HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1155, 16 June 1911, Page 6

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

(From Our Special Corresbondcnt.l CONTRACT FOR NEW BUILDING. .On Tuesday a contract was signed for tho erection of a double shop on the corner of Jackson and Elizabeth Streets Pctoue. Tho building, which is to be a two-storied one having a frontage to Jacksou Street of 39ft. and 76ft. to Elizabeth htreat, is being built to tho order of Mr AY. Sutherland, of AVellington, and-when completed will be leased to Messrs. Sibun and Kent, provision merchants, of Petone •Mr. James Gardiner is the architect The contract has been let to Mr; D. M. Owens Iho contract price, is just under <000. HUTT RIVER BOARD. The following were present at a meeting of tho Hutt River-Board last evening: Messrs. R. Stevens (chairman), H. Sladden, F. J; Pinny, A. E. Roots, and F. A. Peterkin. , The overseer of works (Mr. E. Fisher), in his monthly report, stated that plans and specifications had been prepared for the proposed flood embankment on Par--man s land at the Gorge, Taita, for which tenders have been invited. Tho engineer (Mr- Laing-Meason) reviewed the plans, approved of them, and in tho new district the probable number of new boom groynes required will be ten. Noxious weeds on Gear Island had been cut and burned, and operations were now in progress for eradicating weeds on the stop-banks, a work that will require about a month to complete. The continued habit of depositing rubbish on the river banks should be stopped. During May tho river rose above the normal level on three occasions. Permission was applied for by the City Engineer (Mr. \V. H. Morton) to cart iron pipes across Gear Island.— Granted, provided that the operation does not interfere with lessees'.rights. The board's engineer intimated that the slight deviation of the proposed'pipe line, by the City Corporation, across Gear Island might be given assent to provided the corporation pay for the necessary alteration of the plans.

Mr. O'Shea, city solicitor, wrote, pointing out that the diversion of the water main, at the new traffic bridge, over the river at the foot of Jackson Street, Pc(one, as submitted by the board's engineer (Mr. Laing-Measoii), was not quite satisfactory to the city engineer, as the bends in tho pipes, already on order, will not permit of the Hue fixed being adhered to.—Copy of ■ letter to be sent to the.board's engineer for a report.

RIVER PROTECTION. After the meeting of the board, Mr. AV. H. Field, M.P., introduced a deputation representing the Hay ward Land Co., the business of the deputation being with regard to the amount of money which the syndicato had expended on river protection work at Belmont. Mr. Field asked the board to consider somo means of repayment to the syndicate, which he suggested'might be done in the way of allocating a special rating area and raising a small loan sufficient to pay tho syndicate, and then to charge the interest and sinking funds on the loan to the land company, or to remit the general rates which the syndicate would have to pay for some years, until such time as the syndicate was reimbursed of tho moneys which it had expended on the river protection. Tho board Toplied that it sympathised with tho syndicate, but there were other syndicates in a similar position. They would maintain the upkeep of the present groynes, but they could not hold out hope to the syndicate of the board reimbursing them, as the finance>; of the board we're not in a position lo meet liabilities of this nature, and the time was not opportune for going to the ratepayers for a loan. The board then went into committee to further discuss the question, and the result of their deliberations is to be forwarded to the syndicate. . OTHER MATTERS. At tho meeting of the Hutt River Board last: night, Mr. T. A. Feterkiu proposed that a resolution of condolence bo placed upon tho minute': and extended to tho chairman (Mr. R. Stevens) in reference to the death of the late Mrs. Stevens. Mr. Pinny seconded the motion, which was carried. Tho local public schools will close today for the second term of the winter vacation.