AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10416, 14 April 1897, Page 6

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The usual meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon. There wore preaont: Messrs. W, J. Napier (chairman), E. Bell, W, Gunson, M. A, Clark, A. J. Entiicau, T. Henderson, A. 15. Devore, M. Niccol, A. E. Glover, J. T. Julian, and C. Hesketh. FiSHMARKET.-Mr, John Lomey wrote stating chat "in consequence of the fishinarkot being removed to such an out-of-the-way spot" clio value of the premises had depreciated. He offered £4 a month rental, and would sign a leasa for threo years. Referred to the Finance ami l,e,fi\ Committee with a request that they would consider tjie whole question of th? landing of foh. Tho chairman remarked that the Board's by-laws were continually violated in this matter. A Lbahb,—Mγ. C. V. Hoiigluon wrote stating that the New Zealand Shipping Company had decided to erect a block of buildings on oun nf the Board's sections, an.i asked that the present lease be cancelled and a new one issued, with a half valuation clause inserted, and tho increased ''ent clause deleted. It was resolved that Mr. Hovghtonbe informed that similar concessions would be grained as in the case of other tenants holding similar leases, and that the Finance and Legal Committee prepare the conditions, Captain Neaking's Explanation. - A lengthy letter was received from Captain Wearing with regard to the complaint of tho traffic manager. He stated that the Board's actiou in calling upon him to apologise before bearing what ho had to say was uiicourteous and unfair. Captain Nearing went on to explain that the traffic manager objected to a piece of machinery being landed as lie (Captarn Nearing) proposed, and ordered Captain Aeariiig'i man to remove a quantity of goods. He (Captain Nearing) decliued, as ho was under no obligation to remove the same, The ordur given by Mr. Burgess was unreasonable and absurd. Captain Nearing also stated that the recent appointment of traffic manager, iustead of assisting, had hindered himself and everyone else engaged on the wharves. Mr. Julian moved, "That tho letter tin referred to the Finance and Legal Committee, for the purpose of holding an inquiry into the matters contained therein." Mr. Hesketh seconded. Mr. Niccol said the letter did not show any justification for tho manner in which Captain Nearing had acted. Mr. Burgcas was right, and Captain Noaring eutirely wrong. They must strengthen the hands of their officer. Hβ (Mr. Niccol) objected to the reflections contained in the letter, and denied that thero was any general dissatisfaction with the manner in which goods were handled on the wharves. Mr. Burgess did his work admirably. Mr. Bell and Mr. Henderson both thought an inquiry was necessary. The latter said he had certainly heard complaints. Mr. Napier said an inquiry was necessary, for the sake of Mr. himself. Mr. Juliau's motion was carried,

Finance Committee's Report.-The report of the Finance and Legal Committee, which has already been published, was considered. Mr. Niccol urged that the proposal to prevent horses baing ridden ou Takapuna Beach at other than a walking pace after 8 a.m. was too drastic. It was decided to alter tho clause so as to fix the hours during which horses must not be ridden at other than a walking pace at between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., except with the permission of the Board. The proposal for extendiug the Freeman's Bay sewer was discussed. Mr. Glover oomplained of the dictatorial and uncompromising attitude the Board had taken up. The Board shonld assist the Council in every reasonable way. He moved that a conference between the two bodies should be held. Mr. Julian remarked thatowine to the construction of the eewer, the work proposed would be a far greater one than Mr. Glover imagined. The sewer was too low, and therefore nearly always full of water. Other members also spoke. Mr. Glover's motion was lost, and the clause in the report was adopted. The report as amended was then agreed to. Works and Tariff OoMsirmE.-The report of the Works and Tariff Committee, which has been already published, was adopted with a slight amendment in the clause regarding the appointment of engineer for dredger No. 121, the Board reserving power to demand the engineer's removal at any time. Miscellaneous,—Mr. L H. W. Wilson wrote giving particulars regarding Piutche's patent gas buoys. Referred to the Works and Tariff Committee for a report. Mr. E. E, Aulsebroqk applied for permission to obtain a few cartloads ot sand off the beach at Northcote. It was decided to inform Mr. Anlsebrook of the position at Shoal Bay where sand might be obtained, TBNDERS.-The following tenders were accepted :-Repair3 to wharves and jetties, Mr. White j travelling crane, Massey Bros., £54 10a i painting buoys and beacons, Patrick Pierce, £30 los: additions to shed " I," Quay-street jetty, Alexander Watson, £370. Leave of Absence.—Captain Duder was grauted a fortnight's leave of absence, to commence after the arrival of the Indramayo Storikb Goods in Sheds.-The clause of the Works and Tariff Committee's report of March 22, relating to stacking and removal of cargo in sheds was agreed to.