OTAKI BOROUGH COUNCIL

Chronicle (Levin), 9 May 1946, Page 2

OTAKI BOROUGH COUNCIL

monthly meeting 1 The' monthly meeting of the Otaki Borough Council was held last night, His Worship the Mayor (Mr. C. F. Atmore) presiding. There wete also present Crs. Young, Gimblett, Hakaraia and Cook. Apologies for absence were -received from Crs. Bennett and Bartosh. Fencing at Domain . Relative to the fencing on the domain, Cr. Hakaraia pointed out that the Agricultural Department had agreed that this matter would be attended to. He understood that timber was available for this work, and that it had been agreed that the fence be put back to its original' position. It was pointed out that it had been decided that the matter be left in the hands, of the domain committee, while it was stated that the timber in hand was hardly in a fit condition to be made use of. Cr. Cook considered that there was sufficient timber on hand to do the' necessary work. The Mayor pointed out that it had been agreed to leave the matter to the domain committee, and he said that when Cr. Bartosh' returned it would have the necessary consideration.

Additional Street Light It was reported that the matter of an additional street light was not favourably considered by the Horowhenua Power Board, and that it was desired that the matter be left in abeyance. It was pointed out by Cr. Cook that the matter was a small one, and that the amount of power used would be negligible. He said that at the present time some of the street lights were not functioning, while the chairman of the Horowhenua Power Board had advocated the cutting. down on radio. This, stated Cr-. Cook, was scarcely to be considered, as very few watts were used with modern radios compared with those of a few years go.

Reserve and Motor Camp The Department of Lands and Survey wrote stating that representations through Mr. L. G. Lowry, M.P., regarding the proposed sale of part of the recreation reserve and motor camp of fifteen acres had been considered by the Minister of Lands, who had approved of authority b.eing provided for the council to sell the sections between Marine Parade and Moana Street, after providing for a road giving access to the parade, and to use the proceeds of the sale for the. development of the balance of the area. It would be necessary to provide the ' required authority by means of a clause in the next reserves and other lands disposal Bill. Continuing, the letter said that the council would have to pass a resolution agreeing to the reservation being revoked after the proposal had been duiy advertised. It was to be noted that sections fronting Moana Street extension should be of a minimum area of 32 perches and not 26.9 as laid off on the north-western side of the present Moana Street. This could be achieved by reducing the depth of those sections fronting Marine Parade, and also by making the width of Moana Street extension and the road connection to Marine Parade at the north-eastern end 50 feet instead of 66. In the present case 50 feet was considered ample width for the roads. Moana Street extension and the connecting road had already been sufficiently formed to drive a car over. It was agreed that the town clerk take the necessary steps to have the matter finalised, but before subdividing to have plans prepared.

Finance Committee The finance committee recommended the passing of accounts totalling £119 3s 6d. It recommended that the rental of the beach pavilion, as contained in Mr. J. Mason's letter, be accepted; and that approval be given the Shell Company for the proposed petrol pump installation to Mr. L. G. Macdonald, Otaki Railway. Works Committee It was recommended that the Main Highways Works engineer be written to in connection with a culvert on the main highway; that the extraordinary water supply agreement signed by Young Jew be executed by the council; and that the Public Works Department engineer be asked to inspect the Rangiuru bridge and report on its condition in regard to the safety of it being used for vehicular traffic. Miscellaneous Matters The Mayor indicated his intention of proposing a resolution to the effect that the council set up a town planning committee. The Mayor, with Crs. Gimblett and Bartosh were appointed to go into the matter and report thereon. The town clerk reported that the rest resort building had been painted, but that a second coat was necessary. From the 'N.Z. Railways a letter was read stating that the department would be quite prepared to meet an increase to the same extent as was imposed on rateable property, but for the reasons previousjy stated could not agree to a-

paymeht on a basis of the c'ouncil's charge to noh-rateable properties. — Received. Mr. Taucher, Tasman Beach, wi'ote askin'l' if- the council intended calling tenders for opossum toap-1 ping on the waterworks block. — Decided that tenders be called. A letter was received from Mr. Harold Ross -Claris applying for a bus d-river's license. He stated • that he had been driving for nearly 20 years and had never had an accident, and had in no way been questioned by traffic inspectors. — Decided that a license be granted, subject to the applicant passing the necessary tests. Mr. E. T. Silverwood wrote drawing attention to a large macrocarpa tree, which was a nulsance in Hadfield Street. His residence and the Plunket rooms were shaded by the tree, which made the poSition uncomfortable, especially in winter. The tree also overhung the power line and the metalled portion of the road. — Cr. Hakaraia was deputed to place the matter before the Raukawa Committee. The N.Z. Theatres, Ltd., wrote forwarding the council's share of proflts in connection with the picture benefit night.