis of the cargo they are bringing to Dunedin. Mr Sharpe said they would remember that-until only a few years ago —when the by-law providing the minimum clause was passed—the board’s charge was based on the number of tons a ship was carrying. An original minimum charge was fixed at £5O, and it was raised later to £lOO. The position complained of by Mr Moller could be got over by reverting to the old basis of charge. Mr Duncan said he had pointed out what was going to happen. Ships were not coming here because there was such a fine balance sometimes as to whether it was worth their while. He was very pleased that Mr Moller had brought up the matter. When by-law 20 had been passed increasing the charges at their port, he bad said that vessels would be compelled to tranship their cargoes in the north —that was, where there was only a small quantity to be landed here. If they could encourage ships to come here it would be a very good thing. Mr A. Campbell said, he was quite in accord with Mr Moller’s suggestion. He thought every endeavour should be made to get ships to their port. If they did not they would drop back to a second class port. They should remember that, apart from the dues collected, the members of the crews spent money ashore. He thought a sub-committee should be set up to look into by-law 20. Mr Tyson said he understood that what was called domestic correspondence never came before the board. In the past the only correspondence which came before them was what the secretary thought would interest members of the board. He had pointed out to the secretary 12 months ago that the cargo for Dunedin for some considerable time was going to be small and that the. board should consider the minimum charge of £lOO. The speaker referred to one vessel from New York which would have some 150 tons or 200 tons for Dunedin. .A minimum charge of £lOO, plus pilotage, plus steaming from a northern port, was a very, serious item for this vessel. Unfortunately, one of the representatives of the shipping companies on the board had stated that if it did not suit to bring their ships here they would not do so. He thought that was a very awkward way of expressing the position. He thought Mr Moller’s remarks very timely. Mr H. C. Campbell said he had also forecasted what would happen when bylaw 20 had been adopted. The chairman said that the only alternative was to reduce the minimum of £lOO.

Captain M'Donald said he was not on the board in the interests of a shipping company. He wou’d like to point out that there was one fly in the amber. He just wanted to say that in his opinion

