NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 5, 18 January 1902, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR BOARD.

The Harbour Board met on Fridftv. Present: Me?p™ Maxwell (chairman), Omnett, McLean, King, Price, S*»tui, and Curtis.

The secretary reported tha". Mr Rilfe had resigned his spat on t.h« Boird, and that Mr G. N, Curtis h d bean declared duly elected to 11 e vacancy.

On the motion rf the Cli im l u, seconded by Mr King, it was v solv, .1 I that Mr Ralfe's resignation be accepted j with regret. The engineer, Mr Marchant, v r t.i rtlaf.ive to the consignment of iron-; bark piles recently received for repairs to the wharf, and to which Captain! Hood had drawn the chairman's atten- i tion, es tlipy did not appear to be what they puiported. The Railway Department's timber inspector (wlo Ind hi en permitted at th« Board's request to examine th« pile-) reported as follows : —No, 1 pil«, bush box or tut pontine ; 2, do; 3, log mahogany ; 4, grey gum ; 5, red gum; 6, groy eum ;7, ironbark; 8, grey gum ; 9, stringy bark ; 10, grey gum ; 11, red gum; 12, stringy b;»k ; 13, d\ ; 14, grey gum; 15, -s'rinuy bark ; 16, ironbark ; 17, tallow wo d ; 18, grey gum ; 19, ironbark ; 20, red gum ; 21, grey gum ; 22, ir nbark ; 23, bush box or turpentine ; 24, ironbark ; 25, do.; 26, bash box or turpentine.

It wns decided to tnke delive.y if the six ironbark pilei only. A letter was read from the r.iptw'n of th<* Ngnpnhi, thanking the Beird for its consideration in offering a gratuity to the bolt's crew who wont to the assistance of the dredge when in difficulties owing to a break-down, Hit declining to accept any rewai d for tha assistance rendered.

A letter was read from the Borough Council thanking the Board for permission to construct reclamation woi ks on tbe foreshore, and aeking n to the Engineer. On the motion of Mr Pric?, seconded by Mr Curtis, the resolution passed at the last meeting, relative to foreshrre protection, was) rescinded; and the Borough Council wns granted pernvssion to carry out any protective works on the foreshore that it might think desirable, on rondi'ion that it. acce] ts all responsibility.

A letter from tha Board's solicitor, with forms of resolutions relative to the leases to Mr A. George and Mr D. Berry, was held over till next m feting. Letters were read from the Napier and Wellington Harbour Boards with reference to the s ile of tho fixed sacdpump plant.

Considerable d scoasion ensued on the matter. Eventually a motion, proposed by Mr Conne't and seconded by Mr Price, that the Engineer ba requested to give an approximate p-ice for the various parts of the plan f , wa«; on a division, cirriod Sarten, and Curl is vo'ing with Ihe Noe?. An amendment, moved by Mr Sirten to withdiaw the p'ant from palp, was lost.

Mr. Mcintosh, District Railways

Engineer, wrote a'king if the Board would allow tiis d°pnr'ni«nfc to form and nie-al a portion of Ourrle-s're t through the Kawau Pah Reserve, to give access to the new goods shfd. - Agreed to. The Railway En gin apt notified tint the department had handed over to t v e Board's foreman tbe 20-ton crane. - Latter acknowledged. | The Superintendent of Telegraphs wrote that his department had no »e'd I for old rails. ! Messrs. A and G. Taine, Wollir gton, wrote asking what commission ihe Board would allow on the sile of any of its old machinery.— Five prr cei.t. will be allowed on listed articlfs. The Board's solicitor forwarded a formal reso'ufcion in reference to ihe lease of a section in the Mount Eliot Reserve to Mr Freeman,—Aereed <o. The usual resolution in ronmction with the Board's overdraft was carried.

A quantity of stores for the harbour works were autho-ised to be procured. The Harbourmaster reported: —During the month ending 31st December, 37 steamers, aggregating 31,904 torp, were berthed. Imports wc-re 2.937 (including 625 ton? private coal), and exports 1031 tons. Sjme stormy weather hah b'ien experienced, but no detention had recurred to shipping. Tho dredge worked 14 day, making 149 trips, removing 8940 cubic yards of sand, and the average dep'h of water was 12 feet at low water spring tides. Hp suggested that it would bo advi°aWe to increase the width of the whaif, and to add spring pile 3, to prevent tha enormous wear and tear that is going on with the present whsrf. He had made a survey of the harbrur on I4th'j and 16th January, when soundings] showed about the same as for Decern -1 ber. Tho drsdgo had been kept at work on the spit at the end of the breikwater and along "the wall, to prevent the influx of sand from spreading into the harbour. The figures showed that the dredge was only just üble to ; hold the sand in chfck.

