AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9437, 7 August 1889, Page 6

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The Auckland Harbour Board met yesterday. Mr. M. Niccol presided, and there were also present: Messrs. W. Crowther, J. J. Holland, P. Dignan, A. E. Devore, A. H. Nathan, J. Macfarlane, Captain Anderson, Messrs. G. Winstone, J. M. Clark, and C. B. Stone. Information.The Marine Department wrote on behalf of the hydrographer to the Admiralty, asking for certain information as to the various works in Auckland Harbour, depth of water at end of Queenstreet wharf, etc. lb was resolved to furnish the information.

Grant.—The Parnell Borough Council wrote, asking the Board to re-affirm tho grant of a roadway from St. Barnabas' Point to St. George's Bay, and .the grant of sandstone. lb was decided to reply that the offer still held good. Flax.—A letter from Mr. J. C. Cairns, asking that green flax be allowed to be landed free of harbour dues, was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee.

Arbitrator.—Mr. W. McCandlish wrote, applying for the position of arbitrator between the contractor and the Board. The letter was received.

Land at Freeman's Bay.—lb was intimated that the taking of land at Freeman's Bay had been completed, and the necessary proclamation bad. been made. Employment.—ln answer to an application from Mr. Hunt, Jan., for employment as caretaker of the Fish Market, it was resolved to reply that applications would be invited in the ordinary course. It was agreed to inform Captain Kemp, who asked for employment, that no alterations were proposed in the office staff. Advertising Contract.—Mr. \V. McCullough applied that his deposit of £10, forfeited through his advertising contractnot bavin? been complied with because of the failure of the Bell newspaper, be returned. The application was granted. Works and Tariff Committee.—The Works and Tariff Committee recommended that the Priestman's dredger No. 2 be put in working order; that the foreman* of works be instructed to report as to how the Alpha dredger and machinery can be utilised ; and that no action be taken re erection of staging from training pier to coal shed at Calliope Dock. The report was adopted. Finance and Legal Committee.—ln addition to reporting upon several matters matters of detail, this committee recommended that, iu reply to applications from lessees asking the Board to make some concessions in regard to the terms upon which they held their leases, a copy of the opinion of the Board's solicitors upon the matter should be sent to the applicants. This stated that under the present state of the Act by which the Board controlled their leaseholds, it was impossible that any relief could be given to tenants, and that the only course hereby any concessions could be obtained was promoting a Bill which should give the Board legislative authority to act in the direction desired. The report was adopted, ami the suggestion of toe solicitors concerning the obtaining of further powers regarding their leaseholds was referred to the committee to report upon. Harbourmaster's Report. — The harbourmaster submitted a draft notice to mariners re the approaches to Hobsonstreet wharf, which was approved, and instructions given for its publication iu ordinary course. Tenders.—Ten tenders for stanchions, chains, and brickwork at the Calliope Dock were opened, two being informal. That of Mr. James Furey, the lowest, was accepted. New Member.—On the motion of the Chairman, the name of Mr. James Macfarlane was added to those of members comprising the Finance Committee. Depreciation Fund. — The Chairman gave notice that at the next meeting he would move for the establishment of a depreciation and renewal fund.