TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 2246, 2 December 1881, Page 2

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

An ordinary meeting of this Board wn« held yesterday, iv the Board's room, Maclean and Stewart's buildings. HEMBEE3 PRESBMT. Messrs T. W. Hall, M. Studholme, T. Teschemaker, W. Moody, B. Turnbull, B. A. Barter, and His Wor»hip tho Muyor. In the absence of Mr Fulbert Archer, Mr T. W. Hall was voted to the chair. HINUTES. The minutes of the last ordinary meeting and special meeting were read and confirmed. BXPLAHATIOM. The Major said before proceeding with the ordinary business, he wished to make an explanation m reference to a letter which had appeared m the Timaru Herald of November 25tb, relating to a statement made by him at Mr Xurnbull's meeting, blaming the Board's Engineer for the mistake which had been made m the sohedule of the Foreshore Endowment Act. He explained that tho reason be spoke at that meeting was because Mr Turnbull wai totally unaware of what bnd taken place. Mr Turnbull had sent him, as Mayor, from Wellington three copies of the Bill relating to the foreshore, to be handed to the Board by Government, and m a letter asked him to oil and see the Chairman m oas> the Board waDted a report made m the matter. He mot the Chairman, and not only showed him a copy of the Bill, but the letter of Mr Turnbull. Mr Archer then sent for the Engineer, and handed him the Bill and cchedule, instructing him he had better see if the schedule was according to the agreement proposed by Government. He (the Mayor) would not have interfered at the meeting had not Mr Xurnbull been totally unaware of the facts mentionod. Mr Teichemaker : Did the Bill contain the present boundaries ? The Mayor : I believe bo. Mr Turnbull said the Bill had not been m circulation ten minutes when be sent it away. He bad been shown a small plan by Mr Hall m the House, but it was impossible for him to »ay what land was marked on it. The Mayor salted the Board to excuse his absence for the remainder of the meeting, and left the room. OOBBESfONDBHOB. The following correspondence was then road : — From Mr W. Postlothwaite, apologising for bis absence, and requesting tho Board to consider the advisability of altering (he date of meeting for the convenience of country members. From the Engineer, stating that owing to the steamer being late m arriving at Lyttrl* ton, he was unablo to be present al the meeting. From the Bngine-driver at the Landing Service 1 , the Manager of the same, and the Clerk of Works,- accepting the Board's decision that one week's notice be given to terminate their eorricos. From the Under-Socretary of Public* Works, elating that the letter of the Board pointing out that the land promised by Government had been incorrectly defined on the plane, would receive immediate attention. From tho Marine Department, Wellington, referring to tho Board's letter of tho 19th ult., m which it wai propoied to substitute a fourth order light nt tho lighthouse for tbe one now m use, and stating that the only difference thit ocu'd be allowed owing to the arrangement of lights along the coast, was the erection of a green light. If the Board provided a now fourth order light, Government were prepared to take over the old light at cosl. prico, and ordor and erect the new light at the expense of the Board. The acting Chairmnn suggested that they should give a green light a tri-il now they had gas laid on, and if it wero visible at a sufficient distance there would be no occasion to go to the expooso of purchasing a new light. This was agreed to. From the Treasury, enclosing four guineas for Mr Sealy's attendance bi'fore tho Breakwater Comminion. From Mr Clomenthaw, Christchurch, expressing «urprii» at rending that by the adoption of gas m (he lighthouse the lightwould be incrcftied, and asking to be supplied with information as to the quantity of oil that had been used. From the TJnder-Secretary for Publio Works, informing the Board that a crane for the wharf would bo forwarded from Lyttelton. The Seoretary stated tbe crane had arrived and been placed on the wharf, and that it would be useless for discharging cargo. The Acting-Chairman said the crane had not had a proper trial, some part of it havine been oiled m mistake, whioh affectud its working. From Moisrs Guthrio and Larnaeh advising the shipment of 900 casks oeraont by tbe Westport and 499 by the WaitaW, and alto that there were now on the way 2800 casks m the Candidate, 1050 m tho Auckland, 500 m the City of Luckuotr, and 400 m the Tarnnaki. From tbs N.Z.L. and M.A. Company, advising the shipment of four crates containing buoys per Hurunui, which sailed from London for Fort Chalmers on August 30th. and of anohor and chains by tho Elizabeth Graham on the 27th September for Timaru, via Oftnaru.

