HARBOUR AFFAIRS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 6 August 1931, Page 3

HARBOUR AFFAIRS

MEETING OF NELSON BOARD BUSINESS DEALT WITH The monthly meeting of the Nelson Harbour JJoin'd was held yesterday atternoon. There were present: Messrs A. Gould (chairman), A. Drummond, G. Munson, A. 10. Max, G. T I'ncc, .L 1L JJvmit, ¥. I. Lodger, and W. G. Hailey. Captain YV. Wildinnn, senior, who is indisposed, was excused from attendance, as was a Iso Mr 11. W. Kelly. Mr Brunt, who took his seat for the first time as a Government nominee in place of Mr J. L. Brown (resigned) to represent flic fruitgrowing interests, was extended'n welcome by the chairman. In replying Mr Brunt said that as a Government nominee he recognised that it would bo his duty to assist members generally, and to help carry out the progressive policy of the Board in a broad manner. , , . The bank pass book showed: Uctiil current account, £3294 16s 9d; harbour dues, £203 5s 3d (against £450 12s 3d for the corresponding month of last year); since Ist, October, £4109 17s Id (£4975 2s 3d); monthly average, £4lO 19s 9d (£497 K!s 3d); wharf dues, £lloo Is lOd (£1045 16s Oil); wharf and harbour dues at Ma-pua, £22 2s 8d (£26 Is lid). CORRESPONDENCE Tho Marino Department notified the appointment of Mr J. 11. Brunt as a member of the Board in placo of Mr J. L. Brown. The Railway Department wrote stating Hint it had been decided after reconsideration to grant the Board a. private level crossing over ths railway near Franzcn’s Wharf, at a peppercorn rental for a term from year to year, terminable on, three months’ notice. Certain conditions were set out on which tho crossing would lie granted. It was resolved to accept the conditions. Tho secretary, Marine Department, referring to tho opinion of the Board’s solicitor regarding Mapua wharf, stated, that in tho first placo Mapua was not within the defined limits of tho Port of Nelson, and was therefore not within the Board’s jurisdiction. In the second place, oven if it were within such limits, that did not give tho Board any title or jurisdiction over tho land below lowwater mark in tho harbour, the bed of which, as well as the foreshore, was vested in the Crown. In so far, therefore, as the part of the wharf below high water mark of ordinary spring tides was concerned, a licenso must bo issued by the Governor-General to put the matter on a proper legal footing. Such a license, it was added, was of course a formal otic, and at a peppercorn rontal. The action of tho chairman In conncc. lion with tho matter was approved. Tho Nelson Provincial Progress League in forwarding its annual report and balance sheet, asked tho Board for its usual support and to appoint a representative. It was resolved to renew tho annual subscription of £SO, and that Mr Gould be tho Board’s representative. The secretary to the Treasury forwarded information concerning tho lowering of the rates of interest.

The question of obtaining estimates extending the wall at the power house was left in tho hands of the chairman and Mr Ilarlcy. Mr J. Glasgow, on behalf of boat owners and fishermen, wrote suggesting tlm erection of a slip and cradle on the Board’s property between Franzcn’s wharf and Greenslado’s wharf. It was considered by the writers that tho slip would ho a payable proposition. If the Board considered the matter the writer would be pleased to meet tho members. Tho chairman suggested that tho harbourmaster should prepare plans and estimates. Tho work could be done by the Board’s staff, and if the expenditure was reasonable he thought something might bo done. Mr Harley favoured the idea. The Board hud a. quantity of material which-' could bo used. Mr Price urged caution in .expenditure at the present Limo. Mr Manson said it might bo a source of revenue. On the motion of Mr Manson, seconded by Mr Max, tho chairman's Suggestion was adopted. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT i'he chairman reported that a good job was being made of repairing tho mole. Ho was of tho same opinion as the harbourmaster that it would not bo necessary to obtain further supplies of stone, as the material displaced could be used again. Up to the end of July £925 11s 6d had been spent on tho work and only threo chains required to bo finished. In reply to Mr Price, the chairman said Unit unless anything unforeseen! happened the job should 1m completed lor £ISOO. HARBOURMASTER’S REPORT The harbourmaster (Capt. Collins) reported “The trade of the port for tlio period ending 31st July shows a considerable decrease in tonnage compared with tho corresponding month last year. During tho month ilO vessels entered and left tho port, namely, 2 Union Co’s, steamers, Malangi 14 trips, 34 small steamers, and 30 motor vessels, having a total of 18,997 tons register against 32,024 tons for July last year. The pilot and maintenance stalls have been fully employed during the month as follows: Repairing walings and bracings along tho under structure of the main wharf (outer teo), together with repairing tho roadway approach from Franzcn’s to tho Shoil Oil Co’s, depot. The work in hand repairing the mole is making good progress, 9 chains, having been completed to date, leaving 3 chains unfinished. The above work should 1m completed about the end of this month. I wish to have authority to proceed with the work of sounding the inner and outer harbours in connection witli tho above, and would like to have the services of Mr Hoiilt until the completion of the work.” It was agreed In obtain the services of Mr Moult as requested. REPORT’ OK WHARFINGER The wharfinger (Mr J. W. Harris) reported that tho cargo received at the wharves during July totalled 6284 tons (4770 inward and 1506 out,ward), compared with 10,266 tons (8442 inward and 1824 outward) in. July, 1930. GENERAL Regarding a requisition made by tho harbourmaster for 100 eases of benzine, it was resolved to leave the mailer with the chairman and Messrs Harley and Price, ft, was indicated that there might he a drop in the price of benzine within Ihe next week or two. I he Board then rose.