HARBOUR BOARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16044, 7 February 1920, Page 11

HARBOUR BOARD.

MEETING .OF THE BOARD. The usual monthly meeting ’of the Wanganui Harbour, Board held last night, the chairman, Mr A. G. Bignell, presiding. There were also present: Messrs N. Meuli, W. G. Bassett, W. Morrison, W. Bruce, W. P. Poison, S. Holm, T. B, WTlliams and J. B. Murray. FINANCE, The following bank balances were reported:—General Account Cr„ £lß7B* 11s 8d: Loan Account Cr., £9951; Fixed Deposits Revenue Account, £18,000; Loan Account, £BOOO. COAL. The question of supplies of coal was discussed and on the motion of Mr Poison, it was decided to instruct the engineer to endeavour to procure 100 tons of South African coal for the dredge,. DREDGE. It was reported that the dredge was working on Thursday on the shallow patch in Mitchell’s reach. SOUTH SPIT. The engineer reported that the flow across the gap in the South Spit was less than it .was " some weeks ago, and he was confident that within a month or two it would be stopped altogether. QUARRYMEN’S WAGES. A deputation comprising Mr Geo. Millar (secretary of the General Labourers’ Union) and Mr Solomon, one of the quarry staff, waited on the Board in reference to the wages of the men. They asked for 15s per day wet and dry, or 16s per day working time only. It was pointed out by the deputation that the work was difficult and arduous, especially when working in sand in windy weather. There was a heavy cost for footwear and the men paid 22/6 each tor board, no allowance being made for meals not taken. The deputation also said that on Saturday mornings the men worked from 7.30 to 1 o’clock without a break, and this was considered too long. There was no amusements at the quarry, it was simply work and sleep. The deputation trusted that the Board would deal with the matter in a business-like way. The average wage for a week was four guineas. The chairman pointed out that the men were receiving 14s per day.—The Board decided to increase the wages to Is 10 %d per hour for 47 hours per week. WIRE ROPE. The Board authorised its engineer to purchase wire rope for the quarry, the accepted price -being 105s per cwt. WORKS COMMITTEE. The Committee, in course of its report, recommended that the matter of electric cranes stand over till the Railway Department had dealt with the question of wharf control. The engineer was instructed to procure such life-saving apparatus as was necessary, and to erect a small shed for gear.