TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1266, 18 November 1884, Page 3

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Board was held yesterday. Present—Messrs W. Moody (Chairman), A. Hayes, J. Talbot, J. Wilson, K. F. Gray, M. Jonas, E. Acton, J. Kellnnd, E. Elwoithy, and J. H. Sutter. Correspondence was read From Frost Bros-., London, rneloeing price list for ropes. From James Mc ftwan and Co., London (1) re measurement of and charge for huoys supplied and stating the terms on which they were prepared to do business ; (2) advising the execution of the Board's order for wire rope, Hnd probable despatch of same per ship [fakaia.

The manager of the Landing Service reported that the gross earnings tor the month wore £364 lis 9•!, and the net £l"b8 5s lid, the uumber of tons handled being 2199.

The Engineer reported that steady progress had been made with the Break water contract No. 5, but an unlooked fur rising of the sea on the 7th inst. had caused eomo delay. The finished work now stood at 147 ft, and the U andntion work 195 ft. The wharf contract was progressing. Eighty feet of piluicr had yet to be driven. The first instalment of cement had arrived, partially damaged by water. The barque Palace had brought 32 piles of ironbark, thus completing the piles contract. Plans for the proposed new wharf wore ready. The Harbormaster reported the arrival during October of 32 vessel and the departure of the same number, the aggregate tonnage being : inward, 7064, and outward 7164. He had on 9th instant taken over the charge of the Landing Service and engaged Mr Balsom as foreman. The Titan required decking, and he was endeavoring to arrange for her going on the patent slip at Lyttelton.

The Engineer (Mr Goodall) submitted plans and estimates for the new wharf, which it was proposed to construct to the northward of the present structure. The plans were carefully examined by the Board, the Engineer explaining the details. Mr Goodall was of opinion that it would be injudicious to try to make the new structure available for both cart and railway traffic. One or the other ought to be chosen.

A member suggested that sunken rails would overcome any apparent difficulty. The Engineer explained that sunken rails would entail four or five inches increase in the decking provision. In reply to questions Mr Goodall said it would be twelve months before the wharf could be available. It would take six months to get the timber and fuur months to construct the wharf. The Harbormaster (Captain Webster) attended at the request of the Board and gave it as his decided opinion that the accommodation at present afforded by the harbor was altogether insufficient. He felt sure that a private company wodld be only too glad to construct the wharf and pocket its revenue. He thought the-available balance of £15,000 could not be more judiciously expended than on this work. Mr Jonas urged the utmost possible care being taken as to ways and means.

Mr Elworthy was sure the increase of trade that would follow the erection of this structure was a sufficient justification for going on with it. Mr Jonas said if the Board was willing to resort to rating well and good ; if not, this work should not be carried out. The Chairman said that the Board must not pay interest out of the capital but out of revenue. The capital must be expended in construction. Mr Hayes moved, and Mr Jonas seconded —" That tenders be invited (to be in by the January meeting) for the construction of the Northern wharf as shown on plan, the said wharf to be suitable for combined railway and dray traffic." —The motion was carried unanimously. Mr E. Acton moved, Mr Sutter seconded, and it was carried—" That the Engineer be authorised to order necessary timber for the construction of the northern wharf, and also to forward plans for approval cf the Government." The Chairman reported that after consultation with others he had deeided to recommend a modification of the lifeboat service arrangements, viz. : That tbe crew consist of twelve men ; that there be five practices per year, and that the annurl subsidy be £5 per man, or £6O per annum. —The recommendation was adopted on the motion of Mr Elworthy, seconded by Mr Hayes. The Chairman stated that the election of a new Board would take place in February, 1885. The Secretary would take necessary steps in ihe meantime. Accounts were passed for payment as f O U OWS ;_Generßl, £3243 4s 6d ; Landing Service, £IJB 5s 10J, The Board then rose.