HARBOR BOARD

Evening Star, Issue 19776, 28 January 1928, Page 4

HARBOR BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. , WHARF AHD SHED ACCOMMODATION The first meeting for the year of the Otago Harbor Board was held last night, and was attended by Messrs J. M. Dickson, M.P. (chairman), J. Loudon, C. H, Hayward, T. Anderson, H. E. Mollor, H. C. Campbell, W. Gow, A. Cable, H. M. Driver, D. Larnach, and Captain C, M'Donald. In accordance with notice of motion Mr Loudon moved—(l) “That in view of the Frederick street area consequent on the construction of the highway and the railway overbridge at. Hanover street, the whole question of wharf extension and shed accommodation be reconsidered and fully gone into and a report submitted to the board at the earliest opportunity.” (2) “That a special committee, consisting of the chairman of the board, Messrs Gow, Captain M'Douald, Hayward, Munro, and the mover be set up for the purpose of such preliminary investigation and report.” Before Mr Loudon submitted his motion the chairman asked if he included Rattray street. Mr Loudon said he intended to refer to it. The Chairman said he would hear Mr Loudon and then decide whether the motion should be ruled out. Mr Loudon said he hoped the importance of the matter would appeal to members. His sole object was to prevent any works involving a large expenditure being carried out when it might be found afterwards they were unsuitable, or in the wrong place. He 1 thought the whole question of harbor frontage had been altered recently by, the construction of the highway and the railway overbridge at Hanover street. ' It was a source of sincere gratification that the board had refused to allow the Education Board to occupy eight acres of this valuable area, and in a very short space of time the action of the Harbor Board would be fully vindicated and appreciated by all those using the port, notwithstanding any agreements or •commitments which might have been entered into by the respective bodies. He thought it unwise to endeavor to provide at great expense either shed or berthage accommodation for oversea vessels in the Rattray street basin, or to the south of it, because, in addition to the expense, they were increasing the length of their harbor from a navigation point of view by a vcry_ considerable distance, and also getting away from deep water into shallow. Another most important factor was the question of the harbor free store. As members knew, six sections had been reserved for this purpose facing Victoria wharf, 'but owing to the stand taken by the City Council as _ to railway lines crossing their streets, it was doubtful if adequate railway connection could be secured However, this problem could.be solved for all time by acquiring the land now occupied by the Milburn Lime and Cement Company, which, it w&s would bo vacated by that company at an early date. _ Complete railway connection to this site is now in existence, and joining up to the wharves could he carried put by the board at a minimum of expense. Of course, the Milburn Company has renewal and valuation rights tinder their lease, but he had no doubt if their directors were approached frankly there would be no difficulty in coming to an amicable .arrangement, and he believed

an advantageous one tor the board and port. Harbor improvements were just now at a critical stage; they had every reason to hope that with the reinstatement of the mole at the entrance and the work of the new dredge, they would be able to carry on the port as a first-class one for the next forty or fifty years without any further large outlay. It was therefore necessary that the works at the head of the harbor in the shape of berthage, wharfage, and shed accommodation should be well thought out and a definite policy fixed. The committee suggested, he believed, after full consultation with their executive heads, would furnish a valuable report which he hoped would prevent any mistakes and needless expenditure, and would co-ordinate properly with the general improvement scheme of the harbor. The Chairman said he had asked Mr Loudon whether his motion would interfere in any way with the proposal to erect a new shed at Rattray street north. Mr Loudon had now explained, and he (the chairman) considered that there was no question that what Mr Loudon had in his mind in moving his resolution would affect the motion whfch was on the books at present whereby tho scheme to provide a new shed at Rattray street north wan to be reviewed. He had no hesitation in saying that unless the former resolution was rescinded it would bo out of order to pass the present motion. There were certain matters connected with this motion, of course, which might be considered, but not anything which would interfere with tho former motion. Mr Gow: I don’t think it is Mr Loudon’s intention to interfere with it. Mr Loudon: That is so. I would like to explain when you have finished. Chairman: That is how I read the motion, anyway. Mr Loudon: I told you what I had in mind was that the committee might consider the matter; they might, as a matter of fact, prefer the original scheme. The motion simply means that we set up the committee, and I cannot see that it will interfere with anything done in the past. If it is found that an error has been made in deciding to erect that shed there would be no harm in the hoard going back on that. Mr Gow said it seemed a pity that the motion should not be allowed, He would second the motion if it gave him the right to speak. His desire in regard to the harbor arrangements was that they should concentrate as near the centre of the town as possible. That was not to say they would not develop as opportunity occurred towards the Frederick street area. While ho did not altogether agree with Mr Loudon’s idea, he seconded the motion for an inquiry. Mr Anderson said he considered tho motion was a vote of no confidence in the committee which was already considering the question. “I have not allowed it,” said the Chairman., He added that he might let the matter go on if someone moved oa a point of order that the resolution was out of order. _ Then' the point of order could be' discussed. He was prepared himself to rule at once. Mr Moller: “What do you rule} 1 " The Chairman said he ruled that, while Mr Loudon had it in his mind to really rescind— Mr Loudon: “No, sir.”

