BOROUGH COUNCILS

Evening Star, Issue 19784, 7 February 1928, Page 9

BOROUGH COUNCILS

GREEN ISLAND The Green Island Borough Council held its monthly meeting last evening. Those present were; The Mayor (Mr W. T. Kaler), CTs P. T. Chalmers, H. A, Christie, G. Orange, H. Connor, A. Logie, P. 0. Smellic, J. G. Lindsay, and W. T. Smellic. The Works Committee recommended that Messrs Thomas Hcrbison, Joseph Craig, and Charles Cunningham ho appointed rangers, and that Mi’ Thomas Herbison be appointed pound keeper. It was recommended 'that the district railway engineer, together with the borough engineer and the town clerk, be requested to inspect drainage at Kane’s Corner.

It was reported that Mr M. Stevenson had written concerning the Green Island to Taieri Mouth road. Be stated that he had rung up the. mayor, asking him to ho good enough to have that part of tho road from the mam road to Alexander’s Corner made safe for traffic. The mayor had admitted it was dangerous, and that he would ask the foreman to seo that tho holes were tilled up. Since then a week had elapsed, and no attempt had been made to make the bad parts safe for traffic He requested that a few loads of metal or gravel be put on the road in order to make it sale. On the motion of Cr Orange, it was decided that notices be placed in Princes and Stand streets prohibiting rubbish from being deposited in those localities, it was resolved also that the Works Committee go into tho cpiestion of arranging for places where garden refuse could be deposited. The report was adopted. The Reserves and Cemeteries Committee recommended that three men be employed at the cemetery for a Friday aiul a Saturday to clean up paths, hedges, and plots. Tho recommendation was adopted.

The Finance Committee recommended that accounts amounting to £T,U6S IBs Bd bo passed for payment out of the district fund account. It was also recommended that the finance report showing the following balances be adopted .’—District fund account, debit, £1,091 Is -Id; unemployment loan acount, credit, £llO IJs 7d; sanitary Joan account, credit, £SO 19s Id. it was recommended that Air T. Anderson's application for a billiard saloon license be granted. The report also stated that the secretary of the Green Island Band had written suggesting that a district picnic bo hold.

The council considered that there would not be time this year to hold a picnic. However, it agreed with the idea, and decided to call a meeting early next summer.

The report wa sadoplod. The Town Clerk reported that lie had attended the sale wf.en 'section 02, block Abbotshili, and section 11, block Sunnyvale wore offered for sale at public auction. I’rior to the sale he inn ascertained from the borough solicitors that the Registrar of Urn Supreme Court Jiad not placed any reserve on cither section, but in view of the fact that rates and costs amounted to £2(3 in each case he lead mad** representations to the Registrar of the court, and lie had agreed' to place a reserve of £2O on each. Section 62, Ahbotsliill, had been purchased by Mr George Orange at the reserve price of £2U, and section It, Sunnyvale, had been passed in without an offer.—The clerk's action was appiovcd. ENGINEER’S RETORT.

Tim Engineer reported that £*'JG 2s 7d had to be, paid in wages.

Progress on. the Main South road was slow, and had just about reached the Walton Park railway line.

In regard to the formation across tho railway lines, the district engineer was to confer witli the railway engineer in regard to the carrying out of this portion. Mr -1. I!. Marks had verbally advised him that the Railways Department was not prepared to pay anything towards the cost of a pernunicut roadway, but it was prepared to allow the work to be done provided its representative was present during construction. In the circumstances ho was inclined to advise tho council that that portion of tho road should be left, as the maintenance of it was a question lor the Railways Department. If a permanent roadway was made it would mean a less annual maintenance to tho department. He advised that I hero should be one-way traffic through Shand street. Ho recommended that steps be taken to have the stock traffic diverted thronsrh Neill street to Hayley’s corner, while that portion of the road was being constructed between Brighton road and Kane’s corner. The new formation work has been boxed in where necessary, and the work that had been done appeared to be giving sufficient stabilitv to the now work.

In regard to the drainage at Kane's corner, the subject of a communication from the Health Department, he advised that tho method suggested, namely—to divert Church street water to the stormwater drain put across tho Alain South road near this point, was possible, but (ho construction necessary would have to be on portion of the railway land, and from whom permission would have to he received to do the work.