no ship from overseas was going to bring 100 tons of cargo here if she could tranship it at less cost. The carrying of a cargo, for instance, by the Waipiata meant the employment of New Zealand labour, and these vessels spent a considerable amount in docking, etc. The transhipment gave employment to the smaller boats. Mr Anderson said he was very pleased to see that members of the board were changing their minds. He had said what the effects of by-law 20 were going to be. The speaker referred to the uselessness of bringing cargo here if they could not lift it out of the hatches, and said that the Rotorua had had to take a tenton lift back to Lyttelton because it would have cost the vessel too much to lift it out at Port Chalmers. The crane at the dock could, he thought, be shifted across to the wharf at small cost. The chairman said that be thought'the heavy tramway rope could have been lifted out if a little brains had been used, at a very small cost. All that was necessary was to take down a wooden frame and coil the rope into a railway truck. Captain M'Donald said he quite agreed with the remarks of the chairman about lifting the rope, Mr Sharpe said he thought the owners of the ship had been of opinion that they had the appliances at the port for lifting a heavy weight, without having to shift a vessel to the dock. He thought the board might waive the charge under these circumstances, for shifting a vessel from the wharf to the dock crane. That was if they could not afford to make the wharf facilities as up to date as they would like. x Messrs Tyson, A. Campbell, and Sharpe were appointed a sub-committee to report on the matter to the next meeting of the Standing Committee. ■ • ROCK AT QUARANTINE ISLAND. It was decided to make a progress payment of £2OOO to Mr Goodman fo r the removal Of the rock at Quarantine Island. The total amount of the contract is £3500. Captain M'Donald said he desired to congratulate their engineer and the harbourmaster on the manner in which they had kept in contact with the contractor during the period of the work. The channel had been kept open- during the whole period of the operations. The chairman explained the dredging operations which would be required to finish off the work. HARBOUR MASTER’S REPORT. The harbourmaster (Captain Mac Lean) reported under date May 18: —North Channel.—On the line of leads the least water is 36 feet at low water. From the mole end to Port Chalmers there is 30 feet at low water, with a least width in Deborah’ Bay of 300 feet. South Channel. —-This channel is gradually improving in depth, showing an average depth at low water of 26 feet. The Victoria channel is maintaining a depth of 20 feet at low water. SHIPPING RETURNS. Arrivals.—Dunedin: Coastal, 26 vessels. 15,329 tons; intercolonial, 6 vessels, 8256 tons; overseas, 4 vessels, 16,734 tons; totals, 36 vessels, 40,319 tons. Arrivals.—Port Chalmers: Intercolonial, 1 vessel, 3,158 tons; overseas, 8 vessels, 45,307 tons; totals, 9 vessels, 48,465 tons. Departures.—Dunedin: Coastal, 28 vessels, 16,132 tons; intercolonial, 5 vessels, 7868 tons; overseas, 4 vessels. 16,734 tons; totals, 37 vessels, 40,734 tons. Departures.—Port Chalmers: Coastal 2 vessels, 1805 tons; intercolonial. 1 vessel, 2379 tons; overseas. 8 vessels, 45,307 tons; totals, 11 vessels, 49,491 tons. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer (Mr J. M'G. Wilkie) reported under date May 15: — During the month of April the Otakou dredged 39,960 yards of material from the locality adjacent to piles .32 and 33 in the Victoria channel, and 7400 cubicyards from the locality adjacent to piles 33 and 34. The whole of this material was deposited at the dredge Vulcan. During the month the dredge steamed 145} miles and consumed 80} tons of oil. During the, month of April the dredge Vulcan pumped 47,360 cubic yards ’ of material received from the dredge .Otakou into the south endowment reclamation area. The first motion shaft of the cutter drive was broken, but a new- shaft made in the board’s, workshop was fitted without any delay in dredging. During the month of April two vessels were docked at the Otago dock. The drainage pumps were in operation for 204 hours 20 minutes. Mole Reconstruction.—During the period of four weeks ended Saturday, May 9, 4055 cubic yards of stone, were deposited on the mole, 440 cubic yards of debris on the root of the mole, and 60 yards of debris on the Beach road. The recently purchased air compressor and drills were transported to the quarry, and the plant is giving very satisfactory results. At date, a tunnel is being' driven preparatory to another blast. Victoria Wharf Reconstruction. —At the southern end seven inside railway siding rails were laid, and 50 lineal feet of wharf decking was laid and spiked down. At the northern end two fenders were renewed and six pairs of braces were repaired. Sixty lineal feet of jarrali decking and 60 sleepers were prepared for laying. Four new fenders were fitted, and 10 more straightened and rebolted. The following repairs were carried out to that portion of the Victoria wharf damaged by the oil tanker New Zealand: 80 lineal feet of belting renewed, four fenders and four lower walings renewed, six electric crane rails replaced, and 80 feet of new kerbing fitted. Kitchener Street Wharf.—l2 beams, three braces, and two timber fenders were repaired. .Port Chalmers Wharves. —George street pier: One deck beam, 16 braces and six walings were renewed and all bolt work tightened up where required; Bowen pier: Three deck beams were renewed in this structure. < South Endowment Wall.—To date a length of 2310 feet of the seaward face of this wall has been hand pitched with stone. Storage Sheds T. U, and V.—The work of removing portions of the roofs of these sheds with new corrugated galvanised iron is nearing completion. Broad Bay Wharf.—Floating ramp: The floating ramp was lifted and new drums fitted.

Portobello Wharf.—Two . new deck beams were fitted, two braces and a portion of the deck repaired. - Ravensbourne Wharf. —A small office was repaired and removed to the site of the wharf for the use of tally clerks. South Endowment and Black. Jack’s Reclamation Areas.—Men engaged under unemployment scheme No. 5 are at present engaged erecting retaining walls at these localities.

Mr Anderson asked when the report regarding the electrification of the dock would be brought down. Mr Duncan said he could not see the advantage of having the dock emptied quickly. His firm, when it had a ship in dock, found it more convenient to scrub and scrape the vessel if the water were pumped put slowly. Mr Sharpe, whilst agreeing with Mr Duncans point, pointed out that when a ship was in dock for sighting it was necessary to have the dock emptied as quickly as possible. He thought that if the board could afford it, it should install machinery that would pump the water out quickly. v Mr A. Campbell thought that it should be possible to empty the dock from two to three hours. Just as fast work was ( *!? n ® ln Port Chalmers as in any part of New Zealand. The report was adopted. CHAIRMAN’S The chairman’s honorarium was fixed at the customary amount of £2OO. FINANCE. It was reported that the net credit balance at the bank was £6274 14s sd.— Noted. Accounts amounting to £17,129 14s 4d were passed for payment. TENDERS. _^ le , following tenders were accepted:— -n s * n fil e core aerial cable —Messrs •Lolley and Sons, £9 19s 8d; 1050 feet lead-sheathed cable—National Electric Company, £2B 18s 9d; 700 feet four-core lead-sheathed cable—Messrs Tolley and Sons, £29 Is; cable boxes —Messrs Turnbull and Jones, £l9 10s 6d.