HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 235, 6 October 1886, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD.

The regular fortnightly meeting of this bod„ was held yesterday afternoon. Present: — Messrs J. M. Clark (Chairman), M. Niccol, ,1. Lamb, D. Goldie, J. Winks, O. Mays, D. H. McKenzie, G. YV. Owen, Thomas Henderson, and A. Devore.

La-Td for Defence Prrp.posEs.—A letter was received from the Public Works Office, Auckland, enclosing copy of plan showing the land intended to be taken at the North Head for defence purposes. Notice to Marines.—Six copies were recoived of a notice respecting a telegraph cable laid acroes the Thames river.

Freeman's Bay Wall.—A communication was received from the Marino Department, notifying the Governor's approval of the plan of the rubble embankment across Freeman's Bay. CoMPLAINTRB BERTH aob.—A further communication was received from tho Marino Department forwarding copy of complaint from Captain Fairchild, of the Hinemoa, of the difficulty experienced in getting a berth at Auckland, and trusting tbat the Harbour Master would bo instructed to prevent a recurrence of the inconvenience complained of. Captain Fairchild, in his lotter, stated that on arriving at Auckland in the morning, he was told there was no berth at the wharf for the Hinemoa, and that she could not come alongside. He asked for two vessels to be moved to make room for tho Hinemoa, but the Harbour • master refused to do so. Eventually tho wharfinger carried out his suggestion at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Reports on tho same matter were also received from the Chief Harbour - master (Captain Burgefs) and the Deputy Harbourmaster (Captain Fisher). Captain Burgess accused Captain Fairchild of "strangely perverting tbe facts of the case." When advised by telegram of tho expected arrival of the Hinemoa, he had a berth cleared for her on the eastern aide of the Kailway Wharf, where she was duly berthed. dome 10 hours afterwards Captain Fairchild asked that two vessels lyint*; at tlio end of the whurf might be moved to make way for the Hitiomoa, aud this was done at some trouble. Further, he strongly objected to the manner adopted by Capt. Fairchild towards tho harbour officials Captain Fi.her reported thut ho considered Captain Fairchild greatly to blame in porsißting to hnvo ono particular berth. Tho night boforo tho Hinemoa arrived he clearod a berth at tha east m side of the Railway Wharf, but ho would not tuko it, nor would he have a berth at the Queenstreet Wharf, or another at the Railway Wharf. —Ik was agreed to forward copies- of the Harbour Master's reports to the Marino Department. Competitive Pilotage.—A letter was received from Daniel Robert Cooper and Cardinal Sainty, stating that as their services wore no longer required by the Board, they bad decided to continue to act as pilots for tho port of Auckland under the regulations of tbo Board. They were prepared to pilot in or out freo of charge all vessels that under the Board's regulations were entitled to exemption, and in making their pilotage charges they would bo guided by the scale laid down by tho Board.—The Secretary explained that the Board had already made a contract with Mr Compton to do its pilotage—Reforred to Legal Committee, i). R. Cooper also wrote, asking that in consideration of repairs ho had effected to the pilot's residence ho might be permitted to occupy it for a few weeks rent freo while seeking other occupation—Referred to Legal Committoe.

Compensation Claim.—Bishop Luck's letter (referred to in our laet issue) re compensation for loss of riparian rights at Freeman's Bay, waa referred to tho Legal Committee.

Storage Fees, —L. D. Nathan and Co applied for the remission of a portion of £7 7s which they had paid as storage fees upon 42 casks of whale oil from the Coast. —They thought transhipment rates would fairly meet the caso.—The s orekeoper reported that the oil made a great mess of the flour.—lt was decided not to grant the request. Graving Dock. —The report from the Inspector of Works stated that more than 400 ft. of tho walls of the dock aro finished to copo level on each side. The excavations for tho caisson chamber would he completed during tho coming week, when a start would bo made with putting in the concrete lloor.

Rowing Clvii Shed. Tho North Shore Rowing Club asked permission to extend thoir shed 12 feet seaward, in order to obtain accommodation for a moro suitable drossing room. —Granted, subject to Harbour matter's approval.

Victoria Wharf. — The Dsvonport Steam Ferry Compuny called attention to tho inconvenience caused by ferry steamers being unable to get alongside the Victoria Wharf, Devonport, at low spring tides, and requesting tbat the berth at the end of tho whart might be dredged — Referred to Works and Tariffs Committee, the Engineer to report.

Works for Tariffs Committee. -The recommendations of this Committee (published in our last issuo) wero adopted, the width of the Quay street jetty being altered to 90ft. from bOft. upon the strength of a memo, from the Engineer.

RiBKEKHEAD Reclamation. - Birkenhead Road Board requested that a* tbo approach to their wharf was now complete the Board might offer for lease the portion of reclaimed ground outside the pieco purchased from Mr Tizard. In tho event of anyone else getting the lease, they hoped provision would bo made for repaying them tin ir outlay of £300 upon tho reclamation—Request refused.

Dredgek fob Whancarei. —The Secretary reported that Mr Hales, District Engineer, had requested particulars from him of any dredging apparatus that tho Board could place at tho eervice of tho Government for dredging operations in Whangarei harbour Tile Secretary also stated that he had forwarded to Mr Hales particulars of the dredger Alpha now lying in Mechanics' Bay, and stated his opinion that she could be obtained on condition that the Government paid the cost of a general overhaul, and also about £25 per month as rent. - The substance of the Secretary's communication was confirmed.

Whabf for North Birkenhead.—Mr Lamb submitted a letter from the settlers of tho northern portion of tho Birkenhead district, requesting tho Board to erect a wharf for their convenience on tho northern branch of tho river round Kauri Point. -

Referred to Works and Tariffs Committee, the Harbour-master to report.

Rei-airs to Caisson.—The Secretary was authorised to invite tenders for repairs to caisson of dock, returnable on Tuesday. Towage of Silt Punts —The Secretary stated that in consequence of Tribo and Fleming having declined to take up their tender for toning and discharging silt punts at 22a per load, he had called fresh tenders, and Tribe and Fleming being ugainst the lowest at 26s per load, he had let them the work, and it was now boing proceeded with.

This was all the business