OAMARU HARBOUR BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25866, 9 June 1945, Page 4

OAMARU HARBOUR BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board was held yesterday morning, there being present Messrs A W. Barnett (chairman), R. A. McDowell, W. E. Aubrey, A. MacMillan, D S. Bain, G.. E. Glen, J. B. Chapman, F. Hood, W. M. Cooper, W. R. Williams, and A. C. McLelland. , _ . . The district engineer, New Zealand Railways (Mr J. Doidge) advised that during the next 12 months considerable repairs would be required to the boards private siding in Harbour street, the department being prepared to supply the material and carry out the work at an estimated cost of £9O. but if the board wished to carry, out the work itself, the department would supply the material for £4o.—The board agreed to request the department to carry out the work imr mediately. „ „ . . , The Oamaru Borough Council advised that Messrs Butterfield, Banks, and Larnach had reported on the marine parade, and the council expressed the hope that the clbsing of the parade would not be permanent, as it seemed apparent that the members of the Marine Parade Society could now have it made safe. The Farmers’ Co-operative Insurance Association advised, in reply to an inquiry, that if liability should exist concerning persons using that portion of the marine parade converging around the cliff facing the sea, the board's present poKcy was sufficient to protect the board, subject to the limitations of such policy. As to whether there was liability or not, stated the letter, that was purely a matter for the board's solicitors.—lt was agreed to place no obstacle in the way of the being repaired. The New Zealand Shipowners’ Federation wrote that technical aspects of the provision of electric energy for ships had been thoroughly discussed by officers of the Wellington Harbour Board and the Union Steam Ship Company. The questions asked by the Waitaki Electric Power Board were very apposite to the discussion, and technical data were being obtained.

Although originally the shipowners were requested to arrange for power for lights only, the delegates from the Seamen’s Union stated they would request consideration to the supply of heat. Once the amenity was provided, stated the letter, there was no doubt that the requirements would be extended to run fans, auxiliary pumps, heaters, etc., and it was considered by the representatives of the shipowners that it would be necessary to make provision for power for all amenities. A further letter advised that it had been decided to recommend to shipowners that transformers be provided for each of their ships.—Referred to the chairman and secretary for attention. The Oamaru Fishermen’s Association wrote thanking the board for granting permission to change the fishermen’s mooring site, adding that this would be a big improvement and a step forward towards greater efficiency. The Oamaru Co-operative Fish Merchants’ Association advised tliai they wished to extend their buildings and asked for a redisposition of their leasehold site on Normanby wharf.—The request for a redisposition of the site was referred to the Standing Committee for report. The Harbours’ Association forwarded a copy of a letter from the Commissioner of Transport, asking for a statement showing the description and estimated cost of additional plant, equipment, buildings, wharves and other facilities that the board considered would be required within five years after the cessation of hostilities.— Referred to the Standing Committee. Standing Committee The Standing Committee reported that a resolution had been passed that the board grant to the Waimate County Council the loan of ironbark piles and other sawn timber, to be replaced by the council within six months, all charges to be paid by the council. The report noted that Mr McLelland requested his objection to be noted.—Mr A. W. Barnett wrote pointing out the urgency of the need for protective work against flood damage in the Waihao area, and urged the board to assist the Waimate County Council by lending the necessary timber.—Mr McLelland said' that after hearing about the urgency of the matter, he withdrew his objection. The committee recommended that no action be taken in having a man sent to Dunedin to learn diving.—Referred back to the Standing Committee, with a view to having a man trained locally. The committee reported that only one tender was received for the purchase of the old breakwater crane.—Referred back to the Standing Committee. The committee recommended that the board set up a committee to investigate the board’s shipping revenue.—Referred to the Finance Committee. Harbour Master’s Report

The harbour master reported that work had been continued on repairs to the mole, and the buildings at the west end were now safe from any further heavy seas, The bank opposite the old freezer building was damaged considerably by erosion, and repairs had to be effected there. It had been partly repaired, but would need a quantity of large stone to render it reasonably safe from easterly =eas. The breakwater apron had been repaired with large stone from the quarry. Work in the quarry had been carried out satisfactorily, a considerable quantity of good stone being worked.