AUGKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 134, 8 June 1910, Page 7

AUGKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

Tlie ordinary meeting of the Auckland Hurhour Board was held this aflernoou. There were present Mr A. J. Entriean (cba(rniiin), Capt. McKciizie and Messrs J. H. Bfadney, W. .1. Napier, G. W. Rasley, ,T. B. Macfarlano, 11. D. HeatUer, J. 11. Kiieen, J. M. Meatiie.

Pilotage.—li. Porter and Co.. agents for "Ocean Monarch," wrote protesting against the charge of £49 1/S for pilotage for mall vessel in and out on the £sth ult. They poluti-d out that tlie vessel had ouly called lo replenish bunkers and get orders, and had not authored at the wharf. A request was made for refund of one half of the ainouut. Refused.

Accuracy of Charts. —Captain Gilman, of the s.s. Matatua, wrote suggesting that the '.i\ fathom shoal situated 51 cables west of Rangltolo Channel, as shown on Admiralty chart, should be marked with a black buoy. The harbourmaster. In reporting on the matter, stated that the alleged shoal, whk-h was outside the harbour limits, with two others indicated to be in shore of it, did not in his opinion exist, and suggested that the Admiralty should ex purge them from their chart. If any shoal was found it was for the Marine Department to deal with Tho matter was referred to the Works Committee.

Recreation Reserves.—The Birkenhead Borough Council wrote in reference to acquiring a portion of the nvwly-reclaimpd land, between the old aud the new wharves at Rlrkenhuad, f>r use as a recreation reserve. Two members of the Council waited on the Board in reference to the matter. Tho Northcote Uoroiigh Council also wrote iv reference to acquiring a small portion of the tidal land of Shoal Bay for recreation purposes. The matters were referred to the Legal Committee. Waterside Workers' Shelter.—The question of a temporary shelter shed for waterside workers, at the head of Qneen-street wiiarf, was referred to the Works Committee. Kalpara Dock Dues. —Consideration of the request for a reduction of the d-ues was deferred for three months.

Ferry Accidents. —The Devonport Ferry Co. wrote in reference to the s.s. Kestrel striking a submerged object, and to also irouiid'ing, near Stanley Wharf. The matter was referred to the Works Committee. Railway Wharf Approach.—Consideration of the request of a number of carriers that the approach to the Railway wharf should lie paved in wood blocking was deferred so that It might be ascertained if the City Council would take the roadway over, if It was formed upon the plan, on which is also a site for a weighbridge.

Devonport Wharf.—The engineer reported on the heavy traffic over the Victoria bridge. would have to be strengthened, and the cost had been estimated at £1500 by the ■Calliope Dock. —Calliope Dock was the subject of a report from the engineer (Mr. W II aimer), who recommended that the question of the installation of a new pumping station should now be definitely decided. The caisson should also be taken out for overhaul and repairs as soon as possible. He considered these two works should be done together, whhn the dock would be thrown out of commission for some time. Rausritoto Channel. —The Harbourmaster reported that a good three-fifths of the worK of sweeping the Rangitoto Channel had been done The !ast flu<l had been an oil-engine fishing boat, which had been burnt and sunk abouttwo years ago. At low tide there was 36ft of water over the wreck, which wouia bo raised and destroyed. In the meantime efforts were being made to discover the owner.

After their trying experience in foggy weather, the passengers by the Maheno held a concert in the social hall of the vessel during the passage down the coast on Monday night, and in the course of the proceedings reference was malle to the skilful manner in which Captain Livingstone had navigated the vessel, and a testimonial to this effect was presented to the popnlar skipper of the Maheno.

Rugby Union Annual for 1910, price 6d, ju>w on sale at all and at