HARBOUR HOARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6489, 16 May 1898, Page 3

HARBOUR HOARD.

A special meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board was held at 2.30 this after-' noon, for the purpose of considering the question of a new dredge ; present — Messrs F. Graham (chairman), J. Joyce, R. Pitcaithly, G. M'Clatchie, j. Hay, W. Dunlop, I. Gibbs and D. Buddo and the Hon J. T. Peacock. The Chairman said that the object of the meeting was the rescinding of clause 2, Report 106, with respect to the purchase of a new dredge. He had received a telegram from Mr E. G. Write, stating that the notice of the special meeting was too. short to allow of his attendance, but presuming that the. meeting would be in order. He ruled that due notice having been given, and a quorum being present, fche meeting was in order. The Secretary read correspondence from Mr Kennaway, Agent-General's office, London, stating that the dredge Manchester could" be acquired for the sum of .£25,000. Amongst other details, she could dredge to a depth of 35 feet, and lift 700 tons of stuff per hour. She was fitted throughout with .electric light, and with steam steering gear, and: was of 1400 horse-power, with two sets of triple expansion engines. She had two multitubular boilers, lift by 13ft, which could work up to 1501 bto the square inch. Her speed was eight knots. The engineers appointed by the AgentGeneral to examine the dredge reported that the Manchester originally cost atid that it would take .£2OOO to put her in good order". A copy of a letter from Mr Hunter to the Agent General was read, offering the dredge at .£1 4,000, the offer to remain open until June 7. Mr Joyce observed that there was nothing in the correspondence to alter the decision that the Board arrived at last week. On the motion of Mr 3uddo, seconded by Mr M'Catchie, the standing orders were suspended to enable the Board to rescind the resolution passed at its last meeting on May 5 respecting the purchase of. a dredge. Mr Joyce moved and Mr Gibbs seconded —"That Clause 2 of the Harbour Improments Committee's report be rescinded." The motion was carried unanimously. The Board decided to cable an offer of _?i9nnn