BOROUGH ACTIVITIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 49, 13 November 1946, Page 5

BOROUGH ACTIVITIES

NOVEMBER MEETING HELD

INCREASED BUILDING ACTIVITY

The November meeting of the Whakatane Borough Council took place last Monday evening, His Worship the Mayor presiding. Present Crs C. S. Armstrong, R. Morpeth, A. J. Canning, H. G. Warren and the Town Clerk (Mr L. Lovelock), the Engineer (Mr F. W. Lysaght), Fore-man-Engineer (Mr W. S. Henderson) and Inspector (Mr W. Penny) were also in attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Crs Sullivan, Creeke, Spring, Good and Shapley. In the course of his report the Electrical Engineer stated that over the past month building permits covering six new residences, one addition to residence, one workshop and. one additional workshop had been authorised of a total value of £9098.

Commenting on the amount of building -going on in the Borough the Mayor said that five new houses were going up on Hillcrest alone and he did not know how the electrical services would stand up to the load. The Town Clerk: Building permits released today totalled another £7500.

Flood Control

A letter from the Soil Conservation. and Rivers Control Council in reply to the Council’s query as to prospective flooding control, stated that both the flooding of the Wainui Te Whara and Wairere Streams had repeated their inundations in July 1946 and in 1944, when both streams due to blockages in their beds poured water into the township. It was regretted that neither the Council, the Highways Board or the Government could assist towards preventing future floods.

Scout Jamboree Donation

A letter from the Wkakatane Scout Local Association, sought assistance towards the common fund which was now being established for the purpose of enabling selected Scouts from this district to attend the world Scout Jamboree i» France next year. It was stated that the estimated cost would be £2OO per head and that it was hoped to send at least three Scouts from the district.

“I think we can help the Scout movement in. this,” contented the Mayor. “It is certainly a wonderful opportunity for educating and broadening those boys who are eligible and I am prepared to help any lad whether he comes from the town or the country.” He moved that the sum of £lO be donated.

Cr Warren also commented very favourably and in seconding the Mayor’s motion regretted that the Council was not able to give more and hoped that other substantial citizens would follow the Council’s example.

Building Permit Regulations

The Building Controller, writing with reference to a local builder in the habit of constructing numerous huts and bachs in his yard, notified that every, construction utilising timber, required a building permit before it could be commenced. All hutments irrespective of size or design required plans and estimates which should be submitted to the local authority for a permit or in the event of no local authority operating should be sent direct to the Controller’s office, Hamilton. A further letter declined to grant a permit for the erection of a temporary building for living accommodation, unless the structure formed part of a permanent residence.

Commenting on the above, the Mayor said that it was now perfectly clear that no building of any type could be erected without a permit either from the Council or from the Controller. '