GENERAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14250, 22 December 1909, Page 8

GENERAL.

The Secretary to the Marine Department wrote inquiring if the Pin tech gas apparatus was still in use on the Rangitoto beacon, as'it was the intention of the Department to use Pintsch, acetylene, and acetone lights for various places in New Zealand. The engineer reported that the Pintsch gas apparatus at Rangitoto beacon had given complete „ satisfaction, also that the Board has an occulting light of acetone gas, which is doing good service. The chief surveyor of ships advised that the width of the back and side of lanterns used as 6ide lights on sailing vessels of 20 tons or over should not be less than 9in, and the height should not be less than llin. This regulation was to be enforced. The Devonport Borough Council forwarded complaints anent the lumbered condition of the dock beach, Devonport. The matter was referred to the committee. In reference to a statement made by Mr. F. Sanderson re comparative charges on the s.s. lonic at Auckland and Wellington on the basis of two visits the same voyage with, say, 3000 tons to discharge on the first visit, the secretary submitted a report to the effect that the comparison was incorrect, and that instead of a difference in favour of the vessel at Wellington of £100 10s 4d, there was a difference in her favour at Auckland of £137 18s. In "relation to the comparative statement of the cost of a steamer of the lonic type under the present and proposed by-laws and at Wellington, the secretary reported that it was represented by the deputation th&t Wellington was £69 0s 6d cheaper than Auckland, whereas on the basis of comparison submitted by them Auckland was £45 3s 8d cheaper than Wellington. Letters of complaint concerning the state of the roadway opposite the Freezing Works, approaching the Railway Wharf, were received from Messrs. Bond and Bell, the Auckland Union of Workers, and the Licensed Carriers' Association. The engineer said the rails laid by the Department were very bad. On the understanding that he should submit alternative schemes for a permanent work, repairs were authorised. It was resolved to purchase a rock-chop-per, the engineer to obtain particulars of cost, etc. Mr. Gunson quoted figures to show that by the purchase of the chopper £13,000 would be saved in the near future. It, was resolved that the Christmas and New Year holidays for the office staff of the Board be December 25, 27, and 28. 1909, and January 1, 3, and 4, 1910, and that the Christmas and New Year holidays for other employees of the Board be December 25 and 27, 1909, and January 1 and 3, 1910.