OAMARU HARBOR BOARD.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7121, 25 April 1891, Page 2

OAMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the abovo Board was held yesterday, when there were present Messrs Sumpter (chairman), Holmes, Allan, Barr, Borrie, Finch, Reid, Meek, and Dunn. The minutes were read and confirmed. A letter was received from the Tiraaru Harbor Board agreeing to send a deputation to Wellington, in conjunction with the Oamaru Harbor Board, to interview tho Ministry regarding the differential railway rates. A memo of the Timaru Board's was also forwarded dealing with this question. Mr Wellman wrote saying tint ho intended to be in Oamaru in a few days with reference to placing a dredger on tho Progress. A requisition from fcho harbor master for rope, chain, etc., was passed. The Standing Committee was requested to report on the state ?of the Sumpter wharf. The Chairman said the cost of this^ work would probably amount to LI, 40C^j or L 1.500, The Secretary said the whurf had been built with bays of 30 feet between each fender pile, and it was proposed to put two fender piles in between. The Mamari had torn away some of the iron \ work of the fender piles through lifting her ancher chains and casting oft some of her warps during the recent heavy storm. Mr Holmes asked if, now that the Dunedin steamer did not call, it was necessary to keep the same staff employed at the wharves. The Secretary said the Dunedin steamer had never given the Board staff much work to do. A telegram was received from the Treasury Department asking if the Railway Department would pay over the sum of L 337 13s in payment of interest owing to Post Office Department. The Secretary said a reply had been sent dissenting from the suggestion, and asking that the money be paid over in the ordinary way. The Chairman said another month's rates were now due, which would mike the sum owing by the Railway Departinept to the Board over L5OO. It was stated that the Riilway Com* missionersweredistinctfrom the Treasury, and that they should be held responsible for the payment of the money. Tho Secretary said the Treasury had now the money — paid over by the Railway Commissioners to be forwarded to the Board. The Commissioners got 2\ por cent for collecting the money, Mr Barr moved, That the Treasury be telegraphed to demanding that the money be paid over in the usual way, and failing its being paid over a meeting be held on the 29th inst. to consider what action be taken. Seconded by Mr Reid and carried. Mr Allan thought it advisable to let the Commissioners know what the Board was doing, as the Commissioners were employed by the Board to collect the money. It was decided to acquaint the Commissioners with the intended action of the Board. It was decided on the motion of Mr Holmes, seconded by Mr Finch, " That a committee consisting of Messrs Dunn, Reid, Holmes, and the Chairman, in conjunction with the Secretary, be appointed to draw up a petition to be pre« sented to Parliament, and any bills that might be required to place the Board on a firm footing.