AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8959, 17 August 1892, Page 3

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board was held yesterday. Present: Messrs. C. C. McMillan (chairman), P. Dignan, M. Niccol, J. H. Witheford, W. Crowther, S. Thome George, J, Trenwith, E. W. Alison, T. Henderson, C. V. Houghton, and A. E. T. Devore.

Information Wanted.—The Marine Department wrote intimating that a return of Harbour Board endowments had been presented to the House of Representatives, but referred back with a view to its amendment by showing the value of the endowments on the common basis of the value at the date of grants, and also to its being extended to include the value of all grants whatsoever made to the Board." The House desired that property of every description granted either by General or Provincial Governments should be shown, and for the information, so far as regarded Auckland, the Department now applied. Thechairman stated all the information at the disposal of the Board on the subject referred to had already been supplied to the Department. The letter was referred to the Finance and Legal Committee. Northcote Ferry Fairway.—Mr. F. A. G. Cotterell wrote acknowledging receipt of the Board's intimation to him "That the fairway for Northcote ferry steamers is kept as clear as circumstances and the convenience of shipping will a lmit." He stated that he communicated with the Board on the subject at the instance of a large number of passengers using the ferry boats, who were not only dissatisfied but alarmed at the dangerous blocking up of the fairway, which until quite recently had been the rule. He submitted that "circumstances and the convenience of shipping" was no adequate consideration for which to barter public safety. Except in the case of actual war, no consideration justified the sacrifice of public safety, and he was surprised that the Board should lose sight of one of the most important objects (the public safety) for which Harbour Boards had been called into existence. All he was asking was that the harbour should be managed on the lines of some of the best ports in England, instead of on opposite lines, and that vessels should not be moored in such positions as to put ferry boats in imminent peril of colliding with them on dark nights. In conclusion he informed the Board that he held himself free to take such further steps in the interests of public safety as he might deem advisable. The letter was ordered to be received.

Offer to Purchase.—Mr. Jas. McLellan offered £30 for the Sash and Door Company's old office, near the railway bridge, on condition that he was allowed reasonable time to remove it. It was decided to offer the building for sale by auction. Works and Tariff Committee.—This committee made the following recommendations : —l. That the City Council be requested to reconsider the question of lighting Quaystreet. 2. That permission be granted to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company to lay down a siding on the south side of Quay-street, connecting with the line of rails laid down in front of the Freezing Works, rails to be laid down subject to the approval of the foreman, and to be removed at any time upon twelve months' notice. 3. That Mr. T. Thompson, M.H.R., be informed that the Board will communicate with Mr. Bell, Engineer for Defences, as to the proposed site for the torpedo launch and shed. 4. That the foreman be instructed to cause the channel to Quaystreet jetty to be dredged to a uniform depth of not less than 18 feet, the widening of the channel to be proceeded with when the dredgers are not otherwise em ployed. 5. That a shed 100 feet by 40 feet be erected on Quay-street Jetty, say 60 feet south of shed H, and that tenders be called for the work. The report was adopted, the committee to consider the advisability of calling alternate tenders for the shed on Quay-street in. diagonal wood and iron. Finance and Legal Committee.— Committee recommended as follows :— That accounts amounting to £218 lis 3d be passed for payment. 2. That the rates on the Jermyu-street property be paid. 3. That the sheds on the wharves be insured for £2000 at the lowest rates obtainable. 4. That the New Zealaud Loan and Mercantile Agency Company be informed that the Board has no power to grant sub-lessees the right to remove buildings. The report was adopted.

Naval Sites. Mr. T. Thompson, telegraphed that the Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Bill, providing for an exchange ot naval sites on the North Shore between the Board and the Admiralty had passed the Local Bills Committee, but the Defence Minister raised the objection that a torpedo shed was now on the ground, and stated he would oppose the Bill unless provision was made by granting permission to still occupy, or another suitable site granted. It was decided to reply that temporary occupation would be provided until a site was arranged for.

Tar. Licenses. — The harbourmaster reported that, Mr. Bradney admitted having towed one vessel with the steamer Te Aroha instead of one of his own steamers, and another with the s.B. Dispatch, the tug license for which had not been renewed. It was decided to institute proceedings against Mr. Bradney.

Birkenhead Jetty. — Mr. Witheford moved, in accordance with notice Riven, "That the Foreman of Works report on the necessity for the erection of a light crane and winch at Birkenhead Wharf." In support of his motion, lie presented a petition signed by 20 residents of Birkenhead, praying that a light derrick, with tackle, capable of lifting two hundredweight, should be erected in a position indicated oil an accompanying plan Mr. Dignan moved, as an amendment, " That the Foreman report as to the necessity of providing improved accommodation for landing goods at the Birkenhead Wharf." The amendment was carried.