THE DOMAIN BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2906, 22 May 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE DOMAIN BOARD.

Ike ordinary meeting of this Board was h-'ul at noon yesterday, at the City Council chambers. Present His Honor tho Superintendent (in the chair), and Messrs. P. A. philips. W. II- Kissling, George, Mitford, F. D. Fenton, and T. Heule. MISXTTES. —The minutes of the last meetwere read and confirmed. SurrLY. — Mr. Kissling read the following report en this subject " Report nf the sub-committee of the Domain Board, appointed to confer with tho proTiucial authorities as to tho water supply from the Domain: Your committee having met tho members of the Provincial Government, and conferred with them upon the subject of the Domain water supply, have to report that they found the Superintendent and his Executive willing to meet the Board iu a fair and amicable spirit, and have come to the following agreement, subject to the approval of tho Board, namely, that a lease be granted to his Honor the Superintendent, on behalf of the province, of the Domain water reservoir, and a ri"ht to lay down pipes to tho western boundary of the Domain, at an annual rental of £100, for a term of five years, with a right of renewal for another five years at the expiration of the first term. Auckland, May 9, 1573. George M. Mitford, W. H. Kissling."—Mr. Kissling moved the adoption of the report, seconded by Mr. Mitford. His Ilonor the Superintendent said before anv discussion took place on tho subject ho considered it hia duty to make an explanation. It had been understood that the Provincial Government had no authority for using tho water supply in the Domain. lie could only say that some years ago plans were prepared by Mr. Wearer, and were sent to the General Government. They were then examined bv Colonel Mouie, and the General Government recommended that the Provincial Government should have the use of the water at the nominal sum of a shilling per annum. Mr. Stafford afterwards gave permission to the province to use tho water, but said nothing about the shilling rental. With ward to the Provincial Government, it was said that they had given no definite reply to the City Council. Ho was in a position to state that a deputation from the City Council had waited upon himself and Executive. The deputation had been informed that they could have the water-works for £3000. ile stated this as a positive fact. It had been said that the Provincial Government would make no oiler in the matter.— Tl e Mayor said, to the best of his recollection no such "offer had been made. No price was mentioned, nor was the Government prepared to go into thequestion of figures. He admitted that His Honor and the Executive had stated that it was desirable a change should take place, and that they would recommend the matter to the Council. He had no wish to contradict His Honor.—The Chairman said the members of the Executive were present at the time. —The Mayor remarked that in the City Council records, which recited what hud taken place at the deputation in question, there was not a word about any sum being mentioned by tho Government. After some further remarks, Mr. Philips moved, "lhat the consideration of the committee's report be adjourned until a reply had bei'n received from the City Council as to what they would ofier the Domain Board forleasius their property. " His Worship then read the following letter, which had been forwarded to the Domain Board : — " City Council of Auckland. Auckland, Sth May, 1573. Referring to the discussion that took place yesterday at the monthly meeting, it mav be inferred from the remarks

of the chairman that an offer had been made for the City Council to purchase the Domain water-works from the Provincial Government. Now, I wish it to be distinctly understood, and stated in the minutes, that there is no record of any such offer, nor am I aware of one ever having been made. During the last session of the Provincial Council a deputation was appointed to wait on his Honor the Superintendent, with a view to negotiating the purchase of the water-works, and His Honor promised to bring the matter under the notice of the Provinci-.il Council. He did not do so, and no further action was taken by the Provincial Government in the

matter; but a member of the Executive intimated privately to several of the Councillors that the supply could be purchased for | some few thousands of pounds. Before any permanent engagements are entered iuto by the Domain Board with the Provincial Government, in the matter of the water supply, I will be glad, on behalf of the City Council, to learn if your Board will be prepared to lease the water-works in the Domain to the Corporation, and on what terms, provided that this Council can arrange with the Provincial Government for the transfer of their interest for a moderate sum. —I am, &c., P. A. Philips, Mayor." — Mr. Fenton thought the whole of the correpondence ought to be seen.—Mr. Heale thought the only question for them to consider was, what was the rent they were prepared to takr, and to say to both City Council and Provincial Government, —Gentlemen, we will favour none of you ; the water is open to the highest bidder, if you can arrange between yourselves.—Mr. Mitford said they must remember that the .Provincial •Government were in possession, and could iut be ejected without violent measures being adopted. He hoped the report would be adopted.—Mr. Fenton thought they ought to eee the papers to which the chairman had referred. If he did so, he should be of a very different opinion to what lie was at the last meeting.—Mr. Philips again stated that no specific sum had been mentioned at the depu-

