HARBOUR BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6566, 1 March 1883, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

The following is a continuation of the rcpo.-t of the business done at Tuesday's meeting of the Harbour Board :—

COAL HUBS. Mr Ramsay said that before the Board went into Committee lie would like to refer to the question of coal dues. He was not prepared to move for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the mattery but thought that the question was of sufficient importance to be dealt with by the whole Board. His object was simly a desire to show how the mistake in the differential rate had occurred, and to prevent a similar blunder from occurring again. If the fault were his he was prepared to bear the blame; if not, the blame ought to be put on the proper shoulders. MrßuitT thought that it was desirable to have the proper rate agreed on; but it was pointed out that no change could be made without proper legislation. Mr Burn?: But it is a tax on the whole manufacturing community to put a rate of Is a ton on coal. I know the Board never intended to fix such a rate. Mr Ross suggested that the matter might be considered by tho Board, with a view of having an amendment made in the Act next session of Parliament. Eventually it was agreed that the question of coal dues should be considered at a special meeting of the Board to be held next week. CONSTITUTION OV THB BOAKD. The Chairman said that the Board would shortly have to recommend to the Government any amendments they deemed desirable in the Harbours Act. The Government had intimated their intention to alter the Act. He recommended the appointment of a small committee to draw up a series of clauses for insertion in the bill, and these might be considered by the Board at an early date. It would be remembered that last session a number of 'members of Parliament representing the various Harbour Boards had agreed upon a number* of amendments. Theso might b<; adopted, but the principal question for the committee to consider would be us to tlio ciuhULiiUoii ■>£ the new Board—its area, its boundaries, and tho number of members. On Mr Burt's motion, it was resolved that Messrs Pish, Ramsay, Burns, and Ross bo appointed a committee to draw up ruconimen"dations as to the amendments in question : and that a special meeting of the Board be hold to consider the same. TAIAHOA UKADS. The suspension of the standing orders having been agreed to, Mr Burns moved—"That the engineer be requested to furnish the Board at the very earliest date the cost of procuring and fixing on dredge 222 two first-class I'riestman's cranes, suitable for performing work at Taiaroa Heads." Mr Ramsay seconded the motion, which was earned. The Board then went into Committee.