NELSON HARBOUR BOARD.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13485, 3 June 1914, Page 5

NELSON HARBOUR BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING.

The monthly meeting of the Nelson Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon. There were present Messrs H. R. Duncan (chairman), T. Bell, I. Tunnicliffe, G. Macmahon, W W Snodgrass, H. P. Washbourn, George Bishop, A. P. Allport, and Captain Macnab. < ' Mr. J. Graham was granted leave of absence. FINANCE. The bank pass book showed the following balances:—Cr.: General account, 14s 3d; receipts, pilotage, May, £305 7s 5d (May, 1913, £370 2s 9d), since April Ist £612 5s 3d, as against £989 8s 5d for the same period last year; monthly average £306 2s 7d, as against £494 14s 2d. Accounts amounting to £127 15s 4d were passed for payment. CORRESPONDENCE. The secretary of the Motueka Harbour Board notified that the dredge John Graham had arrived safely; on 21st _ April'■ last. While carrying out dredging operations some structural damage resulted to the dredge, occasioned by the vessel grounding on a hum-mock. Repairs, however, had been effected.—Consideration deferred. Messrs T. Pattio (chairman) and P. Moffatt (secretary) of the Motueka Harbour Board, waited upon the board in regard to the hire of th© dredge John Graham. They stated that the Motueka Board considered thoy did not take possession of the dredge until April 21 st, whereas they had been charged with the hire of tho dredge from March 17th, a matter of £100. Mr Pa.ttie said that they (the Motueka Board) signed- the charter party in blank and the dates were put in afterwards by the Nelson Board. Mr Pattie pointed out that the dredge had been delayed in being taken to Motueka*, through the repairs taking longer than had been expected owing to bad weather.. The repairs had cost the Motueka Board nearly £500. while the estimate had been about £150. Mr Moffatt said he was quite xmder the impression that the rent for the hire of the dredge was not to start until a fortnight after its arrival in Motueka. It was never understood by the Motueka Board that they were to pay rent whilo the dredge was undergoing repairs. The deputation then withdrew. It was pointed out by members that repairs to the dredge were completed on March 17th, and she was then ready to -proceed to Motueka, but was prevented by bad weather from being towed over. After discussion, is was resolved on the motion of Mr Allport. seconded by Mr Tunnicliffe, that after hearing the deputation tho board, without prejudice, grants a rebate of rent from April Ist to April 21st. THE CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. The chairman stated that come time ago he visited the mole atld marked some of the stones to see if any subsidence was taking place. Last week, he visited the mole again, with, the Harbourmaster, and it was found that a certain amount of settling down, was taking place, with the result that the sea-s washed over the northern side on to the shingle behind the blocks. The board had some spare blocks, which wanted keying into the other blocks. The matter could be attended to without a great deal of expense. * It was resolved that a committee, consisting of the chairman, Messrs Washbourn and Macnab, make arrangements to have the matter put in hand. Mr. W. H. Alboxough, Suburban North, wrote suggesting that the Board should purchase an up-to-date self-propelling dredge in preference to hiring one. " The chairman pointed out that as the loan for harbour improvements had not been carried, a dredge was not required by the Board. Since the cut through the Boulder Bank had been opened the depth,of water outside the harbour had increased. The letter was received. The secretary of the Timaru Harbour Board asked for definite information as to the possibility of the Board requiring the board's dredge.—Consideration deferred until later in the meeting. Mr. F. I. Ledger wrote offering to sell the Board one acre of land at Mauua for £150 cash.

The chairman stated that the committee of the Board visited Mapua last week, and marked out about an acre, which was near the wharf, with a frontage to the road. The committee thought the land marked out was eminently suitable for the purposes of the Board. The committee were of opinion that in view of the Board's future requirments, the land should be procured. Mr. Washbourn moved, and Mr. Macmahon seconded, that the acre marked out be purchased. Mr. Macmahon considered that the acre would be a very valuable asset to the Board, as Mapus would ultimately be the port for trade from the Upper Moutere and Tasman districts.' " Mr. Bell said that the price was pretty stiff. He thought the Board should try and get it cheaper. Captain Macnab, Messrs Tunnicliffe, Allport, Bishop, and Snodgrass supported the proposal. Mr. Allport pointed out that when the road from Upper Moutere was constructed, Mapua would be distant only a"bout 4£ miles, as against 14 miles to Motueka. In his opinion Mapua at present was better than the new Motueka harbour would be when it was completed. Mr. Allport thought that to the ratepayers the price might appear a little high, although he did not think so personally. He moved that *the chairman and Mr. Snodgrass wait upon Mr. Ledger to make the best terms possible for the purchase of the land. Mr. Bell seconded the amendment, which was carried. HARBOURMASTER'S REPORT. The harbourmaster (Captain Collins) reported as follows: —The trade of the port for the" period ending 31st May showed a slight decrease as compared with the corresponding month last year. During the month there were 148 arrivals 'and departures, including H.M.S. Pysche and Pyramus, and one inter-colonial sailing vessel, and are made up as follows: —27 Union Company's steamers, 84 smaller steamers, and 34 sailing vessels, having a total of 25,967 tons register. All routine duties had been regularly attended to. ORDINARY BUSINESS. The chairman rend a draft copy of ■the Empowering Bill authorising the Board to borrow £100.171 to purchase the wharves. —The chairman and Messrs Snodgrass and Bishop were appointed a sub-committee to make all arrangements in connection with the It was resolved 'to inform the Timaru Board that the board proposed to again put the loan proposal before the ratepayers, and the matter of hiring the dredge would be considered later on. On" the motion of. Mr Bell, seconded by Mr Macmahon, it was resolved to write to the Murchi&on .County Chairman asking the fueling of the district as to coming within the rating area of the board. Mr Bell gavo it as his opinion that the Murchison people would consent to do. as suggested. The board rose at .4.45 p.m.