TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3511, 30 December 1885, Page 7

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

An ordinary monthly meeting of the Board was held on I'ecember 15th. MEMBBBB PBBsBVT. Messrs Sutler, Kelland, Hayee, Talbot, Acton, (Uworthy, Wilson and Jonas. In the absence of Mr Moody, Mr fclwortby was voted to the chair. MIKT7TBB. The minutes of the previous ordinary and special meetings ware read and confirmed. XkTTEB FBOM THE CHAIRMAN The Chairman wrote stating he was unable to be present, but that he had the same vie* on engineering the works now as he had when tbo first discussion took place, -viz., local supervision by competent engineering skill, and retention of Mr Goodall as consulting engineer. BECBIPTB. The receipt* for the month wero stated to bo £543 I2s7d. APOLOQ7. Mr Kelland apologised on behalf of Mr K. F. Gray for his non-attendance. COBBEBPONDENCE. Certain correspondence was laid on the table m regurd to the floating of tho new loan. I 'ihe following other correspondence was read and considered :— From the Secretary to the Westport Harbor Board, enquiring if the Priestman dredge was for sal*. The Secretary was instructed to reply m the negative. From Mr C. W. Turner re a lot of condemned cement. The Secretary stated all the cement m question had now been passed. From the Premier, w ellington, stating the GoTornment could not see their way to giving an endowment for the Timaru harbor works Mr Jonas thought if they could not do this they should pay for the land they had taken from the Board. From the Secretary to the Canterbury Underwriters' Association advising that the Chairman of the New Zealand Underwriters' Association hod informed him that, after special reports by practical and experienced men. he could not recommend any reduction m insurance rates at Tiroaru, but he would bo glad to be notified m the future of any improvements m the port. The Board's requests would at all times hare his most careful consideration. Mr Jonas elated he had seen the captain of the ship Canterbury, who had assured him he was not m any war afraid of loading up inside the Breakwater. From the Oamaru Harbor Board m reference to the loan of their dredge. Proposed by Mr Talbot, seconded by Mr Hayes, and carried—" That the Secretary write to the Oamaru Harbor Board and ask for the draft lease re dredge, stated to be m course of preparation by them m their letter of November 24th ; also to ask tho earliest time when the dredge will be available for this Board." From Mr Hargreaves, protesting against so many of bis piles being condemned. He did not wish to complain of the Clerk of the Works, but he hinmelf had obtained favorable opinions of them. He understood they had been rejected because they w>-re crooked, but was also told the contractor would not refuse to drive them. He asked the Board to join with htm m appointing ex- ortu to go into the matter, otherwise it might end m a lawsuit. It would end m loss to his principal m New South Wales. Mr Hamilton, ( lerk of the Works, explained some of the piles wanted straightneas, some were too small, while others were [plugged m the end. Vr Qoodall had seen the first two lota of piles (33 per cent ) which he had rejected, aud w«s quite satisfied they were not fit fur their purpose. Borne of the rejected ones had been sold to 'he Waimate County Council. He added that Mr Moody and the contractor had together inspected the piles, and both were apparently agreed they ought not to be accepted. On the motion of Mr Hayes, seconded by Mr Kelland, it was resolved that Mr Hargreaves be informed the Board would not accept any piles other than of the quality specified m the contract. From the Manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Company, stating he could not recognise any cl >im for services if full particulars were not supplied. [This referred to the Hudson, and the matter came up later on.] CIiBXK OF WOBM' BBPOBT. This report was read as follows : — " I have the honor to report that since the date of last meeting of the Board, steady pr>gress has been made with the works generally. " Breakwater contract No. 6 — This work is almost finished i one length of monolith and a few repairs being all that is necessary to complete the contract"Moody Wharf contract No. B— Pile driving has for the present been suspended on this work owing to the required lengths of the pilea not being at hand ; other portions of the structure are not interrupted. Tbi< has not to any great extent interfered with the contractors as the pile driving plant has been removed to contract No 9. "Wharf extension contract No. 9~ '•bis work is now fairly started, and good results may be looked for. " Piles and iron bark —I am advised by the contractor for this material that the balance of the quantity to complete the contract is now being shipped at Clarence rivtsr, exl/Uoas, and may be expected shortly. " Cement — Tenders have been invited and will be submitted to you this day for 200" tons of Portland cement. In the meantime to augment present supplies, a small parcel of 100 tone, ex