The Foreman reported on 'he work done during the month. Various repairs bad been effected and three new pilts had been driven and braces ropaifsd and bqltfd. The sand pump bgen removed and partially cleined up, Work was commenced on the filter, and some damage to the dam had been repaired. The windmill had been erected, but not tested yet. About 372 cubic yards of stone had been got down for the County Council.

The Chairman said the Foreman had got down about 1000 yards of stone up to date.

Mr Connett pointed out that it was neces-ary to act on the harbourmaster's suggestion to put in spring piles to protect the wharf. He taid tho Board would save considerably by doing this, as at present considerable expense was caused by the continual renawsl of coppar sheathing. Mr Garten suggested supplejick Renders. Jt was rf solved to with Napier and Port Melbourne for information on the subject,

The Works Committee repor'ed recommending that the apron protection work should be gone on <vi h at once; that a carpenter and an engine fitter be employed on lhe woiks.—Adoptrd, ' Accounts were passed for payment totalling £547 Is BJ. The accounts for the year wtre laid flfl jihe £ab!e ( and tlm CJI airman submitted a draft of bifj afipifal rppirt, (which he State 1 wa3 drawn up to gj e bs nearly as posnuln a co r. c \ Jea <.-f the business done during the year- He had foun'J the nffifln of chairman a very smroth one ou f..r us I o working wei.t, as thi secretary ai, ollio ish id p:ov< d to be thoroughly up in thair woik and had given ev«i y iicsistance to him. The report whs as follows :

Gentlemen,—Accompanying this report you will (ind the annual accounts of the Board for the year '(j'Uflj'ng Slsf December, 190:}., and you 'will' note 'that 'taoy s)io»V a tiur average increase in revenue. An

analysis under the different headings will bo seen below. : Overdraft—The overdraft, which was £3418 16s lid on Ist January, j 1901, now stands at £4340 13s Id, being an increase of £921 Ids 2d. The large expenditure on wharf extension, £2024 19s 2d, in addition to the heavy cost of maintenance, more than accounts for the increase. l-treakwatcr.—Under this heading 1 have great pleasure in once more reporting. that the year has passed without the structure sustaining any damage, making ttee sixth year. 1 may repeat my remarks made in the last annual report, that consequent on the great increase in the depth of [ water in the harbour, and proportionately around the wall, slight subsidences from time to time take place in the rubble wavebreaker, 1 which require to be made up as they occur, and this year the sum of | £lls 18s 3d has been expended in ; making minor repairs and in pro- ! curing amd tipping over stone where necessary. This work will have to be continued as required, until the difference caused by the increased depth is made up. As the Railway Department have been in possession of the quarry the necessary stone has been obtained from them as previously. The sum of £-143 4s Id has been expended on the permanent way along the breakwater and approach:es. Sand.—The dredge Thomas King has only worked within ordinary hours during the past year, and, in addition to being laid up for repairs throughout the month of January, much time has been lost through bad weather and other causes, with the result that about 39,000 cubic yards less of sand has been removed j from the harbour than last year, and I regret to have to point out, consequently the depth of water in certain parts of the sheltered area shows a decrease as compared with last year. The following table gives the sand removed, total cost, and cost per yard during the last nine years. The cost per yard for 1901, although low, shows' an increase. Cubic Total Cost i Year. Yards. Cost. Per Yd. £ s. d. '1893 15,800 794 1 7 12-06 d : 1894 22,615 787 1 8 B*3sd ' 1895 39,680 '853 19 0 6-16 d 1896 67,136 1763 811 6'3od 1897 114,309 1877 15 10 3-946 11898 135,290 2501 4 24-43 d 1 1899 - 232,730 2970 12 1 3'sod 1 1900 134,278 1458 11 11 260 d 1901 95,380 1403 15 6 3'52d

