HARBOR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1918, Page 2

HARBOR BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the New Plymouth Harbor Board was hold at the Ijoard room yesterday. The cnairmaii (Mr. Newton King) presided, and there •were also present :—Messrs C. E. Bellrmger, E. Dockrill, J. S. Connett, C. McGuinness, E. Maxwell, J. McCluggage, C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. Permission was granted the Parapara Iron Ore Company to sell certain portions of its plant. A letter was received from the Harbors Association, asking for an expression of opinion as to whether a conference of the association should be held this year. The letter also included a remit received from the Napier Harbor Board for consideration, ' embodying the following resolution: "That this board is of opinion that it is desirable that a conference of the Harbors Association be called before the next session: of Parliament, to discuss the question of the employment by harbor boards of all labor for the handling and storing of in and out of vessels." The resolution was to be placed before a meeting of the executive at an early date. Some discussion arose regarding the principle involved in the resolution, and it was very clearly expressed tliat while such a principle might be of advantage to the boards of the large ports, it would be unjust to enforce such a practice on i the small boards. | Mr. Bellringer moved that as the board had 110 remits to bring before such a conference, it was thought unnecessary to hold a conference, but that the final decision be left to the chairman after attending the meeting of the executive. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. It was understood that the chairman would oppose the resolution of the Napier Harbor Board regarding the employment of all labor by the boards, at the meeting of the executive. HARBORMASTER'S REPORT. The harbormaster (Captain Waller) reported that for the five weeks ended January 12 the number of vessels that entered the port was 28, with an aggregate tonnage of 29,777. The imports amounted to 4328 tons, and the exports to 2775 tons, a total of 7103 tons handled A total of 230 tons of Government coal was landed. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT, The superintendent (Mr. F. Henderson) reported that the Paritutu had dredged on 21 days, the hours worked being 177. The spoil removed amounted to 20,800 tons, in 52 loads as follows: From the fourth outer channel cut 25' loads with the buckets, in 108 hours; and from the third fairway cut, inside the breakwater, 10 loads with the buckets, in 35 hours, and 17 loads with the pumps in 34 hours Dredging was stopped for three days on account of rough weather, and for five days for holidays. There are yet 150 feet of the fourth cross-channel cut to complete. The Thomas King worked on nine days and removed 4880 tons in 61 loads. This dredge was laid up for 8 days holidays and for 13 days owing to the cast iron suction pipes attaching to the runner being worn out. These pipes have been taken out and sent to the foundry as patterns, and have been patched and replaced temporarily while new pipes are being cast. A new runner and shaft were also fitted. General.—The hands have been en. gaged in preparing chafing pipes and patching the decking of the wharf. All boats have been repaired and painted. Accounts amounting to £l4ll 14s 7d were passed for payment. The board" then went into committee.