Harbor Board.

Opunake Times, Volume VII, Issue 326, 22 October 1897, Page 2

Harbor Board.

The Harbor Board met at 11.30 o’clock on Tuesday. Preesnt: Messrs E. Maxwell (chairman), Connett, McLean, Davies, Ward Sarten, Hine and Ealfe. THE MOTUROA. Mr Ross, of Wairarapa, made an offer of £BS for the tug Moturoa. Mr Sarten said the Board had decided not to sell under £IOO, and he suggested that that decision be adhered to. The Chairman mentioned that his motion included the sale of the Moturoa, and it would, perhaps, be advisable to let the matter stand down till the motion was dealt with. WAGES PROTECTION ACT. A Committee of the Wellington Harbor Board forwarded certain suggestions in connection with the Wages Protection Act, now before Parliament, as affecting local authorities. On the Chairman-s motion, seconded by Mr Ward, a resolution was passed by the Board to the effect that it is unwise to interfere with the present law, and that any farther legislation will only complicate matters. Mr Davies, speaking in support of the motion, said there was too much unnecessary interference by the Government between employer and employees. REPORTS. The Foreman’s and" Harbormaster’s reports were read. The dredge Thomas King made 97 trips during September dumping 5820 yards of sand, and 3850 yards were trucked by the land dredge. Thirty-four steamers were berthed at the wharf during the month. A requisition for stores was authorised. SALE OF PLANT. Pursuant to notice given, the Chairman moved that certain of the Board’s plant not actually required, including the tug Moturoa be offered for sale. He stated that the foreman had sorted out the plant, and he thought it would be wise to sell what was not needed, instead of letting the machinery stand idle. Mr Connett seconded the motion. He was, he said, sick of seeing the plant lying idle at the wharf. Carried, The date of the sale was fixed for 15th November, THE BREAKWATER. Mr Sarten also moved the motion standing in his name, that an opening be made in the mole to allow the sand to go through. In speaking to the motion Mr Sarten, said he had gone fully into the matter with Mr Marchant, and had pointed out the advantages of having a hole in the structure to wash away the sand. He had watched the action of the sand, and was firmly convinced that the accumulation would be prevented if his proposal is adopted. The only difference he had with Mr Marchant was as to the width of the opening. He (Mr Sarten) thought from 12 to 20 feet, while Mr Marchant thought 6 feet would be sufficient, which would cost £IOO. The sand would be carried right through— . The Chairman: By the sea ? Mr Sarten: Yes ; by the wind and sea. Continuing, he said that the opening would result in the dredging being done a,ray with in two years time, Mr Ralfe : How about the Marine Department. Mr Sarten said he thought the Department would favor the proposal. Mr McLean suggested that the motion be altered asking Mr Marchant, engineer, to report on the advisability of making the opening and the probable cost. The suggestion was agreed to by Mr Sarten and the motion in the amended form was seconded by Mr Connett. The Chairman agreed with the theory of the proposal, but under the present conditions he doubted the wisdom of tampering with the structure. However, no harm could be done in getting the report. Mr Ward said the question to be considered was, supposing the accumulation of sand could be stopped what would be the position of the breakwater ? The Chairman ; Yes, that must be thought of. Mr Sarten stated that at the present time the Board had two dredges going, but if something was not done three would be required. “If you do this it will be the best thing that ever happened- I can assure you of that.” The motion was carried. Mr Ward dissenting. A letter from the Marine Department, dated September 27, was read, declining to recommend the proposed wharf extension, but recommending a different plan. The Railway Department also wrote with reference to the reduction on the haulage of goods to and from the breakwater from Ist October, and also calling the Board’s attention to repairs needed to the wharf. It was proposed by Mr Ralfe, and seconded by the Chairman, That as the Government have seen fit to prevent the Board providing further accommodation at the wharf, the Board will let the matter lapse, but at the same time protest against the Government interfering otherwise than for protection of navigation. As to providing further facilitation to the railway, the Board declines to do so ; the whole intention was to have accommodation apart from railway for the convenience of the public generally, and especially for those settlers living in the districts not served by the railway, who are at jiresent most unjustly handicapped by the railway monopoly. Mr J. Ward proposed, and Mr Sarten seconded an amendment, That the Board call for plans and specifications for straightening the wharf in accordance with the Government suggestions and plans.—The Board divided on Mr Ralfe’s motion, and the voting was—Ayes (5), the Chairman, Messrs McLean, Davies, Hine, and Ralfe. Noes (3), Messrs Connett, Ward, and Sarten.—The motion was therefore declared carried. The bank balances at date were reported as—General account, overdraft £2621 6s 6d ; quarry crane account, overdraft £9ll ss. Accounts amounting to £llls 16s 3d were passed for payment and the Board adjourned.