BOROUGH COUNCIL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 369, 14 June 1911, Page 5

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

_ -v A meeting of the Borough Council was held on Monday night. There were present: His Worship the Mayor (Mr Jas Boddie), and Councillors Forsyth, Sims, Young, Somerville, Hardy, Tammadge, Julian, and Lusk. Hy. M. Hollow, of Hamilton, wrote with regard to a building permit which he considered was a misunderstanding in that it had not been issued and asked that proceedings instituted against him be withdrawn. Cr Sims asked if this was the first breach, or was Mr Hollow made an exception. Cr Lusk objected to the fact of Mr Hollow trying to lay blame on the Borough officials. There had been repeated breaches, and it was necessary that their Building Inspector's work be upheld. It was decided to withdraw proceedings. Mr Hollow to pay the costs. Regarding the matter of a stone crusher and road roller, it was decided to leave it over to a joint meeting of the Finance and Works Committee to report. Mr P. Floyd, Secretary of Te Kuiti School Committee, applied for permission to carry out the following work, to be done by the children:—The clearing, grassinc, and plantation of trees on the Esplanade adjoining the school property.—Mr Floyd also wrote on behalf of householders protesting against the action of the Council in refusing to assist in forming an adequate approach to the proposed school entrance, the cost uf which was being defrayed by the Education Board. —A deputation consisting of the Rev. Mitchell, Chairman, and Mr J. Walsh, waited on the Council as regards the latter question. Mr Mitchell pointed out that there were 280 children attending the school, and the only approach was but eight feet wide, where all the children and horses had to pass through The Education Board was prepared to do its part, and it was the advisable to take advantage of it.

Cr Somerville was of opinion that the matter should be put in order. It was not a very nice place, and the youngsters down there did not have all the comforts they should have, and it was only fair to assist them. The Mayor moved that the matter he left in the hands of the Works Committee, with power to act. —Seconded by Cr Somerville, and carried. Mr H. J. Free applied for a permit to erect additions to his stable in Sheridan street, and to erect a trap shed without building a brick wall. —The application was refused. A petition containing 45 signatures was received from residents who were continually using Jennings and Tawa streets, requesting that a footpath be formed from the bridge in King street to the corner of Rata street and Jennings street to Matai street, via Tawa street. Petitioners considered that the present state of affairs was dangerous to pedestrians, as there was a considerable amount of vehicular traffic on the streets.—Cr Forsyth said that he had visited the place, and it was in a very bnd state.—The matter was left in tbs hands of the Works Committee.

The Rev. R. Mitchell dirceted the attention of the Council to the impassable state of the Esplanade on the east side of the river between the bridge and Sheridan street crossing. With the recent rains the new formation and fillings have become quagmires, making it impassable for pedestrians who use the road. On behalf of himself arid others, he hoped the Council would do something in providing either a pumice footpath or the speedy erection of the footbridge at the Sheridan street corner crossing so thai, they might be able to reach their homes.—The matter was left in the hands of: the Works Committee.

Mr F. M. Hattaway wrote, stating that the Council last year accepted his tender for dray work, and as far as he knew the work was carried out to satisfaction. This year to cope with the work he had bought extra drays and horses at a considerable expense. His teams had been the first to be put off; that was to say, other teams had been kept on while it was alleged there was no work for his. —On the proposition of Cr Somerville, it was decided to leave the matter to the Works Committee, to interview Mr Lawson, with power to act. Mr R. Chestnut. Mairoa, drew attention to the bad state of the road near his gate, and close to the Railway. It was almost impassable,and he could not understand why the Council had repaired the road to this spot, and had left the portion which had required the most attention— Referred to the Works Commitee. Mr Wm. Bond applied for permission to take about five loads of pumice sand from one of the Council's pits.— Left to the Chairman of the Works Committee. Mr H. Wylie, Audit Inspector, wrote regarding the proposed purchase of a stone crusher, as follows: "Referring to our conversation on this matter, the Auditor-general now advises that the proposed expenditure not having been specified in the proposal submitted to the ratepayers cannot in the judgment of the Audit Office be legally charged against the loan under proposal No. 2. it not being one of the purposes for which the loan was raised.— Referred to Finance, < Legal and Work 3 Committers. The Building Inspector reported that Mr Todd, carrier, Queen street, had erected a tin chimney without having received the necessary permit.—Proposed by Cr Somerville, seconded by Cr Tammadge, that the usual procedure be taken.—Carried. Mr L. G. Spencer applied for permission to make an approach to his section on the Awakino road.— Granted. Mr James Rutherford. Stratford, wrote on behalf of his wife re the valuation of sections 27 and 28. which were valued at £455, and £75. The writer valued them at £2BO and £6O respectively.— Resolved, that the Council had no authority to alter valuatiops. Mr h. V. Morgan wrote in reference

*o leasing the fence newly erected at J the south end of Rora street. He was ! prepared to give the sum of £5 a year j for the sole right of placing advertisements thereon. Refused. Mr J.R.Smith wrote drawing attention to the ditch that ran in front of his property in Rora street. He stated that the drainage off the road ran on to his property with the result that the frontage was under water caused by the ditch being blocked up.—-Referred to the Works Committee.

Mr J. H. Dillicar asked the Council to give an entrance to section 3 Block XV. The writer proposed to start erecting a dwelling and at present cannot proceed.—-Referred to tne Works Committee.

Moerua Natauahira wrote reagrding the proposed night-soil depot at Te Kumi. He said that the gound the Council was taking was too close to the Mangaokewa creek, and was subject to flood, which went into the creek. Several Natives used the water for cooking and drinking purposes. — The Coucnil decided to reply that the matter had already been dealt with. Mr E. C. Tassell wrote asking that an approach from the metalled road to his verandah be made, in order to enable a cart to pass over.—Referred to the Works Committee. The Chief Health Officer wrote that the Department of Public Health would shortly be issuing regulations empowering local authorities to adopt more stringent methods with regard to the destruction of rats. He suggested that a house to house inspection of the Borough be made, and prompt prosecution of persons who fail to comply with the regulations.

The Rev. A. Armstrong drew attention to a dangerous nuisance which exists in Rata street west. In the formation of the road a drain was cut dirceting all the storm water from the road and hill into the frontage of his residence.—Letter received, and the Clerk was instructed to write that the Council could do nothing in the matter.

It was resolved that the Works Committee ascertain the amount of money required for maintenance. Cr Lusk gave notice of motion that the Council take steps to shut up any cemetery within the boundaries of the