AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9328, 11 October 1893, Page 6

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

An ordinary meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was held yesterday, when there were present: Mr. W. Crowther (chairman), Messrs. A. Porter, Henderson, U. V. Houghton, Farrell, Wright, McCabe, E. W. Alison, M. Niccol, Witheford, and Devore. Landing of Cattle.—A letter was received from Mr. E. Hall, secretary of the Auckland Provincial Agricultural Association, calling attention to the fact that no convenient public landingplace for cattle existed. Could not, was asked, some place convenient to the markets be set aside for the purpose ': In the course of a short discussion Mr. Porter said he had seen some of those interested, and they considered it absolutely necessary something should be done. The Chairman : At present I do not think our trade would warrant spending the money. Mr. Devore: It would make a trade. Eventually the matter was left to the Works and Tariff Committee.

Land Tkansfkk.— The form of transfer for execution was sent by Messrs. Russell and Campbell, of a small plot of 16 perches of land proposed to be transferred from the Bonrdto the Borough of Devonport. Messrs. Russell and Campbell stated they had pointed out an apparent discrepancy in the plan and the description in the Empowering Act to the District. Land Registrar, and he was satisfied the land and description in the transfer was substantially correct. The Board's seal was attached to the deed.

Works and Tariff Committee.—This committee recommended as follows : — "That tenders be invited for leasing the reserve at Shoal Bay upon the following condition?, viz., (1) that the property shall be kept clear of gorse, (2) that the term of lease be 21 years, (3) tenderer to state rental he is prepared to pay at per annum payable quarterly in advance ; that facilities be given to Messrs. McGlashan, Mitchell, and others to utilise the wharf at Calliope Dockyard upon their depositing one-half the costs of the expense necessary to render the wharf available for traffic, and for providing the necessary fences; that this committee having carefully considered the application of Messrs. Brown, Barrett, Macky, Logan, and Co., and others for concessions in storage charges cannot recommend that the request be granted; that this committee recognises the importance of extending Quay-street jetty, and is of opinion that the work should be proceeded with when the necessary funds are available.' In reference to the wharf at Calliope Dock, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by the Chairman, that the clerk of works furnish an estimate of the works contemplated, a copy to be supplied to the petitioner?, to see if they would or would not contribute. As to the storage charges, Mr. Porter thought it should be known that if the concessions asked for were granted, half the revenue now collected would be • lost, and the Board's finances would not stand it. Mr. Niccol said there was a further reason—the fact that goods became liable was an incentive to their removal. The recommendations of the committee were agreed to. Special Committee : The consideration of matters in connection with berthage accommodation, etc., was deferred until next meeting of the committee. Agreed to. 0 FIN'ATCCK AND Legal G'OMMITTKE.— This committee recommended amongst other things, as follows :—That the rental of allotment. No. 33, Customs-street West, occupied by the Kauri Timber Company, be £40 per annum, from Ist September, 1893 ; 'hat Mr. Hildreth and Messrs. Baker Bros.' implication for reduction of rent of allotment 74, Customs-street West, be : declined ; that Messrs. Russell and Campbell be informed that the Board does not consider it expedient to give consent to •mortgage Auckland Rowing Club land to • Mr. Lech'nerhara ; that the consideration re letter to Admiralty re Calliope Dock be deferred. Agreed to. Statement of Funds.—Balance in bank, - £9087 17s 3d : cash on hand, £7 153 lOd : ' total, £9095 13s Is. Accounts ordered to be paid, £327 5» 6d ; accounts ordered to . be paid, interest, and exchange, £3808 fls: total, £4133 10s 6d. Balance, £4962 2s 7d. Tenders.— Tenders for blue stone pitching at . Calliope Dock were received as follows Sheldon, £280 10s; W. .1. Cameron, £343 ; W. Hill, £329; J. Fergusson, £375. The lowest tender was £100 more than the estimate, and the clerk of the works recommended the Board to do the work themselves. Mr. Porter advocated more complete works than those contemplated, and moved that the work be done in accordance with the original speci- . fications. This was agreed to, tender* to •be called for. " ' ■" . A Dangekoos Place.—Mr. Jos. Craig, . of the Flagstaff Hotel, drew attention to ■ the condition of the Victoria steps, North 5 Shore. Something, he said, should be . done to avoid any accident such as had befallen him on the J9th ult. An extra .light handrail, or the painting of the platform white, would be something in the right direction. Mr. Niccol said Mr. Craig's accident was not the only one that had occurred at the place. He moved "That provision be made for lighting the rlanding-steps at the wharf named, either by moving one of the existing lamps, or supplying another." Agreed to.■ Other business is reported elsewhere.