PETONE AFFAIRS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 25, 30 January 1929, Page 19

PETONE AFFAIRS

MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

The fortnightly meeting of the Petone Borough Council was hold on Monday. Present: Mr. D. M'Kenzie (Mayor) and Councillors A. Scholefield, J. Ashley, J. Ouiuming, V. Jaeobson, J.. W. Longman, W. 11. Edwards, E. N. Campbell, and D. M'Carthy. Tho Minister for Public Works stated that ho would look into the question, raised by the council, of placing the streets in the Government subdivisions in a good state of repair. The present owner of a concrete block factory inquired if it were truo that the council would refuse permission to carry on the manufacture of concrete materials in this position. It was explained that the-original, occupiers had gone into liquidation, and that .it was desired to reopen the factory under a new tenancy.

Councillor Scholefield said it was clear that under tho resolution of the council, whicli does not allow factories *■* iilis area, tho council could not grant permission. - . Other councillors considered it would bo a great hardship,, as tho factory was already there, and they also doubted if in the circumstances the council could refuse permission. Councillor Jacobson said it was unwise to harrass proposed industries. .'. - ' ...

The- matter was held over pending a legal opinion 7on the question.

The Petoiie Bowing Club asked the council to give further consideration to its demand for the installation of a water meter by the club. It was do-, cided'to allow tho club ths use of water under tho supervision of the beach carel taker.

Tho question of the appointment of two members to represent tho council on the Fire Board was held over until next meeting.

Councillor Jaeobson moved, "That in view of tho changed conditions, wo rescind the motion passed some six months ago relative to korb-sido pumps and allow tho present pumps to remain, but refrain from issuing any new licenses." The motion was. lost,' tho mover and Councillor Longman being the only supporters.

On the motion of Councillor Edwards, it was resolved to prohibit pleasure boat owners approaching, areas occupied by swimmers.

The Engineer, was asked to arrange to have built at tho main bathing sheds lockers in whicli bathers could deposit valuables. Ho was also asked to report on the best means of meeting tho difficulty in regard to tho Cula street sheds.

On tho suggestion of Councillor Cuniming, the Mayor is to approach the Railway Bus Department with a view to having the; scale of fares revised, and also on the suggestion of Councillor Longman, to bring before the Department the question of overcrowding on the buses. ■•''.

Councillor Campbell suggested the setting up of a committee to go into the question of town-planning in the Petone Borough. Councillors Seholefield and Jacobson considered the question one for experts. Councillor Scholefiold suggested-; that the Lower Hutt Borough be approached with a view to combined action.

The Mayor was asked to see the Mayor of Lower Hutfr.and' report at tho next council meeting. . ' . The following .report by tho. Works' Committee was.approved, with the exception of the clause relating to Udy street extension, which was referred to

tho. borough 4 solicitor for a legal opinion as to the powers of tho council to sell tho section referred to: "Tho committee lias conferred with representatives of tho Plunket Society, and has inspected tho existing building. It is recommended that the engineer confer with'-the executive and the iiursc, and bring down a report, with an estimate o- tho cost of improvements to tho existing building. In regard to tho ex-tension-of Udy street, tho position is that..one..house must bo removed, and it is recommended that it be placed upon a site in Udy street, approximately 50ft X IOOf t, adjacent to the existing boundary fonco of ' Mr. Kibblewhite, the land, with the houso thereon, to bo then sold. It is recommended that the engineers confer, prior tfo the submitting of tho water loan proposal, relative to tho method in which the first instalment. . £20,000 is to bo expended, and the portion of the town to be dealt with .first."- :

Tho 'Mayor-.explained.'that'ho had had an interview with the Mayor of Wellington on tho subject of tlje refusal of the City. Council to hear representations from the Petone Council on tho subject of what streets the Eastbourne buses should use, and it had been ascertained that the refusal had beea" given under a misapprehension. It was therefore decided that the Mayor should accept the invitation to place, the views of the Petone Council before tho City Council, as tho bus controlling authority) .on Ist February.

Tho^ council still adhered to,its.resolution .-to place a remit before the Munitaipal-. Conference, asking that councils be given direct representation, on all boards which deal with questions relating to their own boroughs.