GISBORNE HARBOR BOARD

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2016, 27 February 1907, Page 1

GISBORNE HARBOR BOARD

ANNUAL MEETING. Yostorday afternoon tlio annual mooting of the Gisborno Harbor Board was held at tlio ollioes of tlio Board. 'Present.: Alossrs J. Townloy (cliairman), Harding, Lysnar, Clark, Miitthewson, AVliinray, Siovwriglit, and llopburn. The minutes of tlio previous meeting wore road and confirmed. Tlio secretary (Mr Witty) next read tlio outward correspondence, which was approved. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN.

Mr Harding, in complimentary terms, moved the re-election of Mr Townloy as chairman. Mr Siovwriglit seconded. Mr Lysnar supported the resolution, alliougli not always seeing eye to eye with the chairman. The resolution was carried unanimously. The Chairman thanked the Board for tlio honor again conferred on him. Ho had had the satisfaction of seeing great improvements carried out in the harbor arrangements. Ilis only object in attending the meetings of tlio Board was to promote the interests of the town. HARBOR BOARD ELECTION.

A letter was read from Mr H. M. Porter, returning officer, formally reporting the unopposed return of Messrs Harding and Whinray to represent Gisborne upon the Harbor Board, and also the return of Messrs Hepburn and Lysnar as representatives for tlio Cook and Waiapu Counties. The Chairman congratulated the members returned. It showed that tlio pmblic were satisfied with the way in which the Board had transacted its businoss. Mr Lysnar said that the election showed that the public were satisfied with the declaration in regard to the

outer harbor. Mr Harding said that lie had endeavored to the best of his ability to servo the public interests ; and he believed the public were satisfied. Mr Lysnar complained that many of the country electors wore not on

the roll. The Chairman said it answered the County Council for t'lieir purposes. Mr Lysnar: At any rate, the roll was very imperfect. A COMPLAINT.

Mr. B. Hird wrote to the Board on January 25th complaining that Mr Johnston, one of their officials, had refused to assist him in holding down the shafts of his cart at the wharf in order to prevent an accident. The Board had this complaint before them at t'lieir last meeting, when they referred Hird’s letter to Johnston. The latter wrote in reply under date February Ist, as follows: —“Gentlemen, —With reference to the attached letter from Mr Hird, I beg respectfully to inform you that Mr Hird brought a load of goods to No. 2 shed last Friday, and on him asking me in a most domineering manner to go t‘o his assistance I immediately did so Having done this, I asked him twice if ho required me any longer, and he replied very abruptly, “No.” I then loft him, and was proceeding to No. 1 shed to attend to other duties when, tp my surprise, I heard him calling me in an insulting manner, and at the same time attempting to hold the Harbor Board up to ridicule. As your representative " I promptly resented. I regret that tlio Board should bo put to any loss ci time in discussing such a matter.” The Chairman suggested that the ipattcr be allowed to drop, and this was agreed tp. MACHINERY INSPECTION.

Mr James Brown wrote under date February 20h, stating that ho had inspected the machinery of the sand pump dredge. He considered the boiler to be in good working order.' All tho cylinder and valve faces and the different pumps and engine, with fjio pistons and other working parts, lie also found to bo in first-class order He had no hesitation in reporting tlio whole working plant fo bo in good working condition at the present time.

The Chairman: Tho reports aro entirely satisfactory. On tho motion of Air AA’liinray it was resolved that the reports being satisfactory, a cheque for £IOOO bo paid to Messrs Nelson Bros. ALLEGEP QBSTRUCTION.

Messrs Nelson Bros, wired fipip Hastings: “AVe have remonstrated with Gisborne Borough Council with regard to the proposed position of piles in Roebuck road bridge. AA’e understand that potwitljstanding our protest the offending piles are being driven. This action so obstructs navigation as to render the lightering practically impossible. AVe think it right 1 to call your attention to this, as any obstruction to navigation interests your Board as much as ourselves. If immediate steps are not taken in the direction indicated, we shall be forced to apply to higher powers.”

