Untitled

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13411, 8 May 1912, Page 6

Tlio trade of the port for the period ending 30th April has been quite np to its usual standard as compared with the corresponding month of last year. During tho irnonth 171 vessels entered and cleared from the port, including one intercolonial sailing vessel, 35 Union Company's steamers, 97 small steamers, and 38 sailing vessels, their total registered tonnage being 31,113 tons. All routine duties have been regularly attended to.

In a supplementary report the harbourmaster stated: I respectfully ask the Board to consider the question of providing an oil launch to take the place of the rowing boat now in use, as wo are called upon to go long distances when meeting ocean-going vessels now trading to the port. It is also most important that a Launch should be in attendance when berthing these vessels, for tho purpose of running lines to the wharf. Sinco tho opening of the new entrance we are called upon to do a considerable amount of night work, as will bo scon: From the Ist January to 30th April, 1912, 516 hours have been worked between 5 p.m. ,and 8 a.m. ; January 120 hours, February 150 hours, March 134 hours, April 120 hours. The above also includes tho number of hours worked on Sundays. There is no provision made at the Railway wharf whereby the crew and myself can take shelter at night, during the intervals of arrival and departure of vessels, which very often extends from one to six hours. Owing to the uncertainty of the departure of vessels we are kept waiting about the wharf until such timo as the vessel is ready to sail, which I might point out is extremely unpleasant during the winter months. If a launch were provided the men would be at their stations and could sleep during tho interval of waiting at the wharf or outside the harbour, near the fairway buoy, and be ready at a .moment's notice. I trust tho Board will give the above their most favourable consideration.

On the motion of Mr Mercer, seconded by Mr Duncan, it was resolved that tho request for an oil launch bo referred to the town members and the Chairman for a report.

Mr Trask moved an amendment that tho matter be not entertained, but it was not seconded.

It was resolved, on Captain Macnab's motion that Mr F. Scott bo appointed caretaker of the Board's plant at a salary of £1 per week. :

On Mr Duncan's motion it was resolved that.the engineer of;the Westport Harbour 'Board,- when -visiting: Nelson, be asked to- report on the condition of the mole.

Mr Duncan intimated that he would give notice of motion at the next meeting to sell the dredge, tug, punts, etc. The Board-rose-at 3.45 p.m.: