HARBOUR BOARD MATTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18946, 18 February 1925, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD MATTERS.

DEVONPORT IMPROVEMENTS. UP-RIVER WHARFINGERS. The Auckland Harbour Board met yesterday, tho chairman, Air. H. E. Mackenzie, presiding. There were also present Messrs. M. H. Wvnyard, G. Parr, J. B, Teasdale, A. M. Laing, T. Bloodworth. E. W. l'nder, W. F, McCallum, J. Henderson, E. J*. Carr, 0, O. Macindoe, T. B. Clay and the Hon. E. W. Alison. A plan of the proposed improvements to the Queen's Parade Esplanade, Devonport, was forwarded by the Devonport Borough Council, with a request for the Board's permission to construct the necessary sea-wall. Ihe board was asked to advise the council of the location of the new wharf so that the approaches might be provided. The matter was referred to the board in committee for consideration, representatives of the borough to attend. The chairman explained that the board had yet to determine tho class of wharf to be erected at Devonport, arid it was necessary to come to an understanding so that the work contemplated by the borough would fit in with the board's operations, A request, from the Mercer Regatta Committee for a, donation to the regatta funds was declined on tho grounds that the board made a donation to the Anniversary Regatta in recognition of the sport in the province. A suggestion by the Upper Harbour Association that honorary wharfingers be appointed for the up-river wharves was referred to the board in committee. The idea of such appointments appeared to be generally approved, the chairman mentioning that buoys and other gear from the wharves had been lost because there was no one in authority <o watch the board's interests at most of these points. When it was necessary to drive a nail to keep the property in repair a launch with two men had to be sent to do the job, whereas a local resident with tho necessary authority could to such small matters. A further suggestion in the letter was that the old hulks on the beach at Pine Island be removed as they were a breeding ground and shelter for colonies of rats. This matter was also referred to the board in committee. Permission was granted to the North Devonport Ratepayers' arid Residents' Association to' place a concrete slab across the creek near Duder's Point for the convenience of residents wishing to cross to Bayswater. It was agreed that the board pay up to .€330, one-third of tho cost of erecting a wharf at Te Tora, the Settlers having undertaken to find the remainder. The wharf will become the property of the board. A resolution was passed expressing deep regret at the death of Mr. C. P. Grey, a ■former member of the board,