TTMARU HARBOUR BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2382, 4 November 1880, Page 2

TTMARU HARBOUR BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the above was held to-day. Present—Messrs F. Archer (chairman), T. W. Hall, <J. H. Sutter, W. PostletliAvaite, W. Moody, K. F. Gray, R, Turnbull, F. Acton, and W. PesAvick. AVU.VUE CM A ROES. Mr Win. Evans Avrote suggesting that the Board should retain control of the Avharf and sidings at the Breakwater, and pointing out that by handing over the Avharves to the Railway Department a monopoly AA’ould be created, and the shipping Avould be placed at the mercy of that department. Mr E. Smith also wrote on the same subject, objecting to the right of haulage being vested in the Raihvay Department. Mr Moody deprecated any action that Avould increase the cost of landing. The condition of the country demanded that these export and import charges should be reduced as much as possible. He did not sec why the Board should not retain full control of the harbor in its own hands, and place every possible facility in the way of trade. Mr Hall considered the discussion premature. Their Avorks were not completed, and any negotiation entered into rc the Avorking of the Avharves Avould tend to complicate matters with the boat services.

It was agreed to take no further action in the meantime. CEMENT. Mr W. Turner wrote intimating; that lie had been instructed by cable of the shipment at London of 3000 tons cement and that the remainder would be supplied by monthly shipments. Letters were also read from Cargill, Cibbs and Co. thanking the Board for the use of cement, &c. STEAM LAUNCH. Mr Win. Napier and Messrs P. Cunningham and Co. wrote to the Board ottering the steam launch Bella for the sum of .LOGO. TILL TEN I’Elt CENT 11EHU0TI0N. Letters were read from Mr Coodall, Engineer, Captain Mills, Harbor Master, and Mr James Collins, engineer, in reference to the 10 per cent reduction in salaries. Thu Engineer for the Board submitted that as his engagement with

tlio Board was quarterly ho was entitled to three months’ notice of reduction, and the others ashed fur reconsideration on account of the nature of their duties and length of service. Mr Moody considered there were certain cases in which hardship had been inllicted and which deserved review—the engineer’s for instance. Captain Sutter said the engineer was paid monthly and he could nut expect more than a month’s notice. Mr Acton referred to Mr Collin’s representations about long hours, and asked what about the days he did nothing ? Mr Sutter .said the better way to get rid of any discontent was to give the officers notice of dismissal and invite fresh applications. Some comments had been passed on tbe reduction made in the lighthouse-keeper’s allowance, but, while the amount paid seemed small, he contended that the duty might very well be entrusted to Captain Mills, and that a lighthouse-keeper was really not needed.

Mr Turnbull said the question was one of sspply and demand, and that tbe Hoard would be justified in throwing the billets open and seeing what competition would do. The conditions of labor in the colony had undergone a sweeping alteration, and it was necessary in the interests of economy that the servants of local bodies as well as of the Government, should submit themselves to these circumstances.

Mr Moody pointed out that the foreman of works only received £4 per week for bis highly responsible duties, and instead of encouraging him they reduced his salary. Mr Rutter replied that equally competent officers in the employment of the Corporation slept in tents, and worked hard for £3 per week, while the foreman referred to had very comfortable and easy times at £4 a week. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Barker,seconded by Mr Turnbull- -“That the reduction in salaries previously decided upon be maintained.” A STAIIT'LI XG IXXOVaTTOX. A letter was read from Messrs Perry and Perry, solicitors, enclosing draft agreement re cement contract, for tbe seal and signature of tbe Board. On the document being banded to tbe Chairman, Captain Sutter said—ls there no mode of doing this without the assistance of a solicitor? The present system seems clumsy and expensive. The Chairman (to the Secretary)—ls there no way of doing this without legal assistance? Other contracts of a similar kind have been prepared without any trouble.

