NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7143, 22 April 1885, Page 3

NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

Tuesday, April 21. The Board tnet at 2 p.m. Present— Messrs T. Tanner, A. Wardrop, H. A. Cornford, J. H. Vautier, J. M'Vay, P. Dolbel, A. Dillon, and J. W. Neal. In the absence of Mr J. D. Ormond, Mr Tanner was voted to the chair. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was read and dealt with :— From Mr A. D. Eraser, applying for a pilotage exemption certificate in favor of the captain of the a.s. Taupo, and enclosing a cartificate from the pilot that the person on whose behalf the application waa made was qualified to be exempted. — Application granted. From the Otago Harbor Board, in i reference to the loss sustained by them and other Boards in consequence of goods

imported by the Government not being subject to wharfage charges, and suggesting combined steps by the Harbor Boards of the colony to endeavor to procure such an alteration of the Harbors Act as would alter the state of things complained of.— After some discussion it was resolved to reply to the effect that the Board saw no necessity for taking action in the direction indioated.

From Messrs M'Ewan and Co., London, offering to supply lithe Board with cement, in quantities and on terms specified. — Secretary to reply to the New Zealand agent of the firm, stating that the Board had invited tenders for the supply of cement. From Mr Pasley, late sheep inspector for Hawke's Bay, asking the Board to reconsider their decision re charging him wharfage on his furniture when shipping it for Auckland. — The secretary was instructed to reply that the Board saw no reason to re-open the question. From the Marine Department, stating that, it' the Board would repair and have replaced in position the buoy lately marking the Pania reef, the department would defray the cost of the work. —It was decided to accept the offer, and to proceed with the work. From the same, asking for a return of coastal and harbor lights. — Information to be forwarded. From the Napier!; Naval Artillery, applying, for permission to erect a boatshed near the Board's boatshed.—Permission granted, subject to the shed being removed at sis months' notice, if the site were required by the Board. From the trustee in the estate of the late John Henderson, asking for a settlement by tho Board of alleged claims against them on aocouut of works carried out by the deceased at the Spit in connection with the existing harbor works. The writer expressed his faith in a statement by the deceased, to the effect that his insolvency had been caused by the Board detaining moneys due to him, and explained that legal proceedings would have been taken long ago but for the estate not yielding the necessary funds. The creditors, however, now had plenty of means at their disposal, but they did not wish to press matters to extremes, but desired the Board to compromise the claims as "an act of justice." In support of this position, the writer urged that a former unsuccessful attempt by Henderson to recover in the Supreme Court had been defeated by a technical objection only. — The Secretary stated that a somewhat similar letter was sent to the Board in 1879, and at that time the Board's solicitor replied disputing the claim, and pointing out that the indebtedness was the other way about, Henderson owing the Board a considerable sum. — It was decided to reply to the effect that the Board did not recognise the claim made by the trustee in Henderson's estate.

From Mr T. Murray, asking for one month's leave of absence from his duties under the Board, and enclosing a medical certificate to tho effect that his state of health required complete rest. — Application granted.

From Mr Goodall, stating that he had made definite arrangements with the Timaru Harbor Board in reference to his connection with that body, and that he expected to arrive in Napier about the 3rd of May. Also stating that he was proceeding with the plans of the railway extension to the Bluff, and would bring them with him if they were not completed in time to post before his departure from Timaru. — Received.

From the Timaru Harbor Board, stating that they had appointed Mr Goodall consulting engineer, and hoping the appointment would not interfere with the plans of the Napier Harbor Board. The letter stated that the terms of Mr Goodall's appointment necessitated him making a visit to Timaru, to report, once every three months, or of tener should the necessity arise. — Consideration of the letter was postponed till next meeting.