tation referred to. He read a report from one of the City Council books to show this was so.—His Honor the Superintendent again reiterated his remarks.—Mr. Philips opposed the report of the committee.—Mr. KissliDg thought that that. Board ought not to interfere in a quarrel, if he might so term it, between the City Council and the Provincial Government. Tliey had nothing to do with that. What they had to consider was, would they be justified in leasing this water for the •3um of £100. —Mr. Kissiing explained the Action of the Provincial Government, and stated that they had gone to great expense.—The Mayor: " Yes ; City money."—The Superintendent: " Not one farthing of it" —Mr. Fenton asked the chairman—who had two votes, a casting one and a deliberative one—to allow them to Bee the papers. This could be done by his voting for thte adjournment. His (the speaker's) vote would be influenced by the papers.—The Superintendent expluiued that the papers be had referred to were destroyed at the late £ro, but he had telegraphed to Wellington for copies of them. If they would affect the question at all, he would do as Mr. Fenton wished him, but he did not see that the question would be affected by them. The question was, was the proposal made by the committee a fair one for all .parties? The report showed that it was. His Honor then explained the expenses and receipts of the Government in reference to the water supply. The question of right should not bo considered at all, for if any future Provincial Government founded lights upon-slight honorable understandings with the General Government, it might become even more bonncible tkan the present one. —Mr. Fenton : : "Very questionable." (Laughter.) After some discussion, the question was adjourned for a fortnight.—Mr. Fenton moved, " That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to communicate,to the Board whatever evidence His Honor aas as to the terms of the arrangement with the Government, under the authority of the water-works were executed." —In reference to a letter from the itev. D. Bruce, on the subject of certain allotments in the possession of this Bourd, the matter was referred to a .committee to report upon. This was all tbe business, and the Board adjourned.

uajnk: bktukns. I'll v followirg is a general statement of the liabilities and assets of the under-mentioned Banks in the Colony of New Zealand, for the quarter ende.l 31 -1 March, 1573 :— BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. LIABILITIES. j

PBEicniNG.—" I said there is a strong feeling in some minds that clergymen ought to preach doctrine, and not be too personal j the people were to apply the doctrine for themselves. I heard the other day of a young Dissenting minister who was invited on trial to preach to a new congregation. His ficst sermon was a fresh, glowing sermon; he believed iu the reformation of his fellowcreatures, and now that he had before him a set of ruen and women whose failures and weaknesses he could pretty well guess, he proposed to set I,hem right; so he told them that they must not drink and must not lie, and they must not backbite; in short, he detailed all the bad things on they were doing every day. He had these things on his heart to say, and he said, them out boldly, and as he came down from the pulpit he felt tolerably satisfied with himself and hie sermon. But aa influential deacon in the vestry sharply reprimanded him, and told him that it was not what they wanted ; they did not want to be exposed, to be condemned, aad this by a presumptuous young man; and the angry senior Christian wound up with a famouß piece of advice. * Stick to the doctrine, man, stick to the doctrine ; that can never do anybody any harm,' He might have added, 'Nor any good either'; so long as you are not ullowed to show where your doctrines impinge on the practice of daily life your dastrine vrill be a windbag, as sounding brass and 1 a tinkling cymbal."—Rev. W. H. Haweis.

HARBOUR BOARD. The usual fortnightly meeting of the members of tho Auckland Harbour Board was held on Tuesday afternoon. Present: Captain Daldy (in the chair), and Messrs. W. Eaton, H. Niccol, Thomas Williams, OT. S. McKellar, J. Cruickthank, J. S. Macfarlane, H. Isaacs, P. A. Philips, J. T. Boylan, Yon der Heyde, and W. H. Kissling. St. Geoegb's Bat.—A letter was read from Mr. Herbert Ashton, tho agent to Mr. Dilworth, asking for the Harbour Board to contribute towards the expense of a wooden breakwater and pathway in St. George's Bay, to prevent the sea from washing away his (Mr. Dilworth's) property. —Tho letter wan referred to the Works Committee.

