AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11433, 25 July 1900, Page 7

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD

The' ordinary fortnightly .:, meeting of tho Auckland Harbour Board was held in tho boardroom yesterday afternoon. Mr.' J. H. Witkeford,'H.H.R. (chairman), presided, and there wore also'present; Messrs. M. Niccol, J. Thornos, W. J. Philson, J. T. Julian, A. R. Harris, and J. 0. Macky. \

Calliope Dock Buildings; A letter was received from Messrs. W, and A. McArthur (Limited), London, enclosing tracings of tho sheer logs required, and approved of by tho Admiralty authorities, and stating that they were pressing for tho remaining tracings from Messrs. Tannott, Walker, and Co., and tho tracings of tho travoller from Messrs. Shaw. A further letter was received from the samo firm, dealing with tho samo subjects, and as regarding tho time ball, etc., on which subject they wero in communication with tho Admiralty. Chelsea and Grcenhitho Wharves: The secretary of the Marino Department, Wellington, wrote regarding tho limits and boundaries of Chelsoa and Groonhithe wharvos, and stating that tho Minister for Marino had consented to the came.

Canterbury College Laboratory: Tho registrar of tho Canterbury College wrote, enclosing particulars of investigations which could bo mado at the engineering laboratory of tho college. The letter was received. Dredging Pump: A letter from tho secretary of tho Timaru Harbour Board regarding tho Timaru dredging pump, which was for sale, was reforred to the Works Committee. Storago Charges: Mr. J. J. Craig wrote requesting remission of storago ohargos. The letter was referred to the Einanco and Legal Committee, as was also a letter from Mr. Craig on tho subject of wharfage charges on tho barquo Royal Tar. Floating Bridges: A communication regarding tho matter of floating bridges from Mr. E. Harrow, and enclosing plans of same, was received.

St. Mary's Bay: Mr, H. Barton wrote of his intention of building a wall on the boundary of his property at St. Mary's Bay. It was docidod to instruct tho surveyor to point out the boundary lino. Dredger No. 121: Mr. D. Crcmen gavo notico that he desired to cancel his contraot for drodgor No. 121. It was agreed that thrco months' notice bo'recoived, and that the matter be referred to the Works and Tariff Committee.

Mechanics' Bay Sewer: A communication was received from tho Mayor of Parnell regarding the- abolition of tho nuisance at Mechanics' Bay, caused by tho sowago having its outlet at that point. Alternative schemes had been prepared for dealing with tho sewago, and plans showing tho schomos were onclosed. One schomo provided for tho carrying of the Stanley-streot sower from its prosont ontlot, taking up tho water in the creek at tho faco of tho reclamation, and thenco continuing in a straight lino to St. Barnabas' Point, tho other scheme providing for tho intersection of tho Stanley-street sewer, near tho foot of Stanley-street, and by way of tho creek at Alpha Road, taking tho sewage to St. Barnabas' Point. Tho extra cost rf the second schomo would bo £615, £500 of which, he submitted, should bo contributed by tho Board. Mr. Thornes moved, "That tho letter bo referred to the Legal and Finance- Committee," and in doing so said that this work would enhanco the value cf tho Harbour Board allotments in Mechanics' Bay. Mr. Julian seconded, and this was finally done. Mr. Witheford said ho thought ft motion should bo passed, "That tho Government be requostod to provide a competent engineer to recommend and furnish a complete scheme of drainage, applicable to the city of Auckland and tho suburb) which drain or propose to drain into the harbour, in order that an effective and uniform system may bo adopted." On tho suggestion of Mr. Thornes, the motion was held over till a future meeting of the Board. Rubblo Embankment: A telegram was received from the Marine Department, proposing that in tho special order provision should be made for tho completion of the rubble embankment westward of Hobsonstreet Wharf before the end of July next. Tho foreman of works reported that ho sawno exception to the insertion of tho clause, as tho period mentioned would give plenty of time for the completion of tho work. Slipping: Tho harbourmaster wrote report that tho practice adopted by many of the masters of oversea trading vessols by moving them to and from their berths, was the cause of a great loss of revenuo to the Board, and a praotice which was not allowed in other ports. The matter was referred to the Works and Tariff Committoo. Supply of Coal: Mr. J. J. Craig's tonder for cho supply of coal to tho Board, being the-only formal tender sent in, was accepted. Hobson-streot Wharf: Tho following lenders for the construction of the sheds at Hobson-street Wharf wero received : —W. J. Stevenson, £1073; R. R. Ross, '£1077; A. Watson, £1094; R. B. Martin, £1130; A. G. Small, £1164; A. R. Reynoil, £1198; J. Morris, £1193; W. G. Smith, £1259; and J. Lovett, £1332. It was decided to accept tho tender of Mr. W. J. Stevenson, his being the lowest, and to retain that of Mr. R. R. Ross, being tho next lowest. Admiralty Bouse: Tenders were also received for tho construction of Admiralty Ho'.'?e, as follows;— Bros., £5899; J. Jenkins, £5350; Jas. Morris, £5867; and (i. M. Handcook, £5567. One other tender was also handed in, but upon examination, proved to bo informal. On tho motion of Mr. Julian, it was decided not to accept any of tho tenders, as the lowest tender was fully £1350 above the estimate The whole matter was therefore referred back to the Works and Tariff Committeo to consider and to report. Works and Tariff Committee's Report: Tho following recommendations of tho Works and Tariff Committee wero adopted: Explosives Magazine: That the necessary boat, tanks and appliances to render magazine complete, be provided. That Mr. McCallum bo thankod for the information ho forwarded in relation to floating stage. The committeo, togothor with several members of tho Board, proceeded to Calliope Dock, accompanied by Mr. Metcalfe, the consulting engineer, when having inspected the works in progress, and floor of dock, etc., they recommended that the works of extension of shed, new latrines, waling for sides of dock, and repairs to floor of dock, be proceeded with; engineer to submit details for approval of this Committee. The question of extension of Calliope Wharf, and foundation of sheer logs, to be deferred pending tho arrival of further plans. Itwas also agreed that consideration as to accommodation for lessees of allotments between Hohson and Nelson streets, and tho foreman of works' report as to tho counterpoise stages, bo deferred until next meeting of the committee, with the proviso that the manager of the Devonport Steam Ferry Company also be present. The question of a launch for pilot service was also referred back to tho committee. Legal and Finance Committee's Report: The following recommendations of the Legal and Finance Committeo wero adopted:—l. Concession, G. Holdship's leases: That tho concession requested bo granted. 2. Export wharfage cane manufacturers: That export wharfage be charged at 6d per ton on cane goods manufactured in Auckland. 3. Private Wharf, Tamaki: That consideration of Mr. Harris' application be deferred. Tho harbourmaster and foreman of works to report upon plan submitted; tho secretary to ascertain the legal position of the matter."