PETONE AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2862, 29 August 1916, Page 9

PETONE AFFAIRS

SUGGESTED BOROUGH IMPROVEMENTS

Mr. J. W. M'Ewan, Mayor, presided at the fortnightly meeting of the .Petone Borough Council last evening. The following were also present: Councillors E. W. Forsyth, J. W. Gaynor, W. Cox, C. P. Brocklebank, A. Anderson, D. M'lCenzie, R. 11. Jones, IV. 'I'rueinan, and J. M'Dougall. \ The Prime Minister (tho Right Hon. W. F. Massey) wrote, stating that the council's representations in regard to the valuation of Land Act would receive careful consideration.

Some discussion took place over tho provisions of the Military Service' Aot, which had been forwarded to the council by the Recruiting Board. The Mayor said that some of the provisions needed consideration. The mat-, ter was left in the hands of the local recruiting committee. The council's motor-|bus service was briefly discussed, and it was explained that tho chassis for the contemplated motor-'bus service could not bo procured in England on atcount of the war. Offers were received from Greymouth of two chassis. No particulars were forwarded, however, and it was decided to cancel the present contract and call for fresh tenders for a oiio and a half and two-ton motor chassis. A letter was received from the district enginoor for railways (Mr. W. Widdop), stating that tho present sanitary service at the railway workshops was to be continued till tho Department decides whether it is necessary to connect up with the borough service. Councillor Anderson said that it appeared to him that the Government could do what it pleased, and he suggested that the council should call •upon them to look after their own sanitary service in future, as they did not look upon improvements with any degree .of favour. The District Health Officer informed the council that lie would inspect the dilapidated buildings at Petone at nn early date.

On the recommendation of the Gas Committee, it was decided to invite tenders for the supply, f.o.b. railway truck, of 100 cords of firewood in 'Jit. lengths.. Councillor M'Kenzie, in supporting the motion, said that ho was always in favour of municipalising anything in the nature of a. benefit to tho residents. Councillor Anderson said that ho thought that, the council would he wise in adopting the suggestion. The council liad proved tho worth ol importing their own coal, and ho was sure that the municipal bakery -would come in tho near future: Councillor Cos said that lie was of the opinion that the council should 1 go in for a "little kindling wood/' because wood and coal always wont together. If the council adopted the recommendation it would save a lot of residents having to replace palings on their fences.

It was decided to try an experiment, and extinguish ithe street lights of Petone Borough ton minutes after tho arrival of the last trnin from Wellington. Tho idea is to endeavour to save tho consmnption of gas and thus cut down expenses. Matters tn connection with suggestions made by players using the borough bowling green wore referred to. Tho players suggested that members without howls Ijc charged £1 fls. per season, while thoso having their own bowls should pay 15s. It -was also, suggested 1 that games should ho paid for at the rate of sixpence each. A request was made, for n blackboard, so that as playei-3 entered the green thoii names could tie placed upon it, and they would thus be aole to play -ill rotation. The ladies of tho Ocoquet Club on the new ground asked that n pavilion bo erected. All the suggestions were left to tho Reserves Committee to deal with, and it was further decided to ask the Croquot Club what sum it would be prepared to pay towards tho erection ol' a/pavilion. The engineer reported that the bowling greens and croquet fawns were in good order last year, ami he had reason to beliovo that .tho grounds would be in good condition this jear. A! weed had made its appearance in the. new croquet lawn, however, but stops were being taken to have it removed. > Suggested improvements to the Petono beach, vucb as placing tor on tho footpaths, the erection of seats, and improvements generally, will l>a discussed at next meeting.