Proposed Opening in the root of the Breakwater.—For some years past much time has been taken up at almost every meeting of the Board in discussing a proposal by Mr Sarten to make an opening in the root of the breakwater, which, in his opinion, would allow the sand to drift through and onward. Mr Marchant had some time ago reported on the subject and stated that he could not recommend such a course, but, as Mr Sarten persisted and agreed that ho would abide by the decision of Mr Napier Bell, Mr Bell was requested to come to New Plymouth and report to the Board o« the subject. He, in a report, dated JLSth October, 1901, dealt very fuily"with the whole matter. This> report was distinctly adverse to the proposal and also included a warning that euch an experiment might have a bad effect by raising a doubt as to the necessity of dredging. This presumably closes the controversy. Mr llell suggested that it might be , ascertained whether the sand would' drift onward or remain within the

sheltered area if placed on the harbour side of the wall, by taking out a section of the fixed sand-pumping delivery pipe and pumping in a quantity of sand. New Dredging Plant. —The plant known as the fixed sand-pumping plant has from various causes only been worked occasionally, and as a diversity of opinion existed in the Board as to its suitability it was decided to give it a month's trial under the direction of a competent man. This was done, after which the Boarcl decided to take up the plant and store it until required for use on a floating dredge, and subsequently, on the recommendation of the Works Committee, offered it for sale.

A committee has been appointed to consider the question of obtaining a new floating plant. Harbour Survey. Monthly sound ings are now taken by the Harbourmaster, and a chart for the same is laid before the Board at each meeting.

Wharves. —This includes the main wharf and approach and the cattle wharf and yards. A continuous expenditure is necessary for the maintenance of these structures, £IOO4

9s 6d being the cost during the past I year, I must repeat what I stated 'last year as follows :—"ln my last : report I drew your attention to the [condition of the wharf and the Engi- \ report on the same. T would out that these were er[ected in 1887, and have consequently reached a stage in which constant renewals and repairs would in any case be necessary, but I would more particularly point out that they were of design size, and strength no doubt suitable for the trade of the port at that time, and the small class of vessels berthing at them, but are now entirely inadequate to the changed conditions. If quite ri£W thp pi a iff wharf might be equal tp the strain, without rlßk, of berthing the heavier tonnage boats now trading to the port,' but it is my opinion in the present condition of the structure there is continuous risk and that the Board should at once consider the question of providing funds for strengthening the main wharf by widening." The cattle yard and wharf are falling into great disrepair, little having bpen done to them during the' yefp as'they have not been required. Extension.—The contract for the extension referred to in former reports has been completed at a total cost of £2555 7s lOd. Although completed for some considerable time it has so far been only partially made use of by the Railway Department.

Quarry.—Throughout the year the Kailway Department have continued to remove large quantities of stone fnom the quarry. The amount required by them was understood by the Board to be approximately 10,000 yards, but the amount removed has probably exceeded 30,000 yards. A deputation consisting of the Chairman ajid Mr Connect tg WeHjngUm -fo interview the Minister fov tifiilways on the subjeot of the removal of excessive quantities of stone etc., with the result that no more large stones than necessary were split and less stone was removed from the upper level of the quarry, and the stone supplied to the Board was not to be charged lor. The Department had •now handed over the upper quarry to the Board and the 25-ton crane which was lent to them. They are still, however, removing stone from the lower quarry for metalling purposes.

Breakwater Road.—For some years past the question of control and I maintenance of the road leading from the main County road to the breakwater, known as tho breakwater I'pacl, has been from time to time !before the Board. The matter has now' been settled by the County Council taking over the road as a ,Cpunty rpad. the Government contributing £IOO towards cost of repairs, and the Board agreeing to supply the Oounpil with 5000 yards of stone, the stono to be delivered at tho root of the breakwater at 12s per yard, a price supposed to be actual cost free of royalty ; tho delivering is to extend over 10 years.

Proposed Extended Harbour Accommodation.— Although the Board (foes Wot yet see its way to undertake (lfly Work in the riiracfciim of extension, it liuve Mr AlArchant's plans and estimates confirmed or otherwise, and Mr Napier Bell, 0.E., has at, its request submitted a report wi£h plans and estimates to the Board, and it will be satisfactory to note that they practically fLgree with Mr Merchant's, Plant and Buildings, A windmill has been obtained and pipes for a new line to the reservoir; also a new diVing dress. Old plant to the total value of £l2l lis 4d has been sold, including an engine for £55, air compressor £lO, single chain grab £lO, and sundry lots" of. iron and timber. - ' '

| Wa£pr Siipplyf Owing to heavy rains the earthwork dam was washed away, it has been renewed

and strengthened with concrete face nnd suitable over/lows liave been constructed.

