HARBOUR BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1937, Page 4

HARBOUR BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING HELD. 0 The monthly meeting* of the Hokitika Harbour Hoard was held yesterc* .day at 5 p.m., .when there were present Messrs J. J. Mclntosh (chairL. Michel, F. Ross, W. E. 1* Richards, E. W. Heenan, and the sec--11 rotary. ,0 In the absence of Mr M. Houston (chairman) Mr J. J. Mclntosh was 11 voted to the chair. The minutes of tho )r previous meeting were read and con- > firmed, and outward correspondence approved. - , INWARD CORRESPONDENCE From J. O’Brien, M.P., re the employment of registered unemployed at present idle, on local bodies works, etc., enquiring if the Harbour Board had any work it could put in hand in this connection, and notifying the De--1 partment’s preparation to offer a sub--3 sidy of £3 to £l Received. Mr Heenan suggested that in view 1 of the apparent shoaling of the river which was oecoming a definite menace to the berthage would not -the "Board bo wise to take opportunity of the j offer while it lasted and purchase. r some necessary and effective equip-, ment, in an endeavour to check tne, danger. He had been informed that, v the gravel could be shifted at a cost of Is per yard. The chairman said he was of the opinion that the only effective means to keep a good channel running alongside the whart was to allow more water to enter the present stream from the top end. Although, he stated, there was a feeling that should this be done, and a heavy flood result the town would perhaps be seriously flooded, lie did not think this was likely. Mr Richards !! said the j Board had been advised .by the engint eer not to divert the nver into the - shipping channel, since should a flood ' occur while the river was still finding l its level, serious damage might re- ■ suit to the town and the Board by its / action might be held responsible. He . contended that they should not interfere with the natural conditions at - present existing. After some considerable discussion had elapsed and the Board’s financial position was disclosed, it was decided that a reply he sent to the Department, stating the Board’s position, and that although there was work requiring immediate atienticn, the Board’s financial means would not permit of the purchase of the necessary equipment and the ein- . ployment ol semi-skilled men necesi sarv. From the Under-Secretary of Internal Affairs, asking for the amount of the Board’s contribution ..to : the N.Z. Centennial Exhibition.—Received. A reply had been sent by the sec-, retarv, notifying the Board had contributed £lO which had been handed to the Borough Council. From J. O’Brien, M.P., re extension of training wall, and advising tho Board that a report had been received from the IMV.D., and also that the qvestion of sea erosion was being I kept in view.—Received. I From Secretary of the High Commissioner, acknowledging receipt of Board’s bahince sheet. —Received. From Harbour Employers’ Union, re Employment Award, and asking if Board desired to become a member ! of the Union the entrance fee being os, and. subscription £2 2s. —Received. It was stated that Mr M. Houston (chairman) had notified the Union of the Board’s desire to become a member, tnd this action was approved. From Minister of Internal Affairs, re local bill and local registration.— Received. , From the signalman, reporting that tho channel ivus running out in a N.W. direction. There was 8 to 9 feet of water on the her, and the channel was narrow and difficult to navigate, being navigable only under smooth conditions. The river was 2 feet below j normal, due to the heavy frosts. Then* was no hope of improvement 'of the channel unless a fresh occurred.—Received. From J. Bunt, re Westland Box Factory exchange.—Received. It was resolved that the seal of the Board be affixed to the transfer of tho release, and the assignment approved. I Accounts amounting to £G9 5s 6d ! were passed for payment. It was moved by Mr Michel and seconded by Mr Ross, and carried, that the usual rates be levied with, discount same as that '.connection with local bodies. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated proceedings, and the meeti ing rose at 6 p.m.