HARBOUR BOARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9385, 11 March 1898, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of tho Wanganui Harbour Board was held this afternoon, when there were present — Messr» D. Peat (chairman), F. R. Jackson, J. Stevenson anel A. Elliott. Apologies were received from tho Mayor and Messrs Parsons, Ritchie, Higgie and Wixcey. Explanation : Mr Stevenson explained that his absence from the last Board meeting was unavoidable, as he had to proceed to Wellington on important business. The chairman said he understood the motion re lescinding tho resolution passed at a previous meeting in connection with proceeding with the dredging would bo adjourned owing to the absence, through illness, of Mr Jackson, who had given notice of tho motion. Ho had accordmgly^not attended the last Board meeting, as he also had other business. Pilot's Report : The Pilot reported that the channel over the bar was still shifting south, and was very nan ow, with a depth of 12ft of water at high water spring tides and 9ft at neaps There is a second channel through the North Spit, which is not workable, owing to there being two feet less water than in the South channel, consequently the outgoing scour is divided between the two channels. Altogether it is in a very bad state. QotsTiON of a. Pilot ; A lettor was receivecl from the Collector of Customs drawing attention to the fact that Captain Chambers of the Stormbjrd recently acted as pilot to the s s Fanny between the Heads Wharf and the s s Indraghin in the roadstead. The Act provided that a colonial pilot shall not act as local at any port unless duly licensed by the Harbonr Board. Captain Chambers does not hold a license as coastal pilot. It was decided jio write to the Marine Department on the matter.