The Chairman said he ruled that he could not allow the matter to go on. Mr Hayward said the position had arisen through the highway altering the contour of the land -at the north of the city. He took it that' if any committee were set up it would not affect any resolution of the board. The Chairman: “ I'have already.ruled that the motion is not in order.” “It’s a waste of time,” said Mr Loudon, who urged that the matter be dropped.

The Chairman: “I am stopping the discussion.” Mr Cable: “Would you have stopped it if Mr Loudon had not mentioned Kattray street.” The Chairman said he had no doubt Mr Loudon had Kattray street in ins mind. No doubt it was an expedient to have the shed erected on another spot. Mr Gow: “I am not satisfied with the position at all. lam going to give notice to move that the resolution in regard, to the erection of the shed be rescinded, and a committee set up. ' Mr Gow added that he was really in opposition to Mr Loudon’s scheme, but he believed the matter should be ventilated. Mr Anderson: “ Has Mr Gow no confidence in the committee? ” The Chairman said he could not allow any more discussion. Mr Loudon asked if he had the right of reply. Mr Cable: “ Get in with it,”

The Chairman: “N. 0.” Mr Loudon remained on his feet for a few moments, but the chairman called the next business, to which the board proceeded. THE NEW DREDGE. The secretary of tho Ratepayers’ Association wrote expressing thanks for the offer of the board to give the president the liberty of obtaining any information except anything conndential in respect to the board’s arrangement regarding the new dredge. ANNUAL REPORTS ANI) ESTIMATES. The annual reports of the chairman, the engineer, and the harbor _ master wore received, and it was dcided to call a special meeting on a date to be fixed by the chairman to consider the estimates for next yoar. SHIPPING RETURNS. The harbor master (Captain J. Maclean) reported that the arrivals ‘at Dunedin and Port Chalmers for December were:—Coastal, thirty-two vessels, 17,374 tons; intercolonial, three ,vessels, '7,051 tons; overseas, twelve vessels, 61,666 tons; total, forty-seven vessels, 86,091 tons. The departures were;—-Coastal, twenty-seven vessels, 13,592 tons; intercolonial, four vessels, 10,200 tons; overseas, ten vessels, 47,023 tons; total, forty-one vessels, 70,815 tons. SOUTH POLE EXPEDITION. The chairman reported that the engineering department of the board had written to tho U.S.A. consul at Wellington, offering the facilities of the port in the event of Commander Byrd making Otago his fitting-out place prior to setting out on Jus expedition to the South Pole. The consul had replied thanking the board for its offer, and suggesting that it communicate direct with Commander Byrd or with those officially connected with the expedition. ■ . , , The chairman’s action was endorsed, members expressing the opinion that everything, possible should be done to assist, 'if necessary, WAIPIATA ACCIDENT..

The Engineer reported that the damage to the Vulcan’s driving rope caused by the Waipiata had been repaired, and that there would bo no claim made upon the Union Steam Ship Company. —Noted. DONATIONS. The Port Chalmers Waterside Workers’ Union was granted a donation of £3 3s to its picnic prize fund.' The Otago Annual Regatta Committee wrote asking for a donation.—Mr Larnach said that the time was-draw-ing nigh when there would have to be one big regatta. There were far too many of ‘-these small affairs.”—The Chairman said he did not agree with that; these regattas were serving a good purpose.—Other members con-

curred, and a donation of £5 was granted. ACTING HARBOR MASTER. On the motion of Captain M'Donald, seconded by Mr Anderson, the necessary motion was carried giving Captain F. J. Duncan authority to act as harbor master, and to examine candidates in the absconce of Captain M'Dean. TENDER. The tender of Messrs Stevenson and Cook of £125 for repairs to the suction pipe of the dredge Vulcan was accepted.