THE CHAIRMAN'S REPORT.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12767, 8 February 1910, Page 3

THE CHAIRMAN'S REPORT.

The Chairman reported verbally that as requested by the Board ihe attended at the Lands Office on January 10th, when the Commissioner of Crown Lands considered the application for a prospecting license over 500 acres of the Waimea mudflats. The application was granted on certain conditions, and_ subject to the approval of .the Minister for Mines. The Board's interests jn the event of coal being discovered would be protected. (The action of the Chairman was approved.) Continuing, the Chairman said that samples of clay taken from the harbour and the Waimea flats had been forwarded to Wellington for the purpose of being converted Into bricks. The firm to whom the clay had been sent- had written to the Board stating that they would require half a dray load of each _ to- fill tbeir machines and make the bricks — a lesser quantity would disorganise their work. The writers added that they did not think they could make better bricks than the samples forwarded. The" Chair** man suggested that the further testing of the clay might be postponed. This course was agreed to, the matter being left in the hands of the Chairman. DREDGEMASTER'S REPORT. .■■ The Dredgemaster. (Mr J. Mcßarg)" ■reported that the flotation puntsvhad been overhauled, and the Board's plant &ad undergone its annual Government inspection, no "work having

to be done to the dredge or cranes. The tug Gordon did not get under way till January 26th. Some new planks had to bo put in on the starboard side, stiffening pieces dowm the ■ sides, and a new false, keel the whole length of' the ship. The planks of the hull were perfectly sound underneath the waterline, but new frames were required. The Gordon required ' very careful handling and practically smooth water work. It was not safe towing a punt alongside, as required to be done to get punts in position for their work in the choppy sea they so often got inside the harbour. HARBOURMASTER'S* REPORT. The Harbourmas-fer (Captain Collins) reported- that the trade for the month bad been slightly on the increase, as compared with January, 1909. During the month 155 vessels entered and left the port (inoluding one ocean-going steamer), as against 139 for. the same period last year. The details were :— Thirty-eight Union Company's steamers, 87 small steamers, one foreign-going steamer, and 28 sailing vessels. The total (registered tonnage was 36,040. Soundings taken during tEo month, insido and outside the harbour, showed no material difference from those previously taken. TENDERS. The tender of the Anchor Shipping and Foundry Company for the supply of coal was accepted. It was -resolved to invite tenders for supplies. . This concluded the business, and the Board rose at 11.45 a.m.