In a meeting marked by a range of discussions and decisions, the Limerick Harbour Board convened yesterday with Mr James H. Roche presiding over the proceedings. Present alongside him were Alderman John O’Brien, Messrs. William Whelan, B.C.; John Russell, John F. Power, John Hayes, James Quin, J.P., and other key figures including Mr Boyd, the Secretary; Mr Moroney, Harbour Engineer; and Mr Fitzmaurice, Harbour Master.
A key point of order came from Mr Goodbody, who regretfully could not attend the meeting and requested an adjournment of his motion concerning the navigable segment of the river. The request for adjournment was granted, allowing the matter to be revisited at a later date.
In a consequential turn of events, the Secretary revealed responses received from significant figures such as the Chief Secretary, Sir Richard Cherry, and the Lord Lieutenant, all pertaining to the proposed Bankruptcy Court. The Lord Lieutenant indicated his availability to meet a deputation from the Harbour Board on either the 22nd or 23rd of May, at 12 noon or 1:15 p.m. Consequently, the decision was made for a deputation from the Harbour Board, comprising Alderman O’Mara, Mr Roche, and the Secretary, to attend on May 23rd at 1:15 p.m.
The matter of office space exchange gained attention, as a letter from the local customs collector revealed their willingness to entertain the board’s proposal. The proposal involved exchanging the office of the preventative officer in the customs watch house for the Harbour Master’s office, contingent upon the latter’s restoration. The matter was referred to the engineer to facilitate necessary painting and repairs.
Captain M. McNeill, the master of the ss Monarch, submitted a complaint regarding an unpleasant encounter with Kilcredane pilots on April 27th at the Carrigoholt roads. The Secretary provided context, mentioning that the pilots had attempted to board the vessel, but the captain declined, leading to a heated exchange. Mr Power suggested summoning the pilots before the board to give them an opportunity to present their side of the case. Similar instances had been reported before, and it was deemed necessary to address the pilots’ behavior and its impact on the reputation of the Shannon.
The pilots’ log was referenced, recounting that on April 27th, they hailed the ss Monarch, but the captain denied them access. Alderman O’Brien voiced concern about the subsequent abusive behavior of the pilots towards the captain. Mr Fitzmaurice expressed the need to address recurring complaints of abuse, and a meeting of the pilot committee was scheduled for the upcoming Monday, with the pilots asked to attend.
An incident involving damage to an electric arc lamp was also on the agenda. The Engineer reported that the damage occurred due to the bowsprit of the ss Gardhill colliding with the lamp as it entered the dock. The estimated cost of repairs was around £29. The lamp’s post was the property of the Corporation, who supplied the Harbour Board with current as contractors. Messrs. Mullock & Sons, agents of the vessel, had been informed of the incident. Charles Hanraban, the pilot of the vessel at the time of the accident, provided his account of the events. Further investigation of the matter was deferred until the Pilot Committee’s meeting the following Monday, where the vessel’s Master was also expected to attend.
In other matters, a request from a board member for a leave of absence was granted, allowing it to be taken as per the board’s convenience.
The meeting concluded with adjournment, marking a day of deliberations, decisions, and preparations for further discussions and actions to come.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 08 May 1906
