HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 102, 29 April 1908, Page 9

HARBOUR BOARD.

Tbe Harbour Board met yesterday afternoon, ."resent, -he Hon. __ .iiLChelson (Chairman), Messrs. H. Heatner, \V. _!- Hutchison, G. W. Basley. J. B. Macfarlane, Captain McKenzie, J. Kiieen, 'U. Bradney, W. J. Napier, A. Keyes, A. J. Entrican, ana A. _. Glover.

Farmers' freezing oCmpany.—The Farmers' Freezing Company wrote again applying for a refund of the cartage which tney claimed they Svere compelled to pay, owing to the Kmmica being berthed at the Queeustreet Wharf instead of the Railway Wharf. The letter continued: "We enter our emphatic protest against preferential treatment being made to any special shipper. Your Board recently granted ah e_-or_cio payment to the Shaw, Saviil" Company on account of a mistake of one of your servants Our position is exactly the same, and it 15 only just and _>roper the Board should do the sanie. in our .case, as the circumstances-were entirely beyond our control, being entirely in the hands of your officials." it was resolved - that the previous decision, not to make any allowance, be adhered to.

Coal Depot.—James Smith wrote asking to be allowed to retain his present position for storing coal at the railway whan, pending completion of the sheds. Mr. Glover said more important concessions had been made to other people, lie suggested, that the letter be referred to the committee. The chairman ruled that the previous decision could not be altered for six months unless it was rescinded.

Ferry Service. —The Devonport Ferry Company wrote regarding the pians for the Nbrthcote Wharf. The letter, stated that if the Board would provide landing stages the company would build a double-ended screw steamer for the purpose of running vehicles and cargo traffic between Auckland, Devonport, Xorthcote, and Birkenhead, the steamer to be 130 ft In length, With 33ft beam. The company suggested that a berth be provided at the end of the wharf. The company also considered that counterpoise stages were preferable to the floating pontoons proposed. The company further suggested that a most necessary berth to suit south-west winds should be provided, and aLso pointed out the absolute need for buffer piles n't the various wharves. The engineer reported that the contractors were now fast approaching the end of their work at Northcote Wharf. The chairman said on February 12th the Devonport Ferry, Company was asked if they approved these plans, and the.reply was received in April. The Council had agreed to the plans for the Northcote Wharf. The work asked for at Birkenhead Wharf looked a small matter, but the enormous depth of water was a reason against i_ If the work was carried out as tasked for at Birkenhead. 40 to 50 feet piles would be required. The letter was referred to the Board. in committee.

Contract for Sheer Legs.—With regard to Messrs. G. Fraser and Sons' application that their contract for the erection of. .sheer legs at Calliope Dock, thechairman said it would be some time yet before a site would be ready, as the Ferro-Concrete Company had considerable'trouble with one of the foundations. The matter was referred to the committee.