HARBOR BOARD.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 74518, 6 February 1890, Page 6

HARBOR BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board was held at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday. Present — Messrs F. Graham (Chairman), C. W. Turner, Waymouth, P. Cunningham, McClatchie, Parsons, Peryman, J. B. Mllsom (Mayor of Lyttelton), W.B.Tosswlll, R. Westenra, E. G. Wright and Hon. J. T. Peacock. The Chairman read the certificate of

the Comptroller and Auditor-General certifying to the correctness of the accounts and returning them. Mr Fitzgerald also asked that a printed copy of the accounts should be forwarded to the Audit office.

j The Chairman said:—Gentlemen, —The accounts for the year 1889, duly audited, and approved by the Auditor-General, have already been placed in the hands of members, and, being accompanied by care- . fully prepared and comprehensive returns, > exhibit in a clear and concise form the working of the Board for the past year. , The revenue for the year has been satisfactory, notwithstanding that the surplus [ on 31st December, 18S9, although containing a disputed item of £1500 rent on No. . 5 shed, falls short of the estimate by £4704 Os 3d. This estimate was based on \ the rates of wharfage current at the begin- | ning of 1889, the then rent of No. 5 shed, and allowing for the reductions iv wharf- : age rates passed by tbe Board, which came into force on Ist May last, and which have amounted in the eight months ending December 31st to about -£5000, it will be seen that it is substantially correct. The estimate of revenue and expenditure for the | year 1890 shows an estimated surplus of £878 only, and it will thus be apparent to members that the subject of any further reductions in the Board's scale of charges must be approached with great caution if , proper provision is to be made for renewals and dredging operations as may be found necessary from time to time, the expenditure under the head of " harbor works" having been only £1310 for the past two years. £5000 has been set apart . by the Board as the nucleus of a renewal fund, but I would remind members that this amount is included in the sum of £12,960 0s 6d ''cash balance." The question of the more profitable investment of our sinking fund is under the consideration of the Commissioners, and we may hope in the future to see a portion of the fund invested in mortgage securities at a higher rate of interest than that now realised from present investments. Our debentures continue to hold a justly high place in the estimation of investors, and a perusal of the Board accounts, and the satisfactory report of Major-General Edwards on the harbor defences, cannot but increase confidence in the security for our loan. It will be necessary, during the coming year, to consider the subject of dredging the outer harbor, to enable the port to afford facilities for the large vessels now building, and which bid fair to displace the class known as " handy . ships," to afford accommodation to the largest class of ironclads on the Australian station. It was the intention of the Board to present a Bill to Parliament for vesting the foreshore under the new limits of the port, in the Board. On further consideration the matter was postponed until the forthcoming session of Parliament, and the subject will therefore require early consideration. The Harbour Master in his annual report recommends the erection of a fence round the dock—a very necessary work, in my opinion. The other suggestions contained in his report will doubtless receive the Board's attention. The number of vessels docked in Lyttelton continues to decrease, notwithstanding that our tariff compares favourably, if Indeed it is not lower than in any other port of the world. I would suggest that steps be taken to bring our scale of charges prominently under the notice of owners of ship* trading to this colony. The only works undertaken by the Board during the year are necessary repairs to wharves, repairs to the tug, and the erection of a shelter shed for wharf laborers—the latter supplying a much-felt want by those employed or seeking employment on the wharves. Considerable repairs to the Screw Pile Jetty have been arranged for, and the necessary timber is now in course of delivery. The Sailors' Home, although not self-supporting, has proved of great benefit to the seamen visiting this port, and the small grants in aid will no doubt be regarded by members as money spent in a good direction. The institution is admirably conducted by the Superintendent, who is well suited to the position. Tbe earnings of the tug have increased by £232 over last year, but the transfer of £650 from the pilotage and port charges account has been necessary to balance working expenses and receipts, a similar transfer of £700 having been made in 1888. It must, however, be borne in mind that the tug is also employed as a pilot boat, and in this, respect pilotage fees bear relation to towage fees. During the last session of Parliament the dispute between the Railway Commissioners and the Board was, on our petition, submitted to the Public Accounts Committee, and resulted In a recommendation to the House in favor of the Board on all points, and particularly with reference to No. 5 store, that the Commissioners should give proper notice before vacating It, and also that access by rail should be given on the same terms as to the other stores belonging to the Board, this latter important question having been raised during the evidence. The Commissioners have, however, since taken possession of No. 5 store. Their estimate of its cost, including the site, viz., £9676, is erroneous, and if a vote is asked for this amount only it will be altogether inadequate to satisfy our claim. The Railway Manager wrote in February, 1881, when particularly referring to this store," the board and Railway Department's functions being regarded as mutually exercised in common for the public convenience," but this principle now appears to be disregarded by the present railway authorities. The Board's stores have proved of great public convenience, and this is evidenced by the fact of their having been so largelyavailed of by producers and others. I have to tender my thanks to the members of the Board for the consideration and support accorded mc during my term of office, and to our able Secretary, and staff generally, for the manner in which they nave carried out their respective duties. The report of the Treasurer and the accounts, as audited, were 'taken as read, and were as under:— TREASURER'S STATEMENT OF RE. CEIP'IS AND EXPENDITURE. For the period commencing January Ist, 1889, and ending December 31st, 1889 (twelve months). receipts, 1889. <* s- <L General Account— Balance at credit of Ly ttel ton Harbor Board on December 31st, 1888 „ 6,698 17 8 To Wharfage 14,626 5 2 Pilotage 3,497 1_ 8 Port charges ... ... 2,30113 0 Harbor Master's fees ... 182 0 0 Towage fees ... ... 2,084 2 6 Wsrps ... 297 5 0 Licenses ... ... ... 23 0 0 Pilotage, exemption certificates—fees ... ... 29 8 0 Rent—Export grain shed (October sth, 1888, to June 30th, 1889) ... ... 1,475 16 0 Rent—Workshop site at Dock 0 0 0 Rent—Lot 16a and 16b near tunnel mouth ... ... 110 0 0 Rent—Lot 15 (let to N. Z. L. and M. Agency Compy.) 200 0 0 Graving Dock dues ... 546 16 8 Patent Slip dues 73 0 0 Interest on fixed deposit... 167 10 0 Sale of plant and material 10 4 0 Incidental receipts ... 22 1 9 Refund (half Piermaster's salary for year 188-) ... 175 0 0 Refunds ... ... ... 3 19 0 Electric light refunds from shipping 107 1 3 Storage ... ... ... 1,767 11 1 Refund-—Portion of insurance, tug and Margaret Galhraith collision 107 7 9 ! £-4,506 13 6 _xp_-TOrrußE, 1889. £ 8. d. General Account— By Secretary and Treasurer's salary ... 500 0 0 Clerk, at £100 100 0 0 i Clerk, at£loo ... 100 0 0 Harbour Board ContingenciesPrinting, advertising, stationery, (including : Bye-laws), and plans of harbour and repairs to model... ... ... 195 7 10 Members' travelling ex- * penses ... ■. 74 13 2 Election expenses... ... 15 16 0 ' Office rent and cleaning (Lyttelton and Christchurch offices)... ... 190 18 0 '. Incidental expenses, telegrams, postage, fuel, &c 42 19 11 ' Auditors' fees ... 8 0 0 Solicitor to Harbour Board •—law charges ... ... 59 15 2 } <

