TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2612, 4 August 1881, Page 2

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above took place this morning at the Board’s offices. Present—Mr F. Archer (Chairman), and Messrs T. W. Hall, J. H. Sutter, K. F. Gray, W. Mood}', T. Teschemaker, R. Barker, W. Evans, and A. Mec. CORRESPONDENCE Was read— From Marine Department, Wellington, staling that Messrs O’Connor and Austin had been appointed by Government to report on proposed deviation from Breakwater plans. ■The Chairman said that the commissioners referred to had been here, and ho believed had reported to Government on the matter, but the result was not yet known. From the Railway Department, consenting to take over (he working of the wharf as desired by the Board. From Messrs Jones and Peters asking for two months extension of time to complete the Breakwater contract No. 3.

Mr Sutter was opposed to the request being granted because it would be a gross injustice to other contractors. He would move—" That the application be not granted.” Carried.

Another application from the same firm asking for two months extension of time to finish wharf contract No. 2, was also declined.

Mr John Jackson here wished to interview the Board.

Mr Moody did not know what Mr Jackson wanted, but he objected to the time of the Board being occupied with deputations and thought some rule should be adopted with respect to them. The , Chairman then read a letter from Mr Jackson complaining of the high charges for landing timber. The Secretary having explained the case, the Board declined to see Mr Jackson, and, subsequently, Mr Moody moved—“ That the Board see no reason to grant any remission on the rates charged Mr Jackson for landing timber.” Carried. Mr Moody also moved the following further resolution—“ That in future the charge for landing timber by the Board’s service shall be as follows Ordinary timber per 100 ft, super, Is ; bridge timber, and pieces of over 50ft super, Is 3d per 100 ft; hardwood and logs, Is 6d. Timber under 1 inch measurement to be taken at per New Zealand railway system ; when necessary a charge of 3d per lOOtf super will be made for loading on trucks.”

Mr Pox also desired to interview the Board re liis rejected timber. The Engineer said he had seen Mr Fox that morning and he had offered to cut off the bad ends of rejected logs if the Board would take them. On Mr Sutter’s resolution the interview with Mr Fox was declined and it was decided that the original contract must ho strictly adhered to.

From the N.L.M. and A. Company, agreeing to accept £560 for four surfboat.

The question of purchasing wire rope offered by the Company was held over until next meeting. An account previously before the Board from Mr James Parsons, amounting to £l7 odd, was referred to by Mr Sutter, who said the Finance Committee had refused to pass it, considering the item to which it referred was included iu Mr Parson’s contract with the Board. A resolution to this effect was then passed. From Messrs Nesler and Co., shipping agents, Brisbane, enquiring what shipping facilities were possessed by the port of Timaru, and asking tor a chart and general information about the harbor.

The Secretary reported having furnished the information required. From Mr John Studholme,stating that he would have great pleasure iu cooperating with Mr Turnbull in endeavoring to procure borrowing powers for the the Board.

mr Anderson’s claim, Mr'Anderson’s claim re steam crane came once mo r e under discussion, when on Mr Teschemaker’s motion it was resolved that no further concession could be made to Mr Anderson in the matter. THE IRON MOXOLIXH CASING. A long discussion ensued relative to the iron monolith casing. Mr Sutter was quite indignant at the Board having been put to the expense of procuring this casing. Mr Evans thought the old wood casing answered the purpose sufficiently well. Mr Hall followed with some remarks to the same effect. The Chairman said that perhaps Mr Goodall would state his reasons for procuring the iron casing. Mr Goodall said that he had ordered the iron casing because the old wooden oue was considerably weakened and needed constant tinkering up to keep it together. It might give way with any heavy sea. They had now reached a depth in constructing the breakwater necessitating the emplo3'iuent of a stronger casing. _ Had the wooden' casing remained iu use it must have been swept away. The substitution of iron for wood was not without precedent for they were in use in Aberdeen and other places. The Chairman said be bad sanctioned the temporary use of the old wooden casing in the engineer’s absence, when the iron casing was damaged by the lute heavy seas. But some time must elapse

before the necessary repairs to the latter could be effected, and if they had to wait until-then a serious loss would result to the Board. What did the engineer advise ? The engineer said that although a risk was involved, he would counsel the use of the old casing until the necessary repairs to thr iron one were made. They might not have such heavy seas again for a long time, and of course the work was subject to continual risk. The action of the Chairman _in sanctioning the use of the old casing was approved, and the engineer’s advice it was resolved, should be taken. engineer’s report. Was read, and reported the injury to the iron casing at the Breakwater in consequence of the extremely heavy seas experienced. The monolith was not materially injured. Wharf contract No 2, was expected to be completed in a few week’s time, and Wharf contract No 3 would bo proceeded with as soon as the timber, expected daily, was to hand. landing service report. The Manager of the landing service reported having landed and shipped 4679 tons during the past month. The gross earnings amounted to £750, and the net £346 17s 4d. Twenty one vessels had entered the port, 15 being steamers. REPORT 0E COMMITTEE ON HARBOR AND LANDING SERVICE. The Committee appointed to ’report on the working of the Harbor and Landing Service having taken evidence on the matters brought before them, beg to recommend that instructions from the wharfingers, as to whether vessels require to discharge of load at the wharf or inside moorings be given to the Harbor Master in writing, but are decidedly of opinion that in all cases it must rest with the Harbor Master to dispose of vessels in the harbor with a due regard to their safety. We have directed the manager of the Landing Service to provide the harbormaster on demand with a boat and crew of thoroughly efficient men, but beg to recommend the offer of Messrs McLaren and Bradley to find a boat and crew to be at the disposal of the harbormaster, for the sum of £1 a week, be accepted. The Committee ore of opinion that the additions which have latel} r been made to the plant of the Landing Service will enable the manager to give greater satisfaction than hitherto, and do not anticipate any further complaints being made. The reports were adopted, ■accounts. Accounts amounting to £1741 9s Gd were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.