PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 467, 15 October 1879, Page 2

PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Monday last. Present —Messrs Sherwood (chairman), Milroy, Bahnforth, Fisher, Adams, Gibson, and Horner.

The minutes of previous meeting weie read ami confirmed.§ Letter was road from James Nicholson, Whenuakura, asking for permission (on behalf of Patea Boiling Down Company) to erect a wharf at their works, near the breakwater.—From Marine Department, Wellington, forwarding Sir John Goode’s account for report and plans of Harbor, amounting to £2BB 15s, and asking the Board to pay the money into the Bank of New Zealand, to the public account. — From same, approving of the removal of the flagstaff. Sir John Coode’s report was read, and his plans laid on the table for inspection, the engineer explaining the details. Proposed by Mr Milroy, seconded by Mr Adams, and carried, —“That the chairman forward to Sir John Coode a letter of thanks for his report and plans on the proposed harbour improvement.” The Pilot reported as follows The channel is now straight, with 9 feet of water on the bar at neap, and 13 feet at spring tides ; 18 feet at neap, and 21 feet at spring tides at the end of breakwater ; width from breakwater to north spit, 252 feet at neap and spring tides. The middle bank (between breakwater and north spit), also bank abreast of surfboat, have been washed away by the late fresh, which was the heaviest we have had for many years ; and there is now 7 feet at low water, where the middle bank was. Should there be any inducement, vessels like the Manawatu, Tui, Jane Douglas, Wallabi, Oreti, and Wakatu could now enter with safety. Two beacons were washed away by the fresh; Several snags have been removed. Would request that Ibo supplied with three lamps—bright, red, and green. The bright and red lamp now. in use are no good. Thirty vessels have crossed the bar during the month—two out of this number at night tiuie. —A. WOOD;”

The eilgiilccf reported iis follows “ During the month we have had the heaviest freshes that have been seen in the river for some years; They have cleared away most of the loose sand, and the channel is now very good, being broad and deep. Where the two sand banks were there is now 14 feet of water. The heavy equinoctial gules drove the Sailing channel a little to tile south ward, but it will soon be all right again. The contractor for the wharf extension expects to finish this week. He was delayed a little by the bad weather, and state of the roads and river. I received Sir John Goode’s report daring the month : it is very favourable. lie expects to have 10 feet on the bar; and, if the works are extended further, there will be 21 feet. I have reported on his plans, and taken out the quantities and' priced them. The results I lay before you in a separate form. — John Thomson, 8.E.”

Proposed by Mr Milroy, seconded by Mr. Bahnforth, and carried, —“That the necessary lamps, as requested by the pilot, be purchased ; also, a supply of oil.” Proposed l)y r Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Milroy, and carried, —“That the engineer prepare an estimate for a set of boatdavits for the Harbour Boaid boats, to be sent in next meeting.” It was decided that no action be taken in the application of Mr James Nicholson re wharf at heads, at this meeting. The Chairman having impressed upon the members of the Board the advisability of themselves inspecting the works at the Heads, it was decided that they should meet at the wharf oh Monday, 27th October, at 2 p.m., and from thence proceed to inspect the works, the lighthouse, &c.

The following accounts were passed for payment:— Patea Mail, £3 2s; J. Duthie, £3 8s Id; J. Ken worthy, £1 4s; K. Guyatt, £2 12s ; D. Smith 8s , K. Erkskine, 15s; Mrs Dickson (progress payment) £4OO. The meeting then adjourned.