HARBOR BOARD.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 237, 20 December 1888, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD.

The Harbor Board met on Tuesday evening Present: Captain Tucker (Chairman), Messrs Clark, Dickson, Sievwright, Chambers, Townley, Gannon, and Matthewson. RESULT OF POLL—SUPPLY OF STONE. A letter was received from the Colonial Secretary informing the Board that the result of the late poll had been published in the Gazette of 16th inst. Mr Warner, Auckland, wrote stating that he was possessed of the lease of a quarry, and he was willing to dispose of the stone, which was of a quality well adapted to marine work, at sixpence per cubic foot.—The offer was declined. SCARCITY OF WATER. The Wharfinger wrote stating that in January last he entered into an agreement with the Union Company whereby to supply the launch Snark with water at £l5 a year. The Engineer had written to the agent of the Company stating that he was unable to supply any more water, and the amount of £l5 would be thus lost if the water was cut off. The Engineer stated that the spring on Kaiti was getting very low. He had, since writing the letter, provided extra storage, and thought they would be able to supply the Snark. It was resolved that the Engineer should endeavor to continue supplying the Snark with water. NATIVE LAND. Mr DeLautour wrote enclosing statutory declarations, etc., with an application to the Governor, necessary for the purpose of taking native land required for railway purposes. SUPPLY OF TOTABA. The following tenders were opened for the supply of 30,000 feet of totara timber: —J. A. Harding, 18s lOd per 100 ft; H. E. Johnston, 17s 81 ; W. O. Skeet, 19s. The tender of Mr H. E. Johnston, being the lowest, was accepted. IRONMONGERY. The Public Works Committee reported that they had opened tenders for ironmongery, and had accepted the tender of Messrs Wingate, Burns and Co, as it was the most favorable. TENDERS FOR CEMENT. With regard to tenders for cement, the Mayor said the Public Works Committee did not recommend that any tender be accepted. They had taken the latest quotations, and found that if they ordered the cement direct from Home they could effect a saving of at least 6s per ton, allowing for a probable rise in freights. It was decided, after a long discussion, that no tender be accepted, and that fresh tenders be called for, the specifications to be altered to allow a month’s extra time, tenders to be in on January 2, the Board in the meantime to cable Home for quotations, ENGINEER’S REPORT. Mr Thomson reported as follows : — Owing to the heavy sea we have had during the last few days, we have been unable to complete the section of breakwater in hand. It requires about three days to finish: the length will then be 502 feet. Tenders for cement and totara timber are due to-day. A portion of a cargo of steam coal, having been offered at 80s per ton, was purchased, and is now being delivered. It ,is Ils 9d per ton cheaper than last contract, and although ol not quite so good a quality, still we hope to make a considerable saving. Mr Dickson asked by whose authority the coal had been purchased. The Chairman replied by his. Mr Dickson ; Then I think that you exceeded your powers. Mr Sievwright: Surely the Chairman has power to do what he considers necessary for the conduct of the work, and I propose that the Board ratifies his action.

The Chairman: Perhaps it would be as well to hear my explanation before approving or condeming my action. It will then be competent for Mr Dickson to propose a vote of censure on me if he pleases.

The Chairman explained with regard to the coal that he had the offer made to him with the condition of immediate acceptance, and after consulting with another member of the Board and the Engineer he had decided on giving authority for the coal to be taken. It might not have been a wise thing, even allowing for the advantage, but if, as he heard, any probable contractor felt grieved, and intended to take action, he hoped it wou d be taken against the proper person, that was himself. He was quite prepared to defend any action and hoped it would be brought against himself and not against the Board. The Board then resolved to endorse the Chairman’s action nem con. UNPAID BATES. In reply to Mr Clark the Secretary said Mr McKenzie had paid the first instalment of his rate which bad been sued for, and the remaining instalment would be sued for soon after the new year, when a fresh batch of summonses would be issued, as there were now only the three cases. Mr DeLautour had thought if hardly worth while to take them singly. Mr Clark : Would it not be as well to test these by themselves at the first opportunity ? The Secretary : Mr DeLautour thought it would be better to wait until the beginning of the year. Mr Clark said it would be as well to take them fist to see what defence they would make, as they appeared to be prepared to fight it out. The Secretary said according to the judg meut of the Appeal Court the second instalment must be paid, only in the case referred to a separate demand must be made. Mr Clark ; These ratepayers seem inclined to test the case. I think the Board should allow them to do so irrespective of the other cases, and establish its position. Mr Chambers was quite agreeable to this case being taken, but he thought there would be no time now before the beginning of the year. After a little further discussion it was decided on the motion of Mr Clark, seconded by Mr Chambers, that the solicitor be urged to have the three cases brought before the Court at the earliest possible date. This course was unanimously agreed to. BAYMEST3. Accounts totalling £505 18s 3d were passed for payment:— HOLIDAYS. In view of the holidays it was decided that there be no meeting on that day fort, night, the Committee to be empowered to pass the Wages account.