STEWART SCHEME.

Grey River Argus, 3 October 1928, Page 6

STEWART SCHEME.

OPERATIONS IN LAGOON. ATTITUDE OF HARBOUR BOARD. Several matters in connection with the Stewart Hydro-pneumatic plant mi the Tug “We tlaml” were discussed by the Harbour Board last evening. A letter was received from the Dis trier Engineer, Public Works Depart merit, enclosing from the Engineer-in Chief, conditions of hire of Alien Steam Engine for Stewart hydro test. Rent £2 per week and 4/6 extra per day when working.

The Chairman, Mr P. J. McLean, stated that fortunately they did not at present need to use the Stewart apnnratus, as there was 29ft of watet on the bar. The engine wa* worth £l3OO. a>-d the charge Was based on five per cent, with 2$ per cent, for depreciation. A f first he wa* inclined to thinih“ charge rather high. The Stewa* scheme took the form of an insurance agaimt the bar shoaling up. and looking at it in that light the cost seemed reasonable.

Mr 'G. E. Perkins said he thought the charge was reasonable enough. It war resolved on the motion of the Chairman °nd Mr Tennent that the cor- litions be approved. The So- retr-v of the Stewart Hydro Coy wrote fo a copy of agre?mept and inquiring wh m it was proposed to start work in the lagoon.

The Chaiiman s f ated that the Bear! had no agreement with the Stewart Co regarding the lagoon. It was certainly understood that the Board to go in for the lagoon scheme, but in the meantime they were concentrating upon the north and south breakwaters. Mr Perry moved that the Stewart Coy be informed that the Board had no intention of proceeding with the lagoon scheme in the meantime.

The Chairman seconded. Mr D. Tennent said that at a morning of the Board’s Executive, Mr Stewart had been definitely instructed by the former chairman (Mr J. Steer) to carry out a demonstration with his plant in the Lagbun. Mr Steer had told Mr Stewart p’ainly that thev wr.nted the island in the Lagoon shift ed The minutes of this meeting ha<hem confirmed at a subsequent ord.n nrv meeting of the Bon’d. The Secretary stated that Mr S’ow a’t had agreed to submit quotat’-ne concerning the transport of certain material in connection with the lagoon project, but so far he had failed to •!»»

Mr Tennent contended that the Board had done "nothing to carry out ita agreement with the Stewart Coy so far as the lagoon was concernedHe stated that the men of the Coy were as keen as those on the Board, and if they (the Board) were not careful they would hear more about it, and get. into trouble. The Chairman mentioned that when the lagoon project was first meat ionol it wa? stated by Mr Stewart that the additional machinery wculd. cost only £lOO, but later they were told that it would cost £606. Mr Greenslade rema i ked that he wr sure that the Board had not confirm ' ’ anything like that. Mr Tennent admitted that ho did not think it was going to cost that amount. After further discus ion. the motion was carried, Mr Tennent dissenting. Tt was resolved on the motion Messrs Perry and Tennent that the Secretary be requested to submit a ’oport concerning the negotiations with the Stewart Coy regarding the project. Prior to dealing with correspondence concerning the Stewart scheme, the Board dealt with a letter received from the Liquidator of the Shotover Dredge Coy, intimating that the reserve on a suction dredge, electrically driven, was £BOO. A favourable report concerning the dredge was received r rom an expert. It was resolved that the Chairman’s action, in making enquiries concern ing the d’edge, bo endorsed.