THE DREDGE MANCHESTER.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10624, 6 April 1900, Page 2

THE DREDGE MANCHESTER.

COMMITTEE OF ENQUIRY APPOINTED. At yesterday's meeting of the Lyttelton Harftmir Board", the Chairman (Mr E. G. Wright, said that in connection with the purchase >r*f the dredge Manchester and bringing her oat to, the colony, the Board had suffered a gtxbstahthil, loss. Who wen the parties to be- blamed foer was not prepared to say at present, but thirt? was p.a room for doubt tliat- persons who had been paid to protect their interests had not observed the trust reposed irr them, and the dredge, instead; of reaching Lyttelton at a total cost of about £24,000, had cost not less •than £30,000. 'However, instead of reviewing the whole case himself, lie thought it desirable that a Special <Jo_amittee should be appointed to report to the Board, and throw what light *hey upon _ ; Very unsatisfactory .business. 'He would be neglecting his duty if the matter passed without full enquiry. He moved the appomtihent of a committee, consiting of Blessrs Gibbs, Graham, Waymouth, Buddo, and! the movers to go into the matter. He thought the enquiry would' prove a necessary one. &_"_ Coimaf secoftded the motion, which wasxaiTied.

The Secretary reported: that Inspector Oroll and , Captain Willis were inspecting the dredge Manchester, and their reports would be received in due course. Two Arabs had arrived ; . from Colombo on the shin's articles,; and an undertaking had to be given, under the Shipping and Seamenfa Act, to be responsible for them before they were discharged. A large number of applications had been received for dredge appointments. It was resolved to consider the appointment of a master for the dredge h* committee, and the appointment of 4he remainder of the staff was referred to the Harbour Improvement Committee, with power to act. The question of working the dredge double shift, was considered j and it was decided that the Harbour Improvements Qommittee should take into consideration the working of double shifts, what portion of the inner harbour work was to be commenced on, and where the silt was to be deposited. \ "The agreement engaging Mr H. Raymond engineer to the Board on the dredge -was confirmed. i The Board in committee decided to advertise for the whole staff of the; dredge, including the master, immediately, and that applications already sent in would be considered amongst the .others.