OTAGO DOCK TRUST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14457, 25 February 1909, Page 5

OTAGO DOCK TRUST.

The usual meeting of the Otago DockTrust was held last evening, there being present—Messrs K. U. Allen (chairman), VV. liarcbv. A. Cable, 0. Kdgar. R Codfrcd, .1. Mill. D. MThersoii, and W. Sutton. Mr K. Hay. engineer to the trust, wa.s also in attendance. Apologies for absence were received, from Mr G. L. Dennitlon ami Mr (1. B. Hullock. COBRESPOXDKSn;.. V. llally. Inspector of Factories, wrote further in connection with payment of engine-drivers employed by tho trust, and said the explanation already tendered dtd not cover the exemption which had been granted conditionally that the trust paid not, less than it was doing immediately before the award was made. ]t was quite clear, therefore, that tho men are entitled to two weeks' holidays annually on full pay. and also to be paid in case of sickness.— It was resolved to pay tho amount, involved for wages accrued duriiij; the men's holiday leave, which formed the subjectmatter of the question in dispute.

A. and T. Burt wrote asking to be released from their indemnity re new dock .pumping plant, as the oflicial test of tha pumps had been completed in a satisfactory manner.—Consideration doferred for a month, and referred to the engineer for report.

'Die Union Company submitted a tender of £10& 2s, venial for the 21 years' lease of the trust's endowment at Boiler Point, comprising 3 roods 2 poles.—Accepted. Plans, etc.. to be prepared accordingly. The Southern Steamship Company wrote asking for a reduction of charges for docking the steamer Kotaro, as work had to bo carried out all night on the latter in order to vacate tho dock in time to accommodate the Timani dredge before thcKotarc's usual docking time had expired— Itefcrrcil to dock-master for report.

Under date February b, Messrs Scolt Bros, wrol-o etutinsr that tho trust was under a misapprehension in stating "that no delay hits been caused by any aciion of the trust to the contractor's work o[ conetructuig the engine-house, pump chamber, or culverts." The building and tanks which tho trust, subsequently removed overlapped the side of additions to the pump chamber. The outfall drain bad been constructed in accordance with a bhxi print supplied by Mr Hay. in which tho original length had been increased.—Received.

Crforgo Allport, secretary of Marino, wired stating that the trust's application to reclaim certain areas at Boiler Point had been submitted to the Crown I/aw officers for opinion, of which the trust would be notified in duo course.—Referred to chairman to confer with Minister of Marine,

John Jx:e forwarded a request to the trust for a 21 years' leafc of the trust's endowment, on the aiorth side of the freezing works, facing Beach street.—Declined, tho trust being unable to lease area applied for. Stevenson and Cook wrote directing attention to the dilapidated condition of" the roof en the dock workshops, which had seen 20 years' service. Subject lo consent from the trust, the firm proposed to renew same, as per clatrse 5 of memorandum of agreement.—Referred to Works committee, with power to act. Rii POUTS. The Finance Committee reported having met on February 4 to consider matters in connection with the freezing works. It was decided to call for tenders for a new ammonia plant. The expenditure since last, meeting a mounted to £731 17s 7d. The bank passbook showed credit- balances of £677 2s &d to current account, and. £4963 7s 6d to credit new dock loan account; £2500 wa.s on fixed deposit to the credit of new dock loan account, and 1128 15s lo credit contractor's account. —Adopted.

The Works Committee ir-ported having given permission to tho Borough Council to remove the fence back off Macaiidrew road, and that the recent tests to which the caisson and pumps had been submitted .had beeti carried out under the. supervision of Mr D. Fletcher. The recommendations contained in the dockmaster's report of December 22 were given effect to, and Mr Knewstubb had been empowered to order the. timber necessary to complete Ihe work of iaying the keel blocks in the new dock. -Adopt".!. . , , ,

The 'Dock-master reported having docked four \cssels during the month, and timber for keel blocks had been ordered for the new dock. The new pumping plant had been used for pumping out (lie old dock, which had been easily emptied in two hours. The new pumps woidd prove a

great advantage when docking small vessels, or vessels being only (locked for sighting.— Adopted. Mr l\. Hay, engineer lo the trust, forwarded the usual monthly certificates, ami in an addendum stated that "the engines, boilers, djkl pumps have been under test, and performed, their specified duties, and the contractors are now principally engaged in making a watertight joint between the caisson cell and its masonry meeting faces. Contractors' buildings and plant are also being removed, and the reclamation is being squared up."—Received. The Pumping Engineer (Mr Fletcher) reported that the cost of repairs to old pumping plant, new belt.s, ele.. would amount to about £50. bu; as the trust had taken over the new plant he did lint recommend that expenditure. A«s Iho old pumps were not likely to be used again, the engine room space could be utilised as bunkers, storeroom, and workshop. The shed over the tube doors would require to lie extended to cover the tube box of the new boiler. The preliminary and official tests of tlio new pumping machinery had proved very satisfactory, and the boiler power had proved ample for all requirements. As the services of an extra man were no'.v required, the trust was asked to appoint another engineer. Adopted. Works Committee to act as required. The engineer was also empowered to employ an assistant pro tern

During the past month fish in very failquantities, also beef, dad come to hand for freezing and cool storage. Repairs to machinery, which were somewhat extensive, were being carried out as opportunity offered. The ammonia plant had been allowed to run down, with consequent increased consumption of ammonia. Various necessary repairs wore detailed in the report, which'called attention to maintenance repairs necessary for the buildings, plant, etc.—Referred to Works C'ommiltce, with power to act. TENDERS. The trust, went into committee to consider tenders submitted for lease of freezing rooms. On resuming in open board it. was announced that one tender had been received for freezing rooms, the tender being referred to the Finance Committee, with power to act. Two tenders were received for supplying an ammonia condenser, etc.. Hie Hercules Company bcintr the successful tenderer, the price being £335.