THAMES DRAINAGE BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8535, 8 April 1891, Page 6

THAMES DRAINAGE BOARD.

[from ouf. own correspondent.]

Thames, Tuesday. The monthly meeting of the above Board was held this morning, in the library room of the Fire Brigade Station. There were present: Messrs. A. Brodie (chairman),,W. S. Wilson, A. Porter, James Frater, J. McGowan, R. Comer, R. Spratt, and J. Friar Clarke. Minutes.— minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Engineer's Report.—Mr. W. H. Phillips, the engineer in charge of the pump, reported that the machinery was working well, and that the engine was working at a speed of four and a-half strokes per minute. In consequence of the old overflow boxes being full of crustation, it necessitated the procuring of timber, etc. to make new ones, which was now being done. The quality of coal supplied continued good, but the extra price made a difference of £40 per month on the working expenses. The total expenses for the month of March had been £350. During the month 267 tons of coal had been used, and there were 06 tons IS cwt on hand. Coal. —Mr. A. Porter, as one of the committee appointed to report re improving the coal supply, thought that Newcastle coal could be delivered at Thames, at a price but slightly in advance of the present cost of Kamo coal. He doubted, however, whether the present contractor could be compelled to supply Newcastle coal. In reply to a question, it was stated that Kamo coal was now costing 16s 6d, and an opinion was expressed that this was 2s too much. The Chairman said it) was just a question whether it would not be better to obtain Bay of Islands coal instead of Kamo. The former was now 20s 3d per ton.' The Secretary (Mr. D. G. McDonnell) detailed the result of a conversation with the coal contractor (Mr. Smith) on the subject, and the latter had expressed his willingness to meet the Board as far as possible. He stated, however, that Newcastle coal delivered at Thames would cost 22s 6d per ton. The matter of the price of Kamo coal rested with the Kamo Coal Company, who had not reduced the price of their coal since the strike. Several of the members expressed a desire that Newcastle coal should receive a trial, but all agreed that if any change was made it should only be through the present contractor. It was eventually resolved on the motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Wilson, "That pending satisfactory arrangements being made with the Kamo Company for the supply of coal, Bay of Islands coal be used." It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the committee previously appointed to carry out the above suggestions. Finance.The balance-sheet presented by the secretary showed that the receipts for the month, which included a balance of £51 ISs 5d brought forward from previous month were £496 18s sd, whilst the expenditure had been £311 las 2d, thus leaving a credit balance of £155 3s 3d for the month. The liabilities of the Board amounted to £805 19s lid, and its assets were £1221 10s 9d. After the passing of accounts the Board rose.