ONSLOW BOROUGH

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3168, 20 August 1917, Page 8

ONSLOW BOROUGH

. MEETING OF THE-COUNCIL. The ordinary meeting of the Onslow Uorough. Council was held on Saturday evening. The Mayor (Mr. J. M. Dale) presided. There were also present: Councillors E. A. Budd, W. Appleton. E. Hobbs, C. Bowdon, E. G. Tucker, F. C. Gardner, A. W. Palmer, and H. B. Topp. J. he rates struck V the council were confirmed. ,o\e rates show a reduction on those of last year. The Onslow Catchment Area. Committee m-ote protestiug against letting of tne area for crazing by sheep. In connection with this a deputation from the committee waited on the council and emphasised the protest. Major Smith, who was the principal spokesman, said that the retention of tho bush in its natural state was desirable, and the grazing of sheep would be detrimental, it it would not entirely damage the a.rea. When the council decided to purchase the area it also deefded to plant the land, and the council at that time was advised to place a sheep-proof fenee around tho area. Sheep, he contended, did destroy the bush, and he quoted expert opinion in support of his statement. If councillors wished for proof they had merely to allow a few sheep into their gardens. Ho stated that many people obtained water from tho catchment area, and if sheep were allowed to graze there would bo danger of hydatids developing, as eminent doctors in New Zealand had traced almost every case of hydatids to drinking water from areas where sheep had grazed. Several other members of the deputation also spoke. Several tenders were received tor tho grazing of the catchment area, and after a full discussion it was decided to accept the tender of Mr. Henry Hume at Bs. per acre.

A letter was received from Major Smith asking the council to renew the burnt pine trees l>y the breakwind, Victoria Track. The council agreed to comply with the request. The Napier Borough Council's resolution with respect to tho cost of living, which has already been before several suburban boroughs, mis read, and it was decided lo_ support the resolution. Several councillors spoke with eonio concern regarding tho steady increase in the cost' of living. It whs decided to appoint Mr. J. Hill road foreman of the borough.