HARBOUR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 203, 20 October 1900, Page 2

HARBOUR BOARD.

The Harbour Board met on Friday. Present: Messrs. Maxwell (Chairman), Oonnett, McLean, King, Oliff, Ward, Sarten, and Hignett.

The Chairman stated that the deposit of £ 100 eu the Ironsand lease had been paid by Mr, Berry. A letter from Messrs. Gardner and Co., of Newcastle, was read, quoting prices for hardwood timber. The Chairman suggested a record being kept of the quotations, as it was advisable to have a store of piles on hand.

The Chairman moved that a statement of the stock of hardwood timber in hand, the classes of timber most generally required by the Board, and an estimate of the quantity requiied, be laid before the Board at its next meeting. He reminded the Board that there would be a constant demand for timber for replacing piles, stringers, and repairing the cattle wharf. Referring to the condition of the wharf, there was a much heavier class of steamers now coming to the port, and the strain on the wharf was considerably greater, whiJe the process of clearing away the sand had weakened the structure. The harbour was at a lower level now than when the wharf was built. There was also a greater length of piles. The wharf was designed for a different class of vessels to that now using it.

Mr. Sarten suggested that concrete blocks be put down on one section as an experiment. Mr. Hignett inquired if the Chairman could give an idea of the future expenditure indicated by his remarks. The Chairman said he had no idea. His object was to draw the Board's attention to the certainty of a large future expenditure for repairs. The motion was carried.

A letter was read from the County clerk of Hokianga, asking the Board to make known to masters of vessels in

the timber trade coming to that port, of the facilities for discharging ballast at the Hokianga wharf. The harbourmaster is to notify the request. The Railway Traffic Manager wrote in reference to the question of the key of the point', s'ating tbat the Department had already made arrangements for the sa f ety of the public. An extract from the arrangements made between the Board and the Department in 1886 was read.

The Chairman pointed out that the conditions now were different from what they were in 1886, when the wharfinger acted for both parties, while now the Board required to act for themselves.

Mr. Hignett suggested a confidence with the District Manager, as it was not likely the Boird would get any further by correspondence. Mr. King approved of the suggestion.

The Chairman said that it would be necessary to clash as little as possible with the Department. It was decided that Messrs. King and Hignett copfer with Mr. Buxton on the matter.

tf lie Engineer (Mr. Marchant) wrote re sandpump, stating that ho could not attend the before its November nueting. With regard to increasing the radius of tho suction pipe, this would involve lengthening the jib of the big crane, which could be affected by timber work as atTim«u, where extension was made of 60 feet, and the crane lified 15 tons. There was no difficulty. A.s to obtaining fresh boiler powor for tho sand pump, it was a ve y difficult matter, and he was not sure a" present whether it was either practicable or necessary. He was aware that the big locomotive was insufficient, but sa ; d it ought to be amply sufficient without aid from the small locomotive. To' provi.lt a new boiler would be very awkvva>d and expensive. ihe Railway Department notified that the c st of inspection of timber for the wharf would huve to be borne by the Board.

A furthor letter from the Department was read, requesting permission to place a stone crusher at -the quarry. The request was complied with, subject to the supervision of the Foreman, who is to see that no metal available for road work is taken by the Department.

An application by W, Smith, fisherman, for permission to erect a boathouse on th\t beach, was acceded to, on condition that it be remoied when required .by the Board. The site to be approved by the Harbourmaster. Mr, Samu,<l, the Board's solici'or, wrote with reference to the ir-.-nsfer of theironsand lease from Messrs, Hill and Webster. He stated the position of the Board in the matter, and went very fully into the question of carrying out the arrangement made by the Board with Mr. Berry. He pointed out that the Board could not call on Messrs. Webster and Hill to assign; also that the document prepared by Mr, Roy was mtinthe terms of the resolution as passed, at nothing was stated as to forI giving rent and royalties now due. ,He suggeted that an absolving resolution should be passed, and submitted a draft of same.

Mr. McLean said he noticed in a flawcra that a syndicate bad purchased thirty acres on the Patei Kivtr, with the object of stai tingironsand work?.

A discussion took place on the question of the assignment.

Mr. Samuel attended the Board and explained the legal position of the ' Board in the matter. By the resolution of the Board Messrs. Webster and liill were called on to transf r, and this was not a proper course to bake. Assuming, as he understood ■vas the case, tha>. they were willing to assign, the Board shouid absolve them of then' liabilities, and the variation in j terms should be stated in the assignaient.

Mr. Hignott suggested a new lease. Air. H muel replied iha in that. age sim lease would h.ve to i,e offered by pu'.iiu auction or I nder.

U the motion of Mr. Uonnetl, •i-uiided by Air. King, it was reso ven hat Messrs Webster and Hill be absolved from all liability in respect of royalty and rent up to Ist October, 1900.

After the luncheon adjournment, Mr -iamue! again, attended the Board and stated hs had Been Mr, Eoy and, as a i result of that interview, sabmitted a resolution embodying the terms of the arrangement with Mr. Berry. A discussion ensued fta to wfctflwr it

was intended that Mr. Berry should pay a royalty of 6d. per ton on both raw material and the manufactured product or on the product only. At this stage Messrs. Roy and Berry waited on the Board. The matter was then fully discussed, during which the chairman suggested that if the Board waived the extra 6d. per t<m Mr. Berry should agree to forfeit the £IOO deposit if buildings to 'he value of £2OOO were not erected by the 25th January, 1903. Mr. Berry consented. Further discussion took place, and eventually, to put matters in order, the resolution passed at the previous meeting was rescinded, and the resolution

prepared by Mr. Samuel adopted, the same to be confirmed at the next meeting.