Originally pipes had been laid on ihc east side of the railway, which took all this drainage and stormwater, hut owing to the Railways Department extending the cattle stops, these pipes had been rendered useless, and, he understood, were now blocked. He thought the circumstances should ho pointed out to the department, as the complaint from tho Health Department should be attended to, and tho nuisance of the drainage water standing under tho cattle stops excavation should be remedied immediately.

He recommended that the district public works engineer be written to asking if the Main Highways. Hoard would contribute towards the cost ot repairing Short street, and Harraway's road, which were being used as detour roads during the construction of the main highway.

Tn regard to Short street, he considered that the method of repairing should be:—lsin metal, blinded, while Harraway’s road and Earl street should bo done with Silvcrstrcam gravel. Ho estimated that the cost of repairs to these roads would bo as under: —Short street and Kaikorai Valley road, £206; Harraway’s road and Earl street, £l5B. The report was adopted.

MOSGIEL The mayor (Mr J. P. Walls) presided over the monthly meeting of,the Mosgiel Borough Council last night. The’ Finance Committee reported that the receipts for the period covered since last meeting had amounted to £2,210 Is 2d, and recommended payment of accounts totalling £15*17 Os 7d. The bank pass book showed a debit balance of £.562 13s lOd. A summary of receipts for December and January of bhe picture theatre accounts was submitted, and accounts for January, amounting to £45, submitted for payment. The picture bank pass book showed a credit balance of £172 Is 6d. —The report was adopted. Tlje Works Committee, after detailing the work of the month, recommended that Mr Brown be informed that the street formation work in Green street had already been authorised, but that the work could not bo proceeded with until such time as a sufficient quantity of metal was quart ried at the Government quarry. The council had been granted permission to_ take the necessary quantity from this quarry. The carrying out of thi?» work had been left, in the hands of the chairman of the Works Committee, and would be out in hand with all possible speed, when t*ie work in Green

street would at once be proceeded with. The committee recommended that the work of installing the scout valve at the top intake be proceeded with at once, and that protective posts be put in in front of the water trough in Gordon road. Tho pipe line at Gmv’s crossing had been clamped to the re-cently-driven piles, and the pipes secured to the bank with a pillar of concrete. Mr J. Gnnlon’s application lor sewer connection; This had been referred to the inspector as to whether it is possible to drain these premises, Mr M. Walker’s application for level crossing, kerbing, and channelling, Gordon road: Consideration of this had been deferred till next meeting. The committee recommended that. building permits bo granted to W. Melrose, for Airs Carncross, outbuildings; J. H. Pearce, Factory road, four-roomed cottage; G. A. AFLeod, for J. Mitchell, glasshouse and storeroom; J. A. Aitken, for Airs Alarsh, additions; R. 3. Moody, four-roomed cottage, Gordon road. It was decided to inform Mr Ashby that his application for a connection could not bo granted, because of the levels, and to ask Air Finnie what he would contribute towards the cost of an extension to his place. In connection with the work at Silverstream intake, upon the motion of His Worship the Alayor, it was resolved that tho foreman's attention be drawn to tho fact that he did not carry out the chairman’s instructions in this work. Regarding the night soil and garbage contract for ensuing year, it is recommended that a special meeting bo called during tho month to discuss this contract for the ensuing year.— The report was adopted and the various recommendations agreed to.

The Postmaster, Mosgicl, wrote regarding the registration ot motor vehicles owned by Government departments and local ami public authorities, and asking how many “10” plates would bo required by the council for the year 1928-29.—The clerk was instructed to attend to the matter.

Tho Chief Inspector of Explosives wrote regarding the regulations under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods r. 1920. The regulations made in 1921 had been based on the fact that all petrol was at that time imported in cases. Tho introduction of petrol in bulk had necessitated an amendment, and a draft copy was enclosed for tho information of the council.—Noted.

The Chief inspector of Explosives notified that the time allowance to complete certain alterations in the projection room of the picture theatre had expired, ami he desired to know if these matters had been attended to.—The clerk was instructed to supply tho information.