The Chairman explained the matter, and said that steps would be taken 't'o prevent;'any obstruction. .’J’hg matter had only cropped up within tjie last three days. It was decided to reply to Messrs Nelson Bros, that the Board were investigating the matter. Tlie Chairman said that the matter would come before the Borough Council that evening. COAL TESTING. Mr AV- B. Mackie, engineer, reported that he had tested the Newcastle and Westport coals, The total weight of Newcastle coal burnt for three days was three tons 2 cwt, and the total weight of dirt thrown away was 9 cwt. 3 qrs. The total weight of AVestport coal burnt during the same period was 2 tons 10 cwt. 3 qrs., and total weight of dirt thrown away 3 cwt. 3qrs. The Chairman remarked that the report was very much in favor of the AVestport coal.' The balance in favor of AVestport was ilewt. to get the same result. He proposed that the AVestport coal tender be accepted for two years.

The resolution was unanimously adopted. There was only a difference of 6d per ton between the tenders.

At the suggestion of Mr Clark, it was decided to have a quarterly coal report. MR. MARCHANT’S PLAN FOR OUTER HARBOR.

The Chairman begged leave to lay on the table Mr Marcliant’s plan for t'lie outer harbor.

Mr Marcliant, civil engineer, wrote under date February 13th that he had forwarded the plans of the proposed .outer harbor together with 20 printed copies of report. The Chairman said that the plan was simply a tracing. Thoy wanted the original plan to deposit with the Government. The plan complied with the requirements of the Board. It provided for 46 feet of water at the entrance to the harbor, while the Board’s requirement was 40 feet. The question for the Board was whothor the plans provided for all tlie requirements of the port—whether tlie proposed harbor would be thoroughly efficient, and accommodate all ships that called. Mr Sievwright suggested that the Board go on with their other business, and defer discussion on the plans. Mr Clark said they were all in favor of an outer harbor if they could got a good one. Mr. Lysnar said he thought they should get an opinion from outside the colony on the harbor question before taking any steps. Tlie Chairman said he thought they should have a colonial engineer as well—a man who was thoroughly well up in knowledge of the breakwaters and harbors of the colony. Air. Lysnar suggested that enquiries should be made respecting the qualifications of men advising tlie Board in regard to the harbor.

The Board acquiesced in this suggestion. Further discussion of the matter was postponed. TARIFF RATES.-

A letter had been received from the shipping companies signed by their representatives, in reference to the proposed increase of tariff rates. They stated that while not objecting to a moderate increase in the port charges, they protested against tlie imposition of any harbor improvement rate upon the lines represented by them, inasmuch as such improvements did not In any way benefit the ocean steamers loading in Poverty Bay roadstead. If such a rate was imposed it should be levied upon the vessels using the harbor accommodation. If the improvement rate was Imposed upon ocean steamers they

would bo compelled to add tlio oxtra oxpenso so imposed upon them to the current rate of freight named in bills of lading. Mr. Lysnar said ho was surjirisod at tlio communication. _ Mr. Mattliowson: It lias beon invited. Air. Lysnar said that perhaps it was invited. The companies charged £7 per ton for carrying moat, and complained because it was proposed to charge them 2d per toil. The tiling was ridiculous and paltry. If they wanted to put it on the bills of lading lot them do it. They would bo tested. It was a pity that tliev could not bo more reasonable. The companies wore very badly advised in objecting to tlio harbor improvement rate. Tho Chairman said there was no resolution before the meeting, therefor tlio discussion was irregular. On tho motion of Air. Siovwriglit, it was decided that the companies’ letters be dealt with when they came to the tariff question. LEFT LUGGAGE ACCOMMODATION. Air. Fraser, manager of the Union Steam Shipping Co., wrote under date February 11, calling the Board’s attention to the small amount of space available for left luggage and tho inconvenience to passengers arising therefrom. [ , , Tho Chairman proposed that when the shod was alterod tho increased accommodation for left luggage bo conceded. Mr. Lysnar: Put a slied lip at the other ond of tlio wharf.' The Chairman: That will not do. On the motion of Air. Lysnar it was resolved that the committee report to tho Board on the matter. APPLICATIONS.

