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Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 298, 23 December 1897, Page 8

At a special meeting of the Harbour Board on November 30th, Mr Napier stated the extent of the damage to the tee. Koughly speaking the loss on the wharf would be £5,000, and the re-erection of the shed would cost £500. The Board's loss would have been £10,000 greater only for tbe efforts of Captain Reed and Chief Engineer Macdonald of the Star of New Zealand. The question of the repair of the wharf was discussed by the Hoard. MiTaylor, foreman of works, said it would take three months for all of the mills to supply the timber and that 300,000 feet would be wanted for the work. It was decided to call for tenders for the work, and the lowest was that of Mr R. AVbite, £28,604. Mr White's tender was accepted, and he has started work. The Chairman paid a high tribute of praise to the Mr A. Alison, manager of the Devonport Perry Company, and to Mr J. M. Brigliam, for their efforts at the fire. Flc said it was due to Mr Brigham's early arrival that a good portion of the tee was saved. He put a large number of men to fight the fire underneath the wharf. The captains, officers and crews of the warships Torch and Penguin, and Captain Shephard, of the Union Company's Taieri, were also deserving of praise. Everybody, in fact, helped loyally to save property, and the Board would join with him (the chairman), in thanking them. The Chairman then moved : "1. That a vote of thanks be passed to the captain, officers and crew of tlie steamer Star of New Zealand, and that all their expenses be paid ; and that suitable presents, not exceeding £50 in value, be given to Captain Reed and Chief Engineer Macdonald. 2. That the thanks of the Board be tendered to the captains, officers and men of H.M.s. Torch and Penguin, and the Union S.S. Company's Taieri, for the valuable services, ami to all others who kindly rendered assistance in saving the Board's property on the occasion of the recent fire." The resolutions were unanimously adopted.