Law charges re May Queen enquiry... 0 0 ( Expenses—Matters In dispute with Government and Railway Commissioners re sheds, &c. ... 03 16 £ Grants in aid—fire prevention ... 100 0 C Grants in aid—Sailors' Home—maintenance ... 150 0 ( Harbour Master's depart-ment-salaries... ... 1,229 14 S Incidental expenses ... 106 14 € Margaret Galbralch and Tug collision claim and repairs ...,- 241 19 S Pilot, Sumner—salary ... 120 0 0 Sumner conservancy ... 12 6 6 Pilot station at Headsmaintenance ... ... 11 16 0 Buoys, boats, moorings, beacons, warps—maintenance... ... ... 47 5 2 Time ball—maintenance ... 0 6 7 Naval Point Breakwater — maintenance ... ... 9 9 4 Officers' Point Breakwater— maintenance ... ... 0 0 0 Wharves, jetties, and sheds —maintenance aud repairs 969 II 6 Insurance — Gladstone sheds, export shed, grain stores, offices, &c ... 135 17 C Lighting wharves, and jetties—Electric lighting 985. 4 10 Lighting wharves and jetties—Gas lighting ... 87 10 £ Steam tug working ex-penses—-Salaries % ... 1,37.-> 1 4 Coal, stores and maintenance ... ... ••• 662 7 11 Insurance of tug Lyttelton 212 10 0 Graving Dock working expenses—Salaries ... 146 0 0 Coal, stores, &c 325 12 1 Patent Slip—Working expenses... ... ... 31 5 10 Storage DepartmentSalaries— Clerk and warehouseman at £200 ... 200 0 0 Labor—Receiving and delivery from stores ... 1,016 12 7 Printing, stationery, advertising and sundries ... 51 3 2 Rent (store, site Norwich Quay, £37410s p.a.; Kerosene bond, £70 p.a,; £80 5s paid iv advance) ... 524 15 0 Interest on overdraft, October Ist, 1888, to 31st December, 1888 0 0 0 Wharfage refunds ... 2 17 9 Siding rent to lot No. 15 (at £50 a year) 37 10 0 Interest Account— By interest on debentures (twelve months) Ist January, 1889, to 31st December, 1889 12,000 0 0 Exchange on London credits and advertising payment of coupons ... 186 18 0 Sinking fund on debentures for year '889 ... 1,000 0 0 General Account—Continued— Harbor Works— Euglneer's staffInspector of Works (twelve months) ... 250 0 0 Office contingencies ... 3 16 3 Dredging — Dredge and barges—Salaries ... 0 0 0 Dredging — Maintenance and working expenses 31 0 7 Sailors' Home electric light installation ... 0 0 0 Purau Jetty 0 0 0 Telephone line and cable repairs ... ... 73 15 2 Borings and soundings... 2 10 0 Siding to lot No. 15, Board's portion of cost 460 0 0 Shelter shed for wharf laborers 11 2 0 Balance at credit of Lyttelton Harbor Board at Bank of N.Z. on December3lst, 1889At current account ... 1,792 12 9 On fixed deposit (renewal fund) 5,000 0 0 Fixed deposits ... ... 8,500 0 0 *3_,5J6 13 6 llth January, 1890. C. Hood Williams, Treasurer Lyttelton Harbor Board. I hereby certify that these accounts were examined and allowed at the adjourned annual meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board, held at Christchurch, this sth day of February, 1890. Frank Graham, Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbor Board. STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ON JKCEMBER 31s_, 1889. ! ASSETS. £ s. d. Credit balance at Bank on 31st December, 1889 ... 10,292 12 9 Credit, balance at Bank on contractors'deposit account 170 0 0 Wharfage dues (outstanding) on December 31st, 1889 > (approximate) ... 8.0 0 0 Rent of workshop site at Dock, year 1889 SO 0 0 Rent No. 5 Shed, due to sth April, 1890, in terms of recommendation of Public Accounts Committee, dated 4th September, 1889 ... 1,500 0 0 Towage, outstanding on December, 1889 ... ... 228 15 0 Warps ... ... ... 59 0 0 j Dock dues ... ... ... 107 6 0 Patent slip dues ... 10 10 0 Sundries, including cash imprest .... ... .... 25 0 0] Pier master's salary, year 1889 175 0 0 Pilotage exemption... ... 7 0 0 Storage—Accounts rendered i and outstanding on 31st j December, 1889, £146 as 2d; storage on goods still in store on 31st December, 1889 1,616 4 9 Total cash assets ... £15.091 8 6 Debentures — Sinking fund Ist July, 1879, to 31st De- . cember, 1889 (9_ years—. per cent, per annum on £200,009 10,500 0 0 Ditto, Interest accrued on Sinking fund investments, .., 3,650 6 0 Peacock's Wharf property, "and sections 213 and part 314, actual cost In December, 1877 ... ... ... 21,900 0 0 •Dredge and barges, actual cost, £32,000, less estimated depreciation^-year's working only, 1887, laid up since then) ... 14,000 0 0 Minna Bell, steam winch, &a, less 10 per cent, per annum for depreciation ..' 250 0 0 Boats, buoys, moorings, warps, &c ... ... 900 0 0 •Pilot Station building at Heads, less 5 per cent, for depreciation ... ... 650 0 0 •Steam tug Lyttelton, including marine fire engine, after deducting 10 per cent, per annum for depreciation 4,860 0 0 •Plant in store and yards, timber, Iron, piles, drain pipes, boring rods, fire prevention, plant on wharves, rails, chains, anchors, office fittings, &c ... 600 0 0 Harbor Board Office buildings in Lyttelton ... 3,500 0 0 Sections of land purchased at Naval Point, part Rural Section 247, and Town Sections 233 and 233 actual cost, and estimated value Sections 231 and 234 ... 4,272 0 0 (a) Estimated value of breakwaters, reclamation, wharves, jetties, sheds, breastworks (exclusive of a valuable foreshore), time ball, building and apparatus, harbor light, ace, as vested in Board by the Lyttelton Harbor Board Land Act, 1877, as under ... 402,649 2 1 £4-_ J b__l. 7 * Note—The percentage of depreciation on tVe items of plant marked (•) above, for the year 1889 amounted to £830. I-3T__*AT__> VaLUE— .•■'■■ £ a d Harbor Wobks— Officer's Point and Naval Point breakwater (contract), completed 1877 ...141,009 0 0 Reclamation between ScrewPile Jetty and Gladstone Pier (leas Government refund, £4479 9s), 1880 ... 5,614 0 0 Gladstone Pier, 1800 feet in length, completed in 1879... 35,000 0 0 Boat jetties, as now standing, completed in 1875 ... 500 0 0 Screw Pile Jetty, 560 feet, completed in 1887 and 1877 16,000 0 0 Breastwork Screw Pile Jetty No. 2 Intermediate Jetty, cost in 1870 20,000 0 0 No. 1 Intermediate Jetty, 400 feet, cost in 1870and-1877... 8,600 0 0 Time ball tower, machinery and land, cost in 1875 ...3,000 0 0 Tunnel Jetty, cost in 1673 ... 9,000 0 0 Gladstone sheds, coat in 1880 3,300 0 0

