AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12269, 13 May 1903, Page 3

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board was held at the offices, Quaystreet West, yesterday afternoon, Mr. J. T. Julian (chairman) presiding. There were also present: Messrs. O. Grey, W. J- Na 1 "' W. J. W. Phiison, G. W. Basley, R. WParker, W. J. Wafker, A. Alison, J. H. Witheford, M.H.R., A. E. Glover, and JM. Laxon. . Mr. Kidd's Resignation: The Mayor (MrAlfred Kidd, M.H.R.) wrote intimating that having vacated his seat on the Auckland City Council as from the 13th inst., he then ceased to represent that body on the Board, and thereforo formally tendered his resignation as a member. He expressed pleasure at the friendly relations that had always existed between himself, the chairman, and other members of the Board, also appreciation Of the services and courtesy of the secretary and staff. On the motion of the chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Kidd for his past services both as a member and chairman of the Board. Fire Protection on the Wharf: In further reply to the Board's letter of the 15th lilt., accepting the conditions submitted by the Auckland City Council for fire protection on tho wharf, and asking when the scheme would be brought into operation, the town clerk wrote stating that the proposed scheme would be brought into operation as soon as the station was erected. The Council was now negotiating with the Railway Department for a station site on the southern side of the departure platform at the Auckland railway station. The letter was received. Hobson-street Wharf Contract: Messrs. D. Gouk and Sons wrote stating that work had been stopped on tho west inside end of the Hobson-street Wharf contract since April 22, through the Board not dredging away the western slope, as specified. Unless this was done at once they would have to discharge their men, as all other work was practically finished. They asked the Board to take over the old and new* wharves, which were ready for berthing vessels, and could' be used immediately. The Chairman said he had inspected the wharf in conjunction with Mr. Gouk, and thought the Board should take over the portions completed. It was decided to act in accordance with the chairman's suggestion. Landing of Explosives: Mr. A. R. Carnie (inspector of explosives) wrote on behalf of the Defence Department asking if the Board would have any objection to the Government authorising a landing-place for explosives at the old cattle landing near the Orakci bridge, which had been selected as the only safe place left in the event of the Board closing tho present landing-place at Mechanics' Bay. Mr. Napier moved, "That the letter be referred to the Works and Tariff Committee," and expressed the opinion that the application could' not be granted lightly, as the Government had some time back promised to store part of their explosives in the Board's magazine. This course was agreed to.

Clubhouse: The Ponsonby Cruising Club wrote asking permission to erect a clubhouse, with a 20ft frontage on the foreshore, at St. Mary's Beach. On the motion of the chairman, the matter was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee, the harbourmaster to renort.

Calliope Dock Subsidy: The secretary intimated that a further contribution of £737 had been forwarded by the Admiralty towards the subsidy for the Calliope Dock. Offices on Victoria Wharf: Messrs. W. Parsons and Sons again wrote asking to be allowed to rent an office on the Victoria Wharf, Dcvonport, and .complaining that they were not granted the same privilege in this respect as others. They also drew attention to the robbery of sand from the beaches under the Board's jurisdiction at North Shore for building purposes. The Chairman said that nothing could be done with regard to the application at present, but the second part of the letter, with regard to the removal of sand, should be taken into consideration. It was unfair to the writers, who had gono to considerable expense, that sand should bo stolen for building purposes, but so far the Board had experienced great difficulty in catching the offenders. After some further discussion it was decided to refer the matter to the Works and Tariff Committee.

Railway Wharf Shed Tenders : The Works and Tariff Committee, in the course of their report, recommended that the tenders lor the shed on the Railway Wharf be returned and consideration deferred till the arrival of tho engineer. Mr. Napier moved.' as an amendment, "That tenders be now opened, with a view to the work being proceeded wifch." He considered the shed a very necessary work. The Chairman seconded the amendment, remarking that the shed was necessary, and that it was nob a matter likely to be altered to any extent by tho engineer. The cost would be about £1200 or £1300. After some discussion the amendment was put and lost, and the recommendation of the committee adopted.

Works and Tariff Committee: The recommendations of the Works and Tariff Committee were as under: —Letter from Birkenhead and Northcote Gas Company as to gas supply: That consideration be deferred, tho harbourmaster to report to this committee. Rails on Railway Wharf: A deputation consisting of Messrs. Saunderson, Streetcr, Heather, Bevins, and Aicken waited upon the committee. Tho deputation having retired, it was resolved that consideration bo deferred, the members of the deputation and the resident engineer to be requested to visit the site with the committee. Depositing of offensive sewage in the harbour That consideration bo deferred until the arrival of the engineer. Removal of tee, Queenstreet Wharf: That consideration be deferred until the arrival of the engineer. Collision of ferry steamers: The committee have no recommendation to make. Working of harbourmaster's department: That consideration be deferred until next meeting of committee. Referring to the deputation re rails on the Railway Wharf, the Chairman said that the laying of rails had been stopped. The report was then adonted. Finance and Legal Committee: The following recommendations were contained in the "Finance and Legal Committee's report: — Roadway, west side of Freeman's Bay: That the chairman and secretary confer with the Auckland Gas Company and report to this committee. The list of accounts missed for payment totalled £1275 3s. The report was adopted.

Tenders for Gridiron: Two tenders were received for a gridiron at Wynyard Pier, one from R. J. Martin and Co. for £222 10s and the other from Messrs. D. Gouk and Sons for £165 10s. The latter was accepted. Transfer of Land, Emily Place: The recommendations of the Finance and Legal Committee contained the following clause: — "That the chairman and secretary be instructed to ascertain from the City Council the terms upon which they will transfer land, Emily Place." This crops up through the Admiral intimating that he would not occupy Admiralty House. The ground on which the house stands was originally held by three owners, the Harbour Board owning onethird, the Freezing Company no-third, and the City Council one-third. The Harbour Board secured the Freezing Company's portion, and the piece belonging to the Council was to be transferred to the Board on the understanding that the house was occupied by the Admiral. This has not been done, hence the present position. The recommendation was withdrawn, and it was decided that the chairman and secretary should consult the Board's solicitors in the matter.