BOROUGH COUNCIL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 88, 15 November 1939, Page 5

BOROUGH COUNCIL

INCLUSION OF HEADS AREA conditions ANNOUNCED WELCOME TO DEPIJTY-MAYOR A letter from seven ratepayers at The Heads area protesting against the; proposal of the Council to incorporate that area in the Borough, was received by the Whakatane Borough Council at the meeting held on Monday evening. In explaining the position, the Mayor detailed the rating levy, and explained that the ratepayers had some misconception of the position. The Mayor also stated further in the

evening, that a Commission was to be set up under a Magistrate, for the purpose of covering the extension of the Borough boundaries to include the Heads.

Before commencing the genera business, the Mayor extended a welcome to Cr S. S. Shapley on his re turn from an overseas tour.

"There may be quite a few occasions when Ave want your knowledge, Cr Sliapley," said His Worship, "and we hope that the knowledge you have gamed through your thorough investigation ol' local body work in England will be of), assistance to us; that you will put it to some use here. We are glad to see' you looking so well."

In replying, Cr Shapley expressed his thanks for the welcome home. He was glad to be back, he said, and if he had gained any knowledge of local body administration while he was abroad he would be pleased to pass it on. "One thing I was struck hy and that is the care taken in the handling of traffic in England. It is worth seeing." Cr Shapley also expressed thanks for the letter to the Mayor of Exeter which had been given him by the Mayor of Whakatane. before he left on his trip. Work on King Street. Discussing the Borough Foreman's report for the month, the condition of King Street came up for consideration. The foreman recommended that the street be lightly re-sealed and stated that extensive patching was necessary. Cr A. J. Canning said that the road was in a very bad state and thought that it was time something was done. In fact, added Cr Canning, repairs should be effected as soon as possible. He moved in that direction and the motion was carried.

The foreman's report was received

and approved

Electrical Affairs

Thc Electrical Engineer,, Mr F. W. Lysaght, reported that he had made an inspection of the plant and equipment at the Headworks and found that there are several necessary repair jobs to be carried out should the council decided to continue the running. After some discussion the matter was referred to the Finance Committee to act on in company with Mr Lysaght.

The engineer requested the Council's permission to order a new trans-

former- at an estimated cost of £170. He stated that in view of the difficulties likely to be encountered by reason of the import restrictions, it would be desirable to place the order as soon as was possible. The matter was left to the Finance Committee with power to act and the electrical engineer's report was received . Heads Area. A letter signed by seven ratepayers of the Heads area was received. This letter protested against the proposal of the council to include the Heads area in the Whakatane Borough.

The Mayor explained that

"There is some misconception of the position by ratepayers at the Heads. Properties Avill pay Borough general and separate rates and County special rates and are exempted from Borough special rates. The present rates are (5%d in the £. Rates on coming into the Borough will be 10% din the £, including County special rates. On a valuation of £80, and the majority are valued at this figure, County rates this year will be £2 os and Borough rates for this year will be £3 10s.

"In reference to the liability for special sewerage rates," said His Wor ship, "I would point out that the Heads is not in the special rating area and the rate would not be payable unless work was constructed under another proposal and the special area extended to include the Heads"

The Mayor then stated that a Commission was io *be set up under a Magistrate to consider the proposals for the extension of ! the •boundaries. I