-, No. a Intermediate Jettv^-T*"® B § -* feet, <*ost in 1881 Wy ' 400 I No. 3 do. and timber br_ ft -* 8 -Soo » . f < work contract, costKm t„ 4 I . Harbor light, cost ; miBSl >•>,«» -~ » Umber breastwork fm£ 6 „ ' Screw Pile Jetty to Q_f * ) stone Pier (1881)' w w -a* :- » "-»»{{&,« b «*- -•• ; ' J cost in 1881 -*"*-ea_s, f|| Schoolroom at Pilot Station* 1 " l °* 0 _ & cost in 1883 '-■'■•■■ion, » ff ! G i_S oOrt " Bay Je "y. W3t iti la > • | |I 1 Timber breastwo-_-.we--.fc '«- *•* ft i li Peacock's , ' II > Graving Dock aurSS "*» 1 1 § * machinery, cost in l&ii « a J | :' ? R ln 18_;f iOQ uearD °ck. cost mm M 1 Reclamation ballast ground' •*» 2 -M g f I cost in 1-83 '-""■una, i f Sailors' Home building and **- • I I * ) furniture, cost in 1883 „ , it Works, "" a '- 28 81 1 ; ; Sumner jetties f 5 I Road aud reclamation i_ 6 * l tt I I * Oceau Steamer Jetty _ 0 „ I Dredge smithy " "" •"••wlijj | 5 Electric ughtiug installation a&2 _» 8 1 rtoad to Bathiu_ place, Saudv a,o * 4 *-»4 i ) Bay ... * * Patent slip contract and alte- 10i * J I > rations of caiSion fl _>. Pigeon Bay Port Lovy, and °' B ° l * 1 1 Purau jetties and shed-j--contracts... ? Ocean Jetty timber' contract aM - ' I Ocean Jetcy contract and ,%Ji « I extras ... «_ > Oceau Shed contract (can 4 celled)-costof material ... 2.7 f- A , New shed on reclaimed land * w ° < contract (labor) ... .._, ' Rail way sidings on reclaimed ' 8 5 land (half cost) ... v ... ,_ » B«ck store pureha*-ed from B " 1B U: N.Z. Grain Ageucy Comr Panv.Decembet", 1885 (lease) 47*- » . I Keroseue Boud (1886> ' M?> 0 Q & 5 Graving Dock floor levelling, , •■• f Sailors' Home, electric light, ° * li aud Purau Jetcy, ISB. > Siding to Lot No. 15,188. '/.i <g.J 0 1 Less 2. per cent, per annum** 0 ** 81 * * 1 > for U.preciatlon on timber 1 works, &c, for 1880, ij_ 85.. I.I 1381, _"3,300; 188-. , _jj , 610- . I 1883, -"3,_ld; (£1.1,000) 1881' __ £3,0_0; 1880, Aaas.' £ (-"l-O.OOO) 1880, 1 £4,500; im, £4,500; 188.' I 1 jW ' 0(W - ... ... 33,233 0 (j I (a) Total estimated value of 1 I Haroor works as above ... 402,6. t 1 1 ■ I N.B.—limber in Harbor I Harbor Board's Eugioeer I the piles In ■* J have to be reuewed Iv 4«yS5-BS I timber, eaj>s, braces, toe, iiy\S''__* 1 I ing, caps, &c. 10 years. ' -*"*' ft ESTIMATED -ÜBttiM-S, I 1 Sundries and co_tl_ge-cle<*. \L « _ I , Timber for wharf FepairV- ' 1 balance of contracts 1 iiq v * w . Due to contractors- deposits '110 «* H Works— *■•■-••- » Engiueers'Staff—lnspectorot I , Works (1 year) 25* fl fl I | Shelter shed—Balance con- S -.*■*"-* - M 9-8 I , Coutingencie3 \_§\ 1 I *Total estimated cash liabill- ' 11 "ea £2,1313* [J Lyttelton Harbor Board -""""-** {J Loan, 1879 203,000 0 0 1 Cr. balauce, including esti- m mated value of harbor ?§ works, &c, on -Ist Lecem- i I ber, 188. ... ... .„ 280,491 8 1 || •SmIT) ;t C. Hood Williams, I Treasurer Lyttelton Haibor Board, . \ Harbor Board O/fice, Chrlstchurcb, llth January, 18tMJ. Examined by A. H. M., Inspector el S Audit, January 18th, 1890. j > Cash Balance Sheet, For twelve months ending 31-t Decsaber,lS_9. Cr. -£_i ■■ Outstanding cash assets on 31st Oecomber, 18-9, iuclud- l : . ing £0000 on fixed deposit H as a Renewal Fond ... 15,091 81^ "-Jl-STil f'; Dr. , £ ib li 'Outstanding contracts and M liabilities on 31st Decern- , f| bertlS.9, as above IIOrdinary liabilities 1,08010 0 1 vVorks ditto 450 li li By balance ... «, ... 12,W Mr. -iIS 8 » ' CONTRACT DEPOSIT ACCOUNT. Twelve months ending December .1*6,1® ' . receipts. . . r £ si i Balance from last account:.. 105 .9 « 1 Contract deposits in 1889 ... 65 8 8 | ifllP i • I PAYMENTS. > ■. 1 Amount of deposits refunded | during twelve months to * . % 31st December, 1889 ... 0 »• % Balance at credit of contract I deposit account in Bank of i' New Zealand on 31st De- _.. % cember, 1889 ffl-H ( &m M I C. HOOO WILLIAJffI, n _ \ Treasurer Lvttelton riarborßo-tft I llth January, 1890. Exaajloea- ' A,.* * 18th January, 1890. | List of Contracts -SftsßjS ,*_? H DURING TUB YEAR 188(1. il as required by the Harbors Acs, ■*«■• ||| February 16th, 1839- Westport Coall (J* IS pany, Limited, supply of ewfl ««« || the year 1888-89 at -43 Od, J& •*» || and-Os 6d per ton. . ~„„ If February 6th, 1839-R Forbtf, Lrtwwj || supply of stores for years i»* •»■ || 1889, at schedule prices. - t || August 2nd. 1889-F. W. C_*pß»«-% I? ton, N.S.W., 443 ft Iron bark pUea Jg |;' a foot, £44 0*; 116,070 ft sqaswf W 1 (hewn) at -Is per ICO-U-fUIB *_* | ; Contract date for completioa lt»» | ; cember, 1839. . _ __, jv. »'■ September 24th, 1839-John InS&a I *: 53,96_ft black i^ plan-ting) at 15s per l'»^ n ££ 1 Sate for completion Wh Deeetm g FebJSy 31st, 18-9-John ABjwjjg |', .pairs to tug Lyttelton, M ■: • | ; Contract £65, completed &a aow>~ j. . DeARh, 1889--WiUiam | ! shelter shed tor Y&arfJaw-Jfcw 1 . 18s 6d. Contract date for eo«P«* | . 3rd January, 1890. _ | : C. Hood | Treasurer Lyttelton ifariiiir BW» | Examined and iouud eorrecp-- g J____sEDWAßDFmuEaA^^j ( . I f Controller and Audttor-W' 9 *** | 5 21st January, 1890. i : Srimmo Fund Co-missioSßß-*-^ 8 1 \ SU-fMABT, l g To 31st December, I«** | | BINKINO FUND AND IM---S3-* | Total sinking fund, lOiyeari-, 0 % % | I to 31st December, 1889 ... * v « . 1 ; Interest received on loans or a . Investments to 31st Decern- « S » R i ber. 1889 '"J~~_??% '- \ JKVBST-I-NT* $ | | | i Thirty-one £50 Christchurch \f\ \ City Dr-I-aw* 6 pr cent. t ! bonds, purchased at *•" » |; | 10s — —, __\ .? i I i Loans now bearing Interest | | at 5 per cent, with the fe'* _„1 I ! nauualt Investment aod -j» * I Loan Association... •■-.** f I i Fixed deposit, bearing in* ,1 | terest at 5 per cent., with jig-lM \ | Sink of New Zealand -••-*_-«-< k % I J Balance at Bank on 31st ggif • 1 - December, 1889 "'_-_i->-7f 1 I O. Hood I -J l-th January, 18901 ie *flsl | I B. C. J. STavsNS j corn-si* 11 | 21st January, 1890. I -

