HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1856, 16 September 1913, Page 8

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

(From Our Special Correspondent.!

Tho Petone Wesley Literary and De-' bating Society held a debate last evening, tho subject being, "Would Socialism bo to the Best-Interests of New Zealand?" and "Is the Naval Expenditure of Great Britain Justifiable?" The chairman explained that the object was merely to test the debating ability of the members'. . Mr. F. Lockwood was awarded first place by the judgo (tho Rev. J. J. Lewis). Tho annual meeting of tho Petone Fire Board was held yesterday afternoon, Mr. It. Motlies presiding. The balance-sheet showed that the receipts for the year amounted to £2476 10s. 4d., and tho expenditure to £2374 4s. sd. Tho balance of assets over liabilities is £1518 Is. 3d. The personal of_ the now board is as follows: —Mr. R. Mothes (appointed by tho Governor), Mr. J. W. M'Ewan, Mr. H. Findlay, Mr. A. Anderson (appointed by tho Potono Borough Council), Mr. E. E. Hammond, Mr. H. E. Kompthorne, Mr. C. R. Smith (appointed by the insuranco companies). Mr. R. Motlies was elected chairman, _ Out of eight applicants for tho position of secretary, Mr. J. W. Smith was successful. Mr. B. Hansen was appointed permanent fireman. A musical programmo was rendered by tho children of tho Petone Salvation Army last evening to a largo . audience.

Tho children of tho Jackson Street Methodist Band of Hope gave an entertainment last evening. Mr. H. Hurrell presided. Delegates from the Petone Technical School Board'and theHutt Park Committee met on Saturday to mako arrangements for a building on the park for instruction in sheep-shearing. After discussion it was agreed that tho old tea kiosk be used for. the purpose. On account of its construction, this large building is suited for tho purpose,' the heavy beams supporting the roof being considered, of sufficient strength to cary all shafting, etc., connected with sheep-shearing machinory. Tho Park Committee were unable to allow the building to bo used free of chargo,. and on animated discussion ensued. Finally it was agreed that a. nominal sum be charged as rent, the board pointing out that the building ■ would only be required for a few weeks in each year. It is understood that, when the plant is installed sheep-owners adjacent may take advantage of it to have their flocks shorn there. Mr. S. V. Burridgo (wool-classing examiner for tho Technical School) is supplying tho slieep for tho shearing classes.

At a meeting of the Works Committee of the Petono Borough Council tho engineer reported on tho lighting of Koro-Koro, as follows:—That an attendant would be required if electricity, wero generated by means of an oil engine, costing at least £90 per annum. This added to charges on tho outlay of about £800 would render tho schcmo impracticable. Tiio alternative scheme of. running a cable from tho sewago power station, would cost about £1050, the annual charges being £104 ss. The revenue from 2o lamps burning '1 hours por night would he about £32, leaving a deficiency of £725. ss. per annum. It was decided to request tho gas manager (Mr. Masters) to report within nix montlis in regard to lighting Koro Koro. The sewage engineer (Mr. Fox) reported that work in connection with tho outfall from the sceptic tank to tho river had been slow on account of the spring tides. Ho recommended the mirehaso of a 7 h.p. portable oil engine for pumping to cost £150. Tho inspector's report stated that 505 inspections had been made during August. Fees for building permits for the month amounted to £11, the total estimated value of tha buildiucs beiag £5030.