HARBOR BOARD.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 83, 22 December 1887, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD.

The Board met on Tuesday evening. Present; The Chairmen, Major Porter, Messrs Townley, Dickson, Chamberd, Matthewson and Gannon. Mr Matthewson again excused Mr McDonald’s absence. SUIT OX CEMENT, Messrs Johnston <fc Co. telegraphed referring the Board’s attention to the reply given to Sir Julius Vogel by the Minister for Public Works, stating that in future all eement for public works would be liable to the ordinary duty, but that existing contracts would not'be affected. Under these circumstances Messrs Johnston and Co. wished to know whether the Board was prepared to enter into a further contract before it became law. The duty would probably be two shillings. A telegram was received from Mr Bourke stating that there was to be no revision of the tariff this session. After discussion the Board fell in with Mr Townley’s view that, as it would be over a month before the present contract was completed, no difference could be made if any course had been decided on, and all information would come through Mr Graham, who would be up at the-end of the week.

2U.OTAOE —THE TABIFr QVESTIOW.

The Chairman said the Committee had not gone into the tariff question. Being a matter of importance, it was perhaps for the Board to consider whether some steps should not be taken to alter the by-laWs. After discussion Mr Matthewson said that to shorten the question he would move “ That pilotage be compulsory except as to coasting vessels, and that the by-law be altered accordingly.” He said that what they wanted to catch were the English vessels that just dropped in here about once a year, but it would be a heavy tax if placed on the Union Company’s boats, and would, he had been informed, cause the larger boats to pass the port. Captain Andrews asked whether English vessels calling at any other Colonial port would be considered coastal vessels.

The Chairman thought that point could be got over by specifying what they intended by coasters. Mr Dickson seconded the motion.

Mr Townley asked whether it was worth their while going to the expense of altering the by-laws to ensure the pilotage. Were there so many English vessels calling here and escaping pilotage dues ? He believed that later on they would have to alter the tariff considerably, because on the present scale there would not be sufficient revenue. The matter might stand over for a while. The Chairman said it was a matter of some importance, and ousht to be dealt with now. It was quite evident they would have to make up their revenue from all sources available, and this seemed as good a source as any ot'.jr. It would perhaps be better to leave the matter in the hands of the Tariff Committee.

Mr Matthewson presumed that the matter would come up again for the Board’s approval. Mr Gannon wanted to know what difference would be made in the revenue.

Major Porter said they wanted some information to work on—the thing might cut the wrong way. Mr Matthewson reckoned that the additional revenue would be a hundred pounds at least. Besides the question of revenue, they wanted to make their rules approximate to those which existed in other places. Mr Chambers supported the motion and saw no reason why there should be any delay. Major Porter would propose as an amendment that before proceeding further the fullest information re pilotage be obtained. Some members thought that thia tnightgo in with the original motion. MfMatthewson's motion was put and carried, Major Porter being tgainst, Major Porter said that as the principle had been affirmed he would withdrew his motion. The Chairman thought that the wisest course, as it would be the Committee's duty to have all necessary information to work on. He would now move that the by-law should be altered as to make steamers also liable for pilotage. After much further irregular discussion the Board went into Committee to consider the tariff question, and the Committee recommended that Messrs Matthewson, Townley and the Chairman act as a Committee to bring up a report on the by-laws and to regulate the tariff. This was agreed to. PUBLIC WOBKB COMMITTEE. The Committee recommended that the tramway line be continued for ten chains further as a permanent formation, at the cost of the Board, the other portion of the work to be properly completed. The report was adopted. ingixekb’s bepobt. The Engineer reported :— The stone contractor wrote to the Board at last meeting asking assistance in the consituation of a tramway, on the grounds that it would be necessary in any case for the next contract. I have reported on this to the Works Committee. —Very good progress has been made erecting the block-setting machine —it was only tour weeks since we began the work, and everything is up now except the engine. Block-making has been going on as usual, and there are 406 blocks in the vard. —The Ashleigh Brook, with 9500 easks ot cement, came in on Monday, and will leavethis evening (Tuesday). ACCOUNTS. The following accounts were passed for payment:—

It was understood that the amount’ for workmen’s wages on the tramway should be debited to Mr Knox. LANDING STAGE. The Chairman said the Committee had not yet decided about the plan.

Harbour-master .. .. 16 13 4 Wharfinger .. 16 13 4 Secretary .. 8 6 8 Weighbridge-keeper .. .. 1 0 0 Johnston 7 1 2 Johnston and Co. .. 279 12 1 Grady 9 19 0 Wingate and Co 14 3 2 Kennedy .. .. 4 3 0 Workmen ('Knox’s line) .. .. 8 5 4 B. Knox 27 0 0 Wages .. 249 18 10