Mohxhs SSslstD^ekbek.lS*. BECEIPTS. £ g. d. f-ft-rfage. 12 months, to 31st g.. . Q barges, aud feesJ.U SSSs to 31st December, _ g iss - * ;;; 31s 5 0 __ g 0 B-f-nHaif Pier Master*. ... - „ Cto -_g__in-luding outetand- " ing on &**_}* ° Q 2,538 15 11 31st December, 183U - 2 ' ISJ l 7 5 Towage fees ... — *<-__ 12 8 Graving dock fees ... — _0 10 0 Patent slip dues ■■• — jjw j-. s ElectrJc iight refund* — , 4 -- 16 q Rent, export shed ... -•• Rent, workshop site, near __ _ 0 Rent, lots No's. 16a, . n0 0 0 near tunnel moutn — v_q 0 0 Rent, lot So. 15 - — 10 4 0 Sale ol plant, toe ••- . '''_ Incidental receipts ana re g. 0 9 fund**, toe _••■ ""* K57 10 0 Interest fixed o e ?£*rL mn _, Insurance tug p^yrefnna,. —"Margaret uaxo-**- 107 7 9 -ollisloa ~. - "' £23,755 17 4 KX p E a)-T--RE. £ 8 d - SaI !? e8 - l nd Treasurer at Becret-rr ana "«*- fc £s°°- l,ro . 700 0 0 £looperaonii-| •» Pri - Dtlo £ _-JS-Jh* office -E-pen.es ia re sheds dn.- __ .. _ P ute3 i«.« I{«_ ' 12,186 18 0 Interest on ... 0 Sinking fand, )&_£._____ v_29 14 3 Harbormaster s staff «*f*"es iy-«- * contingen* . Pilo? station at Heads- __ fl maintenance ."*-_'*:. Sumner pUot and m 6 Q B_ty% moorings, boats. &c g ,_rffls*-« -J 067 ___SsS_v-i-*-~ « • Grants in aid . — ■•- «■ « Wharves aad jetties—mam- -_--.- tenance ... — _• •Whßrves-Liishting(gasand electric) ... .•- . •-• 1 0 7315 b Kaval and Officer's Points breakwaters-maintenance 9 9 * steam tog—-alaries, stores, Sj &c?(--months) ... 2,037 9 8 Insarance—steam tug - -*- i 0 v Tug polu-lon Margaret Galbralth ... ••- — Storage, salaries, expenses, fi , labor,rent,&c ... - L 7l - & y S Graving dock-working cxi penses ... ••• — *'*• *-■ f ex- _. ... _feid^°to B lotNo.io ffSS balance for I«r^^ £28,755 17 4 •Harbor works expenditure some £832 is Od, for 18S9, has to be deducted from this balance. __, C. Hood Willia_£B, _, . Treasurer Lyttelton Harbor Beard. 14th January, 1890. go, 2—Estimate op Rk'hnue and E__?_a*hitu-_- (Gknebal Ac-ons.) __n> InTKRKST AND StSKINO FOND AOOOtrNTS, por Year ksdin-- n__E«_B_» 31st, 18U0. ESTIMATED REVENUE. .-Tbjrfcß, under existing q port charges, &c.. 6,ouu 0 0 "W-rps ... _. "... _ -,-• 300 0 0 Refund-Half Pier-Masters Salary ... ••• - ' 170 0 0 licenses and fototage exemption fees ... ... 50 0 0 Steam tag-towage fees ... 2,100 0 0 Graving dock dues.- ... 600 0 0 i Patent slip dues _ » 0 0 ... ... ... 2,500 0 0 i-ent-graln export shed (one year) ... ... - ... l,ww 0 v Rent— workshop site near - - 4ock 50 0 0 Rent-lots Nos. 16a and I6b„. 110 0 0 Bent-lot No. 15 .„ ... 200 0 0 Incidental receipts and refunds 30 0 0 Electric lighting — refunds frooi the shlpirf-g 130 0 0 Interest on fixed deposits . 41800) „. _ .„ 500 0 0 £26,305 0 0 __T*_-AT__» _-_-*XND*TI-RE, £ B.d. ' py Se-retary and Treasurer's salary... .- ... 600 0 0 _ Clerk, at £100 ... ... 100 0 0 1 », Clerk, at £100 ... ... 100 0 0 - Harbor Board eontingen- ; cies— Printing, advert-t-og, sUtlonery, &c (inciud- 1 iagby-lawB) 180 0 0 Members traveHi-g ex- ; __pen»es - ... 50 0 0 Eeetion expenses ... 10 0 0 Office rent and de_ning, Lyttelton and ChrUtAnrch _. ... 190 0 0 inraoenUl expenses--Foal, nost-ge, teleA _r«ns,&c. ... ... 40 0 0 Audit fees 8 0 0 »tot-rest on debentures (twelve monthsX Ist Jana-ry, 1890, to Sist December, 1890 ... 12,000 0 0 .Exchange on London cre-its and advertising payments of coupons in ... ... 200 0 0 it Sinking fond on debentem far year 1890 ... 1,000 0 0 _> JsoUdtor to Harbor Board —law charges 60 0 0 « Grants In aid—Fire pre■feation and Sailors* Home maintenance ... 200 0 0 _ Ins-r-nce—Giadstone and new export shed and offices and new sheds, &*"• — ... ... 130 0 0 *>H_rbcrr Master's Department salaries ... ... r_42 0 0 . _ Harbor Master's Incidental expenses 120 0 0 « -Hot station at Heads— M_lnt«__nc-,buUd_ags, *«- „ 20 0 0 n „ Sumner and eon-s-rv-ncy 150 0 0 a-flurys, boats, moorings, beacons, and warps— Maintenance ... ... 100 0 0 ••Tune ball—Maintenance and repair. ... ... 10 0 0 a l»aval Point breakwater 1 -"•Maintenance J- 50 0 0 -.WSc-r's Point / - -.W-Mrves, jetties, and sheds — Al-duty-nance, repaira, and renewals, ttcluding timber contracts outstanding, £1410 for ir-pUnking T-2^ WpUe _ lett -' - 8.000 0 0 •___ghUng wharves and leuaes moo 0 0 * "**or_ge,includlngsa__rl-s, labor &c. 0 0 m nent of shed purchased from N.Z.Grain Agency andrent kerosene bond 425 0 0 t- Bent of siding to Lot No. » Steam Tug Working Expenses— f*d-ri_s,coals, stores, toe. 2,070 0 0 Insurance of Tug "Lyttelton" (half year) ... 121 0 0 »P«mrii->-Wor__ngex-pen-es ... 30 0 0 ** GraTing deck-Salaries •" 148 0 0 *-" »' .» Working Meso2,ao -ths) ... 325 0 0 and uaf_r_s*-n oontingencie» ... 500 0 0 • Dredging plant—Laid up and coa-•Eta-mated surplus bal- £?» f . r 'i-«Jear ending onSUt Dec., 1890 ™. 878 0 0 £26,305 0 0 ~ l_??h_T A "-eferea'ce to table B will show the ye&riy depredation of the Umber i__f£ 'wbarves and jetties, toe as by the Board's' ES-tZ" " 5^ works amounte to £4500 a year, and steam tug, &_.. Co _k*l T--._ C i HooD WrLL-AJcs, *-*^^«d.

