Railway Department and Wharf Extension.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11635, 16 March 1901, Page 3

Railway Department and Wharf Extension.

— ♦ At the Harbour Board meeting on Friday a wire was read from Mr Mclntosh, District Engineer of Railways, who stated therein that he could not give the wharf contractor a plan, as asked for by him, to enable the contractor to fix beams to suit sidings, as the Department had never been furnished with a plan; and as the Board had refused to lend such a plan he could not give the information desired. The Chairman said that this raised another question with the Railway Department. He then went into a long statement with reference to matters that it was stated the Railway Engineer required in connection with the wharf extension contract. He moved a long resolution on the subject. Messrs McLean and Connett said that there was nothing before the Board that the Railway Department desired to change the wharf extension. The Chairman said that Mr Mclntosh Lad been provided with a plan a fortnight ago, and nothing had been heard from him. ' Mr Sarten said the Board should allow the contractor to finish his contract according to plans and specifications. Mr Cliff did not agree with this course. He considered it would be better to spend a few hundreds now in making necessary alterations, than completing the work and then finding the Department would not use it. Mr Hignett said that he did not believe in the way the Railway Department did business. The contract had been entered into in proper form, and now the Department wanted alterations. Mr Connett : — We have nothing before us that says so. We are only acting on hearsay. M.Mr Ralfe counselled that it would be better to approach the Department and ask what alterations were necessary. Mr Cliff wanted to move a motion in effect that the Chairman, Messrs Connett, Ward, and. Hignett be a Committee to attend to any alterations that might be needed in the wharf extension, and to consult with the Railway Department on the subject. Mr Hignett said he would not take the responsibility, and asked Mr Cliff to withdraw his name. The others also refused to act, and Mr Cliff withdrew his motion. Mr Sarten wanted to move a resolution that the contractor complete bis contract according to plans and specifications. This did not find a seconder. Finally the whole matter was shelved, on the ground that there was nothing before the Board. The Chairman brought up the question of some work that was required at the wharf as an extra. A resolution was passed approving of the extra.