MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 26 November 1938, Page 10

MOTUEKA

HARBOUR BOARD MEETING ■ QUESTION OF FRESH WATER DEPUTATION WAIT ON BOARD [From Our Own Correspondent.] The monthly meeting of the Motueka Harbour Board held yesterday afternoon was attended by Messrs C. H. Mackay (chairman), D. L. Drummond, P. B. Calder, R. P. Rowling and Horatio Everett. Apologies for absence were tendered on behalf of Messrs A. Piowling and L. B. Robinson. FINANCE Accounts amounting to £2C9 14s were presented and passed for payment, leaving a debit balance of £47 8s 4d. The Harbour Channel Restoration Loan Account showed a deficit of £1217 19s 5d or a total indebtedness to the bank of £1265 7 S 9d. CORRESPONDENCE State Advances Corporation of New Zealand wrote asking the position of the Boards’ Harbour Channel Restoration Loan £SOOO.

In a subsequent letter the manager, in reply to a communication from the Board stated that printing of the debentures was being arranged. The writer noted that 555 of the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1916, made provision for the Board to levy a rate of live farthings as security for loans raised under the act of 1905. The Board was asked to advise the position of this rate. It was presumed that it stood as security to the loan for £28,000 already raised, and that the rate of one fcuiteenth of a penny struck in 1936 represents the security for the present £SOOO only. Mrs E. James wrote stating that she* desired to bring to the notice of *llie Board the scandalous state of affairs that exist in regard to the water supply. The water was very rusty and was unfit for human consumption. It was also impossible to use the water for washing purposes. The hope was expressed that the Board see its way to rectify this matter.

On the motion of Mr Everett and the chairman it was decided that Mrs James he informed that the Board is taking action.

Mr C. E. Burchfield wrote stating that the sea was washing away the bank in Riwaka right up to the beacon light. The suggestion was made that a wall he constructed in front of the beacon otherwise the Board would have to shift the position of the beacon if something was not done. Mr Drummond was asked to report on this mutter at the next meeting. The Conservator of Forests, State Forest Service, wrote certifying that the tobacco shipped from Pongakawa, Bay of Plenty, to Messrs Buxtons Ltd., at Motueka for processing at the tobacco factory was Government property and was therefore not liable for wharfage at Motueka. This, the writer stated, would also apply when the tobacco was re-sbipp-ed at Motueka for export abroad. The secretary was requested to write the Conservator, asking particulars as to, how the tobacco iu question is Govern meut property.

The secretary, Marine Department t wrote reminding the Board that the lease of a portion of the foreshore of the Moutere Inlet, granted by the Board to Dr. V. H. Barr with the consent of the Gov-ernor-General in terms of section 138 of the Harbours’ Act, 1908, expired on the 12th January, 1937, and that if the Board desired to grant a renewal it would be necessary to apply for the consent of the Governor-General in Council under the provisions of section 148 of the Harbours Act, 1923.

On the motion of Mr Everett it was agreed that consideration of the lease he deferred for one month.

Mj- L. 11. Buchanan, organiser, South Island Travel Association, Christchurch, wrote suggesting that the Board affiliate as a member of the Association. It was stated that the only harbour hoards not giving practical support to the Association were Motueka and Nelson ; hut it was believed that the latter hoard would carry a favourable resolution at its next meeting. The work of the Association during its two years of operation had been generally recognised, but lull effect to its aims could not be given until such time made. Towards this end the writer requested that the Board give the matter favourable consideration.

It was decided, on the motion of Mr Calder and the chairman that the Board affiliate and that a subscription of £2 2s be granted.

Mr A. Traill forwarded a sketch showing the position of the sandbank and enhance channel at the time of completion of the training wall and at the present time. It was stated that developments appeared to he taking place on the lines anticipated. FOREMAN’S REPORT The foreman, Mr C. E. O'Brien, submitted the following report for the period ended 25th November: “Thirty-two boxes for concrete piles erected ; 28 pile cores spiral wound ; 21-28 feet concrete piles concreted; 7-30 feet concrete piles concreted. The 30 feet piles have been cast to replace (-28 concrete piles cast for No. 1 job.”

NEW HARBOUR WORKS "A start can be made driving the concrete piles at your convenience. Quotes for the timber and ironwork for 40 feet pile frame are now in the board’s office. The remainder of the timber required to complete the frame is on the work, and requires ripping only. A junker has been made for transporting concrete piles from beds to driving site. The ship’s boat has been painted and should be under cover. Number of men employed, four men two weeks, eight men two weeks, one foreman.” • WATER UNSUITABLE DEPUTATION TO BOARD A deputation consisting of Messrs C. L. Harvey. H. Cate and C. Blake, waited on the board in connection with the question of water supply. Mr Harvey said there was not much | complaint as regard to pressure, but the quality was beyond description. Water recently was of the consistency of coffee. At the present time the quality of the water had slightly improved. The pipes had been in use about 25 years, and had been cleaned out once. Under agreement with the board water was to be supplied. In reply to the chairman Mr Harvey said there was nothing in writing; it was read out in the condition of sale, but no one was able to produce this evidence. Mr H. Cate endorsed Mr Harvey’s remarks in regard to the unsuitability of water. Mr C. Blake stated that the water was often unfit for even household purposes. Mr Cate thought the rust was coming from the pipes. The rust, he considered, was loosened in the pipes by vibration of traffic along the road. Mr Blake expressed the opinion that the trouble lay not in the pipes but from rusty tanks. Mr Calder said there was a point on which he would like to be clear: Was the board responsible for the supply of water?*' The chairman said that he would like to see the condition of sale.

Mr Harvey contended that he had heard the conditions of s§le read out. Messrs Rankin, Lewis and Moffatt did not know where the conditions were to be found.

The chairman stated that the matter had been discussed by the Board but nothing could be done until the whole matter had been thoroughly gone into. The deputation was assured that the matter would be investigated. Mr Calder added that there was nothing in the terms of the lease to say the Board was responsible for the supply of water to residents at the Beach. It was resolved (Messrs Everett and Calder) that the Board's water tanks be flushed and cleaned out and that Mr Calder engage the necessary labour to clean the tanks and paint them. Mr Everett pointed out that there was no hard and fast agreement but residents were told that the Board intended laying pipes and that those desiring to couple up with the Board’s supply could do so. A comprehensive report dealing with the existing conditions of the fresh water supply at Port Motueka was furnished by the Harbourmaster (Mr P. G. Moffatt) for the Board’s information. It was decided that the Harbourmaster make the necessary arrangements to have noxious growths cut along the Moutere Inlet.

In connection with breastwork construction at the wharf it was agreed (Messrs R. P. Rowling and Everett) that the Works Committee meet Messrs C. Traill (Consulting Engineer) and C. O’Brien (foreman) in regard to repairs to breastwork and, if thought necessary, a special meeting of the Board be called.