Ganymede, has been purchased from Mr Turner at previous contract rates subject to the usual specification tests. The lot has been accepted, and stored on the Board's own premises. " I have to request authority to order through Messrs Kincaid and McQueen, from Europe, one steel roller and shaft, also one section of steel roller path for the crane Samson. These are the parts most likely to be required should an accident occur. Cost about — . (Signed) John Hamilton." Proposed by Mr Haves, seconded by Mr Talbot, and carried—" That the Clerk of Works be authorised to obtain the steel rollers, etc, required by him." BABBOB MASTBB'S BEPOBT. Captain Webster reported for the month as follows : — " Bir, — I have tho honor to report the arrival of 28 vessels of the aggre- , gate registered tonnage of 6687 tons, and tho I departure of 26 vossels of the aggregate registered tonnage of fiOsl tons during the month of November, 18S5. The whole of the above vessels have been worked at the wharf. The Landing Service during thi« month has not boon employed. On the 26th instant the barque Hudson was stranded on the Ninety Milo Beach, on a voyage from London to Ly ttelton. After lying thoro for 40 hours she nan floated and towed to I/yttelton. During tho vess-Ts stay on the beach the Board c steam tug and other appliances were used for the stranded vessel's benefit ; a report of the services is attached for the Board's in'ormation. On Deo. 3rd the p.s. Titan went to Port Chalmers for her annual cleaning and overhaul, returning on Deo. 1 2th. She will now receive a certificate for six months from date. Soundings hare been token daring the moctb, with result at per

book, showing no appreciable depth of water from the previous month." THE BTBANOIN9 OF THE HUDSON. Captain Webster addressed the following report to the Board on the stranding of ihe barque Hudson, bound from London to Lyttelton, on the Ninety Mile Beach : — " To the Chairman, Timaru Harbor Board. " Sir— l beg to hand the following report. of services rendered to the stranded barque Hudson, and also my reply to the evidence given by the master at the Board of Enquiry. " At 7.80 a.m. on November 26th, I saw the vessel apparently ashore near Milford. I at once requested Mr Jones, the stationmaster at limaru, to communicate by telegram, 'iho reply came at 8 a m., stating the vessel was aground, and the master requ re<l assistance. At this time the p.s. Titan's boilers were empty, and cold. I had them filled ; put on board three tons of extra coal, got up steam and left for the vessel at 10 am. with Mr Spaldin,>, Lloyd's agent on board. On arrival at the vessel we communicated with the master, who said at first the tug had better run out a bower anchor, but afterwards changed bis mind, and agreed the Titan should go back at once to Timaru with Lloyd's agent, who would send nut a gang of lumpers to return before high water, which was done. On my return, I transhipped the men, and connected ISO fathom of l"-inch coir hawser to the vessel, also laid out 100 fathoms of 9-inch new Manilla hawser ahead of the Titan to assist with a tackle on the steam winch m towing the vessel off. After towing some time I succeeded m altering the vessel's position more end on to the sea, which was plainly visible to the people m Timaru, although the master m his evidence denies the vessel was moved. When the tide was done I secured the two hawsers together, leaving an anchor on the end, and str tched them out to seaward, leaving them for the use of tbe vessel m keeping her m position while lightening the after end. Left at 9.30 p.m. and returned to Timaru where I was interviewed by Lloyd's agent, who told me to get as many men as 1 could with all available whale boats for the morning tide. 1 arrived at the Hudson at 6.15 a.m. with two boats and a few men and connected 200 fathoms of new 6-inch Manilla tow-line, and commenced towing, it being high water at 7 a.m. After towing some tim», I was requested to give my tow-line to the s.s. Herald and go ahead of her with another line to keep her m position. This was dono, the steamers towing m th s order for some time. When the tide was done I was requested to return to Timaru for three surf-boats to tranship cargo into the Herald. The master's evidence states thit ' we were too late for the tide.' On arrival at Timaru all the boats were m the shed, and the tide being lvw thure was some delay m getting them afloit off tbe ways, low water being about I.NO p.m. at Timaru. At 2.30 p.m. got the boat* afloat and left for the stranded vessel with three boats m tow. Arrived there at 4 p.m., when the Titan was stopped. A little delay occurred through an accident m tho engine-room, which was soon put right. I then consulted with Captain Clark of the Lyttelton about tho position I should take m towing. We agreed it was advisable I should tow ahead of the Lyttelton, and occasionally disconnect the engine, so keeping both tugs m position, and allow the Lyttelton a steady, continuous strain on her hawser. After towing m this manner for some time the Lyttelton 8 hawser stranded m the pipe