NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8886, 24 May 1892, Page 6

NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday, the 11th of May. Present: Messrs. Shuttleworth, A. Kvngdon, G. W. Ganc, K. M. Smith (M.H.R.), L. Sarten, J. B. Connetfc, and F. P. Corkill. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Gane, " That Mr. Kyngdon take the chair." The minutes were read and confirmed. The Clerk said he had been unable to get the three trees, Pinus insignia, cut down and removed for the material; he was now instructed to get them removed. Petroleum Company.—Mr. Smith asked if the Petroleum Company had paid up their rent. The Clerk said another quarter s rent had fallen due hist week. Mr. Smith said something should be done if the company were not going to wgrk. He objected to the company being treated differently from any one else. Mr. Corkill said Mr. Smith was talking nonsense, as the rent was only due the other day, and not payable for three months. Mr. Smith said the Board had treated the company very leniently, and he was in favour of continuing to do so. The company had got a lease of the beach, and although the company's works were at a standstill, it certainly prevented any other company making a start. The company was only paying £50 per year, and through the company not working, it was retarding progress. There was a feeling that the syndicate was blocking the road of progress from other people. It was also to be considered that if the beach was worked, the Board would get a royalty on the products. Mr. Corkill said the company had curried out their agreement with the Board. They had three months to pay their rent in yet. Mr. Corkill could not see that the company was under any compliment to the Board. Mr. Shuttleworth thought a notice of motion would have to be given. Mr. Smith said he was under the impression that a half-year's rent was due, also they should inform the company that if they did not work the ground, he would move outside of the Board to cancel the lease, which had not been drawn out to the best interest and protection of the Board and public. After further discussion, Mr. Smith said he would give a notice of motion in due time. The following was handed in later by Mr. Smith: "That notice be sent to the Peroleum and Ironsand Company, that if the rent be not paid, and the work proceeded with, the lease will be cancelled. The New Plymouth Harbour Board consider that in common courtesy they should have been informed of their intention to proceed with the work, and, when otherwise as they consider the lease was granted to the said company, believing that they were in a position to work the deposits, and carry out the terms and conditions, and to pay the rents and royalty. If it had been thought they would, after having spent a sum of money, | stopped the works for so long a time, they would not have leased the said endowment to the said company, the Board considering that their inactivity is blocking the way of other companies, and that is the reason for moving in the matter." Mr. Corkill said if Mr. Smith had any friends, or clients, who wished to work the ironsand, lie might get them to communicate with him (Mr. Corkill), as he thought he could deal with them. Mr. Smith: Thank you. Land Reserves.—The solicitor's opinion was read in regard to the Board's liability as to the state the reserves leased by them must be left at the expiration of lease, viz., that the lessee is liable to have the land free from gorse, &c., at the expiration of the lease. The Board decided, on the motion of Mr. Gane, seconded by Mr. Connett, " That tenders be called for grubbing and clearing the gorse 011 the unoccupied portion of the native lease at Moturoa, and that Messrs. Kyngdon, Corkill, and Connett be appointed to accept tenders to close by the 25th May at four p.m., the work to be under the supervision of Mr.

Gilbank, the Board's overseer." Carried. In I speaking on the matter of the liabilities of the Board, _ as Mr. Corkill said that immediate action should Ibe taken before the furze blossomed, for if it was allowed to seed it would be much more expensive. Mr. Gane said that according to the solicitor's opinion, viz., that the land must be free from gorse and fences in good repair, he quite agreed with Mr. Corkill, and the sooner it was done the better for the Board. It would not cost much now, but if something was not done at once it would be an expensive matter. All the members expressed their views, coinciding with previous speakers. Mr. Connett said there may be some chance of leasing the land after it was cleared. — [Own Correspondent.]