HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9049, 9 May 1888, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon at the offices. Present: Messrs. Nathan, Winks, Niccol, Buchanan, Captain McKenzie, Messrs Stone, Devore, McKenzie, Dignan, Button. In the absence of Mr. Waddel, Mr. Niccol presided. Plans Approved Of.—A communication •was received from the Marine Department intimating that the Governor-in-Counoil had approved of the plans of the proposed additions to Victoria and Birkenhead Wharves. It was agreed, ''That tenders be invited for the work." The Kaikocra.— The local manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company wrote as follows :— " Kindly convey to your Board the thanks of this company for the concession made in dock dues in favour of s s Kaikoiira, and which we regret that we cannot avail of for her this trip, as we have already made arrangements for her docking at Lyttelton." The chairman thought the Board would have to reconsider the question of regulating the dock dues, as the present rates were now almost prohibitory. The letter was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee. The Wharf Weighbridge.— Mγ. E. T. Russell, lessee of the wharf weighbridge, wrote, asking that the rentduring the winter months be reduced to £2 per month. The present rate per month was £4, and the bridge was in constant want of repair. It was resolved to refer the letter to the Works and Tariff Committee, the arrears of rent to be paid in the meantime. Ferry Steamers' Time-table.—A letter was received from Mr. A. Alison, manager of the Devonport Ferry Company, who ■ wrote in reference to a complaint from Mr. W. J. Napier, alleging want of punctuality of the steamers of that company. Mr. Alison replied that the steamers were started as punctually as the public convenience would allow. The company gained no advantage, pecuniary or otherwise, by delaying the starting of the steamers, but, he asked, was it reasonable to expect that whilst passengers were erowding on to the boats, the lines should be cast off at the last toll of the town clock, and passengers left on shore ? To put the case plainly, was the convenience of 50 or 100 passengers to be sacrificed to suit a few selfish persons, whose only or chief object in life seemed to be to create grievances, or to gain notoriety ? During hie sojourn in the district, Mr. Napier had sent in more comElainte generally than the whole of the levonport and Auckland people combined. The Board agreed to forward a copy olf the letter to Mr. Napier. A Nuisance.—Mr. Alison, manager of the Devonport Ferry Company, wrote complaining of a nuisance at the waiting rooms at the ferry wharf. The letter was referred to the engineer, with instructions to take immediate action. Deferred. —The Works and Tariff Committee reported that the consideration of the question of regulating wheeled traffic on the wharves, and that of wharf dues on coa l_subjects referred to them at last meeting—had been deferred. Freeman's Bay Reclamation Bill.— The Finance and Legal Committee recommended that the Freeman's Bay Reclamation Bill be approved. The report was adopted. Dredoino Operation?!.—A letter was received from Captain Burgees asking for instructions in respect to the dredging operations. Captain McKenzie thought that Captain Burgess himself was the best authority as to where dredging operations should be carried out. The letter was referred to tho Works and Tariff Committee, who will confer with Captain Burgess on the subject/. The Dock Works.—Mr. McGregor forwarded an amended plan showing a road to the Calliope Dock at the rear of the reclamation. The Engineer suggested that the Board negotiate with the Admiralty for the removal of the buildings and stores from the Naval Reserve, Devonport, to the dockyard. The plan, with accompanying letter, was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee. Totara Piles.—Mr. Jno. Black wrote, requesting to be allowed to enpply fifty totara piles in terms of a contract made with the Board extending over twelve months, and which had not yet expired. The want of water in the Tarawera River during the summer months had caused a delay in t£e forwardinw of the piles. The letter was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee. In respect to Mr. Campbell's application for extension of the time of his contract, the secretary reported that the piles were now coming to hand. Berthing Vesskls.— On the motion of Mr. Niccol, it was resolved " That the Harbourmaster be instructed not to board Vessels for the purpose of berthing same, until the vessel is ab the usual anchorage ground." Mr. Stone thought that the pilot should be empowered to berth veseela ab the wharves, so as to avoid delay which at present occurs ; but no decision was come to upon the subject.