CALLIOPE DOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11949, 25 April 1902, Page 6

CALLIOPE DOCK.

MR. EEIGHAM.*S MISSION TO LONDON.

DISCUSSION AT THE HARBOUR BOARD. ARRANGEMENTS FINALLY SETTLED. A special meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was held yesterday to complete the instructions to the secretary (Mr. J. M. Brigham) with reference to his trip to London to interview the Admiralty regarding the equipment of Calliope Dock. Mr. W. Gunson (chairman of the Board) presided, and there were also present: Messrs. G. Cozens, J. Stichburv, C. Grey, W. J. W. I'hilson, J. H. Witheford, J. T. Julian, C. C. Dacre. W. J. Napier, A. H. Nathan, M. Niccol, A. Kidd, and A. R. Harris.

At tho request of the chairman the secretary read the power of attorney as dratted by the Board's solicitors, Messrs. Russell and Campbell. This was a simple document dolegating to Mr. Brigham power to negotiate with the Admiralty for the erection of machinery, appliances, and wharves, and for the payment by the Admiralty of a subsidy in respect of their construction maintenance, and use, also giving Mr. Brigham power to modify the agreement already made between the Admiralty and tho Board, and to make a new agreemont in lieu thereof. Mr. Julian moved, "That the matter be deferred for a fortnight." . Ho did not see why it should be rushed, and there might bo points in the power of attorney which members could not grasp by simply hearing it read over. Moreover, the Coronation time would be a most inopportune timo to send Mr. Brigham to London. Letters sent to the Admiralty would now bo better attended to than when Mr. Witheford first introduced tho question of Calliope Dock to the Admiralty, because since then ten contingents had been sent from New Zealand to South Africa, and with the work done at the dock, New Zealand had got better known to the Admiralty and the British public. When Mr. Witheford first went to tho Admiralty Auckland was scarcely known. If it was really necessary to send anybody Home ho thought Mr. Witheford might have been appointed. In conjunction with Mr. Secldon. lie might have done some practical work. Mr. Witheford seconded Mr. Julian's motion.

Mr. Napier expressed tho hopo that the Board would not consent to these Fabian tactics, which were calculated to injure tho Board in the eyes of the local officer commanding the fleet, and of tho Admiralty. The power of attorney which Mr. .Julian said he could not grasp had the approval of the Board's solicitor and of the sub-committee.

Mr. Julian: They are all on one side. Mr. Napier said ho did not know there were any sides on tho matter. As for Mr. Julian's statement that delay did not matter, suroly Mr. Julian did not mean that, since tho Board was losing interest all tho time. Correspondence was very tedious. He gave Mr. Witheford every credit for the success ho achieved by personal contact with tho Admiralty in London: in fact, tho Board might have gone on with the correspondence for five and twenty years without coming to any conclusion on this matter. They had to consider that there were hundreds of matters coming before the Admiralty, including works of Imperial importance, some of which had been decided upon for years, and the work not yet done. Mr. Cozens said the Board had decided to send a representative, and that being so they should lose no time in doing it. livery day's delay meant danger. The present Admiral was favourable, but if they delayed another Admiral might come into office who did not favour Calliope Dock at all. Mr. Stichbury supported Mr. Julian. He did not think they had had sufficient time to consider the power of attorney. He, at all events, did not approve of it. The resolutions of the Board as to Mr. Brigham's instructions dealt entirely with finance, but the power of attorney gave Mr. Brigham power to deal with the Admiralty respecting wharves, jetties, and so forth. The Chairman said the Board's solicitor (Mr. 11. Campbell) was in attendance, and could answer questions with regard to tho power of attorney. Mr. Stichbury asked Mr. Julian, to add to his motion that every member of the Board be meantime supplied with a copy of the power of attorney. Mr. Julian and Mr. witheford agreed to this.

Mr. Napier remarked that the Board's solicitor might be called in to explain tho power of attorney to members who could not gr.-.sp it.

Mr. Witheford: There is no use for that. We have one good lawyer on the Board. The Chairman then sent for the solicitor, but on his appearance Mr. Julian rose and protested that the Board had not resolved to call in the solicitor. The Chairman remarked that the meeting was a public one, and anybody could come in. Mr. Julian ; He may come hero as a layman, but not as our solicitor. Mr. Niccol said an attempt was being made to show that there was some indecent haste in sending Mr. Brigham away. He thought the least the other side said about indecency the better, because an attempt was being made to put a member of the Board in Mr. Brigham's place, and that very individual seconded it.

Mr. Julian and Mr. Witheford both protested that this was not the case.

Mr. Niceol said that Mr. Julian suggested that Mr. Witheford be sent to London, and Mr. Witheford himself seconded it. If there was any indecency those members had better look nearer home.

Mr. Witheford: There is no such thing in tho resolution before the meeting. Mr. Niccol: Mr. Julian wound up with the suggestion that if anybody was to be sent Home it should be Mr. Witheford.

