Thames Harbor Board.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2940, 18 July 1878, Page 2

Thames Harbor Board.

The usual fortnightly meeting of this body was held at the Borough Council Chambers last night. Present: the Chairman,--Messrs Spencer, Price, Gibbons and Bagnall. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. : THE FOEESHOBE The following telegram was read from Sir G. Grey:—" Chairman Harbor Board, Thames. 29th section Harbor Board Act. Law officers advise before graut can be made contracts and promises to other persons must be fulfilled by the Governor, hence the difficulty in regard to issuing the grant. So soon as you can inform the Government that the parties interested in the foreshore are satisfied with the course it is intended to pursue in issuing grant to Harbour Board, there will be no further delay in the issue of the grant. Try and get the consent of such persons at once. If this cannot be done I fear from what our law officers say that further legislation will be necessary; but we are most anxious to make e:i immediate settlement of the question. ■—G. Gbey." The Chairmau had telegraphed in rsply that he would see the direclors of the ! various compares, though he did not! think it would do much good. The Gh/..irm:,n said that he had gone to

Auckland, and had seen the directors of the companies interested in the foreshore. Ho kid the matter before them, and had been agreeably surprised to find that they made no difficulty. The only thing they did not agree with was their paying back rent. He had thought this matter over, and did not think they had much claim for back rent, and thought they should forego it. Mr VVhitaker had. promised if the mutter was left in his hands to further it at Wellington. The secretary read a telegram from Sit Gtorge Grey promising to introduce a Jjiil enabling the immediate grant of the foreshore to the Board subject to certain conditions specified. Mr Bagnall moved that the Board make no claim for back rent off the companies having sites on the foreshore; that a rough draft form of lease be; forwarded by Mr Whitaker, and that a notice be sent, to Sir George Grey of tiie steps taken. This was seconded by Mr Price, and unanimously assented to. PBOPOBED BHIP BUILDING YAED. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Bagnall, that the Chairman and Messrs Spencer and Gibbons be a committee to report on Messrs A- and G. Price's application for a site for a ship-building yard. , .EXTENSION OF VUuKE STBEJET WHABP. The Secretary read the names of tenderers for the Burke street wharf extension (published yesterday.) Mr Punch (of Punch and Trainor, whose tender was , the lowest) appeared and said he had made a mistake of £100 in his tender, he having added up some of the quantities wrongly. If the Board would allow him to correct his mistake he would take it up. The Chairman said they could not possibly do that. It was then resolved that Mr Macandrew's tender be accepted. After some discussion, Mr Gibbons moved that in consideration of Punch making a mistake that his deposit money be returned. Carried. PEOPOSED PISH MARKET.

The following petition was read, being presented by Mr Spencer : - To the Chairman and Members of Lhe Thames Harbor Board.—Gentlemen,—We, the undersigned, being engaged as fishermen, pursuing our calling at the Thames, beg,. to bring under your notice the great loss we at present suffer in having no proper convenience at the Shortland Wharf for carrying out our industry with economy and dispatch, "and would urge, on yciir Board in the .contemplated extension of this wharf, the absolute necessity of establishing a proper Fish Market; and f "so that a portion of the harbor at the southeast end of the aaid wharf may be improved and set apart for the especial.use of fishing boats and fish sheds erected alongside- We would respectfully bring before your notice that the fishing industry at the Thames is an important one, and worthy of encouragement, large quantities of fish being exported to Auckland, as well as consumed at home. Therefore, by the erection of a suitable market at the wharf consumers would be enabled to obtain their fish in good condition and at cost-price: at present great-quantities of wholesome fish are wasted from undue exposure to suu and rain. Thesfishing trade of this port is deserving of every assistance, as being the best nursery for good seamen. Your petitioners would therefore humbly pray that your Board cause the establishment of a Fish Market and piece of the foreshore indicated set apart, with proper wharves and accommodation for fishing boats.—G. A. Keddish (and 19 other signatures).

Mr Spencer moved the reception of the petition, and in doing so, said that the fishing industry of the Thames was considerable, and was well worth fostering. As much as £30 worth per week was ex* ported to Auckland besides the large quantity locally consumed. This was carried.

He also moved that in the extension of the Shortland wharf arrangements be made to afford accommodation for fisher* men in the terms of the petition.

Mr Gibbons seconded, and iv doing so, strongly supported it. He thought that the Borough also might contribute something, and would make it his duty to bring it up at their meeting tonight. Mr Reddish and several other fishermen were present, and the former said a few words showing the disadvantage under which they labored in not having a place to store their fish?

The motion was then carried, and it was decided that the Committee appointed re Price's application meet a deputation of the fishermen concerning the position, etc., of the proposed fish market. TENDERS FOB LIGHTING BVJttKE STREET WHARF. Three tenders for the laying of gas pipes on the Burke street wharf were opened, and Mr Wade's of £7310 a being the lowest was accepted. SILT WOBKS. „ The Chairman produced plans for the -proposed silt works, and on the motion of Mr Bagnall it was resolved that tenders be called for at once for the constuction of silt works. BHOETLAND AND KOPCT WfIABTBS. On the motion of Mr Spencer it was resolved that tenders at once be called for the extension of the Shortland wharf 100 feet and 200 feet. It was also res 'red at the same time to call tenders tor She I Kopu wharf, and MessrfHßagnali end Spencer were appointed^J^flnynit^eo to see what the County would give to the work. : SIR J. COODE. A letter was read from Sir John Coode, asking for further data in reference to the Harbor, and the Ghanaian was instructed to Lave the required: information procured. FINANCE. • :, ; ■•: .. Accounts amounting to £46, chiefly for wages, were passed for payment. This was all the businass. r