Messrs. Mays and Gordon applied for leave to take 100 cubic yards of shingle from off the AVainui beach at Kaiti for purposes connected with their waterworks contract. The Chairman said ho thought they should give the permission. He proposed that that be done. Air. Harding seconded, and the motion was adopted. Mr. 11. Hird wrote, asking permission to take a few loads of sand and gravel from the Kaiti beach. The application was referred to a

committee. Mr. Devery applied for permission to put up a breastwork in front of his property. On the motion of the Chairman it was agreed that the overseer look into the matter and report to the Board. REQUEST FBOAI SMALL BOAT OWNERS. A letter was read from owners of small boats, asking the Board to define their position in regard to the berthing of tlieir boats alongside the wharf. The Harbor Muster said ho had given instructions that the way be cleared for the lighters. The small boats were huddled together, and in the way of the lighters. Air. Siovwriglit said the Board had better leave the matter to the discretion of tho Harbor Alaster. Tho Chairman suggested that the Harbor Alaster should give tlio small boats all the assistance lio could. The boats might be moored on the other side of the river.

HARBOR MASTER’S REPORT. The Harbor Blaster . reported as fOIIQWS Ir-Sf ' “The new wharf is now in use, and the s.s. Squall is now discharging her cargo there. I think this wharf will prove a great benefit to the shipping of the port, especially t'o the larger class of ships. Tho John Townley has [lone good work during tho last month clearing along the whole length of the wharf; Afid ‘ removing tjip jpapik that used to extend beyond the stockyard. The barque Constance Craig, the largest vessel that has entered tho river, was put alongside the Kaiti wharf witli over 700 tons of coal on board on the 23rd instant without

trouble, on a very poor tide, showing tho improved state of the channel. Soundings taken on the 19tli hist-., with now tide gauge at zero, arc as follows: End of breakwater 13ft, third bollard' 9ft'6in,'seventh bollard Bft lin, Snark’s landing Bft, big ora no Bft 6in, AVaikanae Bft, new wharf Bft 6in, half way along old wharf Bft. Shippings since last meeting. Steamers, arrivals 42, departures 40; sailing ships, arrivals 16, departures 16. The vessels used the wharves 40 days, working days at wharf 70, amount paid £36 17s 6d. OVERSEER’S REPORT:

The Secretary read tlie Oversoer-’s report as follows: “Re your instructions to report on tho most suitable site for a cattle yard, I cap only repeat, my former advice,"viz., that the piece of grqund now levelled off and gravelled between the new shed and the railway line is the most suitable tor the purpose. A rough sketch showing how this yard may be used without inconvenience to traffic will be laid before you. The front line of fence facing Read’s quay will have two gates, one 12ft wide, leading into yard, and one 18ft wide, in front of shed door; this gate, when closed, will form part of the rapß. The portion of the race which extends' past the front line of shed will be moveable, so as to boolean of traffic • when not in use. Should you approve of this site, I have plenty of timber on hand suitable for fencing. Ro the employes’ complaint, I have nothing to say, as none of them have ever at any time made any complaint to pie about not getting "paid for enforced holidays ; however, I may say thp majority of the men now on the works have

been a long time in the employ c the Board, and In that sense are. per* manent hands, though paid by the hour. As instructed by your Board, I have examined the punt lent by Mr. Nelson, and find that' she is in good order as far as it is possible to judge without putting her on the slip. As the result of carefully comparing the daily consumption of Newcastle apd AVestport opals, I flip] that the John Towniey burns 31 c\tf: loss per day of AVestport coal that she did of Newcastle, and that the small dredge burns 2J cwt'. less, less per day of AA r estport than she did of Newcastle coal, I regret to spy that no piles have been driven in the wharf this month, owing to the Alpha Sawmilling Company not supplying the necessary timber. Tlie 200 ft extension is now available for traffic, and is the deepest berthage space now in the river. The John Towniey lias taken 38 loads of spoil to sea this month, and lifted about 250 yards of clay and gravel on the wharf. The small dredge has lifted 660 yards of rock, 275 yards of gravel, and 55 yards of silt; in all 990 yards this month. Nos .1- and 2 blasting punt's are at work between tjtc slip and the mouth of the' fiver, apd No.'3 blasting punt between the slip and the new wharf.” The Board- decided to put up a stockyard as suggested. It was also decided that all tlie servants of the Board be paid for Christmas holidays. DREDGE AI ASTER’S REPORT. The Dredgemastor reported that since the Board’s lust mooting the dredge had'been constantly employed dredging at the new w'-iirf, and the amount of spoil token out was 3900 cubic yards of clay; also eight hours' lifting spoil on to the new wliarr. The Chairman: Three thousand nine hundred yards since last' meeting, and yet you are. always complaining. It is a wonder the dredge does not strike. FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Tlie Secretory read the following statement as, to the Board’s finances

