MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Chronicle (Levin), 15 March 1947, Page 2

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Otaki CounciTs 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, Bartosh, Bennett and Cook. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed and matters arising therefrom dealt with. It was reported that adjustments to the new power-mower hhd been made, and it was now worki'ng satisfactorily. However, there was trouble in regard to children playing cricket in the council's area, thus spoiling the lawn, 'and otherwise making a nuisance of themselves. An attempt to keep the children off the ground had been futile. It was stated that arrangements had been made with Mr. Sladden to visit the waterworks and to report on the Rangiuru bridge, and that he would visit Otaki immediately. — Councillors agreed to accompany Mr. Sladden on his rounds. It was pointed out by Cr. Cook that the Rangiuri bridge was dangerous, that piles were in a slanting position, and some of the stays broken. He stated that for the past three years he had advocated that something be done to improve matters.

It was stated that there were some outstanding rates ahd that due notice had been given to defaulters by way of advertisement and notice on the rate demands. It was suggested that a special meeting be held to clear up matters in general before the end of the financial year. The Mayor made eulogistic reference to the capabilities or the relieving clerk, Mr. Anderson, and suggested that a letter of thanks be forwarded him, thanking him for his efRcient services. Mr. Wilson was extended a welcome back to his duties after his holiday, and in acknowledging the remarks of the Mayor, stated that while on holiday he was greatly impressed with many beautiful gardens he had seen in various towns, and thought it would be a good thing for the council to offer pri7.es for the best kept garden plot. It was pointed out by one councillor that the plot in the council's area was not a credit to a local body. Mr. A. J. Fogden wrote stating that during the summer moiiths. when the borough water supply was on a 24-hour service for gardens at the beach. the supply at his residence was almost nil, and when used at the cowbails the house had to go short. He asked the council to grant a -J-inch pipe. No borough water was used for stock. It was thought by some councillors that the request was quite reasonable, and that a 2-inch pipe for a distance of about two chains would be a considerable help in raising the pressure. It was suggested by another councillor that Mr. Fogden by paying the extra rate would have a better pressure; the cost would be £3. It was thought by others that a -2-inch pipe should not be allowed anyone. — Dealt with in Works Committee's report. Cr. Gimblett mentioned that there was a bad leak in a pipe on Tasman Road, while Cr. Bennett said, despite restrictions on the use of water, he had seen a hose unattended in full use at Tasman Beach. The owners of the house were away and the water was liberally used with no one in attendance. Cr. Bartosh advocated more tar for improvement to roads and foo'tpaths, a matter that will have attention. There were potholes which had been filled in with clay, which was a wrong procedure under the circumlstances as the mixture and clay would not combine. A communication was received from M. Taylor asking if the council had yet approved of the subdivision in connection with the property Mr. Soulsby was purchasing ffrom Mrs. Garnham. While some councillors did not approve of the right-of-way, others thought it might be improved. — Application granted, conditionally. Mr. Matenga Baker, on behalf of the tribal committee, expressed thanks for assistance given by the council towards the concert tendered to Mr. Inia Te Wiata. — It was decided to acknowledge the letter and to congratulate the committee on the success of the concert. Applicaion was made by the Otaki Football Club for use of the domain on the same terms as last year. — Cr. Cook moved that the application be granted but Cr. Bartosh favoured a better arrangement, pointing out that last season much damage had been done to the ground by playing in wet weather. The ground, he said, had been "under water in places and mudholes were prevalent. It was pointed out that the Athletic Club had been responsible for some of the holes, placing sand in position for the high jump. Mr. Cook pointed' out that he did not wish to see any delay as the football season would open earlier than usual on account of the New Zealand team visiting Australia. Competitions, he said, would start on April 12. It was considered that drainage for the ground was necessary. as land at the northern end of the ground was often flooded. A tiled

