SHOAL BAY CHANNEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8065, 5 October 1887, Page 6

SHOAL BAY CHANNEL.

DEPUTATION TO THE i HARBOUR

BOARD.

A deputation consisting of Messrs. W. H. Shakespeare, VV. Thome, T. Seaman, Lundon, 0. Mays, and Captain Webster, waited upon the Harbour Board yesterday with reference to the question of cutting a channel at Shoal Bay. ? if

Mr. Shakkspeare introduced the business of the deputation, and remarked that one of the members of the Board had told a lady that there was no use in the members of the deputation coming to the Board, for the latter would not help in the matter. Mr. Shakespeare thought that this was not the opinion of the majority of the members of the Board. The speaker referred to the scheme submitted by Mr. McGregor, aud which would cost £12,000, whilst it would not be undertaken for a considerable time. A scheme costing only £6000 had now been drawn up by Captain Webster, a member of the deputation, and he thought if that gentlemau'a plans were adopted the Waitemata County Council and Lake Road Board would assist the Board in carrying out the work. The Ferry Company would lay on a hue of steamers when the channel was formed, and were prepared to give a return ticket to each passenger for ninepence, threepence of this sum to be given to the local bodies who would have aided in the work. . With respect to the question of riparian rights, the Roman oatholic community were the most largely interested from this point of view, since they owned the Catholic College and 400 acres at the Lake ; but he contended that the Roman Catholics were too far-seeing and thoughtful to put any opposition in the way of the movement, because its carrying out would give a real instead of a nominal interest to their property. The speaker deprecated any idea of jealousy amongst the local bodies in the matter, and, furthermore, contended that were a plebiscite of the opinions of the people taken on the question, five-sixths of the community would nay, "Spend the money for the sake of getting an approach to one of the most charming spots in the Australasian colonies." If the Board did this work their names would be held in kindly remembrance.

Captain Webster then submitted his plan, referred to by Mr, Shakespeare, and which showed a proposed channelling up to a point at which sufficient depth would still be found for a steamer, a road to be formed from this point to the high land. The soundings taken at various positions were shown on the plan. „Mr. Shakes* kark pointed out that the cutting of the chauuel at Shoal Bay would open another line of passenger traffio for the ferry companies. With a view to the saving of time, Mr. Mays suggested that the matter be referred to a committee, who wouid meet the deputation.

The Chairman (Mr. Niccol) remarked that the funds at their disposal would not permit of the Board's undertaking a schema of this magnitude. They could, however, afford some assistance in the work.

Mr. Phillipps said that there was nothing before the Bo«rd. The deputation had not told the members what they wanted—they had not given any information on the subject. Mr. Thorne thought it was wrong that any member should say that there was nothing before the Board. He contended that a very tangible scheme had been laid before them. The northern side of the harbour as well as the southern side was under the jurisdiction of the Harbour Board, and the work raust therefore necessarily be under their control. The Birkenhead wharf had been erect-id without the raising of questions which were introduced on the present occasion, and he had yet to learn that the people of the district had contributed anything to the cost of the work.

The Chairman Then you have yet to learn. They contributed one-half the coat.

Mr. Ihoknk; I was not aware of that. The sneaker contended that there would be no difficulty in dealing with the question of riparian rights. Mr. PaiLLifPs again contended that nothing had been placed before the Board, and the Chairman agreed with him in this view, remarking that Mr. Mays had made the most sensible proposition. Mr. Phillifs moved,. "That the deputation be informed that the Harbour Board have not funds at their disposal sufficient to enable them to entertain the scheme."

Mr. Dkvork thought this motion a mistake. The deputation should be asked to lay farther information before the Board, stating what they wanted, why they wanted it, and how, in their opinion, it should be done. He thought the scheme a feasible one, and worthy of every consideration, bat farther information respecting the proposed work should be given to the members ot the Board. With reference to the question of funds, Mr. Devore pointed out that, so far as the present year was concerned, no money was available, all the funds at the disposal of the Board having been allotted for various work*. Mr. Devore moved, " That the deputation be requested to meet the Work* and Tariff Committee at a time to be appointed by the committee, when the deputation would submit all the information necessary."

Captain MoKkszib sooouded this amend* ment, and. Mr. Pniliippe' motion was withdrawn.

Mr. Clank pointed out that the matter would again have to oome before tho Board, and he therefore suggested that the deputation write to the Board upon the subject. He moved, "That the deputation be asked to formulate their request* in writing." Mr. Dkvork withdrew his motion, and that of Mr. Clark wan then carried, when the deputation withdrew, having thanked the members of tho Board for their courtesy.