BLUFF HARBOUR BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 19281, 27 June 1924, Page 2

BLUFF HARBOUR BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. Departing from the usual custom of holding the monthly meeting in Invercargill, the Bluff Harbour Board met yesterday in the Board’s Offices at Bluff, there being present Messrs Andrew Bain (Chairman), C. S. Longuet, J. Fraser, A. H. Aitken, M. N. Hyndman, W. J. A. Me- f Gregor and J. Fleming. Leave of absence was granted to Hon. A. F. Hawke, for the period of the session. CORRESPONDENCE. The secretary of the Southland league wrote, asking the Board to elect its representative on the Executive for the current year and also to continue its financial support towards the funds of the League.—The Chairman was re-appointed to act on the Executive while the usual contribution of £2OO was approved. The secretary to the Naval Board tendered thanks to the Board for the steps taken in connection with the visit of H.M.S. Dauntless to Bluff and stated that they were most satisfactory in every way.— Received. The National Mortgage and Agency Company, as agents for the as. Pakeha, made application for the remission of dues on the occasion of the vessel’s first visit to the port, when a mishap occurred.—Referred to Standing Committee. The secretary to the Marine Department advised that the Board’s amendment to By-law 12, in regard to pilotage dues appeared to be an infringement of Section 56 (a) of the Harbours Act, as allowing an exemption to vessels trading between particular places and requesting that the Bylaw be rescinded.—Referred to Standing Committee for consideration.

The District Engineer, N.Z. Railways, advised that the Department could not agree to the continuation of the practice of relieving the Board of liability for the cost of tracks laid on the wharves. The cost of the work required on the new wharf would therefore be a charge against the Board, and could only be carried out in accordance with the general decision which was now applicable.—Referred to Standing Committee.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS. The secretary reported that the revenue received during May totalled £3344 0/7, which was a decrease of £1531 7/4, when compared with the revenue for the corresponding month of last year. Mr George also reported that the Bank books at Invercargill and Bluff showed a credit balance of £5057 14/8. Captun G. W. Lindsay (Harbour Master), reported that during the month of May 41 vessels (6 oversea, 6 inter-colonial and 29 coastal), had entered the port, having an aggregate tonnage of 44,231 tons. The number of vessels outwards during the same period totalled 43, with an aggregate tonnage of 49,623 tons. Compared with the corresponding month of last year these figures showed an increase inward of 9820 tons and an increase outwards of 6961 tons. Six applications received for the position of secrotary-treasurer and engineer were placed before the members, but further consideration of these wui deterred until

next Monday xnorniqg, when s special meeting will be bdd. The Chairman's animal addram and the secretary's report were held over until a oubsequent meeting, pending the comptetion of the Government audit.