HARBOR BOARD.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 451, 8 May 1890, Page 3

HARBOR BOARD.

An ordinary meeting nf the above was held on Tuesday evening. Present: The Chairman (Mr Bennett) and Messrs Townley, Sievwright, Shelton, Chambers, Clark, Arthur and Dr. Pollen. It was decided to allow Messrs Duthie and Co. to have 19 casks of cement in Wellington, at the price of 12s 6d per cask. In the outgoing correspondence there was a letter to tbe Premier, making a statement of tbe Board's financial position. Mr Arthur objected to one phrase in the letter which said the works had not been of utility! P The Chairman said there could be no use in discussing it now. Mr Chambers said the works had been of ntiilty and could be made of utility now if they went the right away about it, Mr Sievwright said he had strongly objected to the phrase when in Committee, and wanted to substitute something else, but it lhad been overruled and it could not be helped now.

A letter from Mr Somervell in relation to some small articles of his which he said the Board had hired, was referred to Mr Bicheno to attend to.

Captain Bennett wrote stating that as by the Press he noticed that his discharge was solely on the grounds of retrenchment he hoped he would be given first opportunity in the arrangements as to a pilot. Mr W. E. Kenny wrote that if it was decided to carry on the survey of the bay be was competent and willing to undertake the work.—lt was decided to acknowledge receipt of the letter and reply that at present the Board was taking no steps in the matter.

Mr Bicheuo wrote, asking for an expression of opinion as to his service during the four years he had been engaged by the Board. As the work would be finished in a few days he asked for the testimonial, as it might be useful to him in the future.

Mt Chambers speke very highly of the way in which Mr Bicheno had carried out the work in his department. He was able to judge of such matters and had been very pleased when he had many times visited the work to see the way in which things were done, and he thought it would be a graceful thing for the Board to give Mr Bicheno a testimonial. He moved to that effect.

Mr Sievwright also made a few remarks commending Mr Bicheno's work, and the motion was unanimously carried. Tbe Board refused to entertain a request from Mr J. Thompson (late R.E.), who wished to avert being summoned for rates by being given employment by tbe Board, The Overseer (Mr Bicheno) made a general report on works that had been done, and other works that required completing, together with a list of tbe timber in hand.

It was decided that a “ loop line ” on the pier be constructed (probable cost £25), Messrs Arthur and Shelton being against. Dr Pollen asked what was intended to be done with the timber. Members considered it should be allowed to remain for the time being.

Mr Bicheno also gave a table of depths, which were taken by the Snark, He said the soundings were the most favorable taken for six months. The spit had been flattened out, and there was now plenty of room for tbe smaller Union boats to swing round in. In reply to Mr Chambers, Mr Bicheno said there was no doubt about the groin deepening the river, but whether it would have that effect when it went out was a matter of opinion. On the previous day the Snark had come up at nearly low water. The Chairman said Captain Kennedy had informed him that the wall had been having a capital effect on the river. Members considered the position much more satisfactory. Messrs Common, Shelton, and Co. wrote offering to lease that part of tbe foreshore between the Fire Brigade shed and the Taruheru Bridge, having a frontage of 93ft 9in, at the upset rental of 5s per foot, and enclosing a cheque for £23 8s 9d, being one year’s rental, in accordance with the Board's consideration.

Dr Pollen pointed out that there ought to be some consideration for the ratepayers generally if there was a likelihood of great cost being incurred by the necessity of constantly opening the bridges, Messrs Clark and Chambers said that did not concern the Harbor Board, and the Chairman said it was too late to raise that point now. Mr Townley wanted the Board to clearly understand that they had no power to lease anything above high water mark, There appeated to be the assumption that tbe Board pould let land which belonged to the Borough. Mr Arthur said they might ask what Mr Shelton had understood in the matter. Mr Townley said that had nothing to do with the question. Mr Arthur said the advertisement was clear enough that they only offered to lease the Board’? foreshore, After some further discussion Mr Townley 'moved that the tender be allowed to stand over until they could look into it. He had in Committee opposed the leasing of the foreshore, and he did not think that £2O - The Chairman ruled that that point could now be discussed. It was decided to accept the tender, the tenderer to be given to understand that the acceptance had no reference to other than foreshore under control of the Board. Mr Townley dissented. The Chairman and Mr Townley were authorised to examine the plans, and if satisfactory to forward them to the Government for approval,

The following accounts were passed for paypent:—Weighbrilge keeper £l, A. B, Muir, £l4, petty cash £5, wages £7O 10s. Mr Chambers proposed, in accordance with the notice given by him, that in future the meetings bo held on the second Tuesday in each month, beginning at 2 pm. He pointed out that the winter was coming on, and there was not a great deal of business to transact, and the alteration would be a great convenience to country members.

After discussion the motion was seconded by Mr Clark, and carried, the Finance Committee to be authorised to pay any wages fortnightly. In regard to the pilot Mr Arthur thought it would be fair to give Captain Bennett any consideration they could in reference to tho pilot work. The Chairman said the matter had been left to a committee and no report had been made.