NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 3919, 30 May 1877, Page 2

NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Tuesday, May 29. The Board met at 11 a.m. Present— The Chairman (Mr J. G. Kinross), and Messrs Smith, Vautier, Williams and Kennedy. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. In reference to the reduced charge made for wharfage on goods wharehoused for one night from the Wanaka, respecting which there was some discussion at the last meeting of the board, the Secretary read a resolution that was passed by the board on the 19th of September to the effect that no rate sh-vuld be charged unless the goods remained in the shed more than 24 hours. Mr Smith said he felt convinced when the matter was brought up at the last meeting that a resolution had been passed to the effect stated by the secretary. He (Mr Smith) thought, however, that the wharfinger should be paid for his services. After some conversation on the matter, the Chairman suggested that some member should move that in cases where the goods did not remain more than 24 hours there should be only Is per ton charged, and nothing for receiving or delivering so long as the ship found its own labor. Mr Smith moved to that effect. Mr Kennedy thought it would be better to give notice of motion, and have the matter brought on in a formal way. Mr Smith agreed, and suggested that Mr Kennedy should give notice. After some further conversation on the subject, dming which the Chairman pointed out that one important point was as to goods landed for transhipment, say to Poverty Bay, for instance, Mr Kennedy gave notice that at the next meeting he would propose an alteration in the rate charged on goods deposited in the searching shed. The secretary was instructed to apprise the wharfinger of the resolution passed by the board on the 9th of September. A letter was read from Mr Weber in reference to the claim made by the harbor works contractor on account of deductions alleged by the contractor to have been wrongfully made, and on account of a deviation in the works from the original specifications, and which deviation the cemtractor alleged had occasioned considerable loss to him. Mr Weber, in commenting upon the contractor's letter, pointed out that the deductions complained of had been fairly made and were justified by actual measurement of the work, and that with respect to the deviation from the specifications, rendered necessary in order to avoid private property, it was fullj* covered bj* the terms of the contract. Mr Smith considered that in actual fact the board suffered more than the contractor by the deviation, which was really in favor of the contractor. Mr Kennedy moved that a copy of Mr Weber's letter be forwarded to the contractor, in reply to the latter's complaint. The motion was seconded by Mr Williams and carried. A letter was read from Mr Weber, recommending that the diver should be employed in picking up rubble from the bottom of the harbor, and that the diver and the pilot boat's crew engaged with him shouldreceived extra remuneration beyond their usual wages while so employed, the pay to be either by time or by measurement of the rubble. It was agreed to accept the recommendation of Mr Weber, the amount and mode e)f remuneration to be left to him. Mr Smith called the attention of the board to the large quantity of rubble that was being taken away from Battery Point by the Government for the purpose of raising the railway embankment. He considered that it should be stopped, as the board would need the rubble for reclamation purposes. It was agreed that the engineer's attention should be directed to the matter. A letter from Mr Weber was read, bringing under the notice of the board that the lease of the ferry to the Western Spit will expire on the SOth June, and suggesting that in the event of the board assuming charge of the ferry, that tenders be called for a steam ferry service with a punt capable of carrying a bullock team, and that the ferry be leased for, at least, three years. That course, Mr Weber remarked in liis letter, would not only benefit the settlers in the northern division of the district, but would probably bring in a better bonus than was paid by the present lessee. After some conversation, it was agreed that Mr Weber should report on the matter, and the Chairman undertook to see Mr Weber with reference to it. Several accounts were passed for payment. Mr Smith gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that the engineer be instructed to report upon and give an estimate of the cost of reclaiming the Whare-o-Maraenui, with a road round it, 30 feet wide, and a road north and south through the centre of it a chain wide. Six tenders for fencing in the lighthouse reserve were opened. The low r est was that of Mr H. D. Thompson, at 25s per chain. On the motion of Mr Kennedy, seconded by Mr Smith, it was resolved that Mr Thompson's tender be accepted, provided he found satisfactory sureties. The board then adjourned.