OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19802, 29 May 1926, Page 9

OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Otago Harbour Board, held last evening, was attended by Messrs J. M. Dickson (chairman), J. Loudon, T. Anderson. A. Cable, 11. U. Campbell, W. Gow, J. E. MacManus, H. E. Moller. K. S. Ramsay. D. Larnach, W. Wilkinson. D. T. H. Sharpe. H. M. Driver, and Captain C. M’Donald—every member of the board being present. CORRESPONDENCE. The Dunedin and Suburban General Carriers’ Union of Employers wrote complaining of the inadequate width of the ramps leading to the wharves. They asked that the approaches be made at least half ns wide again, and that curves be made at the corners. —The Acting-engineer (Mr A. Robertson) reported tht the suggested alterations were very necessary. He estimated the cost of altering five ramps at £l4o.—The acting-engineer’s recommendation was approved. The North End Boating Club wrote advising that the proposed boat harbour site was not suitable, and asking for another site to the north of the boat harbour. They asked that the shed be placed on piles.—The Acting-engineer estimated the cost of removing the shed and re-erecting it on piles at £2OO. Air Campbell asked if Captain Maclean had approved of’ the site. Air Loudon said he had an idea that a site at the south end would be more suitable, and would not interfere witb navigation. Captain Maclean, when appealed to, said he had not given the matter consideration, and could not answer off-hand. The Chairman suggested holding the matter over for Captain Maclean's report. Mr Gow asked why they should spend £2OO for the North End Boating Club. The Chairman said the board had made an offer of fifty-fifty up to £IBO. In the new circumstances the board would probably adhere to its pi evious decision. On the motion of Air Loudon, it was decided to refer the matter to the harbour master and acting-engineer for report. The New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition Company wrote thanking the board and its executive officers for their ready assistance and moat encouraging help especially during the dark days of the Exhibition project.—The Chairman said it was very pleasant, indeed, to receive such a letter. The Netherlands Consul, AVelliugton. wrote asking whether tourist vessels calling at the Otago Harbour receive! any preferential treatment in the way of rebates on harbour dues. Air Anderson asked if any concession of this nature was made by the boards. Mr Laruaoh said he did not see why any such concession should be given to “foreigners and that sort Of thing” The Chairman said that the board had no power legally to grant such a concession. Mr Campbell: Nor any inclination! On the motion of Mr Cable, it was decided to reply that the board was not empowered to make any such concession. The Otago Expansion League wrote asking the board to appoint delegates to represent it at the annual pre-sessional meeting with local members of Parliament. —Messrs Gow and Loudon were appointed ‘/j represent the board. Y.M.C.A. APPEAL.. The Y.M.C.A. wrote requesting a donation to its special appeal for funds, stating that it required a further £6OO to attain its objective. Mr Cable moved that the board reply expressing regret that the state of the board’s funds would not permit it to make n contribution. Mr Larnach seconded the motion, and said those institutions ought to be scltsupporting. Mr Moller moved that the board g-’m £lO 10s to be divided equally between the two bodies—Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. Mr Loudon seconded the amendment and recalled that the board had not heard a deputntion that waited on them at the previous meeting. Mr Anderson supported the amendment, stating that these bodies undoubtedly did good work. . ~ _ Mr J- H. MacManus said he would oppose the amendment. ... , A show of hands was called for, and the amendment was carried by seven to six. UNEMPLOYMENT. The Dunedin Returned Soldeirs' Association wrote with reference to the unemployment of returned men. stating that it had about 20 men on its books seeking employment. Some of these had recently been discharged from positions occasioned by the Exhibition. The writer asked what the board could do to assist by putting works in band during the "inter. The Acting Engineer reported that his great difficulty was want of material to carry on the works in hand. M ben [he material came to hand he would tie able to place a considerable number of men It was decided to sent a reply to that effect. HARBOUR RECLAAIATION. The Marine Department wrote asking for an assurance from the Board that it is prepared to accept lull responsibility for the after-effects of reclamation woik done in the harbour. .... • i The chairman said he had uiteiyunycd the Under-Secretary ot Marine. Mr Godfrey. in Wellington on this matter. Air Godfrey seemed to think that the objection was being raised because no pi or sion was being made for din ins and sewers lie (Dir Dickson) had with him letters from Air Blair Alason who wm then their engineer, m which V a that the board was prepared to take lull responsibility for sewerage and drainage, that was for the extension ot the present sewers and drains. That seemed to meet Air Godfrey’s objection, and he anticipated that ‘it would fully moot tie cn; ginecr’s objection. Later Air Gotltre? dictated a letter and summed up the position bv saving that so far as he was concorned he‘did not think, that any turt le.restrictions were required, and he nndei took that so far ns his department ua. concerned the Order-in-Council 'vou d go tt miih without any restrictions \\ hatcvor with regard to it. \.he speaker anticipated that as far as Air Godfrey \\ as concerned there would ,be .fnr her trouble. Air Bardsley informed him that me Railway Department to pay the cost of the reclamation of its part of the land. He anticipated a verj satisfactory ending to the whole affai. Air Ramsay congratulated the than man on his good work, and the icpoit wits adopted. r/AnMc COST OF UNIFORMSMr Loudon moved the payment of general accounts lunount.ng to £-1.40i 8s 9(1, and dock accounts totalling £-L U Alr d Laniach recommended that an account for £BS 9e 6d should be held mei. This, he explained, was for umfoinib toi employees of the hoard. , » The Chairman said the uniforms had been provided, and they could not icJudiate the account. If they were no satisfied they won,if have to look into the matter for the future. Air Larnach said lie did no see the necessity for all these men having uni'"AH Anderson moved that the accomit he passed for payment, and that tlu executive officers report on the position with reference to uni tonus. Air Londons resolution that t )- to -B amount of £21,451 8s od. , disputed account, be passed ioi l-Omtni was adopted. GKXHMAL. The acting engineer’s report on details of properties affected by the -e.th can.il walls was loft over till next meeting-it Standing Committee. Members ot the board arc to visit the spot in the meantime and invite representatives ot tbe Citv Council to accompany them. Reports from the boards officers were formally ad ipted without discussion. The board approved of the payment of the balance of £125 of the grant made by the board to the Otago I rouncial Court at the Exhibition. f The Standing Committee s report with reference to the recent award m the mam sewer dispute was approved, and Alessrs Cable and Loudon and the chairman were appointed to meet a like number ot members of the Drainage Board in conference. BANK BALANCE. The hank book, which was laid on the table, showed a credit balance of £11,318 6s 4d. LOADING WANTED. Messrs Todd Bros, wrote asking for road access to the sections which they had leased in Stnrdec street. Mr Bardsley stated that the half-cost of reading would be £3lO. and 05 per cent, of the cost of foul sewers would be £3OO, so that the total i ost to the board would lie £640. Air Cable urged that some temporary provision should lie made owing to the difficulty experienced in getting to and from tlie sections at present. Captain ATDonald said that when the board opened up sections there always seemed to be a question of drainage, road-

inc nr footnaths. Why could not reinesontatives of the hoard and the City Council meet and arrive at some permanent nolicv on which to work? Ihey should have’some policy so lar as the completed reclamation was concerned. On the motion ot Mr Cable, seconded hv Mr Ramsay. it was decided that temporary reading be provided tor .Messrs Todd Bros. TENDERS. Eicht tenders were received for the supply of an electrically-driven cargo stacker, and were referred to-a committee consisting of the chn.rman, Messrs Cable, Ramsay, and the harbourmaster (Captain Maclean).