on tho Hudson. A little delay occurred m renewing this part of the hawser, when, after towing about a quarter of au hour, the vessel moved off the beach into deep water at 6.50 p.m., half an hour before high water at Timaru. The master's evidence on this point is that ' the itan's hawser was disabled, and that the Titan took hold of tbe p.s. Lyttelton as the vessel was moving off.' After tho vessel was m safety I took on board the lumpers to take back to I imaru, then recovered my two hawsers and anchor and returned to Timaru, arriving there about 11 p.m. •' I may herein mention that ihe floating of the Hudson may be mainly attributed to the action of the water between the pyramids of cement, iron, Ac, thrown over on each Bide of the vessel, causing the shingle to scour from under her, and credit is due to the promptitude m supplying a sufficient number of men to jettison the cement by hand labor from the ship hold. " With reference to the letter signed by ' One Interested,' which appeared m tho L'titelton Times after the enquiry had closed and previous to the decision of the ' ourt of inquiry, it will, when comp.red with the foregoing report, be found as misleading m facts as it was m bad taste, to vilify an unheard witness ; also that praise from such a doubtful and anonym us source becomes an insult to the recipient and lacks common decency. " Since the Hudson disaster the p.s. Titan has been docked and overhauled, and should the Board require it a certificate will be granted by the Government Inspector of Machinery stating that the p.s. Titan was as efficient at the time of the Hudson's strand ing as any tug of the same horse power m New Zealand. " Hoping the foregoing statement will be satisfactory to the Board, " I have the honor to be, sir, " Your obedient servant, " William Wbbstbb, " Harbor Master. 11 Timaru, Deo. 14th, 1885." Mr Acton said it bad again been sought to cast discredit on Timaru m this mutter. At first it bad been stated m the North that the vessel was wrecked at Timaru, while as a matter of fact she was fifty miles out of her course. Mr Gray had informed him he had been on board of her and s w the Titan slew he' round by herself. In face of this they should consider the Harbor Master's report highly latitfact tj. He moved — " That the report of the Harbor Master m regard to tbe stranding of the Hudson is perfectly satisfactory, and that his report be handed to the Press for publication. Mr Jonas seconded the motion. Mr Suttor remarked that it was a most extraordinary thing that Captain Webster bad not been summoned to give evidence at the enquiry, and it looked as if his attendance was not desirable. The motion was then put and carried. In regard to the letter from the local manager of the N.M. and A. Company, which was read m the early part of the meeting, Mr Gutter said it waa huh time he was treated as other people were. Mr Jonas also spoke m the same strain, and said Mr Spalding should not be allowed to dictate to the Board. Moved by Mr Sntter, seconded by Mr •tunas and carried — " That the Board's claim against the barque Hudson be forwarded to the agents of the ship m Chris kchurch, with a demand for payment." TBKDSBS. The following tenders for 2000 tons of cement were received : — 0, W. Turner, Christchurch, £3 18s lid per ton ; Johnston and Company, Wellington, £3 10s fid ; Henderson (Donedin Woodware Company), £4 >» Bd. On tbe motion of Mr Butter, seconded by Mr Jonas, Mr Turner's tender was accepted. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £3701 IBs 2d were passed for payment. It was also resolved that the Finance Committeo should pass tbe accounts for the month of December to enable the books to be closed. PHICB OF WATBB. It was resolved that the price of water to vessels be 2s per ton. ABBBNT MBMBBB. Mr Acton brought up tbo question of Mr Gibson's seat, and said bethought it was time, owing to his long absence through illness, that it should be filled by someone else. The Chairman and other members expressed great regret at having to take this st«p. Moved by Mr Acton, seconded by Mr Talbot, and carried — "That the Secretary be directed to take the necessary steps towards the election of a member m the place of Mr J. rt. Gibson." The Board then adjourned till 2 p.m. TBE BOABD AKD TtiBIB ENOtHEBB. On returning, m accordance with, notice of njotinn, Mr Suttor moved— "That Mr Ooodall bo given the proper notice to ter. minste his agreement with tho Board. That ho be oflVodtho appointment of Consulting Engineer to the Board at £I<*> a year, and if it 1* necessary for him to visit Timaru at the reqnett of the Board, he be allowed h<s actual t- availing expenses m addition. That the d eorete.ry advertise for a .Resident Sngioeer to superintend and carry out all works m ootoWotion with tfee Ximfiru harbor w d«*

