HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1925, 6 December 1913, Page 11

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

(From Our Special Correspondent.) _ • COAL SCARCE. Coal is o, much-sought commodity in the Hutt Vallcv at present, and residents whoso backyard bunkers aro still fairly well stocked aro naturally congratulating themselves on their forethought in laying up a strock for the '•lean season." The price of gas has risen, though tho municipal gasworks lias a fair supply of coal in stock, and has made sufficient provision for replenishment to 'do away with any fear of not being able to keep the gas supply going. THE LAGOON. A conference of local bodies concerned was held somo timo ago in regard to the enclosed western arm of Hutt Rivor, but, so far, beyond bringing down reports by local engineers on tho matter, nothing further has been done. A private conferenco of the mayors and engineers of the Hutt and Potone Councils was held on Thursday evening in reference to the -matter. ~~ . HUTT RIVER BOARD. The monthly meeting of tho Hutt River Board was hold on Thursday evening. Those present were: Messrs. H. Baldwin (chairman), AVolch, Knight, Bowers, and Kennedy. A letter was received from Messrs. J. W. AVallaco and Co., stating that tho balance of piles required to complete their contract wero lying at Newcastle, and could not bo shipped owing to the strike. A reply was received to tho board's communication of November 11 from Messrs. TO. Johnston and Co., in reference to the ironbark piles from tho old pipe bridges at Potone. Tho writers stated that they had submitted an offer of Is. 9d. per foot to tho contractor, and ho had accepted it. As soon as the piles wero drawn they would let tho board know. Tho monthly report of the overseer (Mr. V. Kershaw) stated that tho work of removing snags and logs from tho lower division cut was completed, and was showing a good result. The stopbank fences had been completed, and about 100 new birch posts had" been nut in whore required. At Messrs. Pitcaithloy's new works two willow groynes had been put in, and had shown good results. Tho river was encroaching badly at Hooper's and Calcinai's, and bad only a few more feet to go to get on to low land. Ho expected damago at that part. Tho work on the two sills above Jones's camp had been bung up on account of the strike.