By-laws.—The by-laws for regulating the general conduct of the business and proceedings of the Board were revised and brought in force 011 Ist November, 1901, Wharfage and Dues.—The following is a return of wharfage and dues for the past twelve years

The decrease under the heading of wharfage is accounted for by the reduction from 3s to 2s on general merchandise, which only took effect for four months of the previous year. It was hoped that there would have been a sufficient increase of trade to compensate for the reduction of charge. Shipping.—Four hundred and fortyfive vessels entered and left the port during the past year, of the aggregate tonnage of 193,020. Returns for the pasti eight years as per Harbourmaster's books :

It will be satisfactory to note that there is a reasonable increase in the total trade of the port, although a falling off in the exports. Endowments.—The whole of the earth on the eastern side "of Mt. Eliot Reserve has been removed by the Railway Department. The sites thus levelled were offered at auction ; nine have been let at prices ranging from 35s to 40s per foot annual rental and five are open for selection until 81st March, 1902. One section is a reserve for Board's offices. The increased annual revenue from this portion of the reserve will be £7ll 7s 7d, Harbour Rate and Land Revenue.— One farthing rate was levied during the year, being only one-third of the original, producing £6563 lis 7d. The actual amount received was £5466 3s 5d ; and the land revenue was £5454- 4s sd, making a total with interest, etc., of £-11,056 4s. Table of Land Revenue for the past eleven years.— Year, Amount. £ r. d. 1891 7906 11 8 1892 7125 8 2 1893 6114 1 11 1894 7577 3 1 1895 8588 15 3 1896 6706 9 4 1897 . 4870 18 9 1898 5935 3 2 1899 ... 6806 18 4 1900 6094 6 3 1901 5454 4 5

It will be noted that this shows a decrease of £6.40 Is lOd in land revenue as compared' with last year. Sinking Fund.—THis fuad stands at £43,491 Is, sujn of £41,950 being in thp Bqard's bonds and the balance in the Bank of New Zealand at interest. The Trust Commissioners have made purchases of bonds during the past year to the extent of £2504 3s lid.

Foreman.—Mr Jas. Lindsay, who has been foreman at the works during the last six years, resigned antf was in October last by Mp E. Williams.

Mr Oonnett thought the Board was sailing rather close to the wind in making the annual rate so low.

Mr Sarten entered on an explanation of the manner in which the sand had been affected by the pumping into the harbour.

Mr Connett moved a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman for his report and his sei vices the past six years,

Seconded by Mr McLean, who regretted tbat Mr Maxwell had decided 1 not to accept office again. Some discussion took place on the subject of a dispu'e between the haibourmaster and the engineer af the N~gspuhi regarding the water supply but no aotion was taken.

| Captain Hood made an explanation 'in reference to a statement made by jCap'ain Norbury, of the Ngapuhi, rhit Ihe had caused delay in the landing of the' Frisco mails on Chris'mis morning, He had demanded an inquiry by '.he postmaster, with the result that he (Captain Hooa) bad been completely exonerated from all blame.

Mr King moved that as the Board is anxious to remove the earth from the Mount Eliot reserve, it will meet *ny private individuals desiring earth *nd pay half cost up to 3|d per yard, the question of quantity to be satisfactorily proved to the Board.

The Board adjourned &t 4.20 p.m,

Year. Vesse's. Ton nage Imports. Exports. Butter and Cheese. Other Exports. Total Exports. Total Exports and Im ports Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. 1894 372 91,040 18,885 2191 3826 6017 24,902 1895 362 93,858 20,386 1736 3571 5307 25,693 1896 382 96,657 19,657 2384 5284 7668 27,325 1897 410 107,916 22,277 4730 4877 9607 31,884 1898 420 144.407 24,296 5615 6710 12,325 36,621 1899 404 152^776 25,894 7105 3823 10,928 36,822 1900 415 177,221 28,726 7733 3949 11,682 40,408 1901 445 193,020 33,611 8153 2818 10,971 44,582

Year. "Wharfage. Berthage. Warps. Water, &c. Port Charges. Total. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1890 1621 203 237 17 79 2157 1891 1949 241 218 53 46 2507 1892 2105 256 165 93 60 2679 1893 1966 266 261 61 71 2625 1894 2922 329 284 27 102 3664 1895 2806 320 267 16 131 3540 1896 3242 450 269 27 111 4099 1897 3388 1159 291 22 131 4991 1898 . 3824 1414 385 91 215 5929 1899 3797 1549 417 117 201 6081 1900 3929 1788 455 128 230 6530 1901 3835 2180 508 120 295 6938