HARBOUR BOARD

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 339, 25 May 1877, Page 2

HARBOUR BOARD

The usual fortnightly meeting of tlic Board was held this morning at the Board Chambers. There were present—Messrs, Sumpter (chairman) Steward, Shriinslci, Reid, Gilchrist, Lemon, and Menlove. MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting wen read and confirmed. OUTWARD CORRESPONDENCE. The outward correspondence was read and approved. THE INQUIRY BUSINESS. Mr. Shkimski asked why the Standing Committee had not brought up a report upon the matter which had been referred to them at last meeting. The Chairman said that the Committed had been of opinion that, as some of iti members were the members of the Board referred to in the report complained of, they thought it would be better to ask that either some other members of tin Board should be added to tho Committee, or that a special Committee should bo appointed to carry out the inquiry. A lengthy and somewhat aecritnonious discussion then took place. Eventually, on the motion of Mr. Meid, seconded ij Mr. Gilchrist, it was resolved that, a special meeting of the Board should bo held for the purpose of investigating tho matter of the authorship of the letter complained of, and also with reference to the statements made that certain members of the Board were interested in the contracts in course of construction. It was also agreed that the Secretary should ask anyone to attend the meeting who might be indicated by Mr. Lemon. ACCOUNTS. A. number of accounts were passed for| payment. MATTER FOR CONSIDERATION. The Chairman brought under tho notice of the Board the matter of tho number of concrete blocks laying near the lagoon, where they were likely to become embedded in the sand, and thus be rendered useless. Mr. Steward said it would bo well if they could havo them removed to the Breakwater, where they might bo turned to use. The only question was whether or not the railway bridges would bear tho weight of having these carried over them. The Chairman said that while in Dunedin he had spoken to the Engineer on the subject, and that gentleman had suggested that it would be necessary to cut them in halves. Mr. Steward thought that the best way would be to call for tenders for the removal of the blocks. In reply to a question, it was stated that the blocks cost LI7OO. It was also stated that the blocks were of little value, as they were cracked. Mr. Shrimski did not think it would be advisable to go to the expense of removing the blocks, as it might be found necessary to run out another breakwater from that part, and-rthey could then be turned to use.

After discussion,, it was I resolved to refer the matter to the Engineer to report upon, jffhe Board then rose. V ■