TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2648, 19 April 1894, Page 3

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the above board was held yesterday. Preaent—Messrs D. Stuart (chairman), Hill, Evans, Stumbles, Flatman, Teschemaker, Pringle, and Manchester. Correspondence was read — From the Collector of Customs, requesting that the name of the Timara be placed on the new dredge. From the New Zealand Accident Company with regard to insuring the men employed by tlrojboard against accident. Mr Teschemaker said it was a most extraordinary thing that employers should bo responsible for accidents to their employees. Mr Evans said the Act was tyrannical. The chairman said the premium required by the insurance company would be a heavy tax on the workmen. The best thing was to consult the legal adviser of the board and get further information. —This was agreed to. . From Mr S. Willis asking information regarding the board, so as to have it inserted in Lloyd’s directory.—lt was agreed to cret a copy of the directory. From Mr Croll, inspector of machinery, stating that certain lights should bo placed on board the new dredge before she could bo used. —Agreed to. From Mr J. Darling, covenng a letter from Lobnitz * Co., stating that thoy would put the LOW tug in repair, and that

they would be responsible tcrthe extent of £SOO. Fr o m Mr McHenry, engineer to the board, reporting on the new dredge. He expected to have the dredge fit for trial on Friday next. He reported that the vessel was very rusty.—The chairman said the vessel would cost altogether about £4OO to make her fit for work. Her total cost would be about £17,000. He thought they ought to make a claim against the contractors. Mr Evans thought the whole expense should be borne by the contractors. Mr Hill said he went on board and never saw machinery in such a rusty condition. Two or three years wear had been taken off the machinery in filing the rust off them. The thing was scandalous. It was decided to notify the contractors that a claim would be made on them, and that the machinery was in a terrible state with rust. Mr Hill said that the vessel was. so rusty that when they were trying to turn around the crane, the upright which held the crane broke, and a new one had to be put in. All the members agreed that the condition in which the vessel arrived was disgraceful, and the contractors should be made to pay. The slide valves, piston rods, etc., were so rusty that two or three years’ wear were taken off them in removing rust. It was also decided to get Mr Barr, Engineer of Dunedin, to report on the vessel, his fee being £2B 7s. The tender of Messrs Priest & Holdgate for ironmongery, was accepted. The return of the wharfage was £560 16s 6d, which was slightly under the average. Accounts to the amount of £566 lls Id, were passed for payment. In reply to Mr Flatman the chairman said the new dredge was used as ,a tug last Saturday and she worked well, but the conditions were favorable. Mr Flatman said the new dredge would cost £l2 or £l3 a day. Several members with a sigh : “ She w, ; U be very expensive.” Mr Flatman wanted to know whether they were going to sell some of the vessels. The chairman said the standing committee would report on the subject, but they would do well to wait until the vessel had been tried before doing anything. . , , The meeting then terminated.