TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2308, 21 January 1892, Page 3

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Timaru Harbour Board was held yesterday. Present Messrs E. Acton (chairman), W. Evans, J. Hill, G. Stumbles, F. R. Flatman, T. Teachemaker, J. Talbot, J. Wilson, I. L. Morris, J. S. Gibson, andJ. Manchester. THE WRECKED LYTTELTON. Captain Falconer waited on the board and said he believed the firing of the mines at the Lyttelton wreck had been perfectly successful. The actual result could only be ascertained by “ sweeping „ with a loaded spar at gauged depths. When he had done this, and before he left, he would send in a written report. CORRESPONDENCE.

Mr McLaren, agent for the Shaw Saville ' and Albion Co., wrote complaining of a charge of £5 for getting up steam in the tug for the ship Himalaya, when it was found that after ordering the tug she could not sail.—lt was explained that the towing charge at Timaru is lower than at any other port, and barely paid expenses—Charge to be made.

From the Lands Department, Wellington, informing the Board that the Railway Commissioners desired to have reserved to them the right to erect protective works if necessary on the land, in the order vesting the coast reserve round Caroline Bay.—Commissioners to be asked to request Mr Burnett to confer with Mr Marchant. harbourmaster’s report.

Captain Clarkson reported the arrival of 20 steamers and 5 sailing vessels of an aggregate tonnage of 13816 tons, and the departure of 20 steamers and 9 sailing vessels of a total of 15966 tons for the month of December. The weather during December was generally fine. The usual soundings had been taken during the month with results as per book. Eight new fenders were required,—Fenders to be got. tenders. Two tenders were received for the purchase and removal of the old engine shed at the landing service —A. G. Anderson £3 (accepted), and J. Mcßobbie £4 (informal). engineer’s report. The engineer reported that the late heavy seas had broken up the crane road and some of the concrete filling between the sleepers on the curve of the breakwater ; repairs tq it >vere nearly complete. He expected to have the slipway ready for the Mana by the end of the present month. Shingle shifting was stopped on the 15th inst., it was commenced on Oct. 19th, during which period owing to holidays and stoppages nearly three weeks working time was lost. The quantity of shingle actually removed was 14,025 tons. Given more elaborate appliances, this working result could be doubled, THE SHINLGE QUESTION.

Mr Teschemaker moved, and Mr Talbot seconded :—“ That the experimental trial having now proved tliat the advice of all the Commissioners as j the mechanical removal the shillg i eand its depoaG on ie northern beach is sound,

the board now proceed to consider, the means necessary for i(a permanent coiitimiftnco.” ... .. The mover and seconder and Mr Gibson “poke in fayor of tfie mo.tiqn qnd Messrs

Flatman, Hill, and Stumbles against it. One or two, amendments Yf-ere drafted and withdrawn, and the motion was then put and carried by seven to four. Messrs Flatman, Hill, Stumbles, and Myans spoke against it, Mr Talbot nm~ ; , . - + ed and Mr Flatman That the engineer be requested to advise the board as to the most suitable plant for the removal of the shingle, together with an estimate of cost, and to report to the next meeting of the board.” This was carried by the same majority as the previous motion, ACCOUNTS. The wharfage return for the four weeks ended Dec. sth was reported by the railways at £555 19s, an average amount. The secretary submitted a statement of the total import and export tonnage for 1891, The total was about 500 tons less than in 1890, which year showed an increase of 10,000 tops over that of 1889. The falling, oft. was pi shipments, s!' mill stuffs and Oats. Accounts to th« amount f‘f £430 4s Bd, were passed for payment, and the mooring terminated.