THAMES DRAINAGE BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 15, 19 January 1892, Page 8

THAMES DRAINAGE BOARD.

The first meeting of the newly-elected Thames Drainage Board took place at Mr D. G. MacDonnoll'B office, Insurance Buildings, this morning. There were present : Messrs A. Porter, W. S. Wilson, Jas. Dickey, Comer, McGowau, Spratt, Paltndge, and Kissling.

Chairman. — Mr G. S. Kissling was elected Chairman of the Board for the ensuing year. The Chairman thanked the Board for electing him to the position, and hoped they would have a prosperous mining year, and that by economy bhe expendibure for the voar would be reduced.

Travelling Fees.—Mr Mac Gown gave notice to move ab the next meeting of the Board, "That tho question of Board fees and travelling expenses be considered."

Manager's Report.—The manager at tho Thames wrote that it would be bettor to wait about two months before any more coal was sent. He bad just received 100 tons of Newcastle round coal at the same price as the Bay of Islands coal.

Tenders.—Five tenders wore receivod for tho annual supply of coal. Mr J. J. Craig's tender being the lowest, was accepted.

Assessment.—A statement a3 the esti- | mate of the amount required to defray all cost and charges for drainage purposes during; the current year, and expenses of the Board, was read as follows : — Coals and cartage, £3,000; wages and salaries, £1,300; foundry work, £200: pumping requisites, £150 ; travelling fees and sundries, £200; gas and water, £'100. It wa3 explained that tho estimated expenditure for the yoar was £5,000, and tho arrears on last year's transactions between the assets and liabilities £250. This deficiency would have to be met.—MrComer then proposed, and Mr WII3OII seconded, " That the assessment list of mines as sent in bo adopted with the addition of five per cent." —Mr Porter took exception to the assessments of several mines, and contended that the parties deriving; the most benefit did not contribute thoir fair share towards the expense. He instanced that the Waiotahi paid more than the Trenton, Cambria and May Queon, which three mines had six times the area. Eventually the assessments of mines for the year were passed as under : —Caledonian, 11 guineas; Cambria, £32 12s; Victoria, £38 17s; Hazelbank, £21 ; Kurunui Hill, No. 2, £7 17s 6d ; No. 3, £5 15s 6d; Moanataiari, £39 17s 6d; New Manukau, £10 16s ; Saxon, £87 13s 6d ; Trenton, £21; Waiotahi, £73 10s ; May Queen, £26 5s ; Crawford's Special,£ll lis. '"

The Board decided to sit to hear appeals on the 28th January, at 2.15 p.m.