OTAGO DOCK TRUST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13862, 27 March 1907, Page 3

OTAGO DOCK TRUST

The monthly meeting of Iho Otago DockTiust was held in the Boaid Room, Port Chalmers, last evening, there being present—Messrs E. G. Allen, M.11.R. (cluiiman), William Baiclay, (t. L, Denniston, J. W, Henlon, Isaac Stevenson, J. T. Mackcir.is, E. Knew stubb, E. Godfrcd, and A. Cable. Mr I'\ G. Cray forwarded an apology for absence. Tho Chairman extended a hearty welcome to Mr Mackorras who fills the vacancy caused by tho death" of the late Mr 11. Gomley Mr Mackeiras, in returning thanks, stated that, as a member, lie attended tho first meeting of the Otago Dock Tiust. , DOCKIKC IUHBODH BOUtD STEAMERS. Mr J. Btaiv Mason, secietaiy of the Otago Haibour Boaid. fonvaidcd the following resolution passed at last meeting: "That, as this boaid contributes largelv to the revenue of tho Otago Dock Tiu4 by a fixed annual contribution of £1000, it is entitled to special consideration in respect to Iho ehaigcs made by tho tiust for docking its stcameis, dredges, and plant; and that tho trust be approached with a view to abolishing such charges, and exacting only the actual expenses incuncd in docking opciations, or that tho dues bo reduced to a nominal amount." Mr Barclay moved that the letter bo received, and slated that it lia-d apparently been forwarded under a misapprehension. He aslcd peimission to move—"That, in consideration of vest's coming to this port for docking only being admitted free of all harbour iate.=, tho Otago Harbour Board be giantod the U"c of slaving dock and nceessjrj appliances for the annual overhaul of its tugs and dredges at cost of manual labour only." In explanation, the mover statod Ihat the board had no desire to recede from its obligations, but he thought it was only fair that the Dock Trust should endeavour to meet tho board in the mattei. Permission was granted.

A letter fiom Mr F. C. Cray, dealing wiih tho matter icfcircd to, was ruled to be in ordei, and was read, Mr Barclay objecting, on Ihe 'coie of its iirelcvaney.

the Chaiiman stated that he was axciso to making the concessions asked for. In any case, it would make but littio difference. Diiimir the pist seven jears ihe tiust had only received an average of £174 7s Ed per annum from the boaui. After a short discussion, the matter was tefcrred to ihe Finance Committee and the chaiiman of woiks for a report.

COimFSPONDENCE. William Hamilton, ono of the lessees of tho fiee7ing rooms, wioto asking for a lomission of icnt, hating been put to some loss of trade in consequence of the trust's action 10 leases of freezing chambers.—Referred to Iho Finance Committee for a repoit. Alc ( x. Ock, town cleik, wiote stating that the Works Committee of the Borough Council had been appointed to confer with the Works Committee of the trust re the drainago in Macandtcw load—Received. THE Tl'llST'n hNKIMXR. Mr P Hay, engineer to the trust, wiote stating that, owing to ill-health, his mednal adviser had oidere<l him to cancel his business engagements for some time Whilst legrcttmg the position, ho suggested tile appointment of his assistant (Mr Couston) to supervise tho new dock works dining his absence, fading which ho would have to lesign. Mr G. L. Dennislon thought it would be very unwise to allow Mr Hay to sc\er his connection with the work at tho piesent .stage, and moved—"That the tiust consent to Mr Haj's request that his assistant (Mr Couston) he allowed to supervise the woik during Mr Hav's absence, tho trust icserving the light to iccoiisider the question at a later stage." Mr Stevenson moved as an amendment— "It being uncertain when Mr Hay will retiiin, his lesignation be accepted, and apnlications called for anothei engineer." The amendment was lost, threo voting for it and four against. The motion was then put and can led, three voting against it. IIVH.XCK SHfET. Tho balance sheet for the past year was received, and oidercd to be feigned and published. ItKroitTs. The Finance Committee leeommended that accounts amounting to £2066 16s 4d be passed for payment. The bank pass books had been examined, and showed a ri edit balance of £2676 7s in 'he curient account, and a cicdit balance of £9975 16s 5d in tho now dock loan account —Adopted. Mr I!. Hay, engineer, loported as follows:—"I forwaid herewith ceitilicates of pavment for the month Concrete workhas been going on steadily smco February 23, one mechanical miner being employed, in addition to me.i hand-mixing, and the contractors propose lo put another machine to work shoitly. Mr Feriy has been appointed as fecond inspector at £4 per week. The office for tho inspectois lias been completed at a cost of £14 10s, and I have had it built on runners, so that it may he moved from place to place and bo more saleable when finished with."— Received.

The Frco7ing Engineer lepoited that one dredge and three steamers had been docked during the current month, and tho stc.im pipe to the shoci legs, having been broken by new dock excavations, had been repaired. The labbit season being now in full swing, the freezing rooms had been fully occtmicd,—Received.

A number of other matters were dealt with in committee.