OTAGO DOCK TRUST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14380, 25 November 1908, Page 3

OTAGO DOCK TRUST

_Tlie adjourned mcoting of the Otago Dock Trust was hold last, evening, there being present—Messrs W. Barclay (in the bbair), G. L. Donniston, G. Edgar, E. Gcdfred, J. Mill, D. M'Pherson, A. Gable, G. 8.. Bullock, and W. Kettle. The Shaw, Kavill, and Albion Shipping Company wrote applying for four copies of plans of the now dock, snowing dimensions, etc, for tho firm's offices in the Dominion and also in London.—Dimensions to be sent and copies of plans to be procured later. Messrs Scott Bros, wrote stating that they had received permission to cut the steam pipe leading to the sheer legs in order to carry out necessary works, and to replace same would necessitate a stoppage of work. Thoy therefore orfcred to supply, use of the firm's boiler to obviate tho| difficulty.—Received. Messia J. L. and G. Scott, wrote stating that they were ready to cut through tho present pump w»ll, and it would bo necessary' to keep the dock dry for about three, days to enable tho work to be done.—Received. An application from It. S. Black and Co. to be relievod of the lease of rooms 5, 6, end 7 at the freezing works was declined. The Town Clerk at Port Chalmers (MrAlex. Leek) forwarded tho following :— "At a meeting of my council neld on the 18th inst. I. was instructed to call your (attention \to the. unwarrantable '"and vexatious delay in the completion of the neyydoek; also to urge upon yon the advisability of immediate steps being taken to complete this important work, it being ' long past the contract time. I trust you will giyo this matter your serious attention, and will be. enabled to devise such, means as will put an. end to. the present unsatisfactory state of, affairs'."—Mr Denniston moved—"That tbe trust is sensible that the delay in finishing, tho dock is very vexations', and is inimical to the best interests of Port Chalmers and tho port of Otago generally. The trust is giving its best attention to tho matter and hopes Bhortly to tako steps to end this unsatisfactory position." Mr Mill said the town was losing work largely by roason of vessels going elsewhere to dock, and for that reason tho Borough Council was willing to unite with tbe,trust in pushing matters to an early conclusion. j Mr Bullock asked if there were any' specific .reason, why tho trust should nob take steps to terminate the present state of affairs. The Chairman remarked' that the trust was absolutely in Mr Hay's liands, and the trust liad no power in tho matter. Mr ■Hay had tendered his resignation, but his resignaHon had not beer accepted. He spoke strongly against tho present unsatisfactory state of affairs, and in reply to' a question from a member, remarked that the penalties for con-complotion of tho contract to dato amounted to close upon £6001). ' y . ■ , The motion was then put and carried unanimously. ■. / , ' REPORTS. The Finance Committee reported having examined ordinary accouri/s amounting to 1 £341 !5s and new dock construction accounts £1343 14s' lOd. Credit to current account, £7500; credit to loan account, £1238 2s 8d: fixed deposits loan account. £7500; fixed deposits'contractors' deposit, £1128 15s. £751 7s 8d of tho above accounts in connection w'th the 'onn account have been passed for pavment since last meeting, and £20' 16s : 8d of the accounts in-connection with the.current'account have beeu paid since last meeting-Adopted. Tho chief engineer of tho dock and freezing works (Mv D. M Fletcher) reported that since taking charge of tho works he had found that there was a good '' deal of work',to do in order to put the works in first-class order.' Acting under instructions, he had a skilled assistant, who was giving entire satisfac-tion-Adopted, tho engineer being empowered to engage necessary temporary assistance.'' • DELAY. AT THE NEW DOCK WORKS. •Mr Bullock moved the followitig resolu-tion-''That a special meeting of the trust he held .-on December 3 to consider what steps should'be taken to ensure the corn--pletion of the new dock, and -that' the 'trust's engineer and legal adviscr.be asked to be present." In doing so, the mover said the time had arrived for the trust to take steps to see where matters stood m .regard-to the new dock. Vessels . were going elsewhere for docking, with consequent loss to tho community Nothing could be. gained by further-delay, and the sooner the trust know where matters stood the better-Mr Denniston seconded the--motion, and endorsed Mr Bullock's reZrke. He-considered the trust should Jniow the reason, for delay, and act accordingly.—Carried.