CLUTHA RIVER BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3003, 4 October 1911, Page 40

CLUTHA RIVER BOARD.

A meeting of the Clutha River Board was held at Balclutha on Saturday; present—Messrs J. M. Begg (chairman). J. E. Keenan, J. C. Anderson, J. R, Mitchell, and D. T. Fleming. - GENEHAI/. The report from the Officer in Charge of the steamer regarding clover seed short, delivered at Messrs Begg Bros' landing was considered, and it was decided to pay the claim. £7 13s 6d. The Kaitangata Coal Company notified an increase in the price of nuts.—Referred to Captain Butler to experiment ..withf any. classes of coal he might consider desirable and report results to board. A letter was read ' from the Secretary of the Greenfield. Branch, of the Farmers' Union asking attention to repairs at shed,' and also that approach to shed be metalled. The board decided to. attend to the shed as soon as- and to metal;the area in front of the ,shed, but. to informi the writer that the.approach from the road was a matter for'the County Council. Mr Ramsay, engineer, reported further res-avding engine and pump, giving detailed information and prioes.—Resolved

that the matter be left in the hands of the chairman and Mr Ramsay, with power to act should they think desirable. It was decided to increase the secretary's salary by £2O a year,- to add 10s a month to the wages of the mate, and to procure a suitable book of tickets for passengers. THE NEW STEAMER.

The board considered in committee matters in connection with the new steamer. On returning the following resolution was adopted:— "That the board folds that the steamer Clutha and- delivery thereof do not comply with the conditions of the contract, and declines to take delivery under the contract, but is prepared to negotiate with the contractors and architect in terms provided for i:i the contract. Referring to the foregoing resolution, the Crutba leader says:—"lt is understood the board, while not prepared to waive any of its rights in the meantime, is willing to facilitate an amicable , settlement. The chief points in dispute are understood to be delay in delivery and excess of draught. Trie contract contains an arbitration clause."