HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 78, 31 March 1908, Page 2

HARBOUR BOARD.

The Auckland Harbour Board held its fortnightly meeting this afternoon. The chairman, Hon. E. Mitchelson, presided, and there were also present Captain McKenzie, Messrs C. C. Daere, J. B. Macfarlane, A. Keyes, A. E. Glover, A. J. Entrican, and G. W. Basley. Lumpers' Accommodation.—A reqnest was received from Mr R. F. Way, secretary of the Waterside Workers' Union, asking that a deputation from the Auckland Waterside Workers' Union be received by the Board in respect of the accommodation to '«c provided for the members of the union. The union now numbered 1200 members. 800 of whom looked for regular employment at wharves. The present accommodation was altogether Inadequate, and the number of men would become larger as the traffic increased. Tho union also asked for an accommodation shed for the men regularly employed round the Northern Company's wharf. It was decided to receive the deputation at the next meeting of t_c Board in committee. Yacht Measurement.—Tho hou. sec. ot the Auckland Royal Yacht Squadron asked for the use of Calliope Dock for the purpose of having the yachts measured for racing. The request was acceded to. Naval Subsidy.—The Under-Secretary for Public Works, Mr. FT. J. H. Blow, asked for information as to the agreement between- the Board and the Admiralty regarding a subsidy for Calliope Dock or its equipment. The chairman stated that the Information was of a confidential character, but the Board had no objection to supplying it. provided the admiral of the station was agreeable. He understood that the information was wanted for the West Australian Government. It was decided to reply in terms of the chairman's statement. Reclamation.—Mr. E. B. Parsons, secretary of the Gas Company, wrote that the company's engineer was preparing plans for the further excavation in Freeman's Bay in accordance with the Board's decision. The committee was instructed to report. Berthage.—Mr. H. Cooke, secretary of the N.Z. Portland Cement Co.. asked the Board to dredge the berthage in front of their stores, Nelson-street. Vessels formerly able to get alongside were now unable to do so, and the company's business was suffering greatly. The matter was referred to the committee.