HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1922, Page 1

HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

MONDAY. MARCH 27th. The meeting of the Council adjourned from Friday last was held at 7.55 p.m. Present.—Messrs G. A. Perry, (Mayor), Coulson, Wood, King, Pilkington, Blank, Perham and Parkhill. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. DEPUTATION. A deputation consisting of Messrs Breeze (President), Davidson and Bruce (secretary) of the Hospital Board waited on the Council in connection with water supply at the hos-' pital. Mr Breeze stated that the hospital had made arrangements for the supply of water for the institution, but desired to have a water supply available for fire purposes. Mr-; Davidson said tthey recognised that the water supply was getting short and that with the iaundrv they wonld be using 10,000 gallons per day. The v had sunk for water and a sample thereof had been reported on by the analyst as suitable for domestic purposes.. He pointed out that by the placing of motors to check the water used, one for the Mental Hospital and one for the hospital, would greatly reduce the power of the water pressure for fire purposes. They considered it would be inadvisable to put in meters. The Board was endeavouring to reduce the cost of running the (institution as much as possible, while th© increased charge proposed would add to the cost of upkeep. They had always endeavoured to conserve the amount of water used.

The Mayor promised that the Council would l do their endeavour to meet the Board in their request on very fair terms, if they only desired to use the water for fire purposes.

In answer to Mr Pillrington, Mr Davidson stated ho expected the proposed erection of pumps for the water supply would he completed within two months.

Mr Breeze thanked the Council and asked that the supply be continued until the Board had established their proposed installation Mr Pilkington moved that consideration he deferred for two months. Seconded by Mr Parkhill and carried.

The deputation then withdrew. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE

From Department of Industries and Commerce, asking for preference to bo given to Now Zealand, goods.—Received. ' ■ C

From Ross Borough Council forwarding £5 1.2 s 2d, its share of Alcoholic Liquors Control Act expenses.—Received.

From Captain M. A. Stedman stating the proposed exhibition of war trophies would not take place.—Received.

From Inspector of Health, notifying conference of Inspectors of Health at Christchurch in April and inviting attendance of Council’s officers.—Received.

From Prime Minister, Wellington, acknowledging receipt of popy of resolution of the Council rp credit balances at the Rank.—Received. From Westland Hospital Board notifying deputation would wait on the Council.—Received. "From Westland Racing Club drawing attention to repairs required to the footpaths in upper Hampden St. and asking for a motor cur turnout; to bp made.—Received; referred to Public Works Committee to attend to. From J. Mandl and Co., accepting terms of Council’s offer for water supply, subject to it being liable to termination by one month’s notice.— Received. From A. Detlaff. declining to .accept Council’s offer of increase in nightsoil contract.—Received; referred to Mayor and Mr Perham to interview contractor.

From Park and Murdoch stating that they had been approached by a number of residents of South Hokitika to ask that all South of Hokitika river bp deleted from the Borough ano placed in the County of Westland, anfi if the Council were favourable would the Council pass a resolution stating their willingness to agree to the proposal . —Received. Mr Blank considered the suggestion was a favourable one. He thought the proposal was a good one. Mr Wood thought thnt, if it were agreed to it would perhaps relieve the Council of portion of the upkeep of the railway bridge. Mr Coulson suggested the holding over the matter for further consideration. Mr Perham supported deferring consideration. The Mayor pointed out that South Hokitika had no conveniences. He pointed out if the town was to grow, it would be better to drain Whitcombe Square and cut it up into building sections.

Mr Coulßon moved that consideration he deferred. Seconded by Mr Perham and carried. From Hokitika Sports and Cycling Club asking for use of Cass Square for sports meeting on Easter Tuesday.— Received and request granted, subject to payment of 10% on gross takings. REPORTS. From Treasurer reporting receipts £274 8h 9d, payments £2Bl 2s Bd, debit balance £406 15s lid.—Received. From Finance Committee recommending payment of £487 0s 7d; stating they were unable to accede to the request of the Chamber of Commerce for a subsidy of £SO towards beach improvement; thalt all outstanding rates on March 31st. be charged 10% interest thereon.—Received and adopted. RESERVES REPORT. The Reserves and Cemetery Committee visited the Cemetery on March 22nd., 1922 and have to report: They find that the Sexton appears to be giving full time and attention to his duties, but that owing to the large area to be kept iri order and to thp rapid growth of vegetation (w 4

noxious weeds, there is more work to be done in order to kepe the area as it deserves to be, than the Sexton can cope with his immediate duties. He expressed his willingness to take in hand any special work that might be indicated, hut in doing so, other equally necessary work would get in arrears assistance in the Cemetery for the past year has not been available as it has been in previous.

WORK CAIJNG FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. (1) Preparation of fresh burial ground in the Anglican section. (2) Rough checking and clearing of portions throughout tho Cemetery where blackberry and other growth are becoming very bad. RECOMMENDATIONS.

(1) That a special effort be made to obtain assistance as formerly from time to time, when progress could be made with the work immediately required. . (2) ‘Consideration of ways and means to engage additional labor for at least a short period. (3) An inspection of the caretaker’s house shows urgent need for attention, viz. painting outside, including the roof, the latter beginning to rust. (4) That the kitchen chimney which is badly cracked should be taken down as far ns th© spouting and rebuilt.

(5) That effort be made to .obtain completion of the purchase of burial sections already taken up. Received and adopted, the necessary repairs to be carried out

From Manager of Abatoirs (Mr J. Jarman) reporting for month of February there were examined 5 cowb, 64 bullocks, 199 sheep, 170 lambs, 7 pigs, 4 calves. Condemned 2 cows. Fees for period £6O Bs.—‘Received. OVERSEER’S REPORT. I beg to submit the following report on work done during, the past month. A considerable portion of the the time has been taken up in connection with the water service. We haye been to Knnieri Forks four times during the past month principally owing to the bridge over the Kanieri River being under repairs it was necessary to lift the pipe Hue on the bridge until the decking was replaced, and then put it back into position again. Several leaks were also located and attended to. The Pipe line from Reservoir to the Lake iB at present in good order and the supply satisfactory. During the month we have cleaned ont sections of several drains that required attention. Five water connections have been put in, also pipe and timber crossings to several residences. The pithing pen alt the Abattoirs has been repaired in places that required cementing. Several of the streets are beginning to show signs of wear and require attention. During the term we have made a quantity of concrete pipes. Tlie uslua] street cleaning and maintenance work has also been attended to.

Received. The Mayor said he understood the road on the South Hokitika road towards Arthurstown was in need of urgent attention. K was resolved to ask the County Council to carry ont the work. CARETAKER. OF SQUARES.

Applications were received from W. H. Bishop and H. Haile. The Mayor moved that H. Haile he appointed. Seconded hv Mr Parkhill. Mr Blank moved that Mr Bishop be appointed. Seconded by Mr King. The amendment was lost and motion carried, Mr TTaile being appointed. The Council rose at 9.10 p.m.