TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1777, 16 August 1888, Page 3

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Timaru Harbor Baord was held yesterday. Present—Messrs Acton (Chairman), Boss, Talbot, Flatman, Teschemaker, Manchester, Morris, Wilson and Jonas. Apologies were made for the non attendance of Messrs Gray and LeCren. A reply was received from the Manager of Railways to a request made that the books of the department dealing with the tonnage of the port should be open to inspection of the Board's officers. The manager (Mr Maxwell) promised that the request should have consideration. A communication was received from the Marine Department, intimating that the light at the end of the breakwater must be kept burning regularly, as the safety of vessels making for the port would "be endangered. The proprietors of the Shipping Gazette wrote complaining of the unreliability of Timaru shipping newsIt was decided that the Board continue subscribing to the Gazette. Mr McKewon advised the Board of the shipping of materials by the barque Ganymede for Timaru. It was also notified that the Fifeshire and i Elder.-lie would not take cargo for Timaru. A communication was received from the Board's solicitor respecting costs in the Shaw Savill v. Harbor Board case.—The Chairman said the costs of the Board would be about £SOO, and the costs of the other side £700.--Messrs P. Cunningham and Craig were approved of as sureties for the Shew Savill Company. The Timaru Harbor Board Loan Amendment Act was laid on the table. —Mr Talbot objected to Borough valuation as a standard for loan purposes. —It was decided to adhere to the principle laid down in the Bill to assimilate the rating. A letter was read from the Timaru Borough Council, asking permission to make an opening in the Bank gully sewer to allow the water to flow on ' block-making ground.—Granted. Mr J. Jackson wrote complaining of the charge made for tie use of the slip for the schooner Spray, £ls. Owing to the bad weather the vessel was on the slip 12 days, and the Chairman said the Board had had to expend almost the amount charged. —lt was decided to make no reduction. 'TheEngineer reported that heavy seas had prevented the lifting of the top random blocks on the south side of the breakwater. Wet weather had interfered seriously with the operations on the, north mole contract but good progrew had been made when possible. He also asked for authority to order a supply of ropes and chains. ,—The report was adopted. In answer to inquiries the Engineer said he was of opinion that the breakwater was holding its own, and the shingle had gone back considerably. The weather was often very much ■against the efforts''to' keep back the shingle. The heavy seas of late had not done any damage to the Board's works.. The Harbor Master reported the arrival of 16 steamers and 5 sailing of an aggregate registered N tonnage : of 664-2 tons, and the departure of 16 steamers and 4 sailing vessels, of a total tonnoge of 5947 tons. Bad weather necessitated using r the surf-boats on several occasions. Accounts amounting to the sum of £725 10s 8d were passed for payment. The Chairman intimated that the Elderslie might be expected to arrive either on Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The meeting then terminated.