* a the Fort of L*rttelton 188 *« ; also retorn of Class *» during raspecttvelyl JSi_?vT__3^B-«»l^ ijM 1889. 1888. £ s. d. £ s. d. Gross wharfage" I*W'» 5 5 1W» 6 6 ■__gs__perc«?ut-paid-orcollec- M - 488 16 -2 tion.-. — _ . Net wharfage for 12 months ending De& MBB\i 1 14575 10 10 18,283 10 4 n __ 0 f goods upon which Wharfage during the year end_\g sist December 1888.- £ _ General merchandise, 2i.080 tons, at 2s per ton »- 4*w -< v General merchandise, _7,6__ cons, at Is 6d per ton - *,"«- «*• « Fro_enmeat,talio*-,B,o6_tons, at 6d per ton ... - ' lo " v Frozen meat for transhipment, 1,1-1 tons, at is per __ m q Fro-enmeatfortrans-ipment, 4,650 tons, at 0d per ton ... A<* < o Frozen meat for transhipment, 1,-56 tons, at 3d per ton ... I*> 1* » Grain and agricultural pro- , duce, 37,583 tons, at la per ton... ••• •*• , "" Grain and agricultural produce, 73,304 tons, atbd per _ q Grain "for transhipment, 955 tons, at 6d per ton «. -•* "■< ° Grain for transhipment, 1,4*" tons, at 3d per ton ... ~./*** » Coal, 29,034 tons, at Is per ton 1,40 l 14 0 Coal, 43,595 tons, at 6d, per ton 1,089 17 6 Coal for transhipment, 8,633 tons, at 6d per ton... ... -Id o o, Coal for trau_hipment,Js,9os tons, at 3d per ton... ... 193 16 3 Ballast, 150 tons, at Is per ton 7 10 0 Ballast, 804 tons, at 3d per ton 10 I 0 Timber, 11,443,171 sup ft, at 2d per 100 ft super ... ... 904 0 4 Timber for transhipment, j 57,054 sup ft, at Id per 100 ft j super — ... , — 2 7 7 Wool, 58,483 bales, ac 4d per bale ... .'.. ... 074 17 8 Wool for transhipment, 11,926 bales, at 2d per bale ... 99 7 8 Firewood, 213 tons, at 6d per ton ... ... ... ' 5 6 6 Posts, 2,687 posts, at Is per 100 posts ... ... ■... 1 6 81 Minerals (other than coal and j ballast), 1,197 tons, at Is per. ton... ... 59 17 0 Minerals (other than coal and ballast), 1,1-0 tons, at 9dper ton... ... ... ... 44 5 0 Minerals (other than coal and ballast), 742 tons, at 6d per ton... ... ... ••• 18 U 0 Minerals for transhipment, 2 tons, aC 6d per ton ... 0 10 Minerals for transhipment, 28 tone, at 3d per ton... .... 0 7 0 Salt, cement, Iron, soda, __c, 2,2*8 tons, at Is per ton ... 112 8 0 Salt, cement, iron, soda, &&, 2,898 tons, at 9d per ton ... 108 13 6 Salttortranshipment,s6B tons, ' at 6d per ton ... 14 4 0 Salt for transhipment, 967 tons, at 5d per ton ... ... 20 2 11 Live stock and sundries ... 107 3 7 Gross total wharfage, 1889 J. 14,949 5 5 The Wharfage Dues were reduced en the Ist May, 18H9, and the exact effect of the reductions for twelve months is fully shown on the next Return, No. 3a. C. Hood Williams, Treasurer.

14th January, 1890. No. 4.—Return of Pilotage, Port Charges, and Harbor Master's Fees, received at the Port of Lyttelton during the twelve months ending December 81st, li*BJ, and also for the five preceding periods of twelve months :— £ s. d. Pilotage, port charges and Harbor-master's fees 6,981 7 8 Totals for the corresponding period in the five preceding twelve months:—lßßß, £3356 16s 2d; 1887, £6970 lis 6d; 1886, -25680 14s lOd; 1885, £5769 19s 2d; 1884, £611017 sod. C. Hood Williams, Treasurer. 14th January, 1890. Note. — Dues for the years 1879, 1880, and . 1881, * were subject to a rebate of 2d per ton, when the Harbor Board tug was used, and such rebate amounted In 1879 to £513 6s lOd, in 1880 to £725 9s 4d, and in 1881 to £704 5s 7d. This rebate, however, is now discontinued, as the pilotage rate was reduced from 6d and 4d to 3d per ton register, and 2d per ton for steamers. No. s—Return of Drxdq-Nq Work done in the Port of Lyttelton (9 years 6 months) ending; 30th September, 1887. Note —No dredging done during the years (1888 and 1889.) summary. 8. months ending 30th April, 1877—8-4 barge loads, amounting to 153,720 cubic yards, equal to 213,100 tons. No record of cost —partly Provincial Government 12 months ending 30th April, 1878—1596 barge loads, amounting to .287,2-0. cuoic yards, equal to 399,000 tons. Cost sgd per cubic yard. 8 months ending 31st December. 1878— 1021 barge loads, amounting to 183,870 cubic yard 8, equal to 255,375 tons. Cost 6£d per cubic.yard.„ 12 months ending 31st December, 1879— 1602 barge loads, amounting to 288,360 cubic yards, equal to tons. Cost s_d per cubic yard. 12 months ending 31st December, 1880— 1513 barge loads, amounting to 272,340 cubic yards, equal to 377,2-0 tons. Cost 7§d per cubic yard. 18 months ending 31st December. 1881— 1673 barge loads, amounting to 301,140 cubic yards equal to 418,250 tons. Cost s_d per cubioyard. 12 months ending 31st December, 1882— 1526 barge loads, amounting to 274,680 cubic yards, equal to 381,500 tons. Cost 6_d per cubic yard. 12 months ending 31st Decernbei, 1883— 1565 barge loads, amounting to 281,700 cubic yards, equal to tons. Cost 6_d per cubic yard. 12 months ending 31st December, 1884— 1533 barge loads, amounting to 275,040 cubic yards, equal to _5_,250 tons. Cost ogd per cubic yard. 12 months ending 31st December, 1885— 1463 barge loads, amounting to 263,340 cubic yards, equal to 365,270 tons. Cost 5 4-5 d per cubic yard. 1 month ending 31st January, 1886—113 barge loads, amounting to 23,340 cubic yards, equal to 28,2-0 tons. Cost od per cubic yard. 5 months ending 30th September, 1887— 705 barge loads, amounting to 128,900 cubic yards, equal to 176,250 tons. Cost 5d per i cubic yard.

Total quantity dredged since commencement in May, 1876, *o 31st December, 1887 —15,164 barge loads, amounting to 2,732,610 cuHic yards, equal to 3,791.245 tons. Total average cost for past eight years, about 6d per cubic yard. "Ersklne" dredge, and two steam hopper barges (built by Messrs Rait and Lindsay, Glasgow, in 1875), dredging, maintenance, and working expenses. Expenditure, five months ending 30th September, ISS7—Salaries, five months dredge, staff, and Turpin, twelve months, £2009 10s 4d; stores, coal, current repairs (five months and maintenance and working expenses, £338 las 10d—£2648 6s 2d. C. Hood Williams, Secretary and Treasurer Lyttelton _ _ Harbor Board. 16th January, 18_8. N.B.—The dredging operations were discontinued on the 31st January, 1886, and the dredge and barges were laid up. On the Ist May, 1887, the dredge and barges were again put into commission, and the work was continued for five months, end-aa- on the 30th September, ISB7, when the plant was again laid up, and since then no dredging work has been done in the Lyttelton Harbor. The steam hopper barges have steamed an aggregate distance of 95,726 miles during the dredging operations in Lyttelton. . -. .- A new boiler was put into the dredge, and the barges' boiler- were taken out and thoroughlyrenewed; there will be a snare -Sk" 5? _*•*_*• ■*¥-- «» »» put into either the dredge or barges should occasion arise for doing so. No. jE* - —Return Showing Rec_ti"*ts and Expenditure in <3k>*sxECTioN with the Steam Toe, L*-"TT_aero*„ During the year ending Sist December, ___B. -__C__PT_. To amount of — - £ B.d. Towages received from the Ist January, !889,-to Sist December, 188. (£-084 & 6d), and outstanding for -