Mr. Witheford: We should have that resolution read.

Mr. Niccol said he would leave the question of indecency, but ho wished to say once for all, that he believed it was a great misfortune to the Hoard that Mr. Witheford ever meddled with the matter of Calliopo Dock at. all. If they had to begin do novo he believed they would make far better terms than Morn now possible. At the time Mr. Witheford was in London the Board simply forced themselves on the Admiralty. They insisted on the equipment of the dock, and the Admiralty simply said that as the Board wished it they would have it on their (the Admiralty's) terms.

Mr. Withoford: It was tho secretary's doing.

Mr. Niceol said it was Mr. Withoford's doing. He insisted on the matter and pestered tho Admiralty till they said " All right, if you will have this you will have it on our terms." Tho Board had resolved to take what they could get, and they got mighty little. Now they hud to make the best of a bad bargain, and he thought the secretary far more capable for that duty than Air. Witheford, with all due respect to Mr. Witheford's capacity. He did not think any time could be more opportune for sending a representative Home than during the Coronation, because then the feeling towards tho colonies would bo so warm that he believed terms could then be made that would be impossible at another time. In fact, he envied Mr. Brigham the duty of negotiating with the Admiralty, because he believed everybody would be ready to receive him with open arms, simply because lie came from New Zealand. He thought, it would be a mistake if they did dot avail themselves of the flowing tide. Mr. Brigham, remembering his former error, would be careful— Mr. Witheford: What error was that? Mr. Niccol said he was. and had been, of the. same opinion as Mr. Withelord. thai Mr. Brigham should have employed an engineer. Mr. Brigham had now something to remedy, and they would find that be would remedy it to tho fullest extent. Mr. Dacre objected to any haste. He said the Admiral had just cabled Home on the matter, and the Board should wait and see what instructions His Excellency got from the Admiralty. They had to remember that during the Coronation there was to be a big mobilisation of the warships, which would be a big question for the Admiralty, and while the colonial Premiers were in London there would also be discussion on questions of defence, which would take tip much of the time of Admiralty officials. Mr. Kidd said the time was always inopportune when they had not mado up their minds. Why were they proposing to send a delegate Home? Mr. Julian: To sec the Coronation. Mr. Kidd said the Coronation had. nothing to do with it. They were sending a delegate Home because they were now losing interest, and wore likely to lose it till they Bent a delegate Home. Ho admired Mr. Witheford for the way ho entered into the matter of Calliope Dock unasked, and with only his personal reasons for so doing. Mr. Witheford did very good work, but when he telegraphed that the Board should send someone to take his place, and that he wished to come to New Zealand— Mr. Witheford: I did nothing of the kind. Mr. Kidd said Mr. Witheford did at all events come to New Zealand. He suggested that the Agent-General should take his place, but the Board preferred to send Mr. Brigham. Then they had an exhibition of the wisdom which always came after the event. Personally he thought that in the circumstances Mr. Brigham succeeded admirably,

and, at any rate, he acquired knowledge which would be useful to him on the present occasion. If Mr. Witheford had been a candidate it would be another matter.

Mr. Witheford: I am not. Mr. Kidd: Mr. Witheford, with his usual candour, has told us he does not intend to go Home. Mr. Witheford: I do not want to go for the Board.

Mr. Kidd said after all Mr. Witheford had said it would be quite impossible for him to go. As to the complaint that the matter had been rushed, ho thought if their brains did not grasp the business in the fortnight's interval between ono meeting and another they would have to pass a by-law that one month's notice be given of every question coming up for consideration. The point whether the Board's delegate should be an engineer did not enter into the matter. The Admiralty had settled engineering matters, and all the Board had to do was to send a delegate to settle financial matters. The argument about the Coronation had been raised by those who, because they could not take a hand in it themselves, wanted to prevent anybody else from going. In that respect the public had been led on a false scent. . Members should be given credit for exercising their judgment in the selection of a delegate. Had Mr. Witheford's name been brought forward ho would have been pleased to have considered his claims.

Mr. Stichbury held that Mr. Kidd was out of order. He was not discussing the power of attorney. The Chairman said Mr. Kidd was discussing a motion to postpone tho matter. Mr. Witheford: I think Mr. Kidd should be allowed to proceed. I should be very sorry to see a " chuckor-out" brought in for him.

Mr. Kidd continued to say that he had been more postered about this question since last meeting of the Board than on any public matter for the past six months. He had given his vote for sending Mr. Brigham because he considered Mr. Brigham the best man for the work. He believed that as time advanced the usefulness of Calliope Dock would be fully recognised.

Mr. Witheford said he was glad to see that the effect of his action at last meeting was that every member had been given a fair hearing. He was surprised to hear Mr. Niccol's remarks that it would have been better had he (Mr. Witheford) left Calliope Dock alone.

