Harbor Board.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 107, 12 July 1895, Page 3

Harbor Board.

Tha ordinary meeting of the Harbor Board was held on Tuesday. Present; Messrs E. Maxwell (chairman), F. Bluck, Mac Lean. Davies, Ward, Smith, Barten and Balfe. HAUXAGB FREIGHTS. The Minister of Railways intimated that he could not see his way to make a reduction on haulage freights on the New Plymouth breakwater line, as required by the Board. WEIGHBRIDGE. Correspondence was read with reference to the purchase by the Board of a weighbridge. It was decided to leave the matter of procuring a weighbridge in the hands of Mr Ward and the secretary. XBASE. Mr Hooker wrote,' offering £3O for the balance of the lease (3-J years) of the land occupied by Mr Fraser at Moturoa. In reply to a question the Secretary stated that at present the Board was receiving 7s (?d a week for the place. It was decided to defer consideration of the matter until next meeting. THE. chairman’s VISIT. _ The Chairman gave an account of his visit to the South Island. • He stated that when he arrived at Timaru he found that the members were averse to leasing the dredge. He interviewed the members and had great hopes of inducing them to change their decision, but at a special pieeting it was decided, on the casting vote of the Chairman, not to accedei to this Board’s request. He inspected the Timaru works, and also went to Oamaru and saw the “ Progress.” As a result of enquiries he ascertained that this dredge could be obtained at so much per mouth, but the great objection seemed to be -the cost of working her. The speaker

here gave some figures ast> the working of the two dredges, and a IdeJ that he thought it might still be possible to get the Timaru dredge, which would be in every way suitable for the work required of it in New Plymouth. The matter would be definitely settled at the next meeting of the Timarn Board. Mr Smith was inclined to. move that in the event of-the Timaru Harbor Board granting this Board's application a committee, consisting of the Chairman, Messrs Bluck and Ward, be appoiated to arrange terms. The Chairman said he was afraid he would not be able to attend a meeting during the next month. Apart from that, however, he thought it would be better for the Board to pass a resolution that it was prepared to lease the dredge at the figure asked. The Timaru Board wanted 500 per month clear, and this Board would have to pay expenses, insurance, &g. Mr Sarten then moved in the direction indicated by the chairman. Mr Davies quite agreed with the principle of securing the dredge, but what he would like to know was where was the Board going to get the money. The Chairman : We will have to get au overdraft. Mr Davies : What security will you give ? The Chairman ? We can overdraw to the extent of one year's revenue. Mr Davies said it was one thing to be allowed to overdraw, and another to get the money from the bank. He did not wish it r to be understood that he wa3 averse to an overdraft for the purpose of dredging, as he recognised its importance, but he thought it would be better to see if the bank would allow the Board to overdraw before paasing a-resolution as proposed.

The Chairman stated that no one objected to an overdraft more than he did, but the work was absolutely necessary. He would point out that the Timaru dredge's carrying capacity was 400 tons, and at Invercargill loaded in 20 minutes, so that if they could obtain it for a month or two it would accomplish a vast amount of work. Mr Smith stated that during the time the bondholders were not receiving interest the Board was allowed to spend its ordinary revenue. After some discussion it was decided that the chairman should interview the manager of the bank. On returning, Mr Maxwell stated that Mr Witchell said he could not answer 'positively without first consulting the inspector, but personally he did not think there would be any objection. Mr Sarten's. motion was seconded by Mr Ralfe. Mr Davies moved as an amendment, That this Board is prepared to lease the Timaru Harbor Board's dredge for a period of three months on the best terms that can b 9 arranged. He thought this would be better thau stipulating a sum. The amendment was seconded by Mr Ward. On voting the amendment was lost, and the original resolution carried.

On Mr Ralfe’s motion it was de*cided that the chairman should ascertain from the bank what amount they will allow the Board to overdraw, and on what terms. the breakwater. The Chairman stated., that on his return he noticed that much damage had been done to the breakwater, and that the structure was. in a very.bad state indeed. In company with the foreman be made a careful examination and found that some of the blocks were sound, but others were very much shaken and undermined, and some were missing. The outer end was in an especially critical condition. The old breach, which was nearly repaired, had been re-opened and widened, the breach now being the largest that has ever been in the structure. It would take something like £3OOO to do all the repairs. Mr Ward thought the chairman had exaggerated the damage. The Chairman, continuing, said he in company with Mr Smith interviewed the Premier, and put the matter very plainly to him, but Mr Seddon positively declined to grant any assistance. The position was certainly a most serious one.

Mr Smith mentioned that the Colonial Treasurer was in town, and it might be arranged that he should see the breakwater. He intended on his return to Wellington to ask the Premier to send an engineer up to inspect the structure. The position was undoubtedly a -serious one, and some means would have to be devised to raise funds at once. The Chairman stated that the Board was not in a position to carry out the repairs, and unless the Government granted the assistance, or settlers would agree to an extra rate for the purpose, he failed to see what was to be done. It had been suggested that the gaps should be filled up with rubble, and he thought it wquld be a good idea, SAND PUMPS. The Chairman also stated that he had made enquiries about a sand pump, and had spoken with Mr Merchant who was competent to give an opinion. That gentleman bad intimated his willingness to come to New Plymouth and prepare plans aud an estimate of what it would cost to put a sand pump on the Thomas King. As a result of a subsequent discussion the Board resolved to invite Mr Marchant to visit New Plymouth on the terms of his offer -expenses only. Mr Marchant will be asked to inspect various works at the harbour. harbourmaster’s report. Captain Holford reported that the dredge had been working 15 days, making 83 trips and taking out 1320 cubic yards of sand. . foreman’s report. Mr Gilbank’s report dealing with various matters was also read. Several other routine subjects were discussed, aud the Board adjourned.— News.