1839 (£23115s Od) ... 2,315 17 6 i Les towages earned in 1888, but collected in 1880 182 0 0 £2,133 17 8 •Credit given for services dered to the pilot service by th_ tug during 1883 ... 650 0 0 —^_———————•—- ---£2,783 17 6 _C_PJ-NIHT ____, £ c. d. By salaries—-Master, who is also head pilot, £300 a year ; mate, £16; engineer, £20; two firemen, one at £13 and one at£ll; two deckhands at £10 each, and carpenter £12 per month ... 1,375 1 4 Coal (Westport), 397 tons ac 23s 6d and 21s 422 15 0 Stores, oil, waste, &C ... 104 8 0 Curreut repairs, cleaning, and painting, &c ... 128 18 11 Fees, inspector machinery 6 6 0 Total working expenses, 1889 £2,037 9 3 Insurance of tug (£5000) one year ... ... 242 10 0 Credit balance for year, 1889 503 18 3 £2,783 17 6 *N.B. —The Head Pilot has, since January, 1838, been acting as master of the tug, and the steamer is now practically a pilot boat as well as a tug boat, consequently a very large proportion of the pilot service is done by her. The surplus of pilotage receipts more than covers this credit. The tug also undertakes the work of shifting vessels from one wharf to another, which, when done for the general convenience of the shipping, no charge is made for the service. No renewal fund is provided for depreciation ; this at 5 per cent, on £10,000 would amount to £500 per annum. New boilers were put into the tug In September, 1885, at a cost of £1545. The dock dues, for docking the tug Lyttelton in 1889, amounting to £40 are not included in the above account. C. Hood Wllliams, Treasurer Lyttelton Harbor Board. 14th January, 1890. No. 7 — Graving Dock, Lyttelton. Working Expenses for twelve months ending December 31st, 1889. receipts. £ s. d. Dock dues actually earned in 1889 620 2 8 Credit for docking Lyttelton Harbor Board's vessels as under: — £ s. d. Bth January, 1889— Tug Lyttelton, 192 tons ... . 20 0 0 2nd February, 1889— Dredge Ersklne, 130 tons... 20 0 0 Barge Heathcote, 110 tons 20 0 0 Barge Sumner, 110 tons ... 20 0 0 sth August, 1889— Tug Lyttelton, 192 tons ... 20 0 0 £100 0 0 ___P__*DITURE. £ s. d. Salaries—(l2 months) Euglne Driver 146 0 0 WagesCarpenters and labourers, shoring vessels and cleaning dock 130 14 0 Coal, at 26s 6d per ton ... 102 0 6 Oil, wedges, waste, 6_c, &c. 18 5 7 Fee Inspector of Machinery 5 0 0 Repairs to boiler, including new set of fire bars ... 69 12 0 £471 12 1 Credit balance ... 148 10 7 £620 2 8 Note—Giving the Graving Dock credit for the dock dues on the Board's tug, dredge, aud barges (£100), the actual earnings for 12 months to 31st |December, 1889, would be ... *.. £248 10 7 The earnings for 1888 were ... £8 v 8 6 . 23 vessels were docked in 1883 28 vessels were docked in 1864, 25 ye sels were docked in 1885,25 vessels were docked in 1888,18 vessels were docked in 1887, 17 vessels were docked in 1888 15 vessels were docked in 1889.

* The docking charges were consider* ably reduced in October, 1884. New bylaws were made by the Boar • on the Ist August, 1888. The provisions o the latter were such as to enable the Board to dispense with the services of the assistant dock master, at £200 a year, and also half that' of the Superintending Engineer, amounting to £125 a year. Consequently, the charge under the head of dock salaries this year only amounts to £146. The graving dock and machinery cost £105,000. C. Hood Williams, Treasurer. Lyttelton Harbor Board Office, I Christchurch, 14th January, 1890. Statement of Receipts and Expend., tuhe of the Lyttelton Harbor Board from the date of its constitution. 10th January, 1877, to 31st December, 1889, inclusive, being a period of thirteen years. £ s. d. Ordinary revenue ... ... 624,482 10 1 „ expenditure ... 359,-87 18 8 Credit balance at Bank of New Zealand, December 31st, 1889... 10,292 12 9 -3624,482 10 1 C. Hood Willxams, Treasurer Lyttelton Hirbor Board, llth January, 1890. No. 10—Return of Receipts and Expenditure ON ACCOUNT OF THE Lyttelton Harbor Board Stores Department, for three years and ten months, ending 31st December, 1889— £ s. d. Receipts ... ... 5,940 8 0 Expenditure ... 5,688 11 3 Simm i—■—-—_-Balance ... £251 16 9 | N0te—31,597 tons of goods were handled in the Harbor Board stores during the year 1889 at an average cost of 7d a ton* C. Hood Williams, Treasurer Lyttelton Harbor Board. i No. 10a.—Re-torn showing Quantity of | Grain, toe. Received and Delivered at the Lyttelton Harbor Board Stores for year ending 31st December, 1889. RECEIVED. Sacks. Wheat ... -- ... M,199 Oats „ ..;.37,L30 Peas ... .... ... 757. Beans ,-• ... 1,181 . Grass see_. ... i ... 5^28. I Potatoes „. '■'-_ ... 3,788 Barley ... *| ... 7,871 Chaff ) ... 5,764 Carrots .... -• ... 47 Straw (bales) 3,248 Bran ... ... ... Son §' D__JV_*RED. :t - Wheat 77,360 Oats , .... 23,979 Peas V — 423 Beans ... I ... 830 Grass seed ... i ... 3,346 Potatoes ... ... 3,433 Barley .„ ... 8,894 Chaff 3,985 Carrots ... ... 47 Straw ... ... 1,253 Bran 350 Mr C. W. Turner moved—"That the accounts presented for the year 1889, and audited by the Auditor and ComptrollerGeneral, be allowed, and certified, to by the Chairman." Hon. Mr Peacock _econded"the motion, which was carried. Mr W. B. Tossw-LL said he thought the Board should express'its approval of the admirable manner in which the accounts were brought before them. He would move—"That the Board records its thanks to the various beads of departments, and the staff generally, lor the satisfactory manner in which they have discharged their respective duties during the past year." He thought all the members of the Board would agree with him that the work was well and efficiently done by the staff, Ftrst of all, their thanks were due to their Secretary and Treasurer for the excellent way in which the work of his office was conducted, and also for the admirable manner in which the accounts had been laid before them. He had gone carefully through the accounts, and found them to be most full and comprehensive. As regarded the other members of their staff, the discharge of their duties had been excellent and deserved their thanks. Mr E. G. Wright seconded the motion. ■The Chatß-UN said he most fully concurred in all chat Mr Tosswill had said, and also the purport of the resolution. The resolution was then put and Tarried. Mr BIoCi-atckd- called attention to the fact that the Graving Dock was but little used by the two Shipping Companies here. write to the two Shipp-as* Oompanies here, asking them to make more *&& of the Gray-ox Dock."

Mr E. G. Wright suggested that Mr McClatchie should limit nis resolution to the Chairman bringing the dock under the notice of shipowners. Mr CuKNiKGHA-ioxplained that it was owing to the fact that the ships of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company had no time to dock here, that they did not use the dock. They had to serve all the ports of New Zealand, and hence there was no time for them to dock. He might mention, however, that the Coptic was going into dock on the 15th of the. present month.

After some further discussion, Mr McClatchie moved his motion as follows:—"That the attention of shipowners and the Shipping Companies be called to the graving dock facilities -Horded in Lyttelton."

Mr E. G. Wright seconded the motion which was carried.

This terminated the business of the annual meeting.

