HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 113, 14 May 1902, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD.

The Harbour Board met at 2.30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Present: Messrs. W. Gunson (chairman), C. C. Dacre, J. H. Witheford, W. Philson, J. A. Walker, G. Cozens, A. H. Nathan. Cattle-landing, Orakei.—The Agricultural Association wrote stating re a cattle-landing at Orakei that they had learned that £ 750 had been placed on the Estimates towards the forming of the road to the proposed wharf. The executive asked the Board to take this very necessary work at an early date, as there Was a great risk of the Maoris withdrawing their offer, of the land. Works and Tariff Committee.— This committee recommended: Re Mr Craig's Wharf, that Mr Craig's application for right to construct 10 feet additional wharf be granted. That with reference to Mr Cjraig's proposal in his letter of Sth May, 1902, for surrender of riparian rights at the breakwater, solicitor's opinion be obtained as to Mr Craig",-, riparian rights on north side of reclamation, and that sketch plan and estimate of cost of proposed wharf be prepared by the engineer, and that further consideration of the matter be deferred for four weeks. Wharfage on stone from Rangitoto: That wharfage rate on stone landed from Rangitoto be Gd per ton. Copper pipes for fire float and tug: That prices be obtained for the supply of copper pipes as per specification from Messrs Massey Bros., Dunn, Smith and Co., and Carter and Brooks. Buoy off Callioue Dock: That consideration be deferred, the engineer to report as to mushroom mooring anchors used in other ports. Leasing Foreshore Northcote.—The Finance and Legal Committee recommended that having visited Northcote and inspected the area applied for the application be declined. The reports of the Works and Tariff and Finance and Legal Committees were read. —On the motion of the Chairman, the name of Mr Walker was added to the Works and Tariff Committee. —. With regard to the clauses re Craig's Wharf, Mr Nathan moved that both clauses be deferred in order to learn what Mr Craig- was to give up in exchange for the favour of being allowed to. erect 10 feet extra on the wharf.— : Mr Cozens seconded the motion. He said Mr Craig was allowed to extend his breastwork beyond the reclamation wall; they might be giving him riparian rights for all time.—The Chairman said this was only a license for 14 years, and so it was not a monopoly for ever. lie thought they might let Mr Craig have the 10 feet he asked for, as at the end of 14 years it wiou.ld revert to the Board. —Mr Nathan's motion to defer the matter was carried.— With regard to the wharf age on ; stone, Mr Cozens moved that wharfage rates on stone landed fnom quarries withjn the provincial district of Auckland be Gd per ton. —Mr Philfeo'n moved that the matter be deferred, as he considered that the tariff should not be tinkered with in a haphazard way.—Mr Witheford seconded this amendment, which was, however, negatived, and Mr Cozens' motion was adopted.—Mr-Nathan said he considered the proposed site of the counterpoise stage as most Inappropriate, unless the present Devonport ferry tee was moved. The basin on the eastern side of the wharf was already pretty well lumbered up, and the counterpoise stage 'would be in the way. He moved that the matter be referred back to the Committee. — Mr Cozens seconded the motion. —-Mr Philson said the site on the eastern side of the wharf had been chosen by the Board after considerable discussion, therefore there was no need to go back upon that matter.—Mr Walker spoke at some length in support of placing the stage on the eastern side of the wharf. —Mr Witheford said they must also have a stage on the west side of the wharf. — The eastern site was ultimately adopted as recommended by the Works and Tariff Committee, and the reports, as amended, were agreed to.

Boat Sbeds. —-An application by R. A. Lendrum to erect a boat shed on St. Mary's Beach was referred to the Harbour Master to report. —H. McGuire applied for permission to erect a boat shed on Masefield's Beach.— This was referred to the Committee, Harbour Master to report. Gas.—The Auckland Gas Company wrote' offering to fix lighting apparatus for the shed and new western tee for £126, the Board to erect posts and bracket.. — Mr Dacre suggested the matter be deferred until Mr Goodwin's report on electric lighting was received. —A motion to that effect by Mr Philson was agreed to.

Admiralty House.—The recommendations of the -sub-committee appointed to consider as to fencing, 'draining, etc., Admiral's house, were adopted as follows: That a fence be erected round Admiral's house, consisting of ornamental totara posts and top rail, galvanised wires and netting, planted with eleagnus hedge. That the D.'S.C. tender for blinds be accepted.—Mr Harris asked whether, when the whole place was finished, it would ever be occupied.—The Chairman said he was unable to answer, but to protect the place they must have blinds.

Suction Dredge. — The recommendations of the sub-committee re suction dredger were: That consideration oi the matter be deferred, pending receipt of Messrs Burt and Co.'s plans, and that Mr La Roche visit Dunedin and report as to working of the Dunedin suction dredge.— The Chairman said that letting contracts for dredging at so much a load simply meant that the contractors picked out the softest stuff to work and left the hard blue clay for the Board.—Mr Witheford said all this showed the necessity of having a competent engineer to advise the Board. —The Chairman said the only feasible way was to lift the silt by dredges, carry it away in punts, and then have a suction pump to lift it and deposit the stuff on the place to be reclaimed. — The report was adopted. Motions. —A series of motions by Mr Witheford was passed without comment, beyond the remark from Mr Philson that the first "should not be placed before the ,Board, as it is ridiculous, and it comes with very bad taste from Mr Witheford, the only man amongst us who defies the chair."—Mr Witheford smilingly .replied that the motions were for the direction of all the members of the Board. —The Chairman said the motions might as well be passed, as they would not in any way strengthen the standing orders. —The motions