AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10969, 25 January 1899, Page 6

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

AT the usual meeting of the Harbour Board, held yesterday, there were present: Mr. Malcolm Niceol (in the choir), Messrs. Julian, viunson, Bell, Philson, Glover, Devore, Napier, Henderson, and Thome*. Deserters from the Navy: Mr. Henderson drew attention to the complaints of Captain Browne, of the Tauranga, as to the number of deserters from the warships, and asked if the Boerd could not take some action in the matter. Such a stale of affairs might prejudice Auckland, which must be guarded against, especially as we were endeavouring to get it made a uaval station. Mr. Napier moved, and it was agreed, "That the matter be referred to the Finance Committee for inquiries to be made." (ireenhithe Wharf: Messrs. Blyth and others, residents of (ireenhithe, waited on the Board, and asked it to reconsider and make some alterations in the proposals for the construction of a wharf at (ireenhithe. The question was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee, and the Board promised to reconsider the plans. Donation to the Regatta: Mr. C. C. Dacre requested a donation to the Annual Regatta funds. The application was referred to the Legal and Finance Committee. Claim for Damage: Mr. A. Scholium wrote stating that his scow, the Flora, had, on the night of January 20, run on to some piles off Bailey's yards, and lie would look to the Harbour Board if any damage were sustained. The harbourmaster attached a memo, to tho effect that the piles belonged to Mr. Bailey s slip, and had been there for years. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Devore, to reply in terms of the harbourmaster s letter, and disclaim all liability. Site for Admiralty House: Mr. J. B. Shera, as agent for the Assets Realisation Board, wrote offering to sell the Boards third interest in the piece of land at Emily Place, where it is proposed to build a house for the Admiral, for the sum of £350. Mr. Niceol explained that he understood that the Realisation Board had shown a tendency to withdraw from the offer when they heard it was the Harbour Board it was dealing with, and lie had therefore closed with the offer. On the motion of Mr. Bell, the chairman's action was approved. Mr. Shera, on behalf of Messrs. Dufaur and Boylan, the lessees, also offered the Board an adjoining piece of land for £500. The Chairman stated that this piece of land was owned by the School Commissioners, and when the Board was inquiring into the title of the land for the Admiralty House it was overlooked. If the leasehold were secured from Messrs. Dufaur and Boylan, lie thought the freehold could subsequently be got from the Government by exchange. Mr. Napier said the piece of land was right in front of the proposed house, and it would have to be secured by the Board, as the lessees said they intended to build next year if the Board did not buy it. The committee appointed to consider the matter of Admiralty Houso considered that the leasehold was only worth £300. It was decided to refer the letter to the Finance and Legal

Committee to consider. t Hulk for Explosives: The Works an" Tariff Committee recommended that the ship Leon, now in the stream, be purchased for £300, for o hulk for storing explosives. The foreman of works reported that with an expenditure of £1200 the vessel would last for 10 years. Mr. Gunson and others questioned whether she was sound, and the clause was referred back to the committee, with instructions to get expert opinion on the question. Tarring and Sanding Contract: hen the accounts came up for passing, Mr. Napier took exception to that for the contract for tarring and sanding the wharf. He contended that the work had not been properly carried out. Mr. Niccol said he thought the specifications had been complied with. Ihe foreman stated that the contractor had complied with the requirements of the contract, but the difficulty was that sand would not adhere to the wood. The Hoard referred the matter of tarring and sanding to the committee for a report as to the manner in which it was carried out. Calliope Dock: Mr. Brigliam, secretary of the Board, writing from London, said that so far as the Admiralty were concerned everything submitted bad been approved and passed and the matter was now under consideration by the Treasury Department, and it must approve of even-thing submitted before the agreement could be entered into. One matter which might cause delay in settlement was the term over which the payment of subsidy by the Admiralty should extend. He would try and arrange it so that the Admiralty would pay subsidy sufficient to cover sinking fund, or, if they would not do that, pay subsidy for so many years, and the whole matter to be then rearranged somewhat upon the same basis. The two cables from Mr. Brilliant that have appeared in our columns were also read. The Board agreed to cable Mr. lirighiim. approving his action, and asking him at what date lie proposed to leave England.