The ordinary meeting was then held. The Chairman said:—The following sums have been paid into the Board's account since our last meeting : Whari- \ age, £819 -pilotage and port charges, £771 6s 9d; towage, storage, __c, £494 10s 8d; I total, £208417s sd. Ttie Bank book is on the table, showing a credit balance at our current account of £3335 5s 4d. Accounts for payment amounting to £2163 lis 2d will be laid before you this afternoon; they have been examined by two members of the Finance Committee. Applications for leave of absence from Messrs H. Dando, A. Joyce, J. Paste, and B. Tootney will be read. Mr Chapman, of Grafton, has written for an extension of time for his timber contract with the Board. The report of the Committee of the Sailors' Home for the year 1889 will be brought up to-day. A deputation from the Lyttelton Borough Council waited on mc with reference to the Board's intention in regard to the removal of the hulks from the wharves. As I understand the matter, In view of the arrival of a large number of vessels, and the demand for wharfage space, it was decided to lay moorings, so that the hulks could be shifted when berths were required for vessels discharging or unloading, and the Harbormaster has beeu instructed accordingly. A letter from the Railway Commissioners will be read, containing a notification that they have taken possession of No. 5 shed and the site on which it stands, and also stating that a vote will be asked for to reimburse the Board for it 3" outlay in reclamation of ground and erection of No. 5 shed, also removal and re-erection of the Gladstone sheds. As the Commissioners estimate the cost of No. 5 shed, including reclamation, at £9676, I have had the figures carefully gone into, and the result will be laid before you. The subject is one of considerable importance to the Board, as there are apparently other questions involved foreign to the main issues in dispute, and which require serious and careful consideration." The shelter shed has been erected, and correspondence relative to the appointment of a caretaker will be read. I will ask the Board to confirm my action with respect to the conditions under which the wharf laborers should be allowed to appoint one of their number as caretaker. With respect to future operations in the outer harbor, I have long held the opinion that the reclamation, as being carried out by prison labor, is hastening the necessity for the work, and some time ago the Harbormaster. was directed to take soundings. From a perusal of the Harbormaster's annual report it will be seen that a quantity of the fine stuff used for reclamation is being washed away, and no doubt redeposited in the places indicated by "him as being shallower than last year. We have repeatedly written to the prison authorities on this matter. I have also to call attention to the Harbormaster's recommendation for a fence round the dock, and would suggest that an estimate of the cost be obtained for consideration at the next meeting. My attention has been called to the necessity for a landing place for sheep arriviug coastwise for freezing purposes. The matter has been before the Board on a previous occasion. Mr Dando again reports advising the Board to provide a spare dynamo to guard against inconvenience from breakdown's. The question has been postponed from time to time, and it is desirable that the matter should be definitely settled by resolution. The proposed Foreshore Bill, which it was decided to postpone until the forthcoming session of Parliament will require early attention, and the matter will be brought before you to-day. I will ask the Board to consider the advisability of authorising the preEaration of a plan showine the boundaries, uildings, and other details of the Board's property. There is no such plan in existence, and I*h ink it high! v necessary -that such information should be available to members and as 1 a permanent record; Application for increase of pay from James Lewin, of the, Harbormaster's staff, aud from S. Gilray, deck hand ou the tug, will be read. Tenders for the purchase of our dredging plant are due to-day. As directed, its sale was advertised in the Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane newspapers. We received an enquiry in reference to it from Tasmania, which was replied to at once. ; Mr Croll, the Government Inspector of Machinery, has. since our last meeting, and by desire of Mr Blair, the Government Engineer, inspected the whole of our dredging plant and machinery. . The question of repairing or selling the Minna Bell will have to be considered. Captain Barlow, of H.M.S. Orlando, has written asking to be furnished with a plan of the inner harbor, with the latest soundings shown upon ib. I have ordered.it to be, sent to him at once. While in port he expressed himself highly pleased with the facilities the port afforded. At the request of the Master of ELM. ship Opal, whose vessel we docked last month, the Harbormaster is furnishing him with a lot of detail information in reference to the port, which he has written for since he left. I think it more than probable that this will lead to more men-of-war vessels visiting our port and utilising our dock. A letter will be read from the Sinking Fund Commissioners in reference to the investment of the funds held by them. It is nt-cessary the Board should pass a resolution on the subject. The tug has been insured for a period of three months, in terms of the Board's resolution passed last meeting. Tenders for the supply of coal and store*- are due, and will be required to be opened this afternoon. A letter will be read from Messrs Miles and Co. in reference to re* mitting the wharfage on the Beltana's cargo. Our solicitor s opinion thereon will also be read. The report of the bailors' Home Committee was read, as follows:—" The Committee of the Sailors' Home has to report that the accounts for the year 1889 show a deficiency of £11415s lOd. A portion of this deficiency has been caused by ah expenditure for painting and renovating the interior of the building, which is now in very good order. The number of men using the Home during 1881 was 196, a slight falling off In comparison with the sre7louß year, when the number was 214. he amount placed in the hands of the Superintendent for safe keeping during the year was £51116s sd. The amount in 1888 was £445 19s. The reduction in the receipts during the year may be attributed in a great measure to t the active demand for seamen. In conseqnence of this demand the men only remained a short time. During the months of August, September, and October, a very few men were in the Home, and advantage was taken of this to thoroughly paint the interior walls with three coats of paint. The work was done by the servants of the- Home, and will oe a permanent benefit,* as the distemper previously on tho, walls was continually cracking and peeling off. The charge for boarders was reduced ph October 4th from 18s to 16s per week, and during November, December, and January the receipts have been much better." On the motion of Mr Tosswill the report was adopted. The action of the Chairman in granting leave of absence to several of the employees of the Board was confirmed.

The application of Mr Chapman, the contractor for the supply of timber, for four months' extension of time -was granted. With regard to the question of the removal of coal hulks from the wharves, The Cha"o__an stated that it had become necessary to remove the hulks from the wharves in consequence of the berthing accommodation being required. A deputation had waited on him from the Lyttelton Borough Council, and he had explained the matter to them. Mr Cunningham said that he had spoken to Mr Gibbs, of the New Zealand Shipping Company, who had stated that he sinew nothlug of the intention of the Company to coal their ships at Wellington. There was no doubt that from -the position ot Wellington with regard to the West Coast it was the proper, place for the steamers to coal, and if they -id so at some future date they must not be surprised. But he objected to the Board being blamed for this should it take place. Mr C. W. Tubnkb said that they must not forget that the hulks would be worse treatedln Wellington'-than in Lyttelton, as they would not be allowed to remain alongside the wharves at ali, , The Ce__i___a_T said that he had in-

structed the Harbor-Master to __lowsbe hulks to remain alongside the wharves until the places were required. The matter then dropped. A letter was read from the Government, stating that they had taken the land and buildings known as No. 5 Shed for railway purposes, and requesting to be furnished with vouchers, &c.. as to the money expended thereon by tbe Board. Mr CtrNNLNOHA-- said it appeared to him that the Government wanted to set the shed for what it cost them by tender and the land for nothing. Mr C. W. Turker moved—"That the matter of the No. 5 Shed, with the correspondence, be referred to the Harbor Improvement Committee for their consideration and report." Mr Peryman seconded the motion, which was carried.

The Chairman said that the Federated Wharf Laborers' Union had applied to be allowed to appoint a caretaker for the wharf laborers shelter shed erected by the Board. They had recommended Mr John Walsh under certain conditions, which had been passed by him. He had approved of the appointment of Mr Walsh, and he now asked the Board to approve of his action.

The Board approved of the action taken by the Chairman with regard to the matter.

A letter was read from the contractor for the shelter shed, asking for consideration on account of having made a mistake in calculation.

It was resolved to give the contractor the sum of £4 asked for by him. With respect to the shoaling of the harbor, as mentioned in the report of the Harbor Master, The Chairman said that the Government were In the habit of pulling down soft stuff into the harbor, which washed away and settled down, causing the shoaling.