Mr. Niceol: I have always held that view. Mr. Witheford said Mr. Nicool had expressed very different views in the past, and had complimented him (Mr. Witheford) ou h'S action. Mr. Nicool: No. Mr. Witheford said the- effect of what he did in England was that though for 15 years the Admiralty hud decided that New Zealand should not be a naval station, he got the Admiralty to reverse that. Then tho question arose where it should be, and applications were made for Wellington. He pointed out the claims of Calliope Dock, not presuming to represent the Auckland Harbour Board, but speaking in the interests of the people of New Zealand and the British navy. With the assistance of Lord Onslow and others ho induced the Admiralty to put it in writing that they would subsidise Calliope Dock. He was complimented on that by the Admiral, by the City Council, by the Harbour Board, and he was a. little surprised that such a statement as that of Mr. Niccol's should be made now. The question had been raised in what form he left the negotiations with the Admiralty. In his opinion the Board would have been receiving £2000 to £2500 a year sinking fund and interest had they telegraphed to him to close the matter instead of sending the secretary to London.

Mr. Brigham hero moved slightly in his seat, and Mr. Witheford expressed the hopo that Mr. Brigham was not going to faint. Mr. Brigham replied : "Not yet." Mr. Witheford: Can I get you a little cold water?

Mr. Brigham : ..thank you. Mr. Witheford proceeded.to say that Mr. Brigham made a great mistake with regard to the sheer legs, and he made a mistake in the agreement with the Admiralty, although Mr. Dcvoro told him to employ tho Bank of New Zealand lawyer. Mr. Brigham: No. Mr. Witheford: Mr. Devoro told mo so. Tho Chairman: I don't think you should lefer to matters of hearsay. It is not on the Board's books. Mr. Witheford: I will take your ruling with pleasure. You have sat there in a most dignified way to-day. The secretary was authorised to take legal advice. Mr. Brigham: No. Mr. Witheford: Is Mr. Brigham in the chair? The Chairman again asked Mr. Witheford not to refer to matters of hearsay. Mr. Witheford said they knew at all events that the man who was his own lawyer had a fool for a client. He noted that Mr. Napier, in his remarks, was a little inclined to be excited and refractory, but was glad the chairman did not order his removal. He urged that the matter should not be hastily decided, and declared that the meeting at which it was resolved to send Mr. Brigham to London was illegal and informal. Mr. Julian's motion for delay was then put and lost, seven voting against itthe chairman and Messrs. Cozens, Nathan, Niccol, Kidd. Philson. and Napierand six in favour Messrs. Dacre, Julian, Witheford, Stichbury, Grey, and Harris. Tho Chairman moved, "That the power of attorney be approved and the seal of the Board affixed thereto."

Mr. Stichbury desired before that was passed to ask the solicitor why wharves, ?te., were mentioned in the power of attorney, when the resolutions passed by tho Board covering Mr. Brigham's instructions- dealt with financial matters only? Mr. Campbell said it would be impossible for any agreement Mr. Brigham would sign at Home to have in it only the terms the Admiralty would have to pay. It must also contain what the Admiralty wero to get for their money. Ho explained that poivers had to be widely expressed in the power of attorney. The Board could by resolution in any way limit Mr. Brigham 8 powers. Mr. Witheford suggested that tho power of attorney be sent to the Board's agents in London. He said Mr. MoArthur was an influential man and a member of Parliament. He could ascertain from the Admiralty to what extent they were prepared to meet the Board, and then the Board could send its secretary Home with more precise instructions than were possible at present. Mr. Cozens said that was not a competent amendment to the motion before the meeting. Mr. Witheford: Well, I thought die Board hud reformed.

Mr. Niceol: It is only reformed when it gives you your own way. Mr. Witheford: I move that the power of attorney be sent Home in the name :if Mr. MoArthur.

The Chairman said lie could not accept that. Tin- Board had already decided to s?nd Mr. Brigham Homo. The motion for adoption of the power of attorney was then carried by seven votes to six.

The Chairman moved. "That the seal of the Board be attached to the power of attorney." Mr. Cozens seconded.

The motion was carried, and Mr. Brigham immediately attached the seal of the Bond to the document.

Mr. Campbell was then about to leave the room when Mr. Witheford said he wished to ask him about the legality of the last ordinary meeting of the Board. (Laughter.) Mr. Campbell: I think it is only fair if a solicitor's opinion is to Ik- asked that the question should be stated in writing. Tho Chairman moved, "That a letter of credit for £300 be issued to the secretary for his expenses." Mr. Napier seconded. Mr. Slichhury: Is that all he is to be allowed? Mr. Napier: It is a letter of credit. He keeps an account of what be spends. Air. Julian said there should be a limit. The Chairman: If he wants any more he will have to apply for it. Mr. Witheford: If the secretary does not do better than he did last time we had better give him £400 to stop at Home. Tho motion was then carried.

Mr. Julian gave notice that at next meeting of the Board he would move, "That the time has arrived when the Board should ap}K>int one official to the office of engineer and secretary."