From the same, enclosing invoices of goods •hipped. Objection was taken to the he»vy ohargrs made for testing the chains, and further onquiriet ordered to be inititutod. The coit of one Bet of chains was £195, And the chargt for testing £11. From Messrs Broirn and Co., Sheffield, advising the shipment of forty-six steal wheels, and enclosing invoice. From the National Mortgage and Agenoy Company, offering to cell the Board six surfboats and gear, large travelling engine, raili and timber, for the «urn of £450. Mr Moody laid with regard to the offer there had been some talk amongst the town members respecting the purchase of three of the Company's best boats, and that tho majority of them were of opinion the Board should take thres of thsin if they could be got Tory cheap. With regard to the engine, he did not think it was of any service and was not aware there wai any necessity for it. He would more— "That on offer of £100 be ma le for three of the belt boats of the N.M. and A. Company, the engine and other boats not being required." Mr Barker seconded the resolution. The Acting-Chairman said the boats ware tsry old, and expressed the opinion if they were sent outside the Breakwater and mat a sea and swayed »g«inst a ship they would open, and this would render the Board liable to heavy expense. Some of them might be used inside the Breakwater. In reply to Mr Teichemaker, Mr Hall said they wouid want the boats as the grain season advanced. The motion was then put and carried. A letter was read from Mr Collins, engine driver, asking the Board to define his duty as between the Manager of the Landing Borneo nad the Secretary to the Board. Ob the motion of Mr Barker, seconded by Mr Teeohemaker, it was resolred — '' That a Committee, consisting of Mr Suiter and Mr Moody bo empowered to inquire into the engine driver's complaints, and to take whatever action they consider beat for the Board's interest." JO2TBS AND PETEHS' CLAIMS. Messrs Jones and Peters wrote respeoting the sum detained by tho Board from amount due them for penalties incurred m Breakwater Contract No. 3. They stated that Captain Butter's statement that three months had elapsed before they called for tenders for the iron casing was incorrect, and they considered such statement to hare emanated from sonic disappointed tenderer. They had never less than 32 hands at work, excepting m bid wenther. whioh had been the cause of th« delay with the- mole. They considered it unjust to br cillcd upon to pay the Engineer* and Clerk o£ Works' salaries for tht> time they had exceeded their contract, as m any case they would have bad to be m attendance superintending the wharf contract, which was finished within (he time. Mr Moody moTed, Mr Barker seconded, and it was carried— "That the Chairman'! action m detaining £160 from Jones and Peters' contract be endorsed, and that consideration of the matter of penalties be deferred till next meeting." LKJHTnOUSK EBEPEE. Mr Meredith, lighthouse keeptr, wrote, expressing surprise that his services should bs dispensed with through the substitution of gas for oil, and respectfully requesting tfcs Board to reconsider their determination, or to find him employment m any capacity suitable to his age, at he was unable to follow hi) calling of matter mariner through infirmity. A petition was alto presented bearing the signatures of a number of merchants and others, asking tho Board to reconsider ita decision, and stating m their opinion it wonld be necessary for some on* to have care of tho lenses. In reply to a question, the Secretary said there was no doubt the lenses required constant attention. He understood that the Finance Committee had recommended that the lamplighter m going his round could attend to them, but he did not see how that was to be done. The man would require to make a special round. Mr Moody suggested that tho matter bs referred back to tho Finance Committee asking them to consider Mr Meredith's letter and the petition, and to report at next meeting. This couno was adopted, SALABIBS. Tho Harbor Master applied for an increase of salary, and m doing so compared the work done at this port with olhors.and pointed out that 'at Oamaru the Harbor Masttr had a much larger salary and a complete staff, whereas he (Captain Mills) had not a single regular assistant. Mr Moody held the service thonld bo treated as one, and if they began to increase the salaries they would hare to consider all the men and look, upon it as a general measure. Tho Aotiog Chairman said the Harbor Master's work had increased very much. H« was one of the hardest worked of their servants. Mr Teschemaker said they had already broken through their principle by giving the Manager of the Landing Service an increase, and why not give it to tho lot, Mr Moody thought they could oonsidtr the question more generally and at leisure by appointing a, Committee. KOTICBS OB HOTIOK. Mr Turnbull obtained leave to let his notice of motion re wharf manager stand over till next meeting. Mr Barker gave notice that he wonld move) at next meeting — " That at the melt meeting the whole question of salaries and duties of officers of the Board be diicu»ed, with a view to readjustment if found advisable." Mr Moody gave notice for next meeting that he would move — "That the monthly meetings of the Board bs held on tha second Thund&y of each month instead of as at present." REMOVAL OF SHIKGLE. