TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1520, 17 June 1886, Page 3

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of tbe Timaru Harbor Board took place yesterday. Present—Messrs W. Moody (Chairman), J. Talbot, J. W. WiUon, A. Hayes, J. Kelland, W. M. Sims and M. Jonas. Apologies for non-attend-ance were sent by Messrs El wort by and Acton. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. In bis opening statement tbt Chairman stated that during the month he { had, on behalf of the Board, entered , into an agreement with Mr C. W. Turner to bring out the new Prieitraan dredge for £3OO. Information had beptj received from the Bank of New Zealand that £103,000 bad been placed to the credit of the Board as tbe result of the recent loan. Tbe amount actually realised was £105,909 8s 6d. from which several charges had to be deducted. The tug Titan had taken the Oamarn dredge to Dunedin, and while away a misadventure in tbe harbor had reputed in tbe loss of tbe Lyttelton. The accident was the result either of stupidity or mistake, and it would be the duty »f that meeting to consider tbe matter.

A long discussion then ensued as to whether wbat was said should be reported or not. Mr Hayes mored that tbe Board should resolve itself into Committee.

Mr Jonas was of opinion that anything the Board had done should be made public. At the same time he thought that the examination of Captain Storm (the pilot) should be kept oat of tbe papers. Th* Chairman said that a private enquiry had been held already by the Collector of Customs, and the evidence had been forwarded to tbe Marine Department" at Wellington, and it was left to that department to determine whether or not a magisterial enquiry should be held. He (the Chairman) had been allowed to attend, and it was to his mind a question whether it was wiso to open op the matter at this meet* ing.

Mr Hayeß thought the official enquiry should not deter the Board fmm making an enquiry.

Mr Talbot thought that as an enquiry was pending it would be better that the matter should not be reported, and therefore he should second Mr llayes' motion. The motion was carriej, Mr Jonas dissenting, and the Board went into Committee, the Harbormaster, Engineer and Captain Storm (pilot) being present.

A letter from Mr Ja». Bruce, enquiring whether there won'd be any difficnlty about getting a railway siding to the mill he proposed to ereot, was referred to the Standing Committee. The Secretary reported that he had ordered 300 copies of tbe plan of the Harbor from the Marine Department, The Board decided not to purchase Mr **. Kirbj's stone quarry, The Secretary of the Otngo Harbor Board wrote stating that the dues on the Titan had been remitted.

After considering tbe wreck question in Committee, the following resolution, moved by Mr J, Talbot apd seconded by Mr J, Wilson, was carried unani mously—" That pending the official enquiry and uncertainty as to the exact cause of the Lyttelton's wreck, the Board postpone coming to any conclusion on the subject; an emergency meeting to be called whenever considered necessary by the Committee," The Chairman said he had given notice that the Lyttelton should be removed within thirty days. Mr Strachan wroU asking if tbe Board would allow him to have the surf boats and the ase of the tag to remove goods from the lyttelton. Resolved-—" That in reply to Mr Strachan's letter re boats and tug, he be informed that the Board are willing to comply with his request on the following conditions j—lron boats : rent £2 per day, guarantee £25 and return in same order as received or to be replaced; a deposit of £SO to be lodged as guarantee for good order and rent. Wooden boats: the Board will sell three for £IOO. Diver's services: £5 per day for use of diver, assistant and gear, all labor extra and guaranteed cost of apparatus, £l5O. Tug: £2 10s per hour."