HARBOR BOARD.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 261, 15 October 1884, Page 2

HARBOR BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Board was held last evening, when all the members were present with the exception of Messrs Smith, Brown, and Graham.

Captain Porter occupied the Chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence. Letter from Mr. C. Houghton, agent for the Thomas Russell, thanking the Board for improvements made for shipping cattle, &c. Received. Letter from Thompson & Co. re dredge “ Jane.” Received. The following letter from Mr. Witty, wharfinger, was rend :—“ As I find, after three months trial, that the duties of this office not only require my entire attention during the week, but almost every Sunday when stock are being shipped, and ns I am personally answerable for every sixpence on the manifest. I have the honor respectfully to request an alteration in the rate of salary, and submit

for your consideration the following propositions, viz,:— (1) To continue my present duties as Wharfinger at a clear salary weekly of £l. (2) Or if required, in addition to same, to take charge of Adair’s store and weighbridge, keep all accounts, and pay a storeman, to be constantly in attendance, at per week, £6. (3) Or 1 will take as my salary all I can collect for the Board during the ensuing twelve months, over and above the sum of £l5 7s. 9.1. (which amount I will pay in weekly) and this will give the Board a clear income of £BOO per annum, and will give me about £2OO. Mr. Lewis did not think the Board would be doing justice to other applicants by advancing Mr. Witty’s salary to £4. He moved “ That the first proposition could not be entertained.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Wilson and carried unanimously. Mr. Lewis thought the second item was a matter for consideration, as the store and weighbridge would be additional work. He thought it was tantamount to letting the wharf by tender, and if the wharf was to be let it should be let publicly. He moved, “ That the remaining propositions be not entertained.” Mr. Wilson seconded. Carried. From Mr. Mark Davis, ferryman, pointing out that nianv people evaded the ferry by crossing the Whatanpoko Bridge, aml going up to the Island, and asking that the Board would consider the case and make some reduction in the amount charged for rent. The letter was received and left on the table for further consideration. The Public Works Committee to report to next mealing. From the Secretary Marine Department, forwarding report of the department for the year. Received. Finance Committee. The Finance Committe made a report, re overdraft for the purchase of Adair’s store, which was adopted on the motion of Mr. Hepburn, seconded by Mr. Kenny. Only one vote was given against the motion. The matter of arranging with the bank for payment of the money was left in the hands of the Finance Committee. Payments. The following payments were made:— £ s. d. T. Adams 2 7 0 Wharfinger (salary) .. .. 6 0 0 Extrao rd ina ry Business. Mr. Lewis brought under notice the question of lighting the wharf with gas. He thought two of the lamps offered by the Gas Co. should be placed on the wharf. Mr. Wilson spoke of the necessity that existed for lighting the wharf, as at present the want of light was a very pressing one. The Chairman thought that as the Council had bought the lamps the Board should arrange with them to take over two of the lamps at the rate they were paying. Mr. Lewis proposed “ That two gas lamps be erected at the wharf provided the Company will supply the gas at the same rate as they were offered to the Council. Mr. Wilson seconded, and on behalf of the Gas Company said they would supply the gas as required. The motion was carried. Mr. Wilson gave notice of motion, “ That the wharf, shed, offices, and weighbridge, be offered for sale by auction for a period of twelve months.” This concluded the business.