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Moody, seconded by Mr Barker — " That the Engineer bt instructed to report upon the removal of shingle for (own purpo a from the foreshore, with a roeominendmion as to where it may be taken from and what charge per ton or load." SHIPPING CHABGE3. The Secretary brought before tha notice of tho Board the preient low charges for shipping wool. The freight on a boatload of grain came to £2, while that on a boatload of wool only came to £1 ss, which hardly paid for the. boat. An alteration was also required m vessels laden with coal. A vessel laying cutside was discharged for 16s per boat, and a small vessel like tho Young Dick laying inside tho Breakwater was charged £1 per boat. Mr Teßchemaker considered the charge for wool quite sufficient. It ceemed likely that wool, even if shipped direct from the wharf for Home, would <wst at much as shipping it coastwise to Dunedin and thence Home. Thero was very little difference, althougk people were under the impression there was a great difference. Mr Moody thought if tho rat« was to bo the same by shipping to Lyttelton or Dunedin as by shipping direct there would be no bfneflt by adopting the latter course. Mr Studholino said they should be careful m raising the rates if they wanted to establish a trade. After further discussion it was considered inadvisable to alter the present charges. tub ronmnoßß endowment biil, Mr Teichemaker said lie would like to ask one or two questions nbjut Iho Fore'hore Endowment Bill. Tbero could be no doubt but that a very great muddlo had been made, as the Bill did not give them the lard promised by Oovernment. He wished Captain Sutler was present, so that he might giTe cortain information. This Bill, Mr Turnbull said, had been sent to the Major. Ue (.Mr Tesi-homaker) thought it strange it had not been sent to tho Chairman of the Board. Another thing was, the Engineer had boon instructed to report upon thii Bill, but by whom ? At » member of the Board he never knew anything about thi<. Tho Board had beon kept m total darkneu, nnd suddenly they found a map sent down niarki' g out the land along tho foreihore. Why did the Bill not agree with the arranaoment made with tho Government? Tho Government had bad no wish whatever to keep from them the land that was intended to be given that Boar.!, and ho held m his band a, telegrum from the Hon. John Hall which would clearly pruve it. It read— "Had plan prepared which now m Wellington showing land to be taken by Government and surplus {or Board. Bhowed this to

Turnbull, leaving i\ »itk him 'some time." It was perfeotly clear that this had been dooe, and that Mr Xurnbull ssnt it to the Mayor, he did not know why, who got hold of the Engineer to report upon it, and the Board were kept m total darkness. Mr Turnbull said the Mayor had written to him, and he hud sent the Bills to the Mayor, as he thought that under any ciroumsUnces they woul.l get to the Board quicker this way than by sending it to any other member, as the Mayor was always m town. Mr Hall brought over to him a plan which was the property of the House, and which wr.s laid upra tho tabl« of Hie House, and said to him (Mr Turnbull), " This is to carry out our agreement with your Board." He was anxious about it, and as soon a« he oould ne asked Mr Hall if he w«s goiDg to introduce a Bill to give effect to it, and he raid he was going to do so immediately. He (Mr Turnbull) was not going to suppose Mr Hall vras acting as a mere swindler. Mr Hall came a short time afterwards and said the plans were all submitted and laid upon tbe table of the House. He (Mr Turnbull) knew nothing further of it. It was not for him to compare the Bill with the plan to see whether it was correct. He bad seen a small plan, but be oould not tell what land it defined. He believed be cent copies of the Bill to the Mayor and Chairman of the Harbor Board. He considered it rather unfair to attempt to lay the blame upon him. If they had comparsd Mr Oliver's letter with the Bill they would have known all about tbe plan. Mr Teschemaker : Question. W» are not aware that the Chairman bad a copy of the Bill. Mr Turnbull: If the member questions my statement I will very soon let him k»ow ■what I think of him. My character for veracity m and out of the House is equal to the gentleman's oppoiite. Mr Tesohemaker: I don't want to know abjut your character m tbe House. From your own statements you said ysu believed yon sent copies to tbe Chairman. Why did you not aend them direct to the Chairman of the Board instead of to tbe Mayor ? Mr Turnbull : If I did not send them to the Chairman it was an exception to my usual practice. The Acting-Chairman said when