PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 321, 15 May 1878, Page 2

PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

Tin-: ordinary meeting’ of the above Board was held in the Council Buildings, on Monday last. Present : Messrs Sherwood (in the chair). Bridge, Gibson, Milroy, Tapliu, Williamson, and Winchcomb. In the absence oi; secretary (through resignation) the Chairman read minutes, correspondences, Szc. Correspondence included letter from J. G. iloki-nvorth, Esq., the Chairman Wellington Waste Lands Board. Letter dated ‘2nd May stated, “ I have the honour to report that at a meeting of the Land Board held this day, the schedule of Crown Laud situated in the Okutnku District, including sections 353, 401 and 403, Patea Harbour Board Endowment, was submitted for approval and sale at an early date at public auction. The following notice had been added — £ For sections 353, 401, and 403, Patea Harbour Board Endowments, cash must be paid : for the remaining sections cash or ,scrip will be received.’ The Board being - in doubt as to its power to exclude set ip from a Government land sale, respectfully solicited that the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown might be obtained for its guidance in this and similar cases which‘will be sure to arise. The Board meeting stands adjourned awaiting reply.” Another letter dated 9th May was also received from Mr Hoklsworth, enclosingcopy of resolution passed by the Waste Lands Board, also copy of letter received by him from the Hon Minister of Lands, in which it was stated that the acceptance or refusal of scrip wag an administrative action on the part of-the Commissioner of Crown Lands, and while declining to give the opinion of the Law Officers on the point raised, stated, “As, however, the intention as to the disposal of the profits arising from the sale of .the sections in question is clearly expressed by the 34th section of ,! The Patea Harbour Board Act, 1876,” the Minister is of opinion, that there could bo no difficulty in giving effect to the expressed intention of the Legislature in the matter. Under the circumstances it would not bo necessary to advise that scrip will not he received for the particular sections in question, as it will be sufficient to direct the attention of the officer who conducts the sale, to the provisions of “The Patea Harbour Board Act, 1876,” which provides that the pioceeds arising from the sale of the land, less survey charges, shall be paid to the Harbor Board by the Receiver of Land Revenue.” The resolution enclosed is as follows —“ At a special meeting of the Wellington Waste Lands Board, held on the 9th May, it was resolved, ‘ That the Chairman communicate with the Patea Harbour Board, for the purpose of ascertaining whether or no three sections in The Qkutuku District, Nos. 353, 401, and 403, should for the present be withheld from sale, stating the doubts which had arisen as to the power of the Board to sell them.”’ On the motion of Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Sherwood, it was resolved, “That the Waste Lands Board bo-requested to sell sections 353, 401, and 403, Okutuku,

for cash, in compliance with the resolution of the Board passed 10th December, 1877.” As an amendment to the motion Mr Gibson moved, and it was seconded by Mr Milroy, “ That the words ‘ for cash’ be left out.”— Lost. The following as an addition moved by Mr Mil 1-03-, seconded 83’ Mr Williamson, was also lost, “To enable the Board as soon as possible to pay tlic contractor as th 0 work under contract advances.”

Dr Croft waited upon the Board as a deputation from the Foundation Stone Committee and explained what it was proposed to do. ■Proposed by Mr Williamson, seconded by Mr Taplin, and carried, “ That the Chairman of the Harbour Board he asked to lay the foundation,stone of the Patea Breakwater on the 14th June, and to make the necessary arrangements for the ceremony in conjunction with the contractor and committee appointed at the public meeting;.”

Applications for the office of Eecrelarv were received from Mr Arthur J. E. Seaton, Matarawa, and from Mr D. M. Harris, Carlyle. It was agreed that the election should bo by ballot, the Chairman to have casting vote in case of a tie. The ballot being taken showed a majority in favor of Mr Heaton.

Accounts wore considered and reductions made in the Returning Officer’s charges. The acting treasurer was authorized to pay the account less deductions.

The. question being put, the Chairman stated that lie was authorized to say that Eir John Goode, after a thorough examination, was very favorably’ impressed with Patea River.

A somewhat lively passage at arms followed, on account of two members of the Board having waited on Sir John Goode, in reference to harbour matters, having no authority from the Board to do so. The Chairman was authorized to employ a temporary clerk until arrival of newly appointed Secretary. The meeting adjourned.