STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 32, 8 February 1899, Page 2

STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES

The question of the storage of explosives, and whether the Harbour Board should purchase the barque Leon for the purpose, was discussed at the Board meeting yesterday. The Works and Tariff Committee recommended:—The report of Messrs Brown and Gouk, the two experts appointed, as to the condition of the barque Leon being satisfactory, the Committee recommend that £ 300 be offered Mr Craig •for the barque; and, in the event of being accepted, the vessel to be placed in Calliope Dock; the Foreman of Works to prepare specifications for fitting up vessel suitable for magazine. The 6ffice estimate for repairs and alterations was £ 1250, and the Leon it was thought would then have storage accommodation for 600 tons of explosives.

Mr W. Gunson strongly opposed the recommendation of the committee. He said the Bbard should hesitate before committing- itself to the expenditure of some £2000 for repairs on a vessel like the Leon. He thought the\ should have a vessel that was sound and more suitable for storing explosives, and added that she was larger than the Board wanted. He (suggested a new boat to cost about £2000 should be built. He moved as an amendment: 'That the barque Leon is unsuitable as a boat for storage of explosives.

Mr Philson seconded. The LeOn, he said, was far too large for the Board's requirements. They should get a pontoon vessel built, such as is used in Queensland. Such a vessel could be built for £1500 or £1600 and provide accommodatoin to store 300 tons. They wanted a boat that could be easily run On shore if required.

Mr Napier and Mr Niccol favoured the recommendation of the committee. Mr Entrican thought they should have a new vessel.

In answer to a oufcstion the Foreman of Works said he thought the Leon would last about ten years.

The recommendation of the Works ami Tariff Committee was lost, and on the motion of Mr Devore, seconded by Mr Entrican, it was resolved that further consideration of the matter be deferred: in the meantime the Foreman of Works to iret an estimate, of cost of a new vessel with accommodation to store 300 tons of explosives.