TIMARU HARBOUR BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4985, 18 April 1889, Page 4

TIMARU HARBOUR BOARD.

9 he following is the conclusion of yesterday’s meeting enotneee’s report. Mr F, W. Merchant reported as follows ; “ Breakwater —I suggest to the board the advisability of forming a sort of parapet along the breakwater with the spare blocks on

hand, and with those we shall lift from the top of the wave breaker. With these a wall could be formed for nearly the whole length of the breakwater, which would prevent to a great extent the heavy bodies of water which now sweep over it during storms. By so doing the harbour would be rendered much calmer in heavy weather, and the quantity of sand, silt, and seaweed carried over the wall in suspension would also be reduced. “ Wharf repairs—We have no timber in stock suitable for this work. A few timbers require complete renewal. I recommend that a stock of about £SO worth of totara and ironbark should be procured. “ Screw Moorings—This work is now completed. By improved methods of working we have been able to sink the screws 13ft Sin and 16ft 6in respectively, measuring from the highest part of the screw blade to the sea bottom. The greatest depth previously attained has been about 10ft. The cost of fixing the two screws, including wages of permanent and extra hands, together with the purchase of material for staging, will not exceed £6O,

“Dredging—Since last meeting the Taniwha has dredged and discharged about 1700 tons of spoil and 20 tons of rocks. It will be necessary to haul her up for cleaning and repairs before long. “My report on the question of shingle accumulation is sent herewith. The plan of the land endowment the board needs is also well forwarded. I hope to be able to finish it in a week’s time. Jt has been a somewhat difficult thing to prepare.” As to the placing of blocks along the breakwater, the engineer explained that he proposed to place the 40 new blocks now in the yard along the mole. They would be packed and wedged to keep them from rocking. The report was adopted, and the material asked for ordered to be obtained. THE HBBOULE3. The Chairman informed the board that it was possible a purchaser would be found for the old crane, in the Otago Dock Trust. The board agreed to leave the question of price to the chairman and town members if an enquiry were made before next meeting. WHAEFAGB BATES. Captain Sutter moved, and Mr Morris seconded, “ That the standing committee report at next meeting if in their opinion it be advisable to make any alteration in the charges on coal imported and other goods." This, it was explained, was in view of (the recent reductions in charges at Lyttelton. AN ENDOWMENT WANTED. On the motion of Captain Sutter it was resolved—" That the secretary draft a Bill for the endowment of Caroline Bay to the harbour board and advertise the same in accordance with the law, for the purpose of giving charge of the Bill to the member for Timaru.” ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £1578 3s 7d were passed for payment. THE SHINGLE ACCUMULATION. -The engineer’s report on the shingle accumulation (which is given under a separate heading) was then taken. The report having been read by Mr Marchant, Mr Ross remarked that it was a very able report—(Mr Gray: Hear hear.)—and one the board should bo proud of. The engineer had shown that he had grasped the subject very ably indeed. He would move that it be published in full for the consideration of the board before next meeting. Captain Sutter (who had ejaculated Oh, oh! at the mention of groynes io the report) asked what there was to consider. The board were not asked to do anything. The report need only be received. There was nothing to discuss. Mr Ross thought there were several recommendations in it. The board then rose, it being understood that consideration of the report was deferred till next meeting.