HARBOR BOARD.

Patea Mail, 11 January 1881, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting was held yesterday. Present, Messrs Sherwood (in the chair)' Milroy, Adams, Horner, and Balmforth. TRANSFER OF LEASES. The Board sanctioned a transfer of Messrs Thomson, Tregear, and Fraser’s interest in block 20 to Messrs York and Cornfoot, of Wanganui. The Board also sanctioned a transfer of their interest in block 16 to Mr R. A Adams. NEW WHARF SHED. Plans and specifications for constructing a store shed on the new wharf were examined and approved. Mr Milroy moved and Mr Adams seconded “ That the new store at wharf be placed in centre of present breastwork between cattle yard and north side, and 20 feet from breastwork.” This w r as agreed to. The Chairman said that from what Mr Dale had represented to him, it seemed desirable to let the shed remain at the upper wharf instead of removing it, as the steamer Clyde usually brought a mixed cargo, and the shed is convenient for storing, instead of losing a tide by removing with part of cargo to the lower wharf, after unloading timber. Resolved that tenders for the new store bo invited up to the 18th instant, and that Messrs Milroy, Horner, and the Chairman bo a committee to accept the same. TAKING OVER CONTRACT. Mr Milroy moved that the whole of the breastwork and cattle shipping yard bo taken over as soon as the contractor repairs the gravel in yard, in keeping with specifications.” He said : I don't think it is our duty to repair any damage which may have resulted from putting pigs in the cattle 3'ards, before the wharf has been taken over. The yards were intended for shipping stock, not to be made , into a pig-stye. Mr Mcßae has been keeping a large number of pigs there, and as lie promises in his letter to repair any damage, I think it should be done as a matter between himself and the contractor, and that it is not for the Board to interfere. Chairman : This resolution means that the contractor is to remain out of the balance due to himself for another month. I may explain the circumstances. Mr Me Rao was at Hawera, and asked a member of this Board if the cattle wharf could be used for shipping pigs. The member said it could. Mcßae put the pigs into the yard ; the contractor found them there. Not knowing what his position was in the matter he did not like to turn the pigs out. I told him that the Board could not have anything to do with the matter until we took over the wharf on completion of contract. I told Mr Mcßae the same thing. It seems now that Mr Mcßae has written to the Board offering to guarantee that the 3 aids shall be repaired and put right. I think, therefore, it is rather arbitrary to say that this wharf shall not be taken off the contractor’s hands for this particular reason. If there is airy other reason, it should be stated. Other settlers must understand that while every effort is being made to give them facilities for shipping cattle, that accommodation is not intended to he used for keeping stock in a length of time. They must keep stock elsewhere, and wo shall have to make regulations as to the time they can remain in the yards before shipping. In this case of the pigs there has been mistakes all round.

Mr Balm forth ; As for giving permission to put pigs in, I did not do so. Mr Mcllae asked me if the yards would hold pigs, and I said they would. Mr Adams : I second Mr Milroy’s motion. Mr Horner : 1 don’t think we should keep the contractor out of his money if we can arrange the thing more amicably. Mr Milroj' • When a difference of opinion existed between Mcllae and the contractor, 1 was there, and I don’t think more than 20 pigs were then in the yard. But nearly every day since then he has been carting pigs there, and that is the cause of the damage. Nearly all the first lot are now dead. The Engineer : On Saturday the contractor was enquiring whether ho should turn out the pigs in roadines for the Board meeting to-day. Mr Milroy : As soon as the yard is put in a fit state, the money might be paid over. Chairman ; There arc paddocks in the district that would hold pigs, but these are Waimate rangers. Mr Horner : I can explain that the pigs were to have been shipped to Nelson, but

were stopper] Il3' telegram just before the time for shipment. The;, 7 arc now to be shipped to Lyttelton by schooner, as soon as !lie wind permits. Mr Milroy’s motion was carried, all voting for it except the Chairman. FUNDS. It was stated that after paying £2lB 4s as balance on wharf contract, and reckoning rents due, the Board will have a cash balance of about £4OO. RESERVES. Chairman : Before next monthly meeting, we shall be in a position to know exactly what we have got in the shape of reserves. Mr Blackett has promised to complete the exchange of certain portions of land in connection with the alteration of our position, caused by the railway. ELECTIONS. Chairman : The biennial election of members takes place a month hence, and the Town Board and County Council will have to convene special meetings for nominating their representatives. The Chairman, I am reminded, continues in office three months after the election of the new Board. The Board also received reports from Pilot and Engineer, and passed accounts. These will appear in our next issue.