From the Harbor-master, reporting that the chimney attached to the lean-to at his house was in a bad state of repair. — The secretary was instructed to cause the necessary repairs to be made. From the Collector of Customs (in reference to a complaint lodged by the harbor-master at the last meeting of the Board, to the effect that the harbor-master had been compelled to remove vessels from the wharves at the bidding of the Customs authorities, work at the port being delayed in consequence), stating that when the Sir Donald was moved from the breastwork it was for the con* venience of importers and the general public. From Mr Carter, Port Ahuriri, in reference to the same question, stating that the harbor-master's assertion, that work on the Enterprise was stopped in consequence of the Sir Donald being shifted, waß " all pure fiction." The letter traversed tho allegations of the harbor-master generally, and complained that his manner to the writer, when applied to in connection with vessels, was not respectful. From the harbor-master, reiterating his statements, and stating that when the request for the removal of the vessel was j made, tho reason given was that Mr Carter " was being run off his feet " by | having to attend to two wharves.— -Mr Vautier considered that the harbor-master should have the full power to act as he thought right in connection with the harbor work. It appeared as if Mr Patten thought that vessels should be moved from the wharves in order that lighters might lay alongside. If that was to be done it was time to close the harbor altogether.— Mr Dolbel thought there was no reason for the Board to interfere, and in fact could not interfere, unless the harbor-master had been guilty of misconduct. His position and powers were defined by the Act, which the harbormaster had to carry out, and by the provisions of which he was bound. So long as the Act was not exceeded, the harbormaster had control of the wharves.— Mr ' M'Vay said the Customs authorities had three officers ab the Spit, and one of them could surely act as a deputy landingwaiter if Mr Carter could not leave one side of the breastwork to go to the cattle wharf. It seemed absurd to suppose that if two vessels were unloading, one outside the other, that they should have to cease wor/c to accommodate a lighter. —Mr Dillon agreed, and considered it was the duty of the Board to support their officer } as otherwise the port would become disorganised. — After further disI cussion, it was resolved to reply to the effect that the Board did not see any ground for interfering with the harbormaster ; and further, that the harbori master being responsible for the working of the port, it was his business and duty to decide what would best serve the interests of the public in reference to the berthing of vessels. A copy of the reply was ordered to be sent to the harbor-

master. From Mr F. Fulton, asking permission to use part of the shed occupied by the wharfinger for storing locally-grown tobacco for shipment.— Permission granted, subject to the premises not being required for other purposes. From the pilot, reporting a depth of lift Gin on the bar at high water slack, and that the shallowing of the bar was due to the heavy sea running on Saturday last. Also stating that the channel between the piers had deepened and been made a little wider during the laßt fresh. PROGRESS REPORT. The following report from the assistant engineer was read :— Dredging. — The dredge has been kept going steadily at the breastwork. During the latter end of la*t month one of the discharging punts capsized, and the opportunity ■was token to re-caulk the bottom. She has fince been righted, and is now being cleaned and overhauled. Bepaira. — A few sundry repairs have been made to the wharves and sheds.

Eeclamation.— The' contractor for reclaiming a portion of the inner lagoon is pro-

ceeding with his contract, and should complete the work by next month. Breakwater. --Mr M'loughlin has signed the contract for the railway formation, and is getting his plant on the ground. I THE BOARD'S BESEBVES. The Secretary stated that he had, in accordance with instructions, prepared the following list of persons occupying the Board's property without authority : — Thomaa Mansfield, residing on town section No. 544. House ia considered a nuisance by the .Board of Health, and the occupant has received notice to quit, but he lias not yet removed. John Hawkens, residing on town section No. 5-4-1. r J his occupant is old, and has lived on tho reserve about "20 years. He haß been served with a notice to quit. Blias Kobinson, residing on a reserve at the corner of James-street-., Western Spit, close to the bridge. The occupant pays rent to Benjamin Warnes, who claims the building resided in, which has been erected a number of. years. (The above sections have been submitted to lease several times at moderate rentals, but did not let.) Samuel Hanson, residing on land between the public road and high-water mark, at the Western Spit. This person, previous to building, kfid made arrangements to take a sublease of ajjortion of the survey reserve, which is leaded to Mr Johnstono, bin. withdrew with the intention of .'iving free from rent and rates. 1 lie building hrn been erected abaut three years.

