TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1793, 22 September 1888, Page 1

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting o£ this Board was held on Wednesday morning. Present—Mr Acton (chaiaman), and , Messrs Ross, Wilson, Teschemaker, Flatman, Gray, Talbot, and Man. Chester. The Bank of New Zealand advised the Board that they had placed a desposit of £SOOO with interest to credit, and bad forwarded a draft for £SOOO as interest on 1883-80 loans.

The foreman carpenter, Mr G. C. Williams, wrote resigning his position. A letter was received from Messrs Jackson and Smith, requesting the Board to reduce the wharfage rates on coal to the same figure as charged at Lyttelton, Is per ton. The charge at Timaru is now 2s. At Dunedin it is 2s 6d, and at Oamaru 2s. After fully considering the matter, the Board decided not to comply with the request. The loss would amount to £SOO per annum, and Mr C. W. Turner, who was written to on the subject, said he did not think the import of coal would be "greatly increased.

The Committee recommended the acceptance of the resignation of the foreman carpenter, and that in future, as there is no immediate prospect of further diving being required, the diver’s wages be 8s per day with a bonus of £2 per day when engaged in diving. The Committe had examined and passed accounts amounting to £617713s 4d for the month of August. The report was adopted.

After considerable discussion, Mr Talbot moved, Mr Gray seconded, and it was carried:—“ That, subject to the solicitors advice, the Chairman be authorised to take any necessary steps to have the Timaru Harbour district proclaimed a pilotage district in accordance with the Harbours Act, and that the harbourmaster be requested to procure a pilot’s license at his earliest convenience.”

An account from Messrs Perry and Perry, the Board’s solicitors, for £570 for law costs, was referred back to the standing Committee to get it taxed. Members disclaimed any idea of casting any reflection on the BoliVi f o”R as to the charges, but considered as the account was a very larg one it should he taxed, and it was suggested that in future all large law accounts should de similarly treated. The Engineer reported that few random blocks had been lifted during the month ; if anything, the shingle at the south of the breakwater had slightly receded. The north wall contract was proceeding satisfactorily; the contractors were working overtime. The Taniwha had dredged 2400 tons of spoil in 20 working days ; the main wharf berths were now well dredged, and the dredge would be engaged for a time in removing boulders from alongside the Moody wharf. The dredge Taniwha was now on the slip for cleaning and repairs. The Harbor Master reported the arrival of 24 steamers and 3 sailing vessels, of an aggregate registered tonnage of 9943 tons, and the departure of 24 steamers and 4 sailing vessels, of a total tonnage of 10,347, for the month ending 31st August. He asked for four white pine fenders and a quantity of rocket brigade material, which the Board authorised him to get. Accounts amounting to £617713s 4d were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.