HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1926, Page 2

HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

FRIDAY, JULY 23rd

The Council met at 7.30 p'.m. Present:—His Worship the Mayor (G. A. Perry Esq.), Messrs H. Blank, AV. Jeffries, J. King, Elcoek, Orr, H. T. Parry, J. Lloyd, Conlson. ■The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The outward correspondence was approved. In regard to the outw’ard correspondence it was agreed to reconsider the application of Airs Chesne.v for street access from Rolleston Street. Air Blank thought the £lO asked was not excessive for the value of the land. Air Orr concurred. It was resolved to defer the matter for the attention of thc Town Clerk. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Automobile Association asking investigation of the costs charged in connection with thc expenses for prosecutions of breaches of the byelaw's.—Received. The suggestion did not find favour and it was resolved to leave matters as they were.

From X.Z. White League League, asking support to objects of the League to keep Asiatics out of the country—Received. The Mayor thought the matter be deferred. Was there a menace? Some of the Councillors thought the Council should support the proposal. It was agreed to support tho objects of the League.

From N.Z. Railways asking for additional water main connections at railway shed.—Received. The Overseer sv.id everything was in readiness for thc. work which was agreed to.

From Health Inspector in regard to defective building. Hall Street, which was ordered to he demolished.—Received. It was resolved to give the owner notice accordingly.

From same with respect to a defective building in Revolts Street .—Received, building to he demolished within one month.

From Hokitika Savings Rank with respect to septic tank connection with the street drain.—Received and granted subject to Health Department’s approval. thc work to be at the cost of the Savings Bank and to the approval of the Public Works Committee. From Leslie Reynolds, Gisborne, with regard to -the water supply service, stating that the wooden pipes should be as • good as when installed, and suggesting he he asked to investigate any difficulty in the matter.—Received with thanks. From J. J. Ivrakowsky, Gibson Quay, with reference to 'depression on section and asking same be used as a rubbish dump.—Received. No objection raised if offensive matter if not deposited, the Council fo take no responsibility. From Dr Buchanan with regard to incident arising out of the escape of a patient.—Received. The Mayor said Dr Buchanan seemed to niiss the point. Air Jeffries thought the reply bore out the attitude of the Council. The Mayor said the system of liberty now being granted was not attacked’.

Ah- Conlson said Dr Buchanan had done much to bring about an. improved state of affairs for the benefit of the inmates. The object was to put on a different system qnd treat the inmates with a view to cures. The number of escapes were frequent, but all precautions were being taken. He (Mr Coulson) was sure they would not want the high walls restored. Some councillors expressed dissent at this statement, Which was not the attitude of the Council. Air Conlson continued, that no exception need he taken to the reply. The motion for the reception of .the letter was agreefl to. From D. J. Evans asking that the question of dealing with the trees on Cass Square he deferred for the consid. eration of a public meeting.—Received. Air Conlson moved effect be given to the suggestion in the' letter. He thought the matter should lie . more fully considered. It would be wanton destruction to, cut the trees down. If the trees were destroyed the town would lose the' benefit of the annual picnics. However, he would be prepared to abide by the result of a public meeting. Air King supported and considered it would he a disgrace to cut down the trees. ' Afr Blank moved the matter he not deferred—the motion of the Conucil he given effect to. He considered the trees wore a menace, being so near the electric wires. He did not think 25 per cent of the people would oppose the cutting down of the'trees. The Mayor-had not heard complaints against the cutting down. The trees were black and funereal and made tbe grounds look like a cemetery. Afr Orr seconded the motion, and said he had given the matter full con-

siderution. It was sympathy only which required the trees to remain. If not cut down now, how long were they to remain? They had served their purpose and should come down. Some of

the trees were a danger, according to the Forestry Officer. Complaints had been made about the trees by the Gas C'oy, the Bowling Club, and the Dairy

Factory. The trees also kept the sun off the grounds and shade was not wanted—hut sunshine. Die trees likewise interfered with the view of the nightwatchman. The trees which have been planted recently are more suitable and useful. As regards public opinion, only one or two persons had objected, hut many supported the proposal, and thought the Council was doing the right thing.

- - 1- Coulson moved the suggestion in the letter he ngreed to. In doing so he felt they would safeguard the position. Dir Coulson said he had heard only one side—.opposition to the cutting down. If any trees were a danger to the electric wires they, could he removed, but it was not necessary to cut the trees down.

Mr King seconded tlie proposal to hold a public meeting, and referred to the high position Hokitika held in the sunshine record for the Dominion.

Mr Jeffries remarked thaj, the School Committee had cut down the trees at the State School. The Mayor said all the trees were not to he cut down. Dime than ample were to be left for shelter. Sentiment in regard to the trees had saved them too long. He thought if the trees were removed, the people would soon lie reconciled. The amendment was lost on division. the mover and seconder only voting for it. 'Hie motion was then agreed to. From Westland Cool Stores applying for permission to erect a petrol pump.—Received and agreed to. From W. Marshall, Bealey Street, asking for crossing over water hole. —Received, to he attended to.

From J. Haseler with regard to draining section into Fitzherbert Street drain.—Received, the Council to assist. TREASURER’S REPORT.

Receipts £lB2 19s; expenditure £269 3s 2d. Credit balance general account £B9 IsO 6d; credit balance loan account £47 15s Id.—Received. TENDERS. Collection of Pipes, Lake road.—C. Cederman. Is 1 If<l per pipe.—Accepted. Tenders for the cutting down of the trees on Cass Square were extended for a fortnight. WORKS CODIDIITTEE. Mr Blank (Chairman) recommended repairs to Bealey Street drain between Stafford and Weld Street; po action

was recommended regarding drain off Hampden Street through Airs Robinson’s property; attention to culvert and road Park Street to cope with flood waters was recommended ; also attention to unsanitary drain in Park Street, connecting with Hall Street drain. Some minor works were also mentioned and recommended. The extension of Livingstone .Street a distance of 3J chains, northern end, was recommended. Pipes were recommend- "r ed also for the lower end of Brittan Street when circumstances permitted. It was agreed that pipes he made for Sewell Street prior to Bealey Street. The Mayor thought the works programme involved rather much money. Perhaps tho more urgent matters could be taken in hand. It was resolved the Park and Brittan Street works be put in Hand. . ATr Jeffries referred to the complaint in respect to the overflow on Airs Robinson’s property. The view was expressed that the drain was a natural water course and that the Council, could not interfere. It was decided the Town Clerk ascertain the legal position. The Abattoir Committee was authorised to accept the tpnder of Mr Barrowinau’s at £IG 10s for some small It was resolved to have Cass Square and AfncAndrew Square attended to On Air Jeffries suggestion a vote of thanks was passed to the Forestry Service for planting trees on Cass Square. Afr King suggested some pro- , tection should ' be, given to the young trees. . It was resolved also to ask school teachers to instruct the scholars to respect the growing trees. The Council rose at 9.15.