HARBQUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 126, 29 May 1901, Page 2

HARBQUR BOARD.

The Harbour Board met yesterday afternoon. Present: — Messrs A. Kick! (chairman). -I. U. Witheford, M.H.K., A. Harris, C. Gray. J. Stiehbnry, W. (iunson. C. C. Daere, W. Phiison, and M. Nieeol.

The Drowning Case.—The coroner forwarded the rider of ttie jury with respect to Hie drowning of Mr Breen. The chairman said he had given instructions for a floating ladder and a lamp to be planed at the worst place. Boat Shed.—Mr Carter's application to erect a boat shed at Ponsonby was referred to the Harbour Master. Resignation.—Mr D. Gpldie wrote resigning his seat as a •member of the Board. The letter was received and a resolution was passed thanking Mr fioldie for past services. Breakwater Leases.—Mr J. -I. Craig's offer to forego water rights near freezing reclamation upon certain conditions was not entertained by the Board.

"'Admiralty TTlou.se..—The Foundation Committee's recommendation w;is adopted, as follows:—That design of trowel submitted, to be used for laying foundation stone of Admiral's house, be adopted: That Mr Arnold make designs for foundation stone and obtain offers for same, to be submitted to this committee for consideration. The Works and Tariff Committee's recommendation was also agreed to: That specification for Admiral's house, submitted by Mr Arnold, be approved; that plans and specifications be on exhibition at Mr Arnold's office: that tenders be invited for the construction of Admiral's house, returnable on Tuesday. June 2,'). at noon.

Chairman's Ilondrarium. — The Finance and Legal Committee reported that (he principle of payment of Chairmen of Harbour Boards bo affirmed, nol in any case to exceed £200 per annum. The chairman said he did not think it was requisite that the chairman of the Harbour Board should always ho paid a fixed sum. Of coarse there were times when il was necessary that the chairman should have some sum voted him for expenses for entertainment purposes. .Mr Philsou said while recognising that there were, times when a chairman required a sum voter! him, still he did not like Ihe idea of a regular yearly salary. Mr Witheford supported the recommendation of the committee, which was then agreed to.

The Works and Tariff Committee reported: —That the Federated Seamen's Union be informed that under the existing contract, no alteration can bn marie in the working hours on the dredge, but that when a new contract is made, due consideration will be given to the request made in their letter; that plans and specifications for landing stage on the eastern

side of Quern-street Wharf at the corner of Quay-street be approved, and tenders called for the work. The report hoing adopted, Mr Niccol moved that as the Board have fixed the site for landing stages, the Ferry Company be asked to start building tbe necessary boat. .Mr Stichbury thought the chance to build the necessary boat should be offered to the public. The chairman said it would be open to anyone to build a boat at any time, and compete in the trade. Mr Niccol's motion was adopted.

Tenders. —Fencing, draining and painting Calliope Dock: Engineer's estimate, £120. Two tenders were received —S. White £140, Eeynold .6146. The lowest was accepted. Plastering boiler house, Calliope Dock: Engineer's estimate, £120. Three tenders were received: T. Jenkinson £119 (accepted), Thompson £131, and Kelly £119 7/.

Mate of the Kuaka.—The Board appointed .). H. Roberts mate of the Kuaka, Mr H. Hawkes being only one vote behind.

' Floating Crane. —Mr C. C. Daere's motion re procuring a floating crane for harbour use was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee to rc2)ort. Mr Dacre contended that a floating crane would save an amount of expenditure for separate cranes at each toe.

An Engineer.—Mr J. H. Witheford moved that the Board appoint a duly qualified engineer. He said the Board was a laughing stock for want of an engineer. He contended it was to the interest of the Board to appoint an engineer, a really firstclass man. Mr Gunson seconded the motion. He said he had several times moved in that direction himself but without succeeding. He hoped the matter would be taken up seriously this time. Mr Niccol suggested that the matter be referred to the Works and Tariff Committee to report as to qualifications and salary. Mr Stichbury said he was in favour of the idea of the motion, but they wanted a thoroughly practical and experienced engineer. The motion was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee, Mr Witheford agreeing to Mr Niccol's suggestion.