HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 4049, 4 November 1874, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Board was held yesterday, in their offices, Fort-street, —Captain Daldy (chairman) presiding. Present—Messrs. Tonks, McKenzie, Macfailane, Eaton, Morton, Brett. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Hydraulic Lift.—The following letter was read upon this subject. The Chairman said that one of the firm referred to had previously indicated the spot where, in his opinion, the lift could be most conveniently constructed. But the site for a dock fixed upon was different from that, and consequently a tracing had been sent with the view of obtaining the opinion of these eminent contractors, as well as, if possible, carrying out the project. The letter, which was about to be read, gaveafurtherexpressionof theiropinion: '' Xasmanian Line Railway, Contractor's Oiiice, Hobart Town, Gth October.—Sir, — Referring to your letter of the 25th August, enclosing a tracing of proposed site for reclamation and dock, we have the honor to state that it is our opinion that a hydraulic lift could be constructed for less money on the site we proposed in our letter to you of the 31st of July than on that shewn oil the tracing you enclosed to us, as the cost of dredging in the latter case would be a largo item. At the same time a hydraulic lift could easily be constructed in the position proposed by your Board, in which case the material obtained from dredging would of course be used in reclamation. After site is decided we would have much pleasure in sending you au estimate of cost for hydraulic lift, and, if you wish it, for reclamation also.—We have, &c., Clarke, Puxcuakd, and Pikeve."—Several members enquired whether it would not still be possible to construct the lift on the east side.—The Chairman said that the Government having control of the railway would control the traffic there. The great thing was to get deep water. The letter might bo forwarded to the Minister of Public Works, with a view to see what could be done in the matter.—After some discussion it was resolved to refer the letter to the Works Committee, with a recommendation to communicate with the Government upon the subject of it.

Point Britojiart.—The following letter was real and laid on the table:—-"Public Works Office, Wellington, 21st October, 1374. — Sir, —I am directed by the Hon. Mr. Richardson to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth instant, forwarding a general tracing of the proposed form of the pier at Fort Britomart, and in reply, to forward to you a plan carrying out the general design, but slightly altered to suit the convenience of the rails, as recommended by the Engineer-in-Chief. If you adopt the Engineer-in-Chief's plan, you can proceed with the execution of the works, and Mr. Richardson's formal sanction will be sent to you as soon as your reply is received.—l have, &c., Joax Kxowles, Under Secretary."

Patent Slip.—The Secretary read the following letter.—The Chairman said this was also a subject which would involve the necessity of communicating with the General Government" Auckland, November 3, 1874.—Sir, —I beg you to make application for a site on the east side of the breakwater on which to place the patent slii>. Some time since I made a similar application, and the engineer of your Board (Mr. McDonald), I believe, surveyed the proposed site and plaus and estimated the probable cost of reclamation, with the view of my being informed at what rental the Harbour Board would grant me a lease of a picce of ground of the dimensions mentioned in my letter, but I have never received any intimation of the ultimate decision of the Board on the matter. The very great and daily increasing necessity for appliances for repairing vessels pending the construction of the projected oock, should, I think, be sufficient argument in favour of granting my requet. In the event of my application being favourably entertained, I am prepared to place the slip on the ground and have it in working order within six months from the date of my obtaining possession of the site.—lam,&c., Tnos. Niucol."—• Suveral members of the Board thought this was a work to which every facility should be given.—The Chairman said that to this project the Government might also see objection, as they would have the control of the traffic on that side.—The letter was referred to the Works Committee, with power to act.

Foreshore Survey.—The Works Committee brought up their report on this subject, recommending that a survey of the foreshore be made from Hobson-street to llardinge -street.—The Chairman said no survey between Freeman's Bay and the city of Auckland had ever been taken. The work was necessary.—The report was adopted. Debentures.—The report of the committee on this subject was brought up and read. The general cflect of the report was that the Bank of New Zealand should be empowered to sell not below par in the best market. The amount to be raised is £100,000. The committee expressed its opinion that the Board was in a position to undertake an outlay of £10,000. Steam Launch for Pilot Service. — Tenders were opened for tlio construction of this vessel and machinery. There were a good many tenders sent in, but there was considerable uncertainty as to whether the tenderers included hull and machinery or meant only one. It was resolved to accept; no tender until further information should be received. The acceptance of tenders was postponed to Friday next. Silt Basin and Intake.-—There was only one tender for emptying silt basin and carting contents to intake. The tender was for £500. The Chairman said that he had visited the silt basin, and saw the men working there. So perfect was the deodorisation that not the least inconvenience was felt; in fact, the residue was little else than minute scoria washed down. He thought this result most satisfactory. He thought the pricc tendered for exceedingly high. He thought the contents if put upon land would be worth the cost of carting it for the salt in it alone. After some conversation, the tender was declined.

Mei'llasics' Ij a v.—Tlio report of the committee upon tlio reclamation of land in Mechanics' Jiay was brought up. Tliey recommended that the space between the railway embankment and the road should be reclaimed. —It was agreed to call for tenders for this service. s

I'ixante. —General account, £190 143 Gd ; balance at the bank, ,i.'lSo'2 5s ; cash in hand, ,C 2 4 7y yd : total, L'ISJG 12s 7d. By accounts ordered to be paid, iilDO 14s 6d : balance, .CI02!) Ids Id. Cash on deposit, £2000. Moneys voted, £7437.