It was resolved to write to the Government calling their attention to the matter. The annual report of the Harbor Master and the question of a landing place for sheep for freezing was referred to the Harbor Improvement Committee to report. The Harbor Master's annual report was as follows:—" To the Chairman Lyttelton Harbor Board—Sir, I beg to forward to you my yearly report of the Harbor DeEartment for the year ending 31st Decemer,lßß9. Casualties—l. I have to state that this year there have been two cases. The first took place on the 13th February; the Rakaia, when coming in, ran into the wharf, doing some damage to it, and lifting a portion of the roof off No. 7 shed ; fortunately little or no damage was done to the ship. On the 12th October the tug ran into the barque Margaret Galbraith, outside the Heads, when Intending to put the pilot on board, doing considerable damage to the ship and herself. The repairs to the tug's bow were quickly done, causing no delay to the shipping. I may also state that the barque Beltana, on a voyage from Adelaide to London, arrived on the 15th December, with her cargo of wool on fire. I had her brought lv and moored to the buoys off the eucrance to dock till the extent of the fire could be ascertained, and arrangements made for extinguishing it, as there was some talk of scuttling her at the buoys; but the fire was extinguished by chemicals. The Beltana was floated into dock, aud allowed to land her cargo on the Board's land, near Messrs Scott's shops. Some of the wool was found to be on fire after landing. All wool that was at ail wet or stained was landed, the rest remained on board. 2. Port Cooper, the look-out station, is in good order, and the houses at the station in good preservation, but will require a coat of paint before the wet weather sets in. 3. Time ball, tower and flag station are in good repair. The grounds are well looked after, aud a credit to the man in charge. 4. Tug Lyttelton— The hull was In a good state of preservation when last seen in dock. The engines are in good condition, also the boilers. 5. Telephonic communication with the station at the look-out has been interrupted on two or three occasions, and on the llth December found that the cable was broken. After some little delay, for want of cable to repair it, having to send to Wellington, It was replaced by Mr Meddings' men. who stuck to their work night and day till finished, which was on Sunday, 22nd December, at 3 p.m. Since then the line has been in good order. 6. •Vharf accommodation has been limited during the late rush of vessels to the port. I have had to shift most of the hulks to make room for ships, and also to use the berth usually taken up by the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamers. There have been only two vessels delayed In the stream waiting for shed berths at the Gladstone Pier, and then only for a short time. There were on Christmas Day, eighteen large vessels, five steamers, five ships, and eight barques, representing 22,708 tons, not counting H.M.S. Opal or Lizard, or the small coasting vessels. The wharves have all been scraped between the planks, and washed by the tug hose. 7. Dock and Slip in good order. I have had to replace eighteen blocks; the old ones were in a very bad state, split and rent to such an extent as to make them unsafe for longer use. All blocks were secured and new cap pieces. H.M.S. Opal was taken into dock on the 2nd of this month to repair her copper. The captain expressed himself well pleased with the Dock and the attention shown to him whilst there. This is the first man-of-war which has been In our Dock. . I think there should be a picket fence round the Dock to save the Board's property in many ways; for instance, the timber about the Dock is always looking less. 8. Buoys and moorings are all In good order. 9. I have taken soundings both inside and outside the breakwater. Around the wharves there is little difference except at the ' mouth |of culverts, which have silted a great deal. There is a little less 'water between the moles (24fb low water) and outside than last year, and less inside .at the Western side, and less at eastern side abreast lighthouse. 10. Reclamation—The reclaimed land, where the prisoners have been working, has stood the late gales and heavy sea, except in one place nearest the Gladstone Pier, which always washes down for the want of a breastwork of large stones to keep the'sea off it. 11. A dyke is greatly needed from abreast of Messrs Kay and Carter's Stores to the second shed on the Gladstone Pier, to retain all the refuse I that Is put over from all the shipping at the town wharves, also all ashes and dirt from steamers, which always finds Its way up the harbor with the flood tide and sea. 12. Dredge and barges are, by the report of the engineer of tug, in good order. The hulls' are in good order; their decks'have lately been coated with a good coat of Stockholm tar and fine ashes, both fore [ and aft. 13. The Minna Bell is fast going I, to decay, and is leaking badly. She would not be fit for a dredging spell again without a great outlay. 14. The boilers of the dock engine are in fair order, one of them 'having been retubed lately, and some new tubes put Into the others. The slip boiler had six new tubes put In a few months since. 15. The'boats and shed are in good order, and require nothing doing to them. All the other property under my charge is in good order. —I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, J. W. C_-_U-, Harbor Master." -.■'**■■*■ The' annual report of Mr Dando, the Superintendent of the Electric Lighting, was read, calling attention to the necessity -which existed for tbe Board at -once obtaining a spare dynamo. Mr McClatchie called the attention of the Board to the difference in the cost of the gas lighting and that by electricity. The report as a whole was referred to the Harbor Improvement- Committee^ With reference to the Foreshore Bill, The Chairman said that they would recollect that the Bill had been withdrawn last session.- The time had now arrived when they ought to consider whether they should Introduce it next session. Mr CTO*_nNG_c___ moved—" That a complete plan of the whole property of the Board be prepared, with the landnroposed to be taken as proposed by the Foreshore Bill, shown in another color, and that the {-reparation of the Foreshore Bill be deayed untiithe plan be prepared." Mr Waymo-TH seconded the motion, which was carried. „«~_ _ _«. Mr CuNNnrGHam moved—"That the tenders for the dredging plant be referred to tho Harbor Improvement Committee. Mr Wright seconded the motion, which was carried. _'_'"_ The tenders for the coal and stores fox the year were referred to the'Chairnian and Secretary, with power to accept the lowest tender. ... ',"._■ ___ It was resolved to refer the letter of the Sinking Fund Commissioners, recommendliucthe~investment of £1900 Sinking Fund on fixed deposit, to the Finance CommitThe CHAXB-t-K brought before the Board the question of the insurance of the tu# Lyttelton, which, by a resolution of the Board at Its last meeting, had oeen resolved to b_ insured for three months m _lr CW. TtmNER moved—" That the tug Lyttelton be insured, a3 formerly, tor jesSoov* He thought, as trustees for the public, they ought not to risk the property of the Board. MrCosKiUQrBAM said he would second; the motion. So long as the collision clause was retained by the Insurance Company he should be in favor of keeping the tug insured.

The motion was put, and carried by 9 toll."' ' Accounts to the amount ot £216311.-3 A letter was -receiv-d from Miles and Co. asking for a remission of wharfage rates on the cargo of the barque Beltana. The Chairman said the opinion of their solicitor was adverse, as he was of opinion that there was no power given in the Act to the Board to do what was asked.

Mr Cunningham moved—•' That a copy of the opinion of the Solicitor be forwarded to Messrs Miles and Co., with an expression of regret that the Board cannot under the circumstances remit the wharfi_{r E. G. WsieHT seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Milsom brought under the notice of the Board the question of lighting the town clock at Lyttelton. The Council had to pay the cost of maintenance, and he hoped that the Board would pay the small sum of £15 for the lighting of the clock. He would move—'"Jjnat the matter of lighting the Lytteltoht town clock be referred to the Harbor Improvement Committee."

Mr McClatchie seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr Cunning hasi mdved— ■** That the opinion of the solicitor be taken as to whether the Board has power legally to expend money in this way." Mr Parsons seconded the motion,which was carried. •*J.-™. ''••_. The next meeting Board was fixed for February 25ch, at which ineetin-g the Chairman for the ensuing year will be elected.

The Board resolved, on the motion of Mr Wright, to go into Committee to consider the question of the increase of salaries to the starF, Mr White dissenting, and subsequently adjourned.