Harbor Board.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 23, 18 September 1894, Page 4

Harbor Board.

The monthly meeting of the Harbor Board was held on Wednesday. Pre sent i. Messrs E. Cock (chairman), Connett, Bewley, Teed, Sarten, Maxj well, and Ward. THE CHAIRMAN’S VISIT. The Chairman reported on his visit ,to Wellington. He stated that he saw the Premier with respect to procuring cement, and he had been informed that a Bill would be introduced which would place the Harbor Boards on the same footing as all local bodies—that is, they would be allowed to have an overdraft to the extent of one year’s revenue. He had therefore ordered the quantity of cement required from Mr Duthie, on very reasonable terms. The members of the district had an interview with the Premier and the Hon Mr Ward with regard to the loan, and a letter was drafted. The letter had been published in the local preis, and a formal reply received to the effect that the Government were afraid of opening the gates, as other local bodies would demand the same concessions. He had also had an interview with the Railway Commissioners with regard to obtaining a further reduction on freight on the breakwater line, and the Commissioners, while recognising that the line was a profitable one, could not see their way to accede to the request. APOLOGT. The Chairman apologised for the absence of Mr J. C. George, who was unable to be present owing to illness. UNDERLEASE. On the Board’s solicitor reporting all costs are paid, and all papers are in order, the seal will be affixed to conse»t to the underlease of a section from Mr F. P. Corkill to Messrs Burgess, Fraser and Co. BONDHOLDERS. A _ letter was received from the Foreign Bondholders asking for certain information. The Chairman and Secretary were authorised to supply tho information. INTEREST ON LOAN. The letter referred to by the Chairman from the Colonial Treasurer with reference to the representation made to the Government to induce them to guarantee the loan was read. The effect of the reply was that it would be invidious to accede to tha Board’s request, as> there were so many other Boards in the same position. Mr Ward asked if the loan could not be converted by other means. The Chairman replied that a measure was being introduced this session by which local bodies will be empowered to convert their own loans. THE MILL STREAM. Mr Paget wrote, stating that he had not signed-the lease of the Board’s reserve, as he considered the Board had not dealt fairly with him in regard to the mill stream'. He intimated that he would not sign the lease, and asked for a refund of deposits and costs. The Chairman said he had referred the letter to Mr Samuel, who had advised the Board to pass a resolution to the effect that Mr Paget having failed to comply with the conditions, she lease has fallen through. Mr Connett moved, and Mr Ward seconded tho motion, which was adopted. foreman’s report. Tho Foreman reported that 22 blocks had been made, and repairs to the cattle wharf were well in hand. harbor-master’s report. Captain Holford reported that the dredge had made eight trips, taking out 820 cubio yards of sand. Certain repairs had been made in connection with the dredge. The Chairman said the dredge was now in full work. On Monday it made three trips. In reply to Mr Maxwell, Mr Gitbanks stated that the backet of the dredge bad not been prepared properly in the first place. The Chairman said the impairs had cost more than was anticipated. It amounted in all to £27 odd. WORKS COMMITTEE. The Works Committee’s report was read. The matters dealt with wore of no public importance. ACCOUNTS. Tho accounts were passed and the Board adjourned.—News.