HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1924, Page 2

HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY Bth. The Council held the usual meeting at 7.30 p.m. ‘.Present —Afessrs G. A. Berry (Alayor), -J. Lloyd, G. Heinz, AV. D. Alnckay, D. J. Evans, AV. Jeffries, J. King, H. At. Coulson. Apologies were made for tho absence of Messrs Porhain and Wood The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence was approved. J NAVA B D COB B KSPOXDENCE. From J. Mclntyre (sexton), stating he would supply a diary as requested.— Received. From AV. Wilson asking for of a sub-division of section.— ed and approved. The Town Clerk advised that tho pi ice c f waste paper baskets was 22s (id. instead of 18s Gd, as stated at last meeting.—Resolved tin t the baskets be obtained as previously decided, at tho increased cost. From Exhibition Committee advising a-number of sanitary conveniences were ,-y,, v for sale.—Received; referred to Public . Works Committee to enquire into. From County Clerk, Greymoutli, notifving receipts under alcoholic Liquors Sale Act, amounted to £269 Bs.--Re-ceived. P'rom Department of Health asking what action had been taken in regard to houses requiring attention. —Reeeiv-

From T. Fletcher Telford. Medical Officer of Health. Christchurch, as follows. Be sewerage .system, Hokitika Borough.—Your communication in reply to mine of the 7th. ultimo is hereby acknowledged. The final paragraph in ~' / your reply L regard a.s unsatisfactory, and I am now placing the matter in tlie hands of the Director-General of Health, with a view to placing tlie matter before the Board of Health at its next meeting in order to seek the Board’s assistance in putting into operation the compulsory clause to force, your Council to take action in this nuttier.—Received. The Alayor said it ap- »•' pea red to him that the Health Inspector ' was not favorably disposed towards tho Council, lie suggested that consideration lie given to a proposal to form a drainage area for portion of tho town. It would he necessary first to have a poll of the ratepayers, the portion to bo from Fitzherbert Street to tho west.

Air Evans thought the letter of the Inspector of Health was at least uncivil t.i the Borough. He thought that it would he better for the Council to approach the Minister of Health and ask him, when convenient, to meet tho Council and discuss the matter with a view to obtaining assistance in drawing up a suitable scheme. He moved to that effect. AH I’ei rv said he felt the letter was too autocratic altogether. The present medical officer practically said if tho Council did not do what lie wanted tout lie would make them. He did not take the letter very seriously, but it was annoying to he addressed in sv.cli a curt manner. Air Coulson said he recognised tho necessity of installing a sanitation scheme for the town, hut he recognised that the matter of finance was tho stumbling block. He had urged that a suitable system should bo installed, many yeam ago, but nothing had been df ne. Air Jeffries said he felt then: was no uigent need to take action. He moved that consideration of the letter be deferred until the Board of Health had dealt with the matter, and that Cr. Coulson, when in Wellington meet the Minister of Health, ami discuss the matter with him. The motion was: seconded by the Mayor and agreed to. Fi"iu .1. Burns and Co., and It. T. Rush, forwarding quotations for l.'i.'ttiyme'ver.s. - Received. REPORTS. From Treasurer reporting receipts £SO 13s, payments £551 12s, debit balance £302 -Is 2d ; drainage loan account, credit balance £305 10s 3d.— Received. Accounts amounting to £197 13s 3il were, passed for payment. The Alayor suggested that at next meeting the Council should meet a.s a wboie with the Finance Committee to discuss the financial position. Mr Evans suggested the Council meet in Committee next Friday evening to discuss matters generally dealing with finance and the resolutions of the Council passed but not given effect- to.

Mr Jeffries supported the Mayor’s remarks. stating lie was of opinion that tbe whole of the Council should he on the Finance Committee, so that all Councillors would he fully cognisant of ti>e financial position. .Mr Coulsou strongly favored the attitude taken up by Mr Jeffries. This system had worked very well in past years. Air Evans said he thought that the want of attention by the Finance Committee was in part responsible for the (present position. He favored small committees, responsible for the various sections of the Council’s work. The Mayor agreed with Afr Jeffries that all Councillors should fully understand the financial position of thoCouncil, ’’lie motion was then agreed to. ATr Evans moved that the Council meet on Friday next at 7.30 p.m. in Committee, to discuss various matters, including finance. Seconded by Mr Coil Ison and carried. Tito Public Works Committee,, by Air Heinz, Chairman, reported that an inspection of the town had been made; that a regular supply of cement he arranged for; that the Sale Street drain had been almost completed; that Rolleston Street work was approaching completion ; that Cemetery Hill required attention to prevent scouring; Hampden Street required attentionfT that the tarring of Revell Street required (Hitting in hand.—Received. AIY Evans said attention required to he given to the gorsc in upper Sowell Street. Air Lloyd said a number of holes in Revell Street required attention. The Mayor said a ladder was required at the reservoir and moved that one be procured. Seconded by Afr Jeffries and carried..

Eiom Sexton reporting on work done during period. Received. From Alanager Abattoirs (Air .T. Jarman) reporting there were examined during January—22 eons. 26 heifers, 71 bullocks. 31!) sheep. 145 lambs, II 72 calves. Fees for period £BG 2s.— Received. Air Coulsou moved: “That in view of .‘he construction of the railway line on Gibson’s Quay and the consequent narrowing of the street formation, the curbing and channelling of the footPatti front Fitjzlicrhert to Rolleston Street he proceeded with for the purpose of widening the traffic way.” Seconded by Afr Jeffries. Alter a somewhat loose discussion Afr King moved that consideration be deferred till next Friday's meeting. Seconded by Afr Lloyd and agreed to. Afr J. A. King was re-appointed to represent the Council oil the Hokitika High School Board. Th<> Council rose at 8.30 p.m.