scribed m the Government Gazette of 22nd February, 1883, page 262, and that a salary of , £260 per annum be paid the said Engineer. That he be allowed priva'e practice, but not to absent himself from Timaru without the sanction of the < hairman m writing, and that his agreement be subject io terminate by three months' notice on either side." Mr Sutter said Mr Goodall bad left here for his own benefit. The Board did not want to get rid of him. He understood the arrangement with him only lasted Dp to the termination of the present contract. In view of the intended dredging be thought there should be a resident engineer. Difficulties were continually arising, and he instauced that m regard to the piles. By his Napier agreement Mr Goodall was not allowed to leave Napier without permission, and it was tbe same m all other similar cases. It was necessary an engine- r should be on the spot. Mr Goodall might be stopped from coming down at any moment. He wished Mr Goodall's opinion to be always given, but at the same time they should have some one eho nearer at hand. Mr Jonas seconded the motion. He bad always supported Mr Goodall, but now they were going m for a new loan, they should have, a resident engineer. They were not getting rid of Mr Goodall altogether, and he thought if that gentleman were present he would be pleased at being kept as consulting engineer at £100. Mr Talbot remarked that anything said by Mr Butt«r was worthy of consideration. In this case, however, tbe action proposed was undesirable and unnecessary. There was nothing now about the works, either experimental or uncertain. Under the present arrangement they could be carried out well and truly, as Mr Goodall was thoroughly p sted up m all that was going on. The n-xt contract would not be a new work at hII, and they dirt not require another engineer for it. Again, the proposed new arrangement wus Hkely to work unsatisfactorily, as they might get a man holding different opinions to Mr lioodall, and as the former might be called on to design works, he might create not a little confusion. In regard to dredging, he thought any difficulty might be met by preparing plans, especially as dredging would to a great extent bo carried out under the direction of the Harbor Master. The Clerk of Works wa« quite capable of looking after piles, etc. Thero was no comparison between Napier and Tiroaru, as our works had passed the trial stage. Whatever might be said the motion meant parting with Mr Goodall who, ho thought, would not accept the terms offered. lie fe t sure the district as a whole did not wish anything of the sort done, and country people at any rate, would greatly regret parting with Mr Goodall The salary of £250 for a resident engineer would, he took it, mean getting some one m town, for he believed no outside Marine Engineer of any standing would come here for such a salary. Mr Acton eoid he agreed much more with Mr 1 albot than Mr riutter. He did not see because a submarine survey of the harbor was required that they need part with Mr Goodall. He did not think that gentleman would accept the proposed terms. He (Mr Goodall) possessed an immense reservoir of information which others did not and which would nlway» be valuable to them. In regard to the piles, it had been shown Mr Goodall had backed up the Clerk of Works, as also had tho Chuirman, therefore it was unnecessary to go further into that matter. He was inclined to ask Mr Go dall to prepare specifications m regard to a submarine survey, aud then call for tenders for the work from capable men. From a conversation he had had with Captain Webster he thought a survey necessar) and a chart made of tbe bottom of tbe harhor. Ho moved as an amendment, and Mr Talbot seconded -" That tenders bo called from competent engineers for a submarine survey of the harbor, and that Mr Goodall the Board's Consulting Engineer, be requested to prepare a specification defining the area and the mode of such survey." Mr Haves had not altered his opinion of Mr Goodall's many high qualifications and of the manner m which he had carried out tie harbor works, and be wa* quite aware that people m the country believed m him. It must be remembered, however, that bis services were now given to Napier, If any serious accident occurred to the Breakwater here, tbe Board would be blamed for not having a Resident Engineer. There were certain engineering difficulties to be overcome which necessitated such a person being employed. It was Mr Goodall and not the Board who bad been the cause of severing the connection. The fact of his being away and resident at Napier and not being allowed to leave there without permission wus sufficient m itself to justify them m appointing oome one else a man whom they could always bavo on the spot. He also was of opinion that Mr Goodall's agreement was only to last until the present contract was completed. They bad now entered on another stage, and it was quite necessary things should be altered. He would support Mr Butter's motion. Mr Wilson said it was the Board's duty to look to Number One. He did not wish to cast any reflection on Mr Goodall, as he had a very high opinion of him. At the same time, while m favor of appointing a Resident Engineer, they should make sure of obtaining a really competent man, whether m or from without Timaru. Mr Kelland would vote against Mr Butter's motion, as he saw no