Tlic Sccrctaiy replied that as some trouble had arisen over contracts it had been considered desirable when large sums were involved to have the deeds properly prepared by the Board’s solicitors. That was the object aimed at. Mr Butter —But surely the Engineer and Secretary to the Board should be i competent to prepare such deeds. The i Borough Council have no trouble of this kind. Mr Postlethwaite—Who instructed this course to be pursued ‘i Did the Chairman V The Chairman—Xo. ; .Mr Postlethwaite—Then I certainly think no such expense should be incurred without the authority of the Chairman or the Board. itiuiion of An Moociy tne seal of the Board was then aflixed to the deed of contract. i;xot\i;i;i:’s redout. The engineer’s report for the month was as follows : I have the honor to report that during last month Messrs Jones and Peters will • have completed up to to-day 24ft of the ’ mole making a total of 324 ft of their contract. The work is retarded a great deal by the length of time required for the subsidence of the blocks. The wharf contractor has received his ironbark piles, and is now making good progress. The railway approach is nearly completed, and piles for the wharf arc now being driven. This contract should be completed in about two months. This work has been very much delayed by the trouble that exists in getting iron bark at a short notice. For future wharf contracts I would recommend the Board to procure the iron bark and supply the contractor at a certain price. Piles for the next 500 ft of wharf should be tendered for to be delivered in three months. I have not been able to obtain much information respecting a turntable for the crane. The most approved turntables are made by Messrs Win. Hellers and Co., of Philadelphia. I shall communicate with them by the lirst mail. There are turntables of their manufacture in Dunedin. I should like to be able to inspect them, and while in Dunedin procure such other information that may be available. I believe the the turntable could be manufactured in the colony, but cannot at present recommend the adoption of such a course. The signal lamps ordered from Messrs A. and T. Burt, of Dunedin, have arrived, and will be ready to lix in position in a few days. Soundings have been taken south of the Breakwater. The shingle adjacent to the Breakwater has extended 35ft since August 7, 187'J. Herewith are annexed a plan showing the soundings, and a plan of the proposed railway in connection with the wharf. —I am, &c., John Goodai.l. It was moved by Mr Acton, seconded by Mr Beswick, and carried—“ That the engineer endeavor to obtain a reliable opinion from one or more machine engineers as to the feasibility of converting the present crane into a crane capable of travelling a curve without risk to its working power, and an estimate of cost.”

LAXIUXO SEKVK'K. The manager of the Landing Service reported that during October the roadstead was quite deserted and advantage was taken of the opportunity to have sonic of the surf-boats overhauled. The service had worked ten out of eighteen vessels visiting the port, viz., 1070 tons, for which the gross earnings were T2d4 9s lid, and the net earnings £2G 14s 1. lie recommended the following rates for storage : —On grain taken in before the ship is ready to receive, Is per ton ton for Jirst month, and Gd per ton per week afterwards. Grain received for shipment, but not shipped—receiving and delivering 2s Gd per ton, and storage Gd per week. Ten sacks to be reckoned per ton. General merchandise, 2s per ton per-week. Mr Gray moved, and Mr Sutter seconded “That the charges for storage as recommended by the manager be adopted.” -Mr Moody moved an amendment—- “ That a Committee be appointed to report on steerage rates, to consist of Messrs Hall, Turnbull, Acton, and the mover.”

The amendment was seconded by Mr Postlethwaitc and carried. KOCKET mtIOAI'E. The Rocket Brigade submitted their annual report, Mr Moody moved and Mr Turnbull seconded—“ That tbe Finance Committee examine and bring up a report on the section now occupied by the Harbor Master, as an office and flagstaff.” shipping axd landing hates. Mr Moody moved—" That the rates for shipping and landing he made from Nov. 1, and until farther notice, as follows ” : IX WAHDS. General merchandise ... 4s per ton, 40 cubic feet Coals ... ... 3s Gd do do Timber ... ... Is per 1000 super feet Hardwood and logs ... By special agreement Palings ... ... Is per 100 ft Cattle and Horses ... By special agreement Sheep and pigs ... Gd each Machinery ... ... By special agreement OUTWAKDS. General merchandise ... 4s per ton of 40 cubic feet Wheat ... ... os per ton of 10 sacks Barley ... ... 3s do do Oats ... ... 2s Gd do do 1* lour ... ... 3s per ton of of 20001 bs Potatoes ... ... 3s per ton of 12 sacks Bran and sharps ... 2s Gd per ton 10 sacks Wool ... ... Gd per bale Is double dumped Ballast ... ... 4s per ton Mr Bcswiek seconded the motion which was carried. The Board then adjourned.