MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Chronicle (Levin), 27 March 1948, Page 2

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Otaki Council's Meeting A special meeting of the Otaki Borough Council was held on Wednesday night, the Mayor (Mr. C. F. Atmore) presiding. There w«re also present:- Crs. E. T. Bartosh, E. J. Cook, g.'McKinley, N, D.. Ander,sori, J. L. Retter and H. W. Hakaraia. The town clerk, Mr. ALex. Wilson, reported ' on several properties on which rates were owing, and which were not now recoverable. He suggested that they be written off. This was agreed to, although it was stated. that more ra$es: were now being pate in Maorij lands than previously. A letter was read from tne Department. of Labour that the following work would be necessary at the Druids' Hall if it was to be used as a factory: The conveniences should be of the flush type, a retiring room for the female staff would be necessary, this also to be used as a cloak room; the -front room could be used for teamaking and dining room; the hall would need to be painted inside and out, and toarding made waterproof; wash basins would be required, and also hot . and cold water; and in addition the provision of an alternate means of exit' in case of emergency. It. was pointed out that considerable alteration would be necessary," while the limited size of the section was against improvement being effectively carried. out. However, it was decided to give the matter every attention.' The Minister of Works intimated that a contract for the erection of four State houses in Otaki had recently been let, while a further contract involving five uriits was available for tendering. It w.as stated that these houses Were adjacent to the courthouse, and that plans had been submitted for approval. It was deemed advisable ' to ask the Public Works Department to form the roads to give better levels. The council would then be in a position to deal with storm water. It was decided to write to the department along these lines. The difficultv of obtaining contractors to undertake the building work was pointed, out, and the suggestion was made and agreed to 1 that the Fl-etcher Construction 'Company be asked.to tender. Cr. Hakaraia stated that he would like to see the matter expedited. The Mayor indicated that he was doing all possible to see^that houses were er,ected> '.HIJ . jj .11(1 tU ; A letter from Otaki Amusements, Ltd., drew attention to the unsatisfactory state of the right-of-way at the theatre, and suggested that it be levelled and tar-sealed. The matter would not be an expensive nne ahd would add to the appearance af the theatre. It was decided to ask that the company bear half the cost of the work. Miss Weno Tahiwi, secretary of the Maori Memorial Committee, applied for the use of the theatre for a concert to raise funds for the memorial. May '19 was suggested as the date, half the proceeds to go to the town memorial ahd half to the Maori memorial. The town clerk remarked that he had asked for confirmation of the date, but so far had not recelved word. The Limited Access Motorway wrote -asking what decision the council had arrived at. It was resolved to reply that the plans were not yst to hand. but the matter would have consideration then. A discussion ensued as to the best route, and, it was generally agreed that along the beach would be the most suitable for all concerned, and it was thought advisable to hold a meeting of all interested parties- from Paekakariki to Levin. It was considered advisable to contact the Horowhenua County Council on the matter, It was decided to ask the department for a route map, and when this was available a public meeting could be called and represdntatives of public bod$ies invited to attend. The Horowhenua County Council advised that at a recent meeting a letter had been received from Messrs. E. H. Hayward. M. B. Lawrie, G. Chittick and Mrs. A. Freeman on behalf of the settlers supplied by the Otaki water system. sta.ting that they were concerned with the insufficiency of the present supply from the borough system and asking that the council invest'gate the problem as it affected the area in question. The County Council asked the Borough Council's views on the. position. The matter of a pipe lirie in connection with Miss Lawrie's property and Mr. Rasmussen's was referre'd to the works committee.