THE HARBOR BOARD.

Evening Star, Issue 6382, 30 August 1883, Page 2

THE HARBOR BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Board was held to-day, and was attended by Messrs A, H. Ross (acting-chairman), R. Paterson, J. B. Thomson, J. Mill, J. Barron, and H. Guthrie. CORRESPONDENCE. D. MTntyre, contractor for spreading material at the Ravensbourne derricks, wrote asking that in the event of the Board adhering to their resolution to terminate his contract, they should take over hia plant at a valuation. —Referred to the Works Committee with power to act. The Town Clerk forwarded a set of duplicate keys for jetty fire service, stating that they were furnished ’on the following conditions: —That they be hung in the Deputy Harbor-master’s office on the crosswharf ; that they be not used except for the extinction of fire ; and that they be returned to the City Council on demand, The Secretary was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the keys with thanks. The Lyttelton Harbor Board applied for the use of the tug Koputai while their own tug was being repaired.—The Secretary reported that the use of the tug had been offered at L2OO for one month, and L4O for every additional week ; the Lyttelton Board to pay all wages. The City Corporation asked the Board to form Jetty street, so that it might be levelled. —The Secretary explained that the street had already been formed, and its present state was owing to the Corporation neglecting to metal it.—Mr Thomson* said that the Board had not formed it properly, and on that account the Council refused to metal it. —Referred to the Works Committee.

The following telegram from Mr M. W. Green, M.H.R., was read Wellington, 30th August. On the motion of Mr Macandrew, the Committee have rejected clause 11, re differential rate between Port Chalmers and Dunedin. Mr Dick will move for a recommittal to-morrow (Thursday) to get it re-inserted; but in case of failure, please advise whether you prefer the Bill should be dropped or passed as amended. The constitution of the Board is carried as the Bill left the Council. Mr Macandrew will oppose recommittal, but we are canvassing in support,” The Acting Chairman reported having consulted as many members of the Board as he could, who held the same opinion as himself, and sent the following telegram in reply:— “Have seen the president of the Chamber of Commerce, who telegraphs Mr Dick. If clause 11 cannot be reinserted my private opinion is that the Bill had better be abandoned. The Board meet at three o’clock this afternoon, and I will telegraph you immediately after consulting the Board.”—Mr Paterson proposed, and Mr Guthrie seconded—“ That the Secretary telegraph to Mr Green stating that in the opinion of the Board unless clause 11 be reinserted in the Bill it should be abandoned,” —Carried, THE ACTING-CHAIRMAN. Mr Barron said he considered the time had arrived when the Board should appoint a chairman, and moved that the actingchairman should be appointed to the office. Mr Mill seconded the motion, remarking that Mr Ross had carried out the duties of the office in the past to the entire satisfaction of not only every member of the Board but the mercantile community. Mr Ross returned thanks, and said that he did not give satisfaction in the future t would be no fault of his. REPORT. The Works Committee reported on remits as follows: Messrs O’Malley and Pepperell’s letter locomotive.—lnformed that the Board do not at present wish to dispose of the engine. The Government's attention has been drawn to the aluence of any life-saving appliances at the George street railway wharf, Port Chalmers.

Lighting the Victoria ChanneL—lnstructions

have been given to the Engineer to have this matter attended to as soon as possible. Engineer's recommendation as to pumps for reclamation works. —Inquiries to be made as to cost of same. Diving apparatus.—The dress and apparatus offered has been purchased at LSO, and delivery taken. Application for a site for torpedo boat shed.—The site recommended by the Harbormaster in the Lower Harbor has been agreed to during the pleasure of the Board. Dredging steamers’basin.—The Engineer has been instructed to proceed with this work with all expedition. Consideration of the extension of Rattray street wharf and shed accommodation has been deferred till result of Bills before Parliament is known, as also blasting operations at Heads until arrival of Sir John Goode’s report. Keclamation contract at Ravensbonrne,—On the Engineer’s recommendation notice of termination of contract has been given. Additional beacons in Victoria Channel.— Agreed to Alteration of punts.—Messrs Armour and Campbell’s tender (L 92 4») has been accepted. Strengthening Jetty street wharf. —Tenders have been called for. and are due this day. Connection of wharves with Gasworks tramway.—The Corporation hare been written to on the subject. Keclamation on the south side of large dock has been authorised to be proceeded with. Engineer’s memo re working of dredge 222 in connection with wear and tear of buckets. — Resolved that dredge be worked at the discretion of the dredging master. Rents —Left to chairman and secretary,_ to act under advice of solicitor; in meantime application to transfer lease to be declined. Engineer Middle Island’s proposed alteration of approach to bridge over railway station, from Jetty street wharf, has been approved, and the matter remitted to the Board’s Engineer to report on best means of effecting reclamation. Engineer Middle Island’s proposed alteration of gradient of approach to bridge over railway from Vogel street.—A reply has been sent to the effect that the Board will not object If Government accept the responsibility of settling with the present lessees in the event of any claim being raised. Messrs Oormack and Bruce’s cases.— Examinations into these have been made, and It lias been resolved that present arrangements be continued, Cormack to remain master of the dredge Vulcan at Ll6 per month, but to be allowed L2O for the past month. Bruce to bp eligible for re-employment in thejßoard’s service. Tenders for annual supplies,—lronmongery; The New Zealand Hardware Company’s tender is recommended for acceptance; as also R. Guthrie and Co.’s for timber, being respectively lowest. The tenders for brass and copper work being so equal have been referred back to the Engineer for more minute analysis. Zinc-plates for preservation of steam boilers having been omitted in specification, special tenders have been called for, and are due this day. Accounts and wages-theets, amounting to L 1958 11s 9d. have been examined, and' are recommended for payment. The report was adopted. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to L3,95S 1 Is 9d were passed for payment. TENDERS. Six tenders were received for strengthening the Jetty street wharf, and three for the supply of zinc plates.—They were referred to the Works Committee, HARBOR-MASTER. Eighteen applications were received for the office of Harbor-master, and, after some discussion in Committee, it was decided to adjourn their consideration until Monday.