AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10034, 22 January 1896, Page 6

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The regular meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was held yesterday. Present : Mr. M. Niccol (chairman), Messrs. Napier, Thorne, Holland (Mayor of Auckland), Craig, Farrell, Devore, and Bell,

Notices to Mariners,—Notifications were received from the Governments of Bombay, Bengal, etc., and it was agreed to give them the usual publicity. Sailing BoATs.-Mr. W. T. Glasgow, secretary of the Marine Department, Wellington, wrote conveying the opinion of the Minister of Marine that it would be advisable that licenses for boats and vessels to ply for hire should be issued subject to the condition that the owner shall keep lifebelts or cork cushions for hire, so that persons who i take the boats may be able to keep afloat in event of an accident. The recommendation arose out of the verdict of a jury on the death of William Fiddes, in Otago Harbour The Chairman said that the accidents which had occurred around Auckland were in outdistricts where the Board had no control. It was agreed to refer the letter to the Works and Tariff Committee. Freeman's BTV.-The Town Clerk wrote that the Legal Committee of the Council were desirous of meeting a committee of the Board to discuss the matter of the Freeman's Bay reclamation. The chairman said there seemed to be a misapprehension as to the state of affairs. The Council should first pass a resolution expressing a willingness to buy. He moved, " That the Town Clerk be informed the Board was still waiting a reply to the letter of the 27th November." The Thames TRADE.-Mr. C. Rauson, manager of the Northern Steamship Company, again asked that the shed used by the Thames and Coromandel steamers should be enlarged, and he also asked that they should have more room for receiving cargo, etc., and greater facilities, and that their wharf office might be enlarged as they were cramped for room there. The chairman said that something was necessary. Owing to the want of room the clerks had to work night and day. Be moved that the letter be referred to the Works and Tariff Committee, and that Mr. Ranson be requested to attend the meeting of committee. Garsed v. Stone Bros, and the Board. —In this case the S.M. had given judgment for the plaintiff, and refused to allow costs to the Board. Mr. Campbell, the Board's solicitor, pointed out that the magistrate had condemned the great want of suverrision over goods passed through the Harbour Board sheds. In making his remarks, the magistrate said he desired it to be understood that he made no reflection on the Board's officers. The claim in this case was to recover damages for the loss of a sprayer through the negligence of the defendants. The letter was received, and its consideration was deferred.

Leave of Absence.— John Fisher, of Mount Victoria Signal Station, asked for three months' leave of absence, undertaking to provide an efficient man to take his place, and at his expense. It was agreed to allow one month's leave of absence, and that the Board pay the substitute for that time, Mr. Fisher to pay his substitute for the remaining two mouths. Berthing Rate.— Brothers and Co., agents for the b.s. Star of Victoria, applied for a remission of the berthing rate, as in the absence of the Harbourmaster, the cabtain brought his ship alongside without the assistance of Captain Duder. An explanation was received from Captain Dudcr, who said that on the occasion in question, he was at Calliope Dock in response to a telephono message. After some discussion, the letter was referred to the Finance Commit-

Partv Wall.—Mr. J. M. Qeddis wrote asking the Board to define the position in regard to a party wall in Customs-street. The Chairman explained the position, and said plans were already ready for the erection of the new building. Referred to the Finance and Legal Committee. Leave of Absbkce.-Od. his application, leave of absence was granted to Mr. 6. IS, Kissliug for a month. Offer to Purchase.—G. B. Proud offered 35s for the old cupola in Freeman's Bay. Referred to the Works and Tariff Committee with power to act. Electric Light.—Wm. Crosher handed in, on behalf of the Crompton Co,, of London, an offer to instal the electric light on the Queen-street wharf, and a sketch plan showing the positions of tho arc lights. Referred to the Works and Tariff Committee.

Claim tor Damages. — Messrs. Devore and Cooper, solicitors, wrote that they were instructed by E. H. Montgomery.journalist, to apply to the Board for compensation for injuries sustained on the night of the 6th of November on the Queen-street Wharf, which were caused by the negligence of the Board's employeeii. He would accept £100 rather than be compelled to institute legal proceedings. The chairman moved that the Board acknowledge no liability, but he withdrew his motion in favour of one that the matter be referred to the Finance and Legal Committee, and this was carried. Calliopk Dock Wharf. — Messrs. R. Mitchell, A. Rogerson, and L. W. McGlashen wrote in referenoe to tho wharf at Calliope Dock, enclosing cheque for £100, Received and referred to the Works and Tariff Committee. »ft ' ''. : ':.'- ' : •• ' "

Reports.—The report of the Works and Tarifl Committee, dotails of which have already been published, was ' adopted without discussion, and the report of the Finance and Legal Committee r was I considered seriatim and adopted. The accounts submitted and approved by the committee were passed for payment. : ..'•■ .',''..':•■,* .',.■•■■'■.' •■■■.-., ".