up to 20th Fob., 1907: —Ordinary account, £6620 6s 8d; less harbor improvement account', £922 13s 7d ; total, £5697 13s Id. Bank: Current account as per Bank pass book, £5719 3s; less unpresonted cheques, £2l 9s lid; total, £5697 13s Id. Outstanding: Arrears of rates 1906, £4140 16s 9d; arrears of rates 1905, £320 Is sd; wharfage current, £37 18s 3d; rent, £l4 11s Bd. PAYAIENTS. The Board passed . a number of accounts, and ordered payment forthwith. HATES,, On the motion of the Chairman it was resolved that 10 per cent, be put on all outstanding rates after 31st Alarch. COAIMITTEES. Air. Lysnar moved that Alessrs. Clark, Tucker, Lysnar and the Chairman be the Finance Committee. It was resolved that the old members be the committee.

Air. Sievwright moved that the meeting be adjourned to this day fortnight. The Chairman seconded .

Mr. Lysnar protested against an adjournment and the motion was lost,

THE TARIFF COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Tlio Board now procoedod to discuss the Tariff Committee’s report. Tlio Chairman proposed that wool bo charged 3d per halo instead of 6d. Air. Harding seconded . Air. Lysnar opposed the amendment, which was lost, three voting for it and four against. Air. Lysnar now moved tho adoption of the whole of tlie report. Tl; increase in tlio charges on ships, lie said, was not up to tho ratio of other ports. Mr. Siovwriglit said tho committee proposed to take off 2500 from the general wharfage rato. He did nob think that it would be appreciated by thoso it was intended to benefit, lio thought it was a mistake to completely upset the present scale of charges. , Air. Harding opposed tlio proposed reductions. The reductions of wool and frozen meat were absolutely uncalled for. Ho proposed that the Board take each itom separately and not vote on tho whole report. Tho Chairman proposed that the charge be 2d per ton for harbor improvement. rate instead of 3d as proposed by tlio committee. That would increase the port charges by about £ISOO. That, be thought, was enough for the present. Tho reductions on potatoes, bran, etc., lie would accept. Mr. Siovwriglit seconded the Chairman’s motion. Mr. Alatthowson was in favor of tho committee’s roport boing adopted Mr. Lysnar contended that the extra charge on the ships was only reasonable. AA’liy should the Board object to the farmers and the general public being relieved at the expense of the ships? It was all nonsense to suppose that there would he any change in the ships as tho result of an "increased charge. Tlie Shipping Companies thought they had a weakkneed Board to deni with. The companies pretested, blit they did not show that they would suffer any hardship Air. AVliinray said that a ship that paid £l6 at Gisborne paid £47 at Napier. Tluvt was an anomalous state of things. In regard to u 00l it lad gone up to Is pier lb, so the farmers could well afford to pay the present charge. Mr. Lysnar: AVe’d put it on to 1 b. ships Mr. AVliinray: But I don’t think there should be any reduction on wool. AA’e want all the money wo can get in present circumstances. Mr. Harding said the proposed increase in tho port charges would fall back upon the public. The Chairman now put the amendment, that the port l charges be increased 2d pier ton. Tlie amendment was lost.

Air. Siovwriglit moved that the meeting be adjourned. Afr. Harding seconded. Mr. Lysnar: The very members who brought on the discussion are proposing to adjourn. I propose that we go on. On being put to tlie vote three voted for the motion and four against. It was therefore declared lost.

Mr. Lysnar: Aly motion is now before the meeting that we adopt the report as amended. The Chairman: And my motion is that we make a charge of 3d. Air. Lysnar said if the Board adopitod the report they would have an extra revenue of £IOOO.

Tlie meeting was adjourned piißil next Alonday at 2 p.m.