HARBOUR BOARD.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13547, 7 October 1909, Page 2

HARBOUR BOARD.

The Lyttelton Harbour .Board met yesterday. Present —Messrs H. Friedlander (chairman), F. HorreU, T. I>._ Coag, J. Storry, J. Bichardson, XMoore, J. Hay," J. Lambie, J. Wolfe, Geo. Laurensoii, M.P-, J. A. Frostick, G Cook, A. Kaye, W. Dunlop, and Dr. Thacker. The Chairman reported as follows:— Since tho 13oard't> previous meeting the. following sums had been paid into tho Harbour Board Fund Account: Pilotage and port charges £1903 0s Jd, wharfage £919, berthage, towage etc., etc. £1374 19s; total £4196 19s 9d. The bank book showed that the current account was in credit £2874 lis 2d. During tjie months of July ond August tho receipts from pilotivfce, port charges, and wharfage had fallen off to the extent of £1785 7s, as compared with last year; but no Avas pleased to be able to report that during the past month the pilotage and port charges had increased by £200 over last year, and there was every reason to believe that when tho wharfago returns for September are leceived they will show a corresponding increase. Tho report was received. The engineer's report for September stated that thr» month's dredgings amounted to 92,144 tons, or 6G,343 cubic yards, the whole of which Avas deposited in Little Port Ccoper. Twelve cast steel buckets had been ordered, to cost about £240, seven! on tho dredge having developed cracks. The report was adopted. A report on tho proposed extension, of the small steamers' jetty was referred to the Harbour Improvement Committee, with poAver to act. The Harbour Improvement Committee reported that after giving careful consideration to H. E. White's account for travelling expenses in connection with the preparation of estimates and quantities regarding harbour extension schemes, it 'had decided that the account could not be recognised. Tho report was adopted. . Tlie Special Committee appointed to report on the alleged damage at Bell's Baths, Sumner 3 recommended that the Sumner Borough Council bo granted permission to carry out any works they consider necessary in connection with these Aver outfall, or the free discharge of tho creek, the Council to mak© good any damage caused thereby. The le port was approved. Tho Sailors' Home Committee recommended that a female cook and • a female assistant steward take the place of males at nresent filling those positions at salaries, respectively, of £52 and £45 per annum, and that tho nosi tion of cook to offered to the wife of the superintending steward; further, that the charge for board and lodging be raised from 16s to 17s per week; that, a small charge be made for the use of the billiard table; and that better fire escapes be provided. The report was adopted. Accounts amounting to £6382 14s 4d were passed for payment. - A deputation from the Mount Herbert County Council Avaited on the Board, and asked that a small wharf be erected at Teddinjrton'to enable the residents to got their wool and produce to Lyttelton, and also to land their imports. The engineer avas instructed to report on the application to the Harbour. Improvements Committee. It Avas decided that passengers' luggago not exceeding scwt, or half a ton measurement, bo not charged Avliarfoge. Mr, Cook esked tho Board to assist the Lyttelton Borough Council in its efforts to get the Railway Department to abate the smoke nuisance in the Lyttelton tunnel. Ho moved that the Board request the Government to improve the mode of Avorking the tunnel, with a view of abolishing the smoke nuisance, and that the members of Parliament Avho are also members of .the Board he asked to support the movement. 3>r. Thacker seconded tho motion, which av_s carried. Mr LaurensOn, on behalf of Mr Miller, gave notice of motion that the Board get the materials for a neAV wharf; between No. 2 jetty and Gladstone ,pier, so as to have a spore AA-harf for use of "shipping when the Board proceeds to alter No. 7 wharf.

The next meeting of the Board will be held; on Monday, November Ist, at 11 a.m.