T. A. Mackie applied for permission to erect a. septic tank for his own use on liis property. Ho drew attention to the discharge ol sewerage from a neighbor's house on to Forfar street, and to .sonic person interfering with the water table and deepening same down past his gate, lie asked the council to attend to it. He also drew the council's attention to the fact that the borough horse had been used by the borough foreman on Tuesday, January 3, for tile purpose of cutting hay for three different persons in Glyde_ street.—The council offered no objection to the erection of a septic tank in conformity with the by-laws; but considered that it was not within its jurisdiction to grant permission to drain into the Dye Creek. Ft was decided th.it a copy of the solicitor’s letter be handed to Mr Mackie*on Ibis question. Regarding the complaint about drainage on to Forfar street, the council decided to reply that it. offered no objection to the offending ratepayer laying a. tile drain in the water table to carry away the drainage. In reference to the borough horse being used as complained of, it was reported to the council that this had been done, but that the employee bad received no monetary gain out of the transaction.— The Mayor stated lie would have an inquiry into such matters made by the council at a special meeting during the month.

The Secretary Mosgiel Volunteer Fire Brigade made application for annual subsidy.—Granted. The .Secretary Mosgiel Traders’ Association wrote stating that for some years the council had been selling tar, sand, electric light globes, and pipes for the convenience of ratepayers, and asking the conned to discontinue the sale of such articles when traders in the town would stock them and supply them to the satisfaction of the public.—Held over till next meeting.

'the Green Island Borough Connell asked support, to a remit it had forwarded to the animal conference of the Municipal Association of New Zealand—‘‘That the present law relating to the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of highways in tho dominion bo amended so as to enable the Main Highways Board to take over and he wholly responsible for the main arterial roads, with a view to coping with piesent and future traffic requirements.”— It was resolved that no action be taken.

The New Zealand Express Company, Dunedin, notified that the lawn mower ordered by the council wms aboard the Matatua, due at Dunedin on February 9.—Noted. R. B. Hammond notified’ that he had resigned from the position of Director ol Town Rlanning, and had recommenced professional practice as a town planning consultant. —Noted. The Department of Agriculture drew at tention to section 2, sub-section ■5, of the Noxious Weeds Amendment Act, 1927. The control of weeds in a borough oi town hoard must, in future, be undertaken by the local authority. The Act gave power to appoints an inspector.—Noted.

The Australian I’crlormmg Rights Association, Etd., Wellington, wrote regarding the council —as picture theatre proprietors—enrolling as members. —Correspondence to bo referred to the secretary, Municipal Association.

John I’eid and Son wrote regarding plan 01 further subdivision in the township ui Silverstream.—This was referred to the borough solicitor, who replied to the council, it was decided to forward a clause in the solicitor’s letter to Messrs John Reid and Sons, and await 1 heir reply before any further sten was taken. ,

The dog tux was fixed at the same rate as last year, and Mr T. H. Gourioy reappointed collector. The Mayor reported on the interview by the council’s representatives with the Highways Board on the occasion of the visit of that body to Mosgicl. He was pleased to state that Goiu.u road would be declared a highway. He moved that the Taieri County Council be thanked for its hospitality on that occasion.—Apporved.

The Borough Solicitor wrote regarding advertising the special order declaring High, Green, Duke, and Argyle streets to bo public l streets. —The clerk was instructed to prepare the necessary resolution for a special meeting of the council to be held during the present mouth.

iu icspoii.se to a letter from Messrs John Ucid and Sons regarding extension of water mains to new sections in the township of Silverstrearn, Gordon road, it was decided to extend a 4in main to Mr Moody’s section.

PORT CHALMERS Last night there wore present the Mayor (Mr T. Anderson). Crs Lunn, Love, Campbell, Scollay, Willmott, Craigic, Bell, and Allan. Resolutions of sympathy were carried in respect to the recent death of Mrs Goodie and Mrs Mead. Tho deceased were old residents of Port Chalmers. CORRESPONDENCE. Tho Secretary of tho P.ort Chalmers Eire Board, in acknowledging receipt of correspondence in regard to extending a water service to Mansford, stated that the hoard thanked the council for its comments, The board was not responsible for providing water for fires, tiiat being the province of the council.

In respect to providing an up-to-date! fire engine, such a machine would cost | several hundred pounds, and that amount was too-much for the board’s / finances.—Resolved that the matter of an engine stand over until the board’s estimates were available.

