MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Chronicle (Levin), 21 May 1946, Page 4

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Borough Council's Meeting A considerable aittount of business was dealt with at the May meeting of the Levin Borough Council last evening. The Mayor (Mr. H. B. Burdekin). presided and the following members were present: Crs:* H. E. Bowen, A. O. Powell, j V. E. Hudson, C. H. Cockrell, W.j T-elford, C. Sherwood, D. J. Gafdin- j er, F. D. Chainey and F. E. ParkerJ Also Messrs. H."L. Jenkins (town | clerk), R. L. Mcllraith (assistant| town clerk) and K. W. Sandford! (engineer). Domain Matters The Department of Lands and Survey advised approval of a renewal of the Levin Golf Club's tenure of the Lake Domain for a further twelve months under the same terms and conditions. A letter was read from the Levin Golf Club expressing thanks and appreciation of the work carried out on the domain links prior to the opening of the season. It was reported that the cost of replacing the wire netting under the rool at the grandstand on the Levin Park Domain would be about £40, not £13 as previously estimated. The matter was referred to the works committee for a report. A further report advised that the work of top-dressing the oval at the Levin Park Domain had cost £39 14s 6d. His Worship commented that the work had very much improved the condition of the turf. An estimate of £60 was received for repairing the lighting at the Levin Park Domain. The Mayor expressed the opinion that electricity would be so drastically rationed during the coming winter that it would not be possible to use the lights. The council deferred the carrying out' of the work meanwhile. Newly-Formed Band The newly-formed Levin Municipal Band wrote advising that a strong citizens' committee had been set up to promote the interests of the band, and asking the council to appoint a representative to it. The Mayor was appointed, Cr. Parker, who made the nomination, referred to the long association His Worship had had with bands, and the -liye interest he had displayed in them. In thanking the council, the Mayor commented on the keen manner in which bandsmen had taken up practices and the enthusiasm of the citizens' committee. Magnetic Road Servicte Mr. D. J. McNichol, of Dannevirke, wrote advising that a proposal to form a company for the purpose of providing a magnetic unit service embracing roads and streets not covered by the Main Highways Board was being considered by a number of Dannevirke businessmen. The service covered roads collecting by magnetic influence nails and other metal objects which caused damage to motor vehicle tyres. The cost would be about five shillings per mile. The council was asked for its reaction to the project. The council viewed the matter favourably and resolved to advise that it had fifteen miles of roadway which could be coverecl twice yearly. Charges for Culverts A recommendation was received from the works committee that tne following standard charges be made for the installaticn of culverts and approaches: — Twelvefoot culvert, pipe or slab, with approaches, £4; sealing of approaches, £1 10s; commercial culverts, by arrangement. The recommendation was adopted by the council. Street Trees The Levin and District Beautifying Society expressed its willingness to supply for planting this season flowering cherry trees for that portion of Cambridge Street dividing the public gardens from the triangle section on the western side. The works committee reported having accepted this offer with thanks. The works committee further reported having approved an application by Mr. R. S. Antcliff to plant four flowering cherry trees in front of his property in Queenwood Road. A recommendation was received from the works committee that the seven flowering cherry trees in Bath Street, near the Levin Park Domain, which were the wrong type for streets, be replaced with the correct variety of cherry, and that the existing trees be replanted in the reserves,- for which purpose they were more suitable. — Adopted. Bus Stop Conveniences In connection with the new bus stop in Bath Street, between Oxford Street and the railway crossing, reported on a meeting held to consider the inconvenience caused to bus passengers by the inadequacy of women's conveniences. As a result it recommended that women's conveniences be provided alongside the men's conveniences in Bath Street at an estimated cost of £200. This was adopted. The Public Trust Office wrote complaining of the nuisance created by passengers using the conveniences in its building, and leaving paper and other refuse on the footpath outside it. A request was made that steps be taken to abate the nuisance. His' Worship said similar complaints had been received from the Arcadia Hotel, but when the conveniences were provided, which would be as soon as possible, the trouble would eease., The engineer

was having a suitable receptacLe placed in the locality for rubbish. Sub-Division Matters Mr. C. W. Foster, surveyor, forwarded for the council's approval plans of sub-divisions in Bath Street for Mr. H. Cave and in McKenzie Street for Mr. E. Webber. — Referred to the town planning, committee. Messrs. Park and Bertram forwarded for acceptance by the council the transfer in respect of the land for splaying the corner of Queen Street and Queenwood Road. The council accepted the transfer. Urban Farm Lands Messrs. Harper, Atmore and Thomson wrote objecting to tne council's decision not to reduce the rateable value of certain properties of under three acres owned by Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Macfarlane. Messrs. Blenkhorn and Todd objected similarly in regard to properties owned by Mrs. A. Dalton, Miss L. Dinan and Mr. I. R. Shaw. — Noted. The Department of Internal tAffairs wrote stating that considj eration was being given to the appointment of an assessment court to consider-the farm land list for Levin, but it was desired to know the f ees and allowances flxed by the council. The town clerk advised that he had written to Mr. W. R. Binnie, the council's assessor, enquiring as to his fees, but so ' far no reply had been received. It "•was agreed that the town clerk i forward the information to the ! department as soon as it was | received. Miscellaneous Matters ' A copy of its annual report and acknowiedgments was forwarded byi the Friend to Sailors Mission, with i a request for permission to conduct a street day in Levin on a date to be allotted by the council. As the i council had already allocated a | street day to the British Sailors' Society it was decided that the request could not be acceded to. The works committee reported having authorised the engineer to proceed with the completion of the kerbing work in connection with the formation of a car turning bulb ; at the end of Kent Street, the footipath to be formed only. The Horowhenua Baseball Associ'ation sought the assistance of the I council in procuring suitable play;i.ng areas for the sport. It- was I decided to reply expressing regret that the council had 110 ground available. The Levin Boys' Band advised that the* Palmerston North Silver : Band was visiting Levin on June ! 16 to assist the former in the raising of funds. The council was i asked for the full use of the Levin Park Domain in the afternoon for ! a display, with the right to charge : for admission, and the Regent Hall to provide tea for the visiting bandsmen, and also authority to charge admission to a concert in the Regent Theatre at night. Permission was granted as requested.