AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10404, 31 March 1897, Page 6

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon. There were present: Messrs. M. Miccol (who presided in the absence of Mr. \V. J. Napier), W. Gunson, E. Bell, A. J. Entrican, T. Hendercon, A. E. Glover, J, Stichbury, J. Thornes, M. A. Clark, A. E. Devorc, and (J. Hesketh.

Lifting Heavy WEioHis.-Messrs. L. D. Natlmn and Captain Babot (marine superintendent of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company) wrote for information as to the facilities available at Auckland for lifting heavy weights direct from the ship's hold, and for transferring the same to scows alongside, 'ihe foreman of works reported that the only facilities were those provided by the 12-ton crane on the outer eastern tee, but it could not be utilised for removing weights direct from the ship's hold. Mr. Gouk, however, was prepared to erect temporary shear-legs at the end of the Railway Wharf, at a cost of £60, and allow the Rowd to uso them at a charge of £5 aday. These shear-legs could lift weights up to 30 tons. Mr. Niccol said that somethiug must be-done. They should accept Mr. Uouk's offer, and the Board would soon repay themselves for the outlay by making a charge for Che use of the shear-legs. It was absolutely necessary that something should be done to remove the reproach from which the Board now suffered, for not having appliances capable of liftiug heavy machinery. It had even been suggested that steamers should discharge heavy machinery at Wellington, aud that it should be sent on to Auckland. As steamers with machinery were expected at an early date, no time should be lost. It was resolved to refer the matter to the Works and Tariff Committee for a report, and that in the meantime Captain Babot and Messrs. L. D. Nathan be informed that the question was uuder consideration, and that appliances would be provided. ■

SIGNALLING Ships.—ln reply to a communication from the Board with regard to the posting of shipping signalled, the officer iu charge of the Auckland Telegraph Office stated that he had forwarded the Board's application to the Head Office, and he had no doubt that the Board's request would be acceded to.

Accident os the Wharf.-The Department of Justice called the attention of the Board to the verdict of the coroner's jury in the case of the death of Captain Conway, The jury added a rider recommending that the coping on the wharf be levelled. Referred to the Works aud Tariff Committee.

Captain Nearing's Case.—The Chairman reported that no apology had been received from Captain Neariug regarding the dispute between him and the traffic manager. Mr. Heaketh moved that Captaiu Hearing should be asked for his explanation of the affair. Mr. Niocol said Captain Rearing had made no reply to the Board's coir.iiiuiiic-.uion and had treated the Board with contempt. They should not further humiliate themselves by sending Captain Nearing another letter. They had better either drop the matter oi take proceedings. Mr. Entrican thought it would be humiliating to allow the matter to drop. Mr. Stichbury urged that the matter should be allowed to drop. It was just like pouring water on a duck's back to ask Captain Neariug to apologise, for he would not do it. Mr. Hesketh's motion was eventually agreed to. Miscellaneous.—A letter from Mr. R. Jenkinson re harbour works, etc., was received. Mr. Parker's offer to rent one of the Board's allotments was accepted. Tenders.—Three tenders were received for repairs to wharves and jetties. Referred to the Works and Tariff Committee. Tho tender of Mr. J. G. Blaikio (£24) for painting sheds, offices, etc. (labour only), was accepted. Recommendations of Works and Tariff Committee.—l. Pilot service: That the instructions of the late chairman be rescinded, and that the pilot steamer be ordered to sea only, when in the opinion of the Harbourmaster there is reasonable expectation of securing a vessel. 2, Cargo in sheds on wharves: That an addition be made to bylaw No. 83 to the following effect :-That an overtime charge of one shilling per ton be made to all ships, on all cargo discharged after usual working hours, or on wharf holidays, where, in the opinion of the wharfinger, it is necessary for the Board to employ labour to stack or remove cargo in sheds. That the traffic manager bo authorised to employ such labour as may be necessary to stack cargo in sheds, which has been displaced in course of delivery, and the cost of such labour, and all charges incurred for such purpose, shall be paid by auy person effecting or causing such displacement nt cargo. 3. Examination of goods by H.M. Customs: That increased facilities for the prompt examination of goods by H.M. Customs be given by the Customs authorities, and that the secretary be instructed to write to the Commissioner of Customs upon the matter. 4. Accident to boiler, Dredger No. 121: That as the perusal of the specifications for dredging with Dredger No. 121 discloses the fact chat under any circumstances Mr. Souk will require to pay the cost of all repairs, Mr. Gouk be informed to this effect. 5. Fenders, Quaystreet wall: That temporary repairs be effected. 6. Removal of blocking and repairs to Queen-street Wharf: That consideration be deferred, the foreman of works to report upon the matter. 7. Improvements Hobsou-street Wharf: That in view of the cost being so large action be deferred for the present. 8. Extension of Hobson-etreet Wharf and sheds: That plans and specifications be prepared aud submitted to this committee. "9. Plans and specifications for travelling crane, additions to shed I, Quay-street Jetty, and specifications for cleaning and painting buoys and beacons were approved, separate tenders to be called for the work, After some discussion the further consideration of clause 2 was deferred till ;next meeting. The remaining clauses were agreed to. The Chairman stated that the foreman of works estimated the cost of extending the Hobson-street Wharf a dis- > tauce of 300 feet would be £18,000. This would provide one extra berth, the western side of the wharf being very exposed. Recommendations op Finance and Legal Committee.—l. Site for rifle range: That consideration be deferred; committee to visit the locality. 2. O'Connor's contract: (a) That the deposit of £100 be paid to Mr. O'Connor; (b) that the amount of £4514s be paid to Mr. O'Connor, as payment in full of all demands against the Board to this date. 3, Navigation in harbour: That a copy ot correspondence be forwarded to the Collector of Customs, and he be requested to take action in this matter, and Mr. Brown be informed accordingly. 4. Rent of allotment: That allotment No. 67 be rented to Messrs. Wright and Sons, from month to month, at a rental of 12s 6d per week, payable monthly in advance. 5. By-laws, site for Admiral's house, and by-law for Takapuna Beach be deferred. The report was adopted. Freeman's Bay.—Mr. Stitchbury moved " That the City Council of Auckland be requested to at once take steps to build 100 ft or more of sewer, extending from the present opening in Freeman's Bay seaward, and that that the Harbour Board will pay towards the extension half the cost of the same aud give the City Council permission to enter on reclamation for the purpose of the above extension." Mr. Stitchbury said the present pest hole was a disgrace to Auckland. The work was a necessary one and must eventually be done. Several cases of typhoid fever had been traced to this place. Mr. Glover seconded the motion. Mr. Devore said the motion meant that the City Council and Harbour Board would be saddled with a cost of £3000 each. That meint the Board was to pay for the removal of the Council's nuisance. The Board was, in his opinion, not liable for half cose. The question of liability should first be ascertained. The matter was eventually referred to the Finance and Legal Committee.