THE BOAT HARBOUR.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 305, 18 September 1908, Page 4

THE BOAT HARBOUR.

{, YACHTSMEN WITH A CRIEVANCE. About fifty yachtsmen and motor-boat enthusiasts gathered at tho Boat Harbour yesterday evening to discuss tho position obtaining between boat-owners and tho Harbour Board in regard to tho dredging of tho Boat Harbour and the condition of tho sheds at tho harbour. Tho chair was occupied by Mr. J. Jamieson who stated that a letter had been receivod,from tho Harbour Board to tho effect that tho small dredge would commence dredging the Boat Harbour on Monday, September 21, and pointing out that the board would not bo responsible for any damago dene by tho dredge during the time it would bo operating in the harbour. It would also be necessary that moorings in tho harbour should bo lifted. The chairman thought tho letter was altogether unreasonable. Ho considered tho board should give some undertaking not to cause any damago. If tho terms of thq letter were accepted tho dredge could come into tho Boat Harbour and work in a careless manner and knock the boats about, whilst tho owners of the boats would have 110 redress. . \ The speaker considered the' board should take some portion of tho risk, and that boat-owners should also tako a reasonable proportion of risk.

A Voice: What risk is there to bo taken? There/are no boats in the harbour at piesont. Mr. Pethorick considered tho risk was going to bo a considerable one, as boatowners did 'not know how long tho dredge was going to tako over tho work. He wanted to know if it would not bo possible to got a deputation to wait upon tho board and see if the big dredge could not be put in the harbour. It would do tho work in a few^weeks, where it would take tho small dredge' months. Mr. Johnston explained that tho big dredge could not work close to tho walls, but only in tho centre of the harbour. Tho chairman said lie had been informed by an officer of tho board that if the big dredge came into tho harbour it would only bo able to dredge tho centre, and the smail dredge would havo to come in after and do tho dredging close to the walls. He thought it would be best to accept the oiler now made, provided tho board would undertake sqme reasonable risk. It would not bo wiso to raise the question of tho larger dredge. Mr. Pethorick remarked that, with tho advont of the dredge mooring chains, etc., would be placed all over the harbour, and lie did not know that it would not bo advisable to suggest tha.t the dredging should bo left over until next winter.

Mr. Johnston did not think tho dredging could bo dono under three or four months, and tho dredgo would require about a quarter of the harbour to operate in. He also thought it would be better to agree upon a definite dato on which the work could bo started noxt winter. Mr. J. M'Lean was of opinion that if tho dredging, was postponed now it would be postponed for good and all. • ■ : .Tho chairman considered that it would be unwise to put any obstaclo in tho way. ■ They must put up with some inconvonience. Ho wanted to know if tho letter stated that the dredge would como in on Monday. Tho Secretary: They hope to. (Laughter.) It was decided to write to the Harbour Board stating that boats would bo removed as requested provided that tho board bo responsible for any damago sustained. It was also decided to point out that if tho work was not done at onco tho yachting and boating for tho season would be spoiled, as the Boat Harbour would bo practically useless. Boferring to tho leaky condition of the sheds, tho chairman stated that tho Harbour Board had promised a deputation of boating men to see to the sheds. The sails, etc., stored in the sheds were getting spoiled by tho rain which came through tho roofs. Ho considered tho mooting should framo a resolution protesting against the delay of tho' board. Ono way out of the difficulty was for thoso who were renting tho sheds to unite and not pay tho rent. Ho did not know if tho board could sue in Court for tho rent, but if they did tho occupants of the sheds would hayo a good, defence, and could counter-claim for damago to their gear. Ho would move: " That this meeting fools disgusted with ■ the neglect of tho Harbour Board in not seeing to the sheds, and asks that tho work should bo done at onco, othcrwiso members will refuse to .pay rent for the sheds." Personally, he rented a shed which bad been soaking wet for a year. Tho motion was not seconded.

• Mr. J. M'Lean moved: "That the meeting protest against the delay shown by the Harbour Board in repairing the sheds after promising to da so on July 15, and that occupiers of tho sheds will hold the board responsible for damage to gear." Tho motion was carried.