THE PILOT SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 211, 6 September 1899, Page 2

THE PILOT SERVICE.

The question of the advisability of the Harbour Board building a steam launch for the pilot service, and also for use in harbour works, was discussed at the meeting of the Board yesterday afternoon. The Works and Tariff Committee had the matter in hand, and reported in favour of the matter being deferred until the next meeting. Mr Kidd moved as an amendment that the matter be deferred for twelve months. He considered the expenditure of the Board's money on a launch was not advisable, as the pilot service as at present constituted gave a profit. It seemed that even now the Ferry Company had smarter and better boats in the service than the launch proposed to be built, and he thought it would be better to hire a steamer for twelve months. When they had a boat it would mean an annual expenditure of £600, and then they might be cut out by smarter vessels and lose pilot fees. The Chairman (Mr Niccol) said the Board had resolved to procure a steam launch, but as the time was not fixed they could if they chose defer the matter for twelve months.

Mr Mackv seconded the amendment,

Mr Phils"on said if Mr Kidd knew more about the circumstances, of this affair he would not take up this position. The last tender for piloting was x. coo a-yoaj' .a nd.DiloUees.__ _- _ The Chairman said the Board prepared such stringent conditions that owners would not tender. They were required to be ready at fifteen minutes' notice. There was nothing to prevent reasonable arrangements being made .with steamboat owners by which the Board could have the service carried out well and at a profit to the Board-

Mr Thornes objected to postponing the matter for twelve months.

Mr Kidd said he did not wish the matter burked for twelve months, but did not want the Board committed at that meeting. The continually recurring liabilities were growing and would yet place the Board in a difficult position. He would alter the amendment so that the Works and Tariff Committee could report upon his suggestion as to the possibility of making arrangements on the lines he had indicated rather than buy or build a launch. This amendment was agreed to.