Whangarei Harbour Board Transactions

Northern Advocate, 25 February 1944, Page 2

Whangarei Harbour Board Transactions

The first meeting of the Whangarei Harbour Board for this year was held yesterday.

It was left with the engineer and chairman to deal with complaints that had been made of the nuisance created by visitors frequenting the beach in the vicinity ol the wharf at Whangaruru, principally during week-end and holiday periods. The engineer suggested the provision of a W.C. at a cost of £6 which in bis opinion appeared to be the only remedy. Dues for U.S. Ship

The secretary reported that the Treasury had paid the board the sum of £153 being the amount claimed for port dues and harbour improvement rate on a consignment of cement loaded at Whangarei by a United States ship. He further stated that negotiations were still proceeding regarding the claim of £742 representing dues incurred by New Zealand-owned vessels which loaded cement in the harbour. In answer to questions, the engineer said he had received further information that in regard to the outstanding claim, the cement was for the United States authorities. On the motion of Mr Hewlett the report was received and appreciation expressed of the secretary’s action in handling the matter. Sea Erosion In answer to a recent letter from the board regarding the sea erosion at Blacksmith’s Bay, the secretary, Marine Department. stated that as the reserve which adjoins the foreshore in this locality, and which is threatened by the action of the sea, is under the control of the Department of Lands and Survey, the matter had been referred to that department for reply. “The Ncok” Beacon The Whangarei Cruising Club asked the board to consider reinstatement of the pile beacon off the “Nook" at Peach Point, marking the channel leading to Parua Bay. The engineer, estimating the cost of the work at £7, stated the Harbour Master considered the re-establishment oi the beacon would be of assistance in the ; general navigation of the harbour. It was decided to carry out the work. Town Wharf Water

Estimated to cost £llO for renewal, the pipe line for the supply of water to shipping at the town wharf was leaking so badly as to require renewing, the engineer said. The installation, which was established in 1920, consists of 354 feet of two inch diameter galvanised pipe and seven hydrant valves. Three tenders were received for the work, the lowest, that of Mr G. C. Richards, for £IOB/2/- being accepted.

Pampas Grass Seedlings

Messrs A. Yates and Company forwarded a cheque for £lB4 in payment for 537,500 pampas grass seedlings at 5/- per 1000 covering the period from November 1, 1942, to December 31, 1943. The board decided to grant (he same firm the solo rights for a further three years at an increased rate of £1 for 1000 seedlings. Pointing out that a contractor would probably get an advantage in his tender by being allowed to remove gravel from the Whananaki inlet, Mr W. C. B. Powell asked the engineer if he had given the contractor such permission. The engineer replied that he had, as it had been pointed out to him the gravel .was required to facilitate the building of a school in that area. Mr Powell said that the contractor had no doubt tendered on the basis of obtaining chips through the ordinary channels. Obtaining gravel from the inlet would probably give him an advantage in his tender.

The engineer said the matter had apparently been misrepresented to him. The engineer explained that he had been appointed by the Marine Department an inspector of beaches, and in that capacity he had issued permits from time to time. The chairman said although the board cannot instruct the engineer in this matter, the board was of opinion that permits should be issued only to farmers. He considered when an application was made, the board member in the locality should be consulted. >- y The engineer said he would submit all the facts of this case to the Marine Department for further action if necessary. He would-always confer with members of the board where possible. '