AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12210, 4 March 1903, Page 7

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was 'held yesterday at tho Board s offices, under the presidency of Mr. J. T. Julian. There were also present: Messrs. J. H. Witheford, M.H.R., F. E. Baume, M.H.R., W. J. Napier, A. Alison, J. Walker, W. J. W. Philson, J. M. Laxon, J- W. Parker, and G. W. Basley. ( Grammar School Sports: A request to make use of Calliope Dock for the Grammar School swimming sports was granted. The Restriction of Tenders: The Christchurch firm of Brittain, Beslcy, and Co., wrote protesting .against Mr. Witheford's suggestion for the restricting of tenders for the Calliope Dock boilers to Auckland firms. Mr. Arthur Brittain, the writer of the letter, pointed out that these works were subsidised by the Admiralty, and expressed the opinion that such a restriction as that proposed would result in inferior boilers being supplied at a high cost. Mr. Parker thought they ought to have the most up-to-date boilers, and it was inadvisable to make any stringent restrictions. Mr. Glover expressed the opinion that there were as good .boilermakers in this part of the colonv as in the South. In Dunedin and other parts they endeavoured to do the best for themselves, and there seemed to be no good argument against such a course in the present case. Mr. Walker was satisfied with the present condition of things. There were fancy boilers, but they were like fancy religions less one had to do with them the better. Mr. Witheford said his reason for bringing his motion before the Board was the urgent need for the boilers. He had no wish to cast any reflection upon firms down South, albeit he considered there were in the Auckland district some of .-the tmost eminent boilermakers in the colony. The chairman said he had no doubt Mr. Witheford tried to do the best lie could for the Auckland people, but he thought the Auckland firms ought to be able to take care qf themselves when in competition with other firms. The matter then dropped. ,_ Works and Tariff Committee: The following _ recommendations from the Works and Tariff Committee were adopted That Mr. Julian bo chairman of this committee; that consideration of the lighting of Rangitoto beacon be deferred until the arrival of the engineer; that a contribution of £25 per annum be made towards the funds for the maintenance of the Devonport Fire Brigade; that the town. clerk be asked for an explanation of the amended terms submitted in reference to the fire protection on wharves; that consideration of the offices, waitingrooms, goods shed, and wharf accommodation for Northcote and Birkenhead be deferred until tho arrival of the engineer; that consideration o f the harbourmaster's report as to wharf, Parnell, be deferred. ' Finance and Legal Committee: On the recommendation of the Finance and Legal Committee aeoounts amounting to £3798 15s lOd were passed for payment. Tho Tiritiri Lighthouse-keeper: Attention was drawn by Mr. J. H. Witheford to the proposed removal of the Tiritiri lighthousekeeper to Ivaipara. He remarked that among shipping folk the change was very much objected to. The Tiritiri lighthouse-keeper had proved himself a thoroughly capable man, and the Board ought to make an effort to retain his services. The chairman agreed with Mr. Witheford, and pointed out that the Government had already been approached on the question of his retention. The Board decided to support this action. Queen-street Wharf Offices On the motion of Mr. Alison it was agreed, " That the resolution adopted at a meeting of the Board held on Januarv 20 last, to the effect that upset rental of offices on Queen-street Wharf be £25, be now rescinded, and that such upset rental' be £20 per annum."