drain or a sump would be an advantage. Cr. Gimblett considered the matter was one that should have mature consideration, and suggested that the matter be fully gone into by the Domain Committee who could report back to the council. The Mayor agreed that better co-operation was desired between che football club and the council and suggested that the two bodies meet and discuss the matter. Cr. Bartosh stated that games were played when ihe ground was practically under water which was very harmful. In answer to a question Cr. Cook stated it was rumoured that the^ Rahui Club would secure the racecourse grounds to play on. As the result of the two clubs having the domain last season many important matches were lost to the town. It was decided that ihe matter be further discussed between officers of the football, club and the Domain Committee, finality to be considered by the council. As the ground tiad to be nominated to the Rugby Union at the same time as teams were entered it was pointed out that this could be done. It was agreed to hold a special meeting on the 26 to further consider the matter. Mrs. Cross, secretary of the Otaki branch of 'the Labour Party, sought permission to hold a shop day on the 14th inst. A similar request was received from the Ladies' Guild, date March 28. — ■ Applications granted. It was stated that application had not been made for a shop day held in Main oureet recently and :c was further iuggested that shop days should be held on Saturdavs so that business people would not be affected. In connection with this suggestion it was stated that' Saturday was a day when very few people were about. Mr. R. Hughes wrote to the effect ',hat some time ago application had been made' for borough water, and he had received a letter from the council stating that the matter was under consideration. He had '•eceived no definite answer. Mr. Saies, a neighbour, was willing to illow him to connect with his pipes. — The council was sympathitic on the matter, and the application will have further consideration. The Otaki Fire Board forwarded its annual report and balanceiheet. — Received. Mr. Avery (seretary of the Fedsrated Farmers) wrote 'urging improvement of the passenger -ailway service from Otaki to Wellington. Letter received. It was jujimed out that application for •mprovement had been made last November. Inspcctor Davis reported that a number of cyclists riding at night without lights were to be proseeuted, while there were other .raffic offences which were to receive attention. — Received. Mr. Collis made application for a water connection, stating that permission had "been given him to connect up with a neighbour's pipe. — Granted, provided Mr. Williams had no objection. It was reported that'Mr. Selwyn Simeox had donated a set of Encyclopedia Britannica to the Otaki library. — Thanks to be accorded the donor. It was stated that improvent was desirable at the rest resort building, but that parts, utensils, etc., were not obtainable. It was agreed to erect a street notice in Bell Street. The Native Land Court wrote re Kaingaraki IB, stating that the council's suggestion that the road be placed on the western boundary would be considered, and to enable 'he writer to discuss the position with the owners he 'would be pleased to receive details of the minimum borough requirements. An approximate cost per chain of road fonnation would be appreciated. The Department of Health asked if the Otaki water supply was now being chlorinated as requested, and also what steps had been taken to ensure the permanent safety of the supply, i.e., in respect of securing that the intake from the river is •vithin the borough water reserve; and (2) of installing a permanent water purification plant. It was also desired41 to know if the coun-r cil had taken steps to secure control of both banks of the Otaki River above the point of intake of the .supply, It was also understood

Lhat thc mains near the tanks had had been damaged, and it wias , desired to ascertain what was being I uo'-xe. Compiaints had been receivI ed from various quarters in Otaki regarding the quaiity of the water | and the suggestion had been made that there had been cases of diarrhoea and dysentery for which uhe poor quality of the water was blamed. — Matter to have immediate attention. Accounts totalling £322 5s 6d were passed for payment. ! Mr. Bailey was appointed to act j as registrar of all dogs. Works Committee " The minutes oi ' the previous me'eting held on February 2 were read and confirmed. It was recom.nended that the town clerk ascertain from the Manawatu Catchment Board whose responsibility it is of seeing that Mangapouri Creek is kept clean; that Convent Roadcootpath be the next work to be done; that the acting overseer's report be adopted; that A. j; Fogden be advised the council recommends him to apply for an extra water connection at £3 per annum; chat the 'Ikaroa 'Land Cou'rt be rdvised that the road specifidations required by the borough with the proposed -sub-division of Kaingariki are 19 feet ip the centre of the road, to have a depth of 9 inches of metal, the balance of road to uave two inches of clay and a fourInch water main to be laid with,.a :wo-inch connectio'h for each secion; that a notice board'be obtainid.prohibiting the rem.oval of sand Tom Tasman Beach "motor camp area. — Adopted