HARBOR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 February 1919, Page 2

HARBOR BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the New Plymouth Harbor Board was held yesterday, Mr Newton King presiding. There were also present: Messrs K. Maxwell, J. M'lClugguge, C. E, M'Guiuesg, C- .K. Bcllring<er, E. Dookrill and D. J. Hughes. Apologies were received from Messrs C A. Wilkinson, MP., and J. S. Connett. HARBOR MASTER'S REPORT. Captain Waller, harbormaster, reported that for the period of five weeks ending 15th h w t., u vessels entered the port, their aggregate tonnage being 19,560 tons. The imports totalled 602-2 tons, and exports 1988 tons, making a total of 8010 tons. The Government landed 1504 tons of coal. SUPiSMNTENDIiiNT OF WORKS REPORT. Mr F. Henderson, superintendent of works, reported as follows: The Paritutu dredged on 27 days, the net time being '228 hours, and removed 31,000 tons of spool in 7U loads, of which 73 were taken from tho western side of the fairway, and six from the outer basin, where dredging was resumed for a few days but could not be continued owing to the diver's suit being so worn and leaky that he could not carry on. All efforts to procure a new suit have failed, as manufacturers have been for some time prevented from exporting such goods. One day's dredging was lost through, a south-east gale, and two days were occupied in boiler cleaning. I would again urge the necessity of obtaining buckets and other spare gear for the' Paritutu as soon as war restrictions are removed. General works include the renewal of chafing pieces and deck planks at the wharf, and the painting of the six iron lamp posts. Gravel continues in plentiful supply at Mikotahi, and 33," yards have been delivered since the Beginning of the year. DATE OF LOAN POLL. Mr Bellringer referred to the loan proposals and asked if the chairman could give them any idea when the poll would be taken, lie pointed out that there was an election in April and said it seemed to him that it was the duty of the present board to get the poll over before the election took place and not leave it to their successors. He moved that the chairman, Mr Connett, and himself be a committee to deal with any details which might arise so that the poll could be advertised as soon as possible. People were inquiring when tho poll was to be taken, but did not realise the difficulty there was in preparing ths roll over such a big area. It was n tremendous job and if necessary he thought extra men should be put on to hasten the work. Mr Maxwell seconded the motion. Mr King (chairman) said that up to the present they had only got three returns in and they were all from boroughs. He had seen the secretary on several occasions about the matter because he wanted to see a poll taken wit* as little delay as possible, and letters had been forwarded to (he different local bodies pointing out the urgency of obtaining the roils. The motion was carried, the committee being given power to act. GENERAL. Several letters ■ were received from owners of cottages on the beach and lvom fishermen who had received notices calling upau them to remove their buildings, and asking that if possible the board allow {hem to remain for the time being One of the correspondents protested against having to removis uu boat shed, statins that it appeared m though the board was ousting,!! number of little fellows off the heaeh'lu favor of big monopolistic concert;*. The chairman said there had been some misunderstanding over this matter, as it would not be necessary for a while for the cottages to be removed. The fishermen, however, were affected, and they had to be considered. Mr Bellringer agreed that the board "honliT, if possible, do something for the .fishermen • It was eventually decided that the secretary communicate further with the owners of bench cottages, pointnv.,' out that the sites would be required for harbor improvement* Inter, but that the 'cottages could remain in the meantime Further notice would be given when the board desired the buildings to be removed. Tit rwml to the, fishermen it was agreed that the board's engineer. Mr 1 Ttliir Ma«oii. look into the matter, and report fo the board as to a suitable locat'im for their buildings. Mr Hughes was appointed the board's representative on the Peace Celehra tionn Committee. Accounts amounting to £7744 14s 4d were passed for payment.