HARBOUR BOARD DEPUTATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 138, 13 June 1893, Page 5

HARBOUR BOARD DEPUTATION.

MECHANICS' BAY RECLAMATION.

A deputation from the Auckland Harbour Board also waited on the Premier, being introduced by Mr Crowther. The deputation consisted of Messrs VV. Crowther (Chairman), M. Niccol, A. Porter, T. Henderson, andJ. M. Brigham (secretary and treasurer).

Mr Wiccol stated that the question on which the Board wished the favour of the Premier waa with reference to Mechanics' Bay. Tho Govern man t had for some years promised to reclaim Mechanics' Bay, and then had reclaimed portions of it over to tho Harbour Board, together with a roadway one chain wide. The Government had not kept this promise, alleging want of funds as tho oxcuse, and the Harbour Board were now desirous of knowing when tho arrangement was to be carried out. Tha Board had offered to take the money value of the land when reclaimed (£4,600), but the Government declined, owing to want of funds. Tho Premier said there was no limit as to time. His own opinion was that money fiperic inroad-making and in getting the; people on tha land was of iroro importance than mouey spent in thia manner. Mr Hales, Engineer in-Chief, who was present, said thut he did not sco where the benefit to the Government was to como in, and what value they were to get) for the £4,500. The Premier said that thoGovernrnenthad no intention of repudiating the arrangement, but he did not see any pressing necessity for the work. Mr Porter asked whether the Government would bo propnred at come future day to pay a proportion of the cost ot reclaiming the Bay. ; Tho Premier said that in tho ovonfc of absolute necessity arising lor thowoik, it should be attended to. At present, however, there did not seem to be urgent need for the reclamation.