The Foreman reported that 48 tons of stone had been obtained from the quarry during the menth and tipped in the most needed places along the wall. The small stones on the harbour side were being tipped over the weather side. j The Harbourmaster reported that! the October survey showed a Blight improvement which, considering the heavy gales during the last six months, was very satisfactory. The dredge had only been working half-time. He hoped that durisg tbe summer to he able to show a great improvement in the depth of water throughout the whole area of the harbour. He stated that the contractors were about to start on the wharf contract, and he applied for the erection of rope shelter sheds and office near the s.w. end of the wharf. The Chairman pointed out that there was no room on the wharf and he suggested putting out piles at a point he indicatbd and building the sheds thereon.

Mr. King advised postponing the matter until the next meeting so as to have the Engineer's report on the matter.

It was decided that every facility should be given for stacking the new timber on its arrival and that if necessary the end of the present sheds should be taken off and temporary arrangements made for storage of ropes, etc. The Board went into committee to open tenders for supplies. On resuming, it was resolved that the tender of the Westport Coal Company of £1 6s 6d for screened coal and £1 2s 6d unscreened, be accepted. Also that Mr. Hooker's tender for cab hire be accepted. • An order was given for supplies applied for. A letter was read from the Hon. J. G. Ward relative to the charge of carriage of goods over the breakwater line, particularly with reference to the question of carrying goods by dead weight. The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to Messrs. Connett and King for their services in relation to the reduction in charges for carriage of gooJs to and from the breakwater. Mr. Connett drew the attention ol the Board to a letter in a local paper, written by a membarof the Board. He said that when mcmhers devoted theii time and energies in the Board's service, it was exceedingly bid taste for an) noeinbor of ths Board to write in such terms as those in the letter referred to. Hs read an extract, the effect o! which was to make it appear tbat th> members who went to Wellington to carry out the wishes of the Board had been thanked for what they hid not done, whereas he contended that tl e. had carried nut their mission success fully. Mr. King and himself had both gone to a great deal of trouble and spont considerable time in obtaining concessions, and bad Mr. Sirten understood the position of affairs he would not have written as he did. They had done all they were asked to do, and obtained the reductions now in force. If aty member had any cause for complaint, the proper course to pursue was to bring up the matter at the Board's table.

Mr, King Bpoke to the same effect;. Mr. Hignett said he saw his own name was mentioned, but he was oblivious to all reflections from that source.

I The Chairman also expressed un opinion that exceedingly bid taßto and most improper conduot had been exhibited by the member. Mr. Sarten rose to speak. The Chairman : Before you speak I will read the resolution reforred to, (It showed that Mr. Sarten was the initiator of the motion of thinks.) Mr.Sarten then spoke, but his observations could not be heard sufficiently even to catoh their tenour. The Chairman's motion was then carried.

| In reply to a letter from Mr, West Mr. Hignett moved that Mr. Wes l ". be informed lhat unless the builiingsbe er. ctvd in accordance with the terms of the lease within three months the lease will be cane lied.

Mr. Sat ten moved an anrndment, seconded by Mr. Ward, that the term of grace be six months.

A division was taken, and, on the casting vote of the Chairmin, the amendment was carried. Pursuant to notice, tho Chairman moved that Messrs. Connett, King, and Hignett be a Committee to act, when occasion required, during the absence i of the Chairman—such action to bo 1 confined to works mithorised by tho Boari, the Comm ; ttee not to initiate works. He gave his reasons for restricting the functions of tho Committee. Mr. CI If moved to add Messiv. Ward and Sarten.

Mr. Ward seconded the amendment, I Inch was lost.

The Chairman's motion wni carried. Mr. Sarten, pmsmnt to notice, m .ved that a six feat liolo be made' in the breakwater, to enable tho sand to go through, beforo any I'mti-ov expense was incurred on tho sand pump A point of order was raised hy Mr. H'gnett on the admissibility of tho motion. Mr. Sarten insisted on liis tight, nd after some discussion the objection wai waived. Mr Sirfcen then said the cost would, at most, be £4O. He detailed the trouble he had taken ovor the ques ! ion and said he had spent ten times moro time over it than any other member. £I6OO had been spent by the Board in dredging during the last 7 years, and he did not care what anyone (engineer included) said, the expense would have to be owtinwd. He said he « did sot

Want to deceive nobody," but wished to go straight. As he did not own a paper he knew he would not be reported fully. (A member: So muoh the better for you), He intended to travel around the district before the election and show the ratepayers that his scheme would save thousands a year. " Let a six foot hole be mide," said Mr. Sarten, " and I will guarantee that in twelve months the dredge and sand pump will be things of the past." He concluded by reminding the Board that only £SO was asked for, and the present sand-clearing appliances would no longer be required. ! Mr. Oliff seconded the motion and suggested that the Board should merely be asked to grant permission to make the hole, the cost being met by voluntary subscriptions. The Chairman advised Mr. Sarten to have his scheme backed by the Engineer or some such authority. Mr. Sarten expressed his willingness to abide by Mr. Marchant's decision as to whether the hole would be any detriment to the harbour. It was decided to allow the further consideration of the matter to be postponed until the next meeting of the Board.

Leave of absence was granted Captain Hood till Monday. The Chairman gave notice of his intention to move that a separate account of the revenue of the Harbour Reserves be kept and the rent paid to the Sinking Fund. The Board rose.