TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1738, 17 May 1888, Page 3

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above Board was held yesterday. Present —Messrs E. Acton (Chairman), J. L. Morris, I. F., Gray, F. LsOren, F. R. Fhtman, T. Teschemaker, D. M. Ross, J, Manchester, and J. Talbot. Mr Flat man apologised for bis absence from Inst meeting. It was resolved—“ That a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs Moody and family in consequence of their late bereavement.” • A letter was read from the Defence Department offering for sale three automatic tide gauges at £2O each* A letter from the Marina Department stated that-it would be preferable t® show two red lights at the end of the breakwater, iqslead of one as at present. The engineer said it had been thought host to have only one light, on account of the sea breaking over the end of the breakwater.

The contractors for ths north mole contract, wrote applying for 50 per cent advance on tramway p'ant, in accordance with conditions of thair contract.

Messrs Perry and Perry wrote enclosing draft of provisions for embodimant in the Hurboi Board Loan Act 1885. Resolved—‘‘That the Member for Timaru be requested te take the necessary steps for an amendment to the ‘ Timaru Harbor Board Loan Act, 1885,’ for the purpore of assimilating the rating in all parts of the district of Timaru equally, viz., on the capital value of all properties rateable Adder the 1 Rating Act,’ end tint the whole of the Members for South Canterbury bo asked to support Mr Turnbull respecting the above, it being essential in tba interest of the Board and district that the Amend meat Act should be passed th'S session.’

The Standing Committee haying been deputed to enquire into the general management of the Board with a view to retrenchment, reported that they did not consider it advisable to interfere with the Secretary, Engineer, or Harbormaster. They recommended that the two crews of the Taniwha and Titan should be reduced to one crew of four men by dismissing rhe present master of the Taniwha and fireman of the Titan, and retaining J. Waldron as captain of the Titan and dredge ; Charles (Head as Engineer of the dredge; P. Peterson as Engineer of the Titan, and to be left always in charge, at a reduced pay lof £l4 a month. E. McKen*ie as deck hand of Titan, and Taniwha. The dredge when working to be under the direction ot the Board’s Engineer. The Committee also recommended that the present night watchman be dispensed with, the wort to . be, done .by one of the other hands,-that .the assistant Clerk be dismirsed and a boy put, in his place, and that the cleaning of th<* Board’s offices be a part of the duties of K. H, Bjlsom, whoso wages would be reduced from 81 to |7s per da3 r . • The total estimate J snvi .e -was £f>4l 12s per annum. They hud •authorised the purchase of chain slings, UliHck'es aort diving ladder at a coat to £23 from Messrs Jones and Pailise»\_ ilhe report was adopted.

Thu Engiueer reported that the work of random block lifting on the south side was proceeding satisfactorily, but enough had yet been done to make any particular not change observable. From the movements of the shingle he was of opinion that the result desired would be attained eventually. The contract for the entrance light should be finished in a few days time. Since last meeting the Taniwha had dredged and discharged about 4000 tons of spoil in 23 working days. All the preliminary works in connection with the North Wall contract were in a forward state ; the first deliveries of' stone would probably be made before next Board meeting. The Harbor Master reported the arrival of 22 steamers and 4 sailing vessels of an aggregate registered tonnage of 9167 tons, and the departure of 21 steamers and 7 sailing vessels of an aggregate registered tonnage of 9540 tons, during the month of April, 1888. The Chairman reported that the funds of the Board at fixed deposit at the Bank would mature on May 31st, and it would be necessary for the Board to decide as to the disposal of a sum of £60,000 during next year. The Treasurer had prepared a statement of the present position of the funds for their assistance,—After con* sidering the matter it was resolved — “ That the Chairman, Messrs ' LeCren, Teschemaker and Talbot be appointed a committee to report as to the most desirable method of dealing with the Board's fixed deposits, with power to make arrangements with the Bank of New Zealand if they deem it desirable, or to report to the next meeting of the Board."