Harbor Improvement.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6480, 24 September 1892, Page 2

Harbor Improvement.

A special meeting of the Harbor Board was held this morning to interview Mr Napier Bell on the subject of harbor improvement. The following members were present — Messrs Townley (Chairman), Joyce, Matthewson, Sievwright, Shelton, and Bright. The Chairman explained that the object of the Board was to utilize the present work by the expenditure of the fund now in hand, together with the material and plant in stock. It was nob proposed to undertake any large work. They had been prevented from doing so by the action of the Legislature. Mr Sievw right thought the present meeting should be regarded as a merely formal one — for the purpose of introducing the members to Mr Bell, The Chairman said he deemed it advisable at the outset to inform Mr Bell of the position of the Board. Mr Matthewson thought that the Chairman's remarks led to the inference that the Board had determined to make the expenditure. The question to his mind was, whotherit was advisable to undertake any expenditure at all — whether it was advisable to throw away good money after bad. 1b was admitted the present work was a failure. The Chairman remarked that, of course, it was understood that the Board had no intention of going; to useless expenditure. Mr Joyce was of opinion that the schemo of Mr A. Y. Ross should be submitted to Mr Bell. He also thought that now Mr Bell was here he should be asked to reuort on the feasibility of constructing at some future period a harbor on some site to the eastward of the present work, taking into account the sum now in the hands of the Public Trustee. If they frittered away their money on useless work in the river they would have less to construct a harbor on another site. Mr Shelton did not think it was worth while wasting the time of Mr Bell by going into details. Tho resolution of the Board was quite clear that any expenditure which might be undertaken should be confined to the money and material now Available. Mr Bright said that Mr Shelton had correctly ox pressed the intention of the Board. There had been a considerable outcry amongst the ratepayers to force the Board to do something. Mr O'Connor had been' here and reported on future works. His report did not meet with the approval of a majority of the Board, probably on account of the proposed expenditure being beyond available resources. If Mr B til did not think that the L6OOO now in hand could be used in a way beneficial to the district, they should shut down at once, sell all tho plant, and wait until the district was in a position to undertake a larger work. At present the position was clear that only an expenditure of L6OOO should be undertaken. The Chairman agreed that the resolution laid down that operations should be confined to an expenditure not exceeding the present resources in money, plant, and material. ! Mr Napier Bell said that he understood the feeling of the Board was expressed in the resolution. He could not tell till he had looked into tho subject the work which should be carried out, or whether it. would be better to let ib alone entirely. He would like to see all previous reports, and feo take soundings of his own, if it could be done. Soundings were the principal guide as to the effect of works. He understood it was two years and a-half. since operations had ceased, and present soundings might enable him to judge of the effect of future works. Tho Chairman said that all the reports in the office would be at the disposal of Mr Bell, and on the suggestion of Mr Bright it wis agreed that the Chairman be empowered to engage the Snark, if necessary, for the soundings which Mr 801 l proposed to take.

Tins concluded the proceedings