.Ernrst JWif.'han, residing on land between high-water mark and the public road at the Western Spit. The present occupant, purchased the building from one Alfred Nicholson, who erected it about threo years ago, but was perfect 1 y cognisant of the position of affairs.

In reference to the question of granting leases for the reserves, I would respectfully point out (>o the Bo*rd that under the Harbors Act, 187S, (ill leu9L»9 have to be submitted to public auction or tender after two months' public notice. During tho past two years the Board have submitted several sections at, the Western Spit for lease at vovy low rentals, viz., £2 and £3 per annum, hut only one was taken up.

Mr Vautter moved that tho sections referred to in the list, be submitted to auction, at double their present upßet prices. Mr Dillon seconded tho motion. Mr Cornford could not see the utility of offering for lease sections occupied by worthies like those referred to in the report, and he would therefore move that the Board's solicitor be instructed to evict from the harbor reserves all persons occupying them without the consent of the Board. The Board had no right to let any persons occupy the public lands in this fashion, as the Board held the lands in trust for the community generally. If the sections were put up for lease without the present occupants being evicted, lessees would have to go to law to secure possession of their properties. The amendment was seconded by Mr Wardrop.

The Chairman suggested that although Mr Cornford was right in the abstract, it might be as well to adopt a milder course. Otherwise it would be regarded as a case of the " Skye Crofters," and there would be a nationalist cry about evictions raised. Mr Cornford urged that it did not matter what " cry " was raised. The Board had a duty to the public to perform, and could not do otherwise than as suggested by the amendment. If this were not done some of the occupant 3 would JBoon be setting up a legal claim to the sections, and would demand compensation for improvements effected. The reserves could not be offered to the occupants at a low rental, because the Act specified that all reserves must be put up to public auction after two months' public notice of the intention to do so. The amendment waa then put and carried. TENDERS. The Secretary stated that in accordance with instructions he had prepared an abstract of the tenders for stores received at the last meeting of the Board. The abstract waa based upon the consumption of stores during the previous year, and gave the following results in connection with this year's tenders:— W. Boyd, £180 13s Id; H. Williams, £184 17a 3d; Hardy and Sidey, £187 Is ; .Ruddock and Fryer, £192 12a lid. W. Boyd's tender was the cheapest, and hi 3 prices were very reasonable.

In answer to questions by Mr M'Vay, the Secretary explained that Hardy and Sidey's tender as aent in was the lowest. It was, however, informal, as it contained a statement that the Board must take a definite quantity of goods when ordering. It also contained a stipulation that rope should be taken by the Board at per coil, instoad of by weight. This meant a loss to the Board, as although the coils were full weight when they left the factory, they became lighter after storage, and the difference in weight amounted to about 121 bin each cwt. Upon the basis of last year's consumption the difference would amount to £10, and he had added that sum to Hardy and Sidey's tender, which waa originally £177 Is.

Mr M'Vay said that Messrs Hardy and Sidey's contention re quantity of goods was said to be due to the peculiar method of ordering sometimes adopted. An order would be sent up for say 101 bof nails, and a day or so afterwards for another 10lb, and so on. As the contractor had to deliver at the Spit, the cost of carriage eat up all possible profit, and the firm thought it reasonable to exoect th&t when nails were ordered a keg should be obtained, and so with other goods. He knew nothing of the queation of loss on the weight of rope by the coil and by the pound. After further conversational discussion, during which the opinion was expressed that tendering as carried out by public bodies was little better than a fraud, and distinguished by log-rolling and favoritism, it was decided to accept Mr Boyd'6 tender.

SWAMP RECLAMATION. The Chairman read a letter from Dr Spencer, just received, in which the writer apologised for absence from the meeting, and asked the Board to allow hiß motion re the reclamation of the lagoon to stand over till next meeting. — It was decided to let the question stand on the order paper. LOAN DEDENTUEES. A specimen oi tbo Hoard's colored lithographed debentures was sent in by Messrs Dinwiddie, Walker and Co. for approval. The opinion was generally expressed that the work waa satisfactory in every respect. ACCOUNTS. Vouchers to the amount of £571 193 9d were paßßed for payment, and the Board adjourned.