BOROUGH MATTERS

Chronicle (Levin), 13 September 1946, Page 2

BOROUGH MATTERS

Councii's Monlhly Meeting The monthly meeting of the Otaki Borough Council was held on Wednesday night, the Mayor (Mr. C. F. Atmore) presiding. There were also present: Crs. Young, Gimblett, Hakaraia, Bennett and Cook. An apology for absence was received from Cr. Bartosh. Mr. H. T. Channings wrote agreeing to lay down two basketball j courts for £220 each. The area i would be graded and formed and ! then river shingle rolled into the ! surface, well consolidated, then | sprayed with hot tar, arid after- \ wards top-dressed with a coat of j colfix and sand. — Received. The Pubiic Works Department i wrote relative to the Rangiuru i creek and bridge, stating in reply j to the councii's letter that the soil ' conservation and Rivers Control Council had agreed to carry out work in opening up the mouth of the creek, the cost cf the work to ' be included in the major scheme for ihe Otaki river improvements. A small drag-line plant had been , made available, and it was antici- 1 pated that the work of opening up the creek mouth shpuld be put in ' hand at an early' date. — Work done. Tasman Motor Camp was given ; consideration, it being stated -that : the Commercial Association had planted some 300 trees. Cr. Hakaraia stated that the council had ' allowed a man only for a limited time to assist, and he now desired I that furthcr assistancc be givcn so that rubbish that remained there could be removed before the summer weather Set in, thus eliminating the fire risk. One councilloi stated that as the association had been given permission to work on the sice it should not be interfered with. It was decidsd to pay a visit of inspection. It was also considered that attention should be given to the motor camp at Rangiuri, which had proved popular with many during previous years, and it was agreed to invite applicalions for the position of caretaker, who would fcake two-thirds of the profits in payment, giving the council onethird. The council would put the camp in order, spending approximately £10. It was reported that the Rangiuru stream had been cleared and had allowed the water to drop about four feet. Cr. Cook suggested that an architect be secured to submit plans for further improvement. Cr. Cook was advised to give tiotice of motion, which could be considered fuily at the next meeting of the council. The matter of levelling a section at Tasman Beach was desired, and councillors agreed to view the Locality at 1.15 p.m. on Monday. Relative to improvements at the cemetery, it was stated that a hedge had yet to be planted, . that a suifcable variety of tree had been jrdered and that the hedge would ,oe planted at a later date, probably next month. It was stated that the cycle >tand at Mr. Edhouse's business premises had been erected, and immcdiately afterwards stolen. The town clerk (Mr. Wilson) •/eported that rates were coming in well, and that there was a credit jalance of £3560 in the bank. It was reported that the foot'oall eason would now extend to September 28, it being agreed to play x match on that date. In view of his the Otaki Cricket Club had been communicated with and raised no objection, t-hey being vviiling to start on ground improvement after that date. It was considered that the whole playing area .iceried top-dressing, the cricket area at present being in an uneven state. The Mayor stated that the ground nceded scarifying, topi dressing and rolling, but it was agreed that nothing could be done till the foot'oall season had finished. Extension of time was granted the football players, provided that no objection was raised by cricketers. A plan of a sub-division for Mr. O. J. D'Ath was submitted and approved. The matter of further street improvement was considered, it being stated that tar was available, and that a mile of road could be dcne at a cost of £396. It was considered that each year more work of a similar nature could be done. It was agreed that repair work was necessary on several of the roads, but it was pointed out that after Iv/o years bitumen work would be needed on top of the tar which, however, would make the - road improvement of a permanent nature. It wa? agreed to make further enquiries before proceeding with such work. The town clerk reported that dog registration was proceeding satisfactorily, only two persons refusing to register. It was stated that the committee intended to issue a warning. Mr. J. D. Avery (Otaki Commercial Association) wrote stating that there was some concern at the prospect of losing the use of the Railway Hall. It was felt this would be a loss to the social requirements of the district. To retain this asset to the citizens, the association desired ths .council to considsr thc takmg of a poll of ratepayers on the question of the council acquiring the hall. This was considered in committee, after

. which it was decided to refer the matter . back to , the assodiation, > asking that it be given further consideration.