did not commit them to anything. He was of opinion that a harbour here would not pay, and that they should nip the project in the bud, and let the report be entered on the minutes. It was the opinion of some of the members that such schemes were got up by interested parties, and that great care should be taken how they were encouraged. After some further discussion, the question was put to the vote, when 6 voted for the amendment, and 11 for the motion that the report be entered on the minutes.
A Special Meeting was held on Wednesday, Nov. 20th in connection with the harbour, the same having been called by the Mayor, who said that Messrs. Manning and Walker had called on him with fresh proposals. The case was urgent, as if the Council were favourable to the proposal, it must be decided before the 23rd instant. He knew that an objection could be raised by some that the dues on coals would be raised a shilling[1] or fifteen pence a ton; but then it was a question whether the inhabitants would not get them as cheap as they did now, in consequence of competition. Individually he thought a harbour would greatly benefit the old town and would add to the safety and prosperity of the fishery. The Town Clerk said he had received a letter from Messrs. Manning and Walker stating it was the wish of the promotors to confine their first application to a pier only, with a view to its extension for a harbour at a future time. If the Council were favourable to this plan it would be advisable for them to become the promotors, and there were parties who were willing to become responsible for the preliminary expenses of application; but the Council must become the memorialists. He, Mr. Growse, thought it right to tell the Council that, under the Acts of Parliament, the Council, as memorialists would be deemed to be the promotors of the scheme, and be held answerable to Government for the expenses. Of course if the Board of Trade granted the loan, the preliminary expenses would be repaid out of the general fund. The money would not be granted without a sufficient guarantee that the returns would pay the costs. Several members spoke in terms condemnatory of the scheme, and the discussion was carried on with considerable warmth. Coun. Winter thought the applicants wished to make a cat’s paw of the Council. They had their case to lay before the Admiralty wrapped up in Lavender. After what had taken place at the last meeting it was not honest to bring it before the Council again. Ald. Ginner spoke in terms deprecatory of the new scheme, and being told that the proposed site of the pier was to be near the East-parade, said a pier there would be very objectionable. It would be liable to shut out the boats from the Fishmarket, and to a great extent damage the navigation into and out of that part for both vessels and boats; for, with the wind in certain quarters they would not be able to -
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
