BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1278, 23 March 1881, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the above was held last night. It was Convened by Hia Worship the Mayor for the purpose of discussing correspondence from the Marine Department ; also to discuss the question of leasing the Borough wharf, and the terms and conditions of leasing the same. Present : His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Whinray, Clayton, Brown, Townley and Ward. His Worship said he had convened the meeting at the earliest opportunity after obtaining the Gazette notifying tho vesting of the wharf in the Borough Council. A communication from the Marine Department would be laid before them, together with the enclosures, being copies of the letters sent by Messrs. Win. Common & Co. \ Mr. J. Kennedy, and the Secretary of the Rowing Club, with reference to their respective landings. After the correspondence was read, they would see that the Government required to know whether the Council would have any objection to the formal sanction of these erections by the Government, or whether the owners should bo treated as tresspassers, and called upon to remove them. The only objection tho Council could have would bo if they wcro used for the purpose of landing or shipping goods without the payment of wharfage. If they decided to object, the Government had promised to protect their interest in and to the public wharf, and the right to levy wharfages on all goods shipped <>r landed at the port. The letter and enclosures from tho Marine Department wore then read. ! With reference to the Rowing Club landing st;«ge, it appeared from the correspondence that the Club had received permission from tho Harbormaster, under certain conditions required by the Harbor's Act, which conditions h.ul been complied with. As it was simply used for purposes in connection with tho Club, it was resolved without discussion that tho Council find no objection to the Rowing Club jetty, .and recommend its formal sanction as such. With reference to Kennedy's Wharf, which is used as a coal bin for the supply of steamers, Councillors were divided in opinion as to whether they would recommend its formal sanction as a landing place. During the last seven months, the Council was informed, that all coal used by Messrs Kennedy and Bennett had been landed and shipped on the lower wharf, paying wharfage both inwards and outwards, but previously the coal was landed at Kennedy's wharf without payment., of wharfage. Crs. Townley, Whin-ray, and Clayton advocated that Messrs Kennedy and Bennett be permitted the use of the erection provided the rate of the wharfage were paid on all coal stored there, while His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Ward and Brown were in favor of giving facilities for the coaling of steamers ; and a free tariff for all coals so used. After a prolonged discussion, it was moved by His Worship the Mayor, and seconded by Cr. Ward— "That the Council do not object to sanction the erection known as Kennedy's wharf for tho purpose of a depot for the supply of coal for the use of steamers, but if used for the purpose of traffic or sale that all wharfage be paid to the Council."

(Jr. Townley moved an amendment — " That tho Council sue no objection to the coal wharf remaining in use, but claim wharfage on coals landed thereon, the present public wharf being ample for the requirements of the trade." Seconded by Cr. Clayton. For th« amendment there were Crs. Whinray, Townley, and Clayton. Against : His Worship, Crs. Brown and Ward. His Worship gave his casting vote against the amendment, thus securing the carrying of the original resolution. Inspecting Common's wharf, the purport of- the letter sent by Messrs. Win. Common & Co. to the Marine Department was that they claimed to receive and ship their own goods without payment of wharfage. Councillors were unanimously of opinion that they should be permitted the use of their wharf provided wharfage was paid on all goods shipped or landed. Mr. Common, who waa present, was asked if he would consent to pay wharfage if he was permitted to land goods on his wharf, but he declined to make any reply. It was resolved on the motion of Cr. Ward—" That the Borough Council recommend that Win. Common & Co. be allowed the use of the premises at present occupied by them and other erections for the receiving, storage and shipping of goods subject to all wharf dues being paid in like manner as landed or shipped from tho Gisborne Borough Wharf." It was resolved to call for tenders for the leasing of the wharf for a term of on« year from April 1, and to advertise the table of the Wharf dues. It was further resolved that the reply to the Marino Department be sent by telegram.