The Natives Again.—A letter -was read from tho Hon. Donald McLean, Btating that the Government did not care to hand over tho laud in Mechanics' and Freeman's Bay (which was now set apart for native uses,) to the Harbour Board.—The Chairman stated that the Board would set apart a place in Mechanics' Bay, near the culvert, where tho natives could land their produce. — Mr. Cruickshank said he was opposed to giving any concession to the natives.—Mr. McKellar thought the Board should make some provision for them. They had been dispossessed of their market-place by the Board, and had been driven from place to place.—Mr. Cruickshank thought they should be treated the same as white men. The Native Department should take seme stalls in the new market place for their uso. —The Chairman romarked that they could hardly take their canoes there.—Ultimately, the matter was reforred to the Endowment Committee, to set apart a place in Mechanics' Bay, for tho temporary use of the natives. Landing Guxpowdeh.—A letter was read from Captain Burgess, Chief Harbourmaster, stating that tho place set apart by the Act for landing gunpowder, was now shut out by the railway embankment. Tho matter was referred to the Endowment Committee, to arrange about a fresh landing-place. ArrLicatiox. —A letter from Mr. Brown, tho water contractor, asking permission to place his hose, &c., in a box on the North Shore ferry tee, was referred to tho Wharf Committee. Extension of Time.— A letter from Messrs. Deiupsey and Co., asking to have their contract for tho reclamation of Freeman's Bay extended, was referred to the Works Committee, with power to act.

Dock Accommodation. —The report of the committee on this subject, which was laid upon the table at the previous meeting, was again brought up. It was published in our lust week's issue.—Tho Chairman suggested that tho report should be referred back to the committoe, nB some additional information had been received siuce tho last meeting. But at the same time ho should like to hear some discussion on tho subject—some expression of opinion. He had seen Mr. McGregor, the engineer from Dunedin, and in tho course of conversation had suggested that ho should send iu a report to tho Board. But the report had not yet urrived, although it was expected every minute. The subject was one of the utmost importance ; it had been talked about for the last twelve months, and it waß quite timo that something was done. The plans had been before tho Board for a fort-

night or three weeks. Air. McGregor had been round the different bays, and had made a thorough examination for himself, and ho (tho Chairman) had hoped that his report would have been laid before the present meeting.—The Mayor said there seemed a great difference of opinion on the subjectof theso docks. His own impression tvas, that they should build a dock that would meob the ordinary requirements of the port. If a small dock was built vessols of average size would still have to be sent away. What thoy wanted was a dock to accommodate good-sized vessels. Small vessels vrere placed upon tho slip or the hard, and found no difficulty in getting cleaned. He thought that a dock with twelve or fifteen feet of water on tho gate would meet all their present requirements. The plan laid before them was not on a sufficiently largo scale. 250 feet was too short for a dock for thi3 place ; it should be 300 feet. A dock of these dimensions would meet the requirements of the port for some tinio to coiue.—The Chairman said tho evidence of Captain Fairchild, of the p.s. Luna, had been takeu on the subject of docks. —The Secretary then read the paper. —Captain Fairchild described the Dunedin dock. It was a very costly one, and very expensive for vessels to go in. It took eight houra to pump it out, and only one vessel could be in at a time. It was altogether too large for practical purposes, and did not pay. Ho recommended a dock 200 feet long; and when necessary, another, and a larger dock, could bo built alongside of it. At one time he had believed in a large dock, but ho had altered his opinion now. —CaptainDaldyaaid the class of ships for which they must particularly provide, were the general average of ships coming out here, few of which exceeded 1000 tons. The docks proposed to be built would be suitable for any vesßel that had come here of late years, except tho Bulwark and Albiou for depth, and the Parsee for length._ But these were exceptional C4BCB. If a dock was made to pay the money upent, it would be a good outlay ; if it did not answer this requirement it would be an incubus.— Mr. Boylan said he wanted to get information. For his part ho was guided by the evidence, which went to show that a large dock was useless to small vessels, the expenses of pumping-oui, &c., were too great to allow of such vessels availing themselves of the accommodation. If this were correct, their object would not be attained without two docks. It was a mistake to suppose a large dock would do a Btnall business. 'j['be Chairman said the small vessels could not afford to pay tho charges. He referred to a statement Captain Fairchild had made, that comparatively few English ships went into dock at Dunedin, in consequence of the excessively high charges.—Mr. J. Cruickshank thought they did not want a dock of more than 10 feet. —Mr. Yon der Heydo said they would, in that case, only have to pump-out five feet, which was really £■ mutter not worth consideration. It had been stated that small vessels could not nrail them-