reason for a change. The works had gone on very successfully so far m the absence of Mr Good ill, with Mr Hamilton at the helm, and what occasion was there to incur extra expense P In all probability the first thing the new Engineer would do would be to upset work already done, while between him and Mjr Qoodall Mr Hamilton would be placed m a false position. He could not sco tbe wisdom of the proposal from any point of view. He folt it was an insult under disguise to Mr Goodall, a d that that gentleman would probably have nothing more to do with Timaru. Mr Acton contended that what they had to set real value on was local experience, and he would for that reason alone sooner have Mr Mr Goodall than Hir John Hawkshaw, and keep up the local staff. Ho was sure that was the feeling of the people. Mr Sutter said Mr Uoodall bad actually suggested what he now proposed, namely, a competent Resident Kngineer with Mr Hamilton as Clerk of the Works. No insult was offered to Mr Goodall. The greatest supporters of that gentleman, the country fr>embers, knew the least about the works, especially Mr Holland and Mr Talbot. (Hear! Hear! from those gentlemen.) Mr Acton was the only one of them who un erstood much m the matter. 1 here was not a stone laid or a plan carried out m the whole of the Breakwater according to Mr Goodall's original plans, and the Kngineer had simply taken his instructions from tho Board. Sir John Coode and Sir John Hawkshaw were only consulting engineers. As regarded Mr Kelland's allusion to Mr Hamilton's position, instructions would only be given by one engineer, as Mr Goodall would come down and be consulted before anything was done. The work of no other Board m tho colony was carried on as that of this was. Mr Goodall oould not bo expected to carry out tbe two duties now impose on him. Mr Sutter thon referred to a suggestion of his own for breaking tbe range which had been doridoil hy Mr Qoodall as' also had one by Mr Watson. Had tbo Engineer been hero when tho lost came before the Board it would havo been fully discussed. Mr Talbot said If it was a'fnct that Mr Goodall had carried out every whim of the Board, they ought to be well pleased with him. He understood, however, it was the other way about, and that ho had inourred displeasure beoause he would not do so. Mr Sutter evidently wanted an engineer who would do what vtr Goodall would not. , Mr Jonas attacked the Chairman for »Uow. ing members to indulge m objectionable inngnngo instead of sticking to the point, and also for permitting them to speak twiro He ooneidered they were bestowing an honor on ■4 r Goodsll, even if he kept on coming here for nothing. Mr Klworthy (the Chairman) oxplainod he Had allowed euoti fro- discussion owing to the groat importance of tho quoHinn before them, He distinctly disagreed with Mr Sutter, Htv agreed with Mr Acton that Mr Goodall possessed an exceptionable amount of loc*l knowledge, which they could nolj afford , to diipe'nso with, and that it was impossible to obtain hi* equal. It would bo most unwise owl imprudent to depart from. t&»lr prtsont)

course. He was thoroughly satisfied Mr Goodall could conduct the work here under local supervision As regarded dredging ; it was a mutter o' great importance. It was a speciality m itself, and should bo left to a I man thoroughly up m marine engineering Mr Hayes suggested that after what had fallen from Mr fc.lwort.hy the matter should be left to next meeting, especially as the < hairman and Mr Gray were away. Mr Elworthy had a casting vote, and it would be placing him m a delicate position if he had to exercise it. Mr Elworthy said he was quite prepared to take the responsibility on himself, as he felt very strongly m the matter Tho Chairman was m t wn, and could surely have spared half an hour to attend if hs liked, knowing that tbe Board had adjourned to consider the proposal. Mr Nutter s motion was then put and lost, the mover and Messn Jonas, Wilson, and Hayes voting for it, and Messrs Talbot, Acton, Kelland, and Elworthy against it, the latter using his casting vote. Mr Acton's amendment on being put was declared carried, the mover ana Messrs Talbot, Kelland, and Elworthy (who also gave his casting vote) supporting it, and Mesars Butter, Wilson, Jonas, and Hayes ' opposing it. Mr Jonas said he bad never heard of such a thing bom« done as that by Mr Elwortby, j and hoped the Press would take note of it. I Mr Jflworthy replied that Mr Jonas could j not possibly desire it more than he did. j Mr Suttor also expressed dissatisfaction at j Mr Elworthy's action. He agreed with that gentleman, however, that tho Chairman j should have been present. DBEDOIHO. Moved by Mr Hayes, seconded by Mr Wilson, and carried — " That the ecreta'y be instructed to wire to Mr Goodall and call his attention to the necessity of preparing for dred. ing work m the harbor at the shortest possible date, a»d prepare plans accordingly forthwith." poticb op motion.. Mr Hayes gave notice to move at next mcc mg — " That the motion passed re engineer and survey of the harbor this day, be rescinded." The meoting then adjourned.