HARBOUR BOARD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 10613, 13 May 1896, Page 2

HARBOUR BOARD.

The Harbor Board met on Tuesday. Present — Messrs Maxwell (chairman), McLean, Davies, Ward, Bellringer, Sarton, Shearer and Ralfe. ,

The Chairman stated that Mr Cameron had carried out his agreement as to metalling the road leading to the breakwater.

Mr C. F. Richmond wrote stating that the guarantors for tho breakwater protection fund agreed to the terms on which the Board had decided to lease from them a 25-ton crane. Mr Marchant, consulting engineer to tho Board, wrote from Timaru as to his inspection of the crane proposed to be purchased from the Westport Harbor Bo»rd. He stated tho crane was in good order, but he considered the Westport Harbor Board wanted too much for it, and suggested what he considered a fair price. He estimated that it would cost £100 to reerect the crane ai)d get it in working order. He also reported on a 20-ton crane he had inspected at Grey mouth, which the' Harbour Board there were willing to sell. This crane was also in good order. Messrs C. F. Richmond and J. B. Connett, representing the guarantors, waited on the Board with reference to the matter. — Mr Richmond said that the guarautora considered the Westport crane would be the more suitable, and were ready to enter into negotiations for tie the purchase. After consultation the deputation withdrew.— Mr Ward moved, (seconded by Mr Ralfe, in effect that the crane was suitable and Bhould be accepted on tetma contained ia the resolution.— The Chairman said he would like to remark that personally he was sorry that the negotiations had gone so far, but as the majority of the Board had decided in tho matter, of course he could not say anything further. — Mr Shearer objeoted to the chairman's remarks, which were a reflection on the members in favor of the lease of the crane. These members had givon ./he matter full consideration. — The Chairman said he did not wish to make any reflections, but simply stated that personally he was against the proposal, but was content to abide by the decision of the majority. —The motion was then put, and carried. — A further resolution was passed, in which tho Board approved of the crane at Greymouth being purchased, failing the crane at Westport being obtained. The Consulting Engineer reported that the making of the sand pump for the Board was progressing at Dunediii. He also stated that regarding his appointment he understood it was to terminate by effluxion of time twelve months after appointment.' The Chairman said that the agreement stated the sand pump was to be fi rished by May 30th, and the makers had to keep it in going order for another month, which would bring the time up to June 30th. Correspondence was read relative to the Boar.i'a weighbridge.— Mr Ward Baid the machine had been adjusted. Mr W. L. Newman, agent for Union S.S. Co., wrote with reference to the dredging at berthage.- It was decided to instruct the foreman to attend to the matter. Mr J. W. West, proprietor of livery stables, Messrs A. W. Bam & Co., drapers, and Mr Arscott, proprietor of the Coffee Palace, wrote complaining' of the unfinished state of Egmont-street leading to the railway station. — Consideration was delayed. Mr R. H. Cameron waited on the Board and explained his action in regard to bis contract. He stated he was stopped in his work on the instructions of the foreman, and this had delayed him. The Chairman said that the statement of stone put over showed that the work went on satisfactorily up to December, but after that very little was done, and the noncompletion of the work was delaying other work. Mr Cameron said that besides the stoppage on instruction from the foreman, who told him to wait till the engineer came up from Timaru, he had to contend against the weather. The Chairman said that tho matter would be adjusted when the engineer came up at the end of the month. Mr Cameron then withdrew. Mr Bellringer spoke of the size of stone that was allowed to be put over, and referred to other matters connoctod with the contract. He said that he felt the contract had not been carried on as it should, whomover the blame rested on. After further discussion the matter dropped. The Board appointed Messrs Bellringer and Ward a committee to report on the unfinished state of Egmont-street. Mr G. Pott, managing director of the Mokau Coal Company, again approached tho Board to reduce the wharfage on Mokau coal at the breakwater. — After some discussion, Mr Bellringer moved, That the question of admitting brown coal cheaper at the breakwater be considered at next meeting. — Mr McLean seconded. — Carried. Messrs Bluck and Ward reported on tho question of the width of Currie-street near the beach. They recommended that the Borough Council be uotified that the street be widened to 66 feet at the expiration of the lease which encroaches on the street, and that Mr Corkill, the lessee, be notified of the same. Mr N. King was granted leave to continue his tram line accross Currie-street on pertain conditions. Tb.3 harbormaster's requisition for stores was read and passed. The forman reported that during tho last month the dredge made 76 trips, taking to sea 4,180 cubic yards of spoil. He also reported on repairs effected. The harbormaster reported the amount of general cargo landed at the breakwater during April was 1190 tons of cargo and 507 tons of coal ; and 379 head of cattle, 36 horses, and 14 pigs were shipped. He also reported on the question of dredging. Mr Sarten said that the foreman Bhould attend the Board meetings. The Chairman said the secretary would instruct the foreman to attend. Accounts were passed, and the Board adjourned. <