selves of u large dock. He had often seen small vessels in such a one. Ho had only lately seen a small steamer in Maud's dock, in Sydney, just after the Barodu, a 2500 ton vessel, hud eomo out. He saw no difficulty whatever in small vessels using largo docks. It was done in Sydney and other parts of the world, and it could be done here. But if they borrowed £100,000, that would not all be spent in their time. If they borrowed such a sum oa that, they should look fifty, or even one hundred years ahead. (Laughter.) He did not consider it right that they should think only of the present generation.—■ At this stage of the proceedings, Captain Daldy said he had just received the promised report of Mr- McGregor. This was then read by Mr. Brigham, the secretary. Ihe report was to the following effeot: —Mr. McGregor had made a vpry careful examination on both sides of the Breakwater. He considered the Weßtern side was the most suitable for • graving-dock, which would have to be constructed in a substantial manner, looking to the probable future requirements of the port, and these should always be kept in view. From the position of the harbour, and its many natural advantages,he thought they should not build either a. very large or a very small dock. He was of opinion that one of the following dimensions would be the most suitable: — length, 300 feet; breadth, 50 feot; and ] depth of water on sill at entrance, 16 feet. The depth of water on the sill available in I neap tides would bo 13 feet 3 inches, and in spring tides, 16 feet. From information he had obtained, enquiries he had made, and assistance he had received from Mr. McDonald, the Board's engineer, he estimated the cost of such a doek as he had referred to at £55,000. he Breakwater aits had seme advantages in

point, of cost, or construction in the first instance. He recommended that no more reclamation than necessary Bhould go on on the western sido during the construction of the dock. The formation of the harbour would make the construction of a dock a simple matter, but in consequence of the expense of the stone—somewhat costly.—Mr. Henry Niccol bad no hesitation in saying that Mr. McGregor's report was the most sensible he had yet heard. With regard to the Dunedin dock, the reason why it took so long to pump out was because it leaked. Tho largest dock there was, if in proper order, could be pumped out in an hour or an hour and a-half.—Mr. Isaacs thought the report was the best that had been placed before them. It was a great mistake to confine their ideas to a Bmall dock. Larger vessels would by-and-by take the place of the class of ships which at present visited this port. —Mr. Boylan asked if small vessels usually went into a large dock ?—Mr. Niccol said ho had seen a 50 ton and a 1000 ton vessel iu a dock at the same time. With regard to the expense, tho charges of the Dunedin clock were made by the ton. —Some further discussion ensued.—-Mr. H. S. McKellar said, tho dock must be at the Breakwater according to the Act.—Captain Daldy observed that the question would arise whether the House would so alter the Act as to enable them to spend a portion of the money in reclamations. —After some further observations, the report was reforred back to the committee, to bring up again at tho next meeting. Mechanics' Bat.—The report of the committee on tho subject of Mechanics' Bay recommendod that the allotments bo extended 50 feet.—The report was adopted. Accounts. — The monthly accounts were brought up, and ordered to bo paid. Resolution.—The Chuirman laid the resolution recently passed at the Mechanics' Institute, on the subject of amending the Harbour Board Act, before the meeting.

The Artesian Well. — The Chairman stated that tho boring had gone down 300 feet. —The Board authorised the work to be proceeded with for another 50 feet. Committees. —Capt. Daldy moved, " That a committee, consisting of Messrs. Boylan, J. S. Macfarlane, Philips, McKellar, Kissling, and the mover, be appointed to consider the working of the Harbour Board Act, 1871, and to suggest amendments thereon." Agreod to. —Captain Daldy moved, " That the names of Messrs. Eatou and Macfarlane be added to the Works Committee, in place of those of Maeready and Joneß." Agreed to.— Captain Daldy moved, "That tho names of Messrs. J. S. Macfarlane and Kisßling, be added to the Endowment Committee, in the place of Messrs. Jones and Maeready." Agreed to. Chains on the Wharf. —Mr. Philips moved, " That a chain or rail be placed from the wharf entrance in Queen-street, down the right-hand aide, as far as the watermen's steps, and that those allotments adjoining Mr. Walksr's, on the left-hand side, be fenced." Seconded by Mr. Williams. The motion was lost after some discussion. This was all the business.

