NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5530, 5 November 1879, Page 3

NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Tuesday, November 4.

The board met at 2.30 p.m. Present — Messrs Smith, Lyndon, Eobjohns, Vautier, Common, and Lieut.Colonel Lambert. In the absence of the chairman, Mr Vautier was. voted to the chair. CORRESPONDENCE. The following letters were read : — From Mr Ormond, accepting the position of chairman, and thanking the members of the board for the honor conferred upon him, particularly as it was conferred ' in his absence and without any idea on his part that it was intended to be proposed. Mr Ormond added that had he '' been consulted on the matter he would most probably have declined being nominated, as his attendance to his Parliamentary duties necessitated his absence from Napier during the session. However, as the board had elected him with the knowledge of that circumstance he ■*" would do his best to discharge the duties of the position. From the Marine Department, Wellington stating that the Governor had appointed Mr M. R. Miller as a member of the board, in consequence of the Wairoa County Council having failed to make the • appointment on the day required by the Harbor Act. From the Harbormaster, stating that the attempt made by the Helen Denny to recover the Bunken moorings had been unsuccessful, and recommending that the services of the boatswain of the Halcione

be engaged for £15 to dig the chain out while it was being heaved, and for £5 to go down again and unshackle ,the Helen Dehny's chain; ; On the motion of Colonel Lambert, it was agreed that the expense be authorised as recommended by the Harbormaster. From Captain Parker, of the Halcione, offering some suggestions as to the mode of mooring vessels so sis to keep ships clear of the brioy". . It was ordered that the cdnsideration of the matter be deferred till next meeting of the board. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. On tho motion of Colonel Lambert, leave of absence was granted to Mr Orrnond during the session of Parliament. SIG^IJTO LEASES. The Secretary reported that on tho 29th lilt, the lease of the Whsre-o-maraenui block had been sold by auction for £180. The lease would Have to be signed by two members of the board 1 ,- who would have to be appointed. . On. the motion of Mr Common, seconded by Mr Kinross, it. was resolved that Mr Smith and the 1 ch>irrn"an be appointed to sign all leases. FIJJAIJCIAL STATEMENTS. The Secretary laid on the table statements of, accounts for ten months ending on the 31st of October last, also for one yeaf' up to that date, and estimates of receipts and expenditure' for tho ensuing year. .AOHOtWTS." A number of accounts were passed for" payment. FINANCE COMMITTEE; Colonel Lambert moved, " That a committee be .appointed by ballot, and empowered to control accounts generally of the board, and undef their sanction a monthly statement of receipts and expenditure be prepared by the Secretarj' and submitted to the board, stating the past month's actual expenditure and estimate of outlay required for ensuing month." Mr Common raised a point of order. He believed the bye-laws precluded the appointment of a committee by ballot. Colonel Lambert thought that if the board agreed with the object of the motion the informality referred to might be rectified by amending the resolution. After some discussion, it was decided that the matter should stand over, and be considered in committee together with a communication from Wellington respecting the financial position of the board, and a letter from Mr Weber respecting the matter of the late Mr Henderson's action against the board. BANK BALANCE. Mr Lyndon moved, " That the secretary states the amount of balance at the bank on each sitting day, immediately after reading the minutes of the previous meeting of the board." The motion was seconded by Mr Smith and carried. REFUNT* TO THE HOSPITAL. On the motion of Mr Smith, the sum of 6s charged by the board to the hospital for shingle was ordered to be refunded. ADVERTISING MEETINGS. Colonel Lambert moved, "That the advertising the meetings of the board be discontinued, the post cards sent to members being deemed sufficient notice." The motion was seconded by W. Common and carried. WIDENING THE CHANNEL. Colonel Lambert moved, " That the sum of £40 be granted for the purchase of dynamite to enable the clerk of the works to continue the blasting of the boulder bank, with the view of widening the channel. " After a brief discussion, it was agx'eed that the motion should stand over, and that in the meantime Mr Saunders be asked to report on the subject. The board then adjourned.