Oamaru Harbor Board.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 6464, 27 January 1896, Page 4

Oamaru Harbor Board.

The usual meeting of the Harbor Board was held this morning, there being present—Messrs Holmes (chair), Milne, Reid. Dennison, Aitken, Darling, Rose, Meek. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed and other routine business transacted.

Captain Sewell reported as follows on the Wakatipu incident:— In reply to yours of above date re the Wakatipu on January Ist entering and leaviug port, I beg to state that owing co the master of the Wakatipu, H. J. Richardson, who holds exemption certificate No. 100, not placing his ship in a proper position before attempting to enter the port he crossed the entrance to the harbor, and in doing so got the vessel on the north side of the mole.

The action of the propeller full speed astern and the anchor being let go prevented the vessel touching the mole, and on backing out the propeller struck No. 1 buoy so that it sank.

After getting clear of mole and buoy the wind (N^E.) slewed the vessel into the fairway and the ship then steamed into the harbor, and in coming to the wharf was so far off out of reach of heaving lines that it took some considerable time in getting alongside the wharf to allow of the excursionists being landed. Previous to the ship leaving I had the vessel slewed heading to the entrance, and the ship steamed from the wharf at the time appointed without difficulty. The vessel's draft on entering and leaving was 16ft aft and 12ft forward, the tide on entering 4ft 6in and when leaving 4ft lOin, giving on the shoalest part on line of leading beacons on entering 20ft Sin, and when leaving 20ft 7in. Sea : Slight easterly swell, which would have very little effect on the vessel.

While the vessel was on the north side of the mole she -would not have less than 4ft to oft- of water under her keel. If she touched anything it would be the anchor under her while stopping her way, and so preventing her striking the mole. After passing the position of No. 1 buoy the water deepens tilt nearing the wharf, where the vessel was berthed, but at no time while in port- was the vessel on the ground. Mr Milne said this seemed to refute Captain Richardson's story. It was suggested that the report be forwarded to the Otago Daily Times with a request to insert it. Mr Rose thought that the Secretary should also mention that steamers drawing more water than the Wakatipu had since been in and out without a tug. Mr Dennison thought Captain Sewell should have power to bring in vessels with excursionists. It was also resolved to send a copy of the report to the U.S.S. Co. Mr George Sumpter wrote offering L 25 a year and two-thirds of all storage receipts for the temporary occupation of the store on section 4. It was stated that the previous rental was L 35 a year. Mr Aitben thought the offer should be refused. It was entering into competition with their other tenants and this was not the class of business they should adopt. Mr Darling concurred. The offer was too vague. Mr Reid thought it was a question

whether they could do belter. It was purely, a matter of financing. Mr Milne thought ib would not be proper to accept the offer. Mr JVleek : It's certainly depreciating the value of other tenants' property. Mr Dennison thought LSO might be considered. It was proposed to adhere to the previous resolution not to lease the store except for seven years. Mr Dennison thought this was nonsense. The store would stand idle. Let them let it at LoO a year temporarily. Mr Darling : And what are you going to do with the other tenants. Mr Dennison : Oh, they're in occupancy. Mr Rose moved that Mr Sumpter be allowed the use of the store under the present terms (L 75 a year yearly rental). The other motion was withdrawn. Mr Dennison moved that the store be let at LSO a year, the tenant to pay all outgoings; a yearly tenancy, with one month's notice. This was not seconded, and the motion was carried. Accounts amounting to L 157 18s 3d were passed for payment. It was resolved that the rate books be prepared as formerly. It was resolved to telegraph to Mr Wellman to come to Oamaru as soon as possible in connection with fitting the Wellman pump to the dredge, the Standing Committee to have power to meet him and make the necessary arrangements. Mr James Grave wrote announcing his relinquishment of the lease of the bridge section in Thames-street and stating that he would pay no further rent. Mr Dennison moved that it be referred to the receiver. The Chairman said that the lease was on all fours with the others. It was resolved to refer the letter first of all to the solicitor. A Treasury note for L 153 4s was received. The Harbormaster wrote forwarding his usual routine monthly report.