PAEROA BOROUGH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4851, 10 July 1925, Page 2

PAEROA BOROUGH.

MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Paeroa Borough Council was held last night, His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) presiding over Crs. E. Edwards, J. W. Silcock, G. P. de Castro, F. E. Flatt, J. Pinder, E. A. Porritt, H. J. Hare, and the town clerk (Mr W. C. Alexander). CLOSING OF STREETS. The Commissioner of Crown Lands notified that in connection with the closing of Russell, Fraser, and Johnson streets it had been decided to issue the titles direct to the Thames Hospital Board and the N.Z. Dairy Co., so that transfers would not be required. The Mayor remarked that it was a great pity the information had not been available earlier, as the borough solicitor had already prepared the transfers. DIVERSION OF WATER. Mrs E. L. Staunton wrote drawing attention to the fact that storm-water from upper Hill, Street had been diverted through her property. She requested that the water be taken straight down Hill Street so as to connect with the drain in Taylor’s Avenue. The Mayor said that a difficulty presented itself. Cr. Flatt said that it was a natural watercourse, but the only drain had been filled in. He thought some relief should be afforded if possible. The Mayor pointed out that, if it was a natural watercourse there-was a legal right to discharge the water on to the property, but he agreed tnat .it was desirable to afford some relief. The matter was referred to the works committee, with power to aet. iOVERFLOW FROM DRAIN.

T. Rolton, Russell Street, wrote stating that the sterm-water drain was blocked and the water was flowing into his property near Mr Slader’s house. The Mayor said that the property was very low-lying, ami he could not quite see how the position was to be met. The matter was referred to the works committee. APPLICATION FOR SEWERAGE. The contractors for the new post office sought permission to connect the sewerage drain from the post office to the main in Princes StreetReferred to the town clerk for action; REMOVAL OF MANHOLE. The resident engineer of the Public Works Department wrote accepting the offer to remove the existing manhole near the new post office and cover the existing sewer bottom for the tsuin of £27 10's. The Mayor advised that the work had been done. WATER CHARGES. The Ohinemuri County Council advised that the application for free water for the use of the Northern Steam Ship Co. at the Ngahina Whart, Paeroa, had been declined. It wasi proposed to erect a 600-galion storage tank near the wharf fo coiunteract the waste of water, and the hardship to other consumers drawing supplies from the same main. In answer to- Cr. Flatt the Mayor said that the tank would be erected for the county’s own protection. Continuing, the Mayor said it was very regrettable that the county could not meet the borough by supplying water free, especialy in view of the fact that now the borough had assumed control of the wharf a .saving of £5O a year was made for the county. In addition, the borough was co-operating with the county and was collecting a .bridge rate for it. He merely mentioned tnese matters to show that the spirit of co-operation prevailed so far as the borough was concerned. In answer to Cr. Flatt the Mayor stated that no commission had been decided on by the county for the collection of the bridge rate. It was agreed to receive the letter without further comment. LIABILITY FOR RATES. The Education Board, Auckland, in response to a demand for rates on the Paeroa Technical High -School Bite, wrote repudiating liability for rates as the land was unoccupied and held as a reserve. . In a later communication the board inquired if the rates levied on the site amounting to £25 5s 8d arose in respect of loans laised prior to tnc board’s acquisition in 1920. It was stated that there w,as a fine point as to whether the special rate was collectable or not, and the matter was referred to the town clerk for action. HOSPITAL LEVY; The Thames Hospital Board advised that the contribution required from the council for the year amounted to £567 14s Bd, which was payable by equal quarterly instalments. PLAGUE PRECAUTIONS. The Auckland District Health Office advised that a case of human plague had occurred at Brisbane, and stated that all precautionary methods'were being adopted in connection with the arrival of vessels from Australia. The council was asked to make an endeavour to carry out the destruction of rodents, the removal of harbourage for rodents, rat-proofing of buildings, especially those in which foodstuffs were stored, special attention being given to the wharves and sheds. NOXIOUS WEEDS. The Department of Agriculture advised that a supply of pads of reminder forms to clear noxious weeds was now available. The Mayor said he realised that steps should be taken to cope -with the menace. Cr. Silcock said that possiblj’ the council should give a lead in the matter. It was decided to obtain 400 forms. METAL FOR FOOTPATHS. Cr. Hare thought that greater efeffort should be made to obtain larger

quantities of chips and fine metal for footpaths. . The Mayor replied that he had visited every quarry in the district, and had great difficulty in obtaining what the council already had received. The cost of procuring chips from Auckland was prohibitive, and Che cost of red metal from McCallum’s Island was about £1 a yard landed at Paeroa. Small supplies were coming ; to hand, and also small quantities. , were being taken from the silt works;. NEW RAILWAY STATION. Cr. de Castro asked if the councils ■ intended to» arrange any function in connection with the opening of thenew railway station. He was of the, . opinion that the occasion should be celebrated in some tangible manner.; The Mayor said he would look into the matter.