copies of the Acts were laid before tbe Board, do one seemed to know anything about them. Mr Turnbull wanted to know why the matter was now brought forward. The Acting-Chairman replied became it was the first time Mr Turnbull was present sinco the meeting. Mr Turnbull did not tbink that was the reason. If any mistake bad been made it oould be altered, but he denied tbat tbe charge of neglect rested upon him. Mr Teschemaker thought Mr Turnbull's references to his character were quite out of place, and he questioned if they were proper. Air Hall bad placed this Bill before Mr Turabull with tbe intention of knowing whether these boundaries were correct, and when it was returned he absolutely believed tbey were right. Mr Turnbull denied boing aware of any such intention. The Acting-Chairmen said he did not think any remark Mr Teschemaker had made called for tbe remarks of Mr Turnbull. The Board had a right to know what was going on aad upon whom the blame ree-ted, but they did not know, and tbey, therefore, bad a perfect right to know whether these Bills hud been furnished to tbe Mayor and not to the Chairman. Mr Turnbull thought the Chairman of the Harbor Board and the Mayor were the proper persons to send the Bill to. The Acting-Chairman said be knew nettling about the Bill. Mr Teschemaker might be wrong, but be did not think anyone knew about it. The Sonrotary, being appealed to, said somo fortnight before tbe Bill was passed Captain Sutter handed three copies of the Bill which he had received to the Chairman. Captain Sutter brought them down to the meeting himself. The Acting-Chairman : Who instructed the Engineer to report ? The Secretary : I do not know. His instructions did not come from tbe Board. I did not hand tbe Engineer any report as Secretary. The Aoting-Cbairman slid there was ratber too much work being done, of which no one knew anything at all about. Mr Barker said he bad attended all the meetings held recently, but he hid not seen the Bill, and knew of no instruction to tbe Engineer. SHIPPIHO DISPUTES. The Secretary produced an account for £5 ISs 4d, claimed for sacks of grain miasiog by a shipper, and requested tbat the Board wonld pan some regulation on the subject as it was a difficult matter to get captains to sign the boat notes. Mr Moody moved — "That the Bscretary be instructed m case of goods signed for m dispute not to allow the claims for such to interfere with tbo standing infractions as to collection of HarborJßoard accounts." CLKBK OF WOBKS BEFOBT. In the abs«nce of the Eogiaeer, tho followlDg report of the Clerk of Works was read : — "Tbe Chairman, " Timarn Harbor Board. " Sir, — In tho absenco of, and by direction of, tbe Engineer, I have the honor to report that Messrs Janes and Peters, contractors for No. 4 contract of. Breakwater, commenced operations on tbe 16th nit., on which date I resumed my duties, and steady progresa hae been made to date, 700 yard* of blocks being moulded and 190 yarda placed m situ. The lower level on tbe south side of the mole, formerly used for stacking blocks, is now being used for moulding-ground, and the contractors are perfecting a more expeditious arrangement for conveying tht concrete to the moulding-boxes. A tender has been accepted for the removal and re-erection of the hawser shed, and tbe work will be completed m a few days. Some progress has bean made during tbe month towards removing tbe wreck m tbe boat channel, which has bithsrto proved so obstructive to the landing Service. "The first consignment of cement on account of Guthrie and Lamach's contract is now to hand, and is under test. Supplies from this source will now be coming freely, and additional storage will require to be proTided, as at present the npper floor of the Landing Service has as much stored on it as safety rrH! permit; 6603 casks of previous atoc!»:> -■• ;Ull on hand. Such must be used np before the new stocks are operated on. "Tbe railway authorities have erected a. steam crane on tbe wharf, and have taken poueuion of and worked the same since the 28th ult. By arrangement, no progress payment will be made to contractors on contract No. 4 for work done to date until next month. " I have &c, " John Hamilton, " Clerk of Works, Timaru Harbor Board. " December Ist, 1881." LAKBINO SBBVIOB BBTOXT. The Manager's report of the Landing Service for the month was r«ad as follows : — " I have the honor to report that I bare landed and shipped hi all 4032 tons, having worked at 20 veisel*. Ihe gross earnings are £672 16» 9d, and Ihe net, £— . " Last week I took advantage of the fact tbat there wa» little shipping either m the port or expected to arrive to hare the engine taken down and th« nccetsary repairs effected. I SOW consider the xzsaobiuorj ZQ good Wor&> iag order. During the time the Service was laid up I •worked the steamer at tbo wharf with my own men. (The Railway Department have since taken tbe wharf over." ■iccor/srg. Harbor accounts amounting to £281 6s 10s, and Landing Service to £413 15s 9d, were passed for payment, and the meeting termujtted.