£ s. d. Notes in circulation. ... 346,266 0 4 Bills in circulation... ... 18,7S1 6 5 Bulances due to other Banks 2,232 2 5 Deposits— Government ... ... 508,619 16 1 Not bearing interest ... 1,146,681 4 4 Bearing interest... ... 464,435 2 2 Total liabilities ...£2,4S7,015 11 0 ASSETS. Coined gold and silver, and other coined metals ... 438,416 13 1 Gold and silver iu bullion or bars ... ... ••• 148,536 15 7 Notes and bills of other Banks 7,976 14 10 Balances due from other Banks 8,700 13 4 Landed property ... 23,196 8 6 Notes and bills discounted... 762,347 8 8 Colonial Government securities 150,292 6 2 Debts duo to the Bank ... 1,057,312 6 7 Securities not included under other heads ... ... 269,118 7 6 Total assets ...£2,865,977 14 3 UNION BANE OF AUSTRALIA. LIABILITIES, £ S. tl. Notes in circulation ... 119,522 3 9 Bills in circulation... ... 13,916 1 6 Balances due to other Banks 23 5 3 Deposits— Government ... ••• 2 6S 1 6 Not bearing interest ... 598,7(33. 4 4 Bearing interest... ... 420,7S5 2 11 Total liabilities ...£1,153,275 19 3 ASSETS. Coined gold and silver, and other coined metals ... 341,462 11 2 Gold and silver in bullion or bars 25.45S 18 7 Notes audbills of otlierBanks 2,521 15 2 Balances due from other Banks 7,484 5 3 Landed property 45,000 0 0 Notes and bills discounted... 297,361 12 3 Debts due to the Bank ... 425,972 3 5 Securities not included under other heads ... ... 7,302 4 0

Totitl assets £1,152,563 9 10 j BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES. liabilities. £ s. d. Notes in circulation ... 104,960 13 10 Bills in circulation... •• 1,603 17 5 Balances clue to other Banks 11,317 7 4 Deposits— Not bea.-iug interest ... 322,S32 8 0 Bearing interest... ... 297,597 15 2 Total liabilities ... £733,312 1 9 ASSETS. Coined gold and silver, and other coined metals ... 1S4,229 15 2 Gold and silver in bullion or bars ... ... ... 67,757 0 8 Notes and bills of otherBanks 2,112 1-1 9 Balances due from other Banks 13,713 17 3 Landed property ... ... 22,911 0 1 Notes and bills discounted 261,4-19 0 8 Debts due to the Bank ... 293,577 9 10 Securities not included under other heads ... ... 100,07S 7 S Total assets £918,892 6 1 BANK OF AUSTRALASIA. LIABILITIES. £ 9. d. Notes in circulation ... 45,110 12 4 Bills in circulation... ... 3,035 6 0 Deposits— Government ... ... 131,676 8 8 Not bearing interest ... 132,526 16 9 ! Bearing interest ... ... 90,392 7 2 Total liabilities ... £402,741 10 11 ASSETS. Coined gold and silver, and other coined metals ... 187,661 0 0 Gold and silver in bullion or bars ... ... ... 6,772 11 10 Notes and bills of otherBanks 471 12 2 Landed, property ... ... 31,360 13 10 Notes and bills discounted... 213,671 6 0 Debts due to the Bank ... 108,422 3 6 Securities not includedundor other heads ... ... 4,206 11 5

Total assets... ... £552,5b'5 18 0 BA_N"K OF OTAGO (LIMITED). LIABILITIES. £ 3. d. Notes in circulation ... 58,171 7 9 Balances due to other Banks S,515 7 11 Deposits— Not bearing interest ... 131,306 1 1 Bearing interest... ... 93,511 1 8 Total liabilities ... £201,500 18 5 ASSETS. Coined gold and silver, and other coined metals ... 81,518 3 7 Gold and silver in bullion or bars 37,301 5 10 Notes and bills of other Banka 3,445 9 2 Balances due from other Banka 23,157 1 5 Landed property ... ... 34,551 4 5 Notes and bills discounted... 143,322 11 6 Debts due to the Bank ... 230,325 7 3 Total assets... ... £553,621 3 2 NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED). LIABILITIES. £ B. d. Bills in circulation... ... 25 0 0 Deposits— Not bearing interest ... 6,778 15 6 Total liabilities ... £6,803 15 6 ASSETS. Coined gold and Bilver, and other coined metal ... 7,748 12 3 Balances due from other Banka 33,670 1 1 Notes and bills discounted 1,540 0 0 Debts due to the Bank ... 100 0 0 Securities not included under other heads ... ... 3G0 11 3 Total assets £43,419 4 7