The Green Island Borough Council forwarded copy of a remitto the Municipal Association advocating that the Alain Highways Board take over full control or arterial roads. In the opinion of the Green Island Council, it was stated that coping with presentday traffic was no longer a problem (or individual local bodies, but was essentially a national problem.—The council decicled to support the remit. Alr-W. J. Bardsley advised that the Harbor Board had agreed to.tho council filling in a portion of the foreshore at Alacandrew road and adjacent to the Crescent Hotel. The stone protecting wall would have to be replaced satisfactorily.—Received. REPORTS. The Works Committee reported;— The foreman and staff have boon engaged for the past fortnight on general maintenance work about the borough'. Grass has been cut in the following streetsAieridian street. Fox street. Burns street, Laing street, Bellevue place, Bcrnicia street. Daly street, Magnetic street, Harrington street, Constitution sreet, Ajax road, and Sawyers Bay road. Advantage is still being taken to obtain rock which the Public Works Department is quarrying on the low road. On the latter road 181 loads of rock were broken and spread. A further fifty loads were spread in the ditch, alongside the road, and eighteen loads of Milestone wore carted to a dump. A portion of the sea wall has been removed at the foot of Slant street, and filling in is being carried out to widen the corner of this section. Tho footpath in Harbor terrace has had attention by way of filling with clay and top-dressing with sand. The committee discussed tho question of tar sealing Macandrew road, but does not consider this should be done until the road is drained, and in this matter instructions arc being given to grade the inner ditch to a sump, and then by a 6in drain through Harbor Board ground, for which permission has been granted by the hoard. Immediate steps are being taken to have specifications and conditions of contract drawn up for permanently surfacing the south end of George street. While on the discussion of road maintenance, the question of speeding motorists came under notice, and tho committee is satisfied that some of Lite roads in the borough arc being severely torn up by those motorists who believe that high speeds should he the rule. The committee views this matter with very great concern, and recommends that, in order to abate what is a dangerous practice and a menace to pedestrians and vehicular traffic, the council discuss the question of having a traffic inspector on duty at various times. It may be mentioned that the speeding referred to is chiolly done in Alagnetic and Harrington streets. Alacandrew road, and Wick tide terrace.—The rcoort was adopted, excepting the clause in regard to Alacandrew road, which was held over. Tho councillors were strongly in favor of action being taken to control motor traffic.

The Finance Committee reported;— With respect to Mr E. L. Wheeler’s application for a lease of portion of tho Town Belt, the committee recommends that a lease he granted ns from April 1, providing the gorse on the property is properly grubbed mil by that date, rental on the previous scale to bo paid by the occupier in tho interim. The committee, in .recommending tho payment of £6*s .Is 9d for maintenance of West Harbor road from August 6 to October .'sl last, points out that this amount makes a total payment of the sum of £lll Is 9d for about six months’ maintenance. ft is obvious that there must be a. limit, to the amount contributed annually by Port Chalmers towards the upkeep of this road, otherwise practically the whole revenue of the borough may he compulsorily diverted to the maintenance of a road beyond the borough’s boundary. An unfortunate feature of the outlay is that there seems to be no permanent improvement of the rend effected. Therefore, the sooner the road comes under the control of the Highways Board the belter it will ho for all concerned,—The accounts for payment amounted to £221 Os 9d and the receipts to £261 3s lOd. Tho gas department's account, showed the receipts to ho £n os •Id and the expenditure £l7 Os Od.—ln reference to the upkeep of West Harbor road, the Mayor said that the Port Chalmers Council had to pay 121 per cent, of the total expenditure, which was not to exceed £l2o per annum.— The report was adopted. The Gas Committee reportedTingas manager, in reporting on the gasworks for the past fortnight, states that everything is working satisfactorily. Two leak's in street mains have had attention and main syphons pumped. Application has been made by the gas manager for pay in lieu of his annual holiday. The' committee docs not favor this course, and recommends that arrangements'he made to procure a competent man to look after the works while the manager is on his holiday. The foreman, in reporting on the water supply, states that everything is working satisfactorily.—The matter of impure gas was again discussed, and the committee Mas commended for having taken steps to effect an improvement.—Cr Liinn said Ihc retorts - were old.—Cr Allan said the manager was doing his best, and suggested that a snb-committec be appointed to procure a man to relieve the manager foe liis holidays.—The report was adopted. GENE If A 1,. A list ol exemptions claimed last year for dogs used solely for rabbiting and farming purposes was read. Councillors thought there had been abuse of the privilege of lower rates of license fees for certain dogs. The Council passed a resolution of appreciation “of the unbiased manner in which Mr Marks had carried out his duties, and that a letter ho sent thanking him for his readiness in giving advice whenever asked for it.”