HARBOR BOARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5208, 7 November 1883, Page 2

HARBOR BOARD.

. . The usual monthly • meeting of the Harbor Board was held at the Board's offices yesterday afternoon. There were present — Messrs Carson (in the chair), Ballance, Watt, Willis, Cornfoot, Poison, and Craig. • Minutes. — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Endowment Block Sections. — Letters were received fcom the commissioner of Crown lands containing the particulars of the arrangement made for the sale of deferred payment sections. New Regulations. — The Secretary to the Marine Department wrote calling attention to the provisions' of the Harbor Board Amendment Act. Wharf Dues.— Mr E. Wright, as agent for the s s Napier, wrote applying for a remission of wharf dues on coal put on board the steamer when she had put in on account of stress of weather, and of the ship dues on the vessel. — Mr Low explained that the boat only took on coal and no cargo. — Mr Watt expressed the opinion that it was very hard to charge both wharf dues and berthage, as it might have the effect of discouraging other boats from coming here. It was pointed out that had the boat remained in the stream no berthage would have been charged, and that if the request waa acceded, to in this case it would establish a bad precedent, which might be available of by others. — After some further discussion it was resolved that the application could not be entertained. Boathouse. — Mr Cochrane wrote, applying for the piece of ground between the boatsheds on the Quay for {he purpose of erecting a boatshed. — Mr Ballance drew the attention of the Board to the fact that the Board had no powers to grant a lease of the land, except by public auction, though if the Board were agreeable the applicant in this case might be allowed to remain on the section during the pleasure of the Board, on the payment of £5 (as he propoeed), in advance. — The harbormaster stated that Mr Cochrane was agreeable to accept the terms proposed, and the application was granted, the building to be erected under the supervision of the harbormaster. The Engineer's Duties. — Mr Hassell, the Board's engineer, wrote applying for permission from the Boart to carry on private practice so long as it did not interfere with his duties to the Board. — The matter was held over for consideration till the next meeting. Accounts. — Accounts amounting to £1080, including £281 to Mr Denby for the Heads contract, were passed for payment:. Engineer's Monthly Report. — The Engineer's report was read and received. Telephonic Communication. — A committee, comprising the chairman and Messrs Watt and Willis, was appointed to draw up regulations for the use of the telephone to the Heads, and to fix the rates to be charged. Harbormaster's Report.— The harbormaster's monthly report, which was read, showed that there ia at present a tolerably good channel in the river at high spring tides, there being a depth of from lift to 12ft on the flats, the freshes having scoured away the mud. River Works. — The Engineer presented a report to the effect that it was not desirable to resume dredging at present, as the channel was in a good state. The cost of dredging would be £2400 per year, and the groin across the north wall would be £600. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Willis, seconded by Mr Ballance, that the groin be undertaken immediately, and the dredging be not resumed for the present. It was also resolved that specifications be prepared and tenders called for the groin. Pilot's Report. — The pilot's monthly report was read. It stated that there was a depth of 13ft at high water spring tides, and 10ft at neap tides, on the bar. The channel, however, is very narrow. This being all the general business, the Board went into committee to consider dnancial matters.