COUNCIL NOTES.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 15, 21 October 1927, Page 5

COUNCIL NOTES.

Dealing with traffic the engineer stated it may be of interest to know the working of the Traffic By-law since February. Figures to the end of September are as follows:—Prosecutions 82, convictions 79, eases dismissed 1, withdrawn in court 2; 785 vehicles have been tagged for various minor breaches, and warning issued. Verbal warning for minor offences total over 1000. The traffic in the town is undoubtedly vastly improved. A special effort is now being made with a view at abating the nuisance caused by speeding and noisy motor cvclgs« The engineer reported that for the month of September 27 dwellings, 15 shops, 2 alterations and additions, 1 garages, a total of 54, at a total value of £33,158. The Sanitary Inspector reported that three cases of scarlet fever had been removed to the hospital.

The Lands and Survey Department forwarded plan of Kauri Street in the Hutt Valley Settlement, and stated that the Hospital Board has consented to the taking of a portion of its property for the purpose of laying out this street, and asking that the Council pass the necessary resolution agreeing to the land so taken being proclaimed under Section 12 of "The Land Act," and the endorsement of the necessary consent on the tracing. Adopted.

The Fire Prevention Committee reported as follows:—Old Dennis Engine: This machine has been in service for the past fifteen years and has never been overhauled, and now requires one hew tyre on a front wheel. The tyre will cost ten pounds (£10) and the machine is practically out of commission. Your committee therefore recommends that authority be given for the work to be done and at the same time instruct that the machine receive an overhaul by the Dennis agents. Report adopted.

The Mayor stated that he had heard the statement made that the Council could have purchased Mr. Grantham's property cheaper if they had acted earliler. The best offer the Council had received in August, 1926, was £4851, for the 16h feet, and in September the whole property was offered for £12,900.

A deputation waited on the Council, representing the ratepayers in the vicinity of Bridge Street, objecting to the granting of a permit to erect a sawmill on a site adjacent to residential properties.

Mr. G. F. Smith in presenting a petition, signed by 90 ratepayers, stated that a sawmill would prove an annoyance to the residents. Apart from the noise there would be the smoke nuisance and danger from fire. Under the Town Planning Act the Council had full power to refuse the permit. The width of Riverbank Street did not permit of traffic for heavy laden timber wagons and pointed out the dangers that would result.

The Mayor asked if the petitioners would be willing to contribute to special rate for betterment in the event of the permit being refused, and compensation claimed. When the deputation had withdrawn, the question was fully discussed by the Council, and on the motion of the Mayor it was decided that the Council obtain legal opinion as to the Council's rights to refuse the permit; and that expert advice be obtained as to the amount of noise that would be created by modern machinery.

Councillor Mcßain said he did not agree with a special rate being levied for betterment, but contended that such a charge should be borne by the ratepayers as a whole.

Two firms of bus proprietors asked the Council to support a proposed ten minutes' service in place of a six minutes' service. It was resolved: "That the Council cannot support the application of two bus proprietors for a ten minute bus service; but, if all the proprietors can agree to a five minute

service, the Council will give the latter suggestion its support." It was resolved to agree to the holding of a swimming carnival on 7th November, and to invite Mr. T. K. Sidey, M.P., to be present. The Baths Committee reported that investigations were being made in regard to the increasing: of the temperature of the water 5 to 10 per cent. The resignation of the baths custodian was accepted, and the action of the committee in calling for applications approved.