AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8387, 15 October 1890, Page 6

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The Auckland Harbour Board mot yesterday. Present: Messrs. Niccol (presiding), C. C. McMillan, J. Savage, A. E. Devore, P. Dignati, W. Crowther, A. H. Nathan, C. E. Button, 1). Goldie, G. Winstone, and C. B. Stone, Captain Anderson.

Open-air Concerts.—tenant-Colonel Carre 'wrote stating that it was proposed to hold open-air concerts in Auckland, for the amusements of the inhabitants; and he asked that the first be allowed to take place on the Queen-street Wharf on the next moonlight night, when a band of music would play be-ween the hours of eight and ten p. in. The pier would be used as a promenade, and open to the public free of charge, and refreshments* would be sold, Every precaution would be token against accidents. The chairman said that Colonel Carre had spoken to him about this matter, and he seemed to be actuated by a philanthropic and worthy purpose. He wanted to stir up a little life amongst the people, who seemed, lie thought, to be "down in the dumps." There could be no objection to granting the request, although it might not be right to grant the use of the wharf continually. He wanted tho wharf only once. The application was granted. Damage.—Messrs. Devore and Cooper wrote stating that Mr. Carnio objected to their deducting the amount of the damage to the ketch Elsie from his contract money, and that if tho Board did so, Ins would take proceedings to recover it. If Stone Bros, had any claim against him ho was prepared to meet it in a Court of law. The letter was referred to the legal committee. It was resolved to pay the £2 5s claimed by the master of the cutter Weir for damages in getting the anchor of the vessel clear of a mooring. Dockini! Facilities. — Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co. sent the following extract, from a letter written by them to the Shaw, Savill and Albion Co. :— " Docking : We thank you for attention given to our note on this matter, and while we concludo that you do not deem it advisable to regularly utilise our port facilities in this way, we trust that you will recognise and encourage the action of the Harbour Board in providing and maintaining such desirable and efficient accommodation by affording such occasional patronage as may commend itself to your judgment. Such works 'as the Calliope Graving Dock are most expensive in construction and maintenance, and it cannot but be reassuring to New Zealand trading steamship-owners to know that such excellent accommodation as it affords is available at the New Zealand end of the line." The letter was received.

The Naval Depot.—An application was received from Mr. G. 11. G. Foster. Christchurch, for the post of caretaker and storekeeper at the naval depot, should it be established at the North Shoro. it was decided to reply that there is at present no vacancy. The Birkenhead Ferry.—Mr. E. J. White, secretary of the Birkenhead and Northcote Ferry Company, replied to the complaint of a resident of Chelsea that the time table was not observed. Mr. White stated that,instead of leaving before the time, the steamer was frequently delayed for a few minutes, as there were several people who came late. In regard to another charge, that the steamer sometimes did not call at Chelsea, and that notice was not given to the residents that the boat would not call, Mr. White stated that as the Chelsea wharf was out of repair, it would bo dangerous to take a steamer there in rough weather. It was decided to send a copy of the letter to Mr. McEvven, who had made the complaint. Towing.—A letter from the directors of the Auckland Tugboat Company announcing that in consequence of the death of Mr. F. E. Compton, managing director, they were disposed to sell the Awhina and Rotoiti, and retire from tho business, was withdrawn.

Storage Charges.— Captain Thomas, agent for the School for the Blind, asked that the charge for wharfage and storage, 7s, on two cases of books for that institution bo remitted. Tho application was granted. The Dkspatcii.—Messrs. Bradney and Binns invited the Chairman and members to attend a trial trip of their launch, the Despatch, on Friday next. Tho invitation was acceptod.

Coal Supplies.—Mr. Smith asked that, owing to the increase of 5s per ton in the price of coal, the Board would give him 5s per ton extra for his supplies, until the price was lowered. The application was declined.

Works and Tariff Committee.—The following recommendations wero made by the Works and Tariff Committee :—l. That tenders be called for the following works : Shell bucket for Priestman's dredger ; extension of the drain and repairs ol the roadway, Auckland dock ; repairs to breastwork of pier head, Auckland dock ; addition to shed " D," N0.&2, eastern tee, Queenstreet wharf; and cleaning, painting, and repairing buoys and beacons. '2. That the Foreman of Works be instructed to provide urinals at the outer western toe of Queen-street wharf, and at Quay-street jetty, No. 2. The report was adopted. Land for the Admiralty.—The Finance and Legal Committee recommended that in reply to the letter from the secretary of the Naval Commander in-Chief, asking the terms on which the land near the Calliope Dock would be given, Admiral Scott bo informed that the Board would be propared to give immediate possession of tho piece of land near Calliope Dock marked on an accompanying plan, and would promote the necessary legislation in next session of Parliament to enable tho reserve to be vested in the Admiralty. The recommendation was agreed to. Finance and Legal Committee.—This committee recommended:—]. That the request of Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co. for a concession in storage charges on goods stored in sheds on the wharves owing to the strike, be not complied with. 2. That, in reply to Mr. Way mouth's application for temporary occupation of an allotment at the end of Hobson-street, an allotment, 50 feet by 40 feet, be let to him temporarily at a rental of £20 per annum, payable quarterly in advance, occupation to be terminable by throe months' notice oil either side. 3. That the farther consideration of the question of advertising on wharves be deferred until June next. 4. That the draft lease and conditions of sale of allotment No. 14, Fort-street, be approved. The report was adopted. Totara Piles.—At the suggestion of the Chairman, the Board decided that instead of calling for tenders for totara piles, they would invite offers from those willing to sell, and accept any they considered suitable.

Tarring and Sanding Wharves.— Eleven tenders were received for the tarring and sanding of the wharves. That of Messrs. Knight and Towler, £45 83 sd, was accepted. The estimate of the Foreman of YVorks was £48. Breastwork. — The following tenders were received for concrete breastwork,

Quay-street:—Davidson and Co., £121 ; T. B.O'Connor, £112 ; G. Knight, £185 10s 6d ; Knghfc and Fowler, £132 ; Cleghorn and Rosier, £140 ; A. Watson, £155 ; S. Sheldon, £102 lis 8d ; J. Larkin, £119 ; Catron and lennett, £140 ; J. Furey, £124 10s. The estimate of the Foreman of Works was £112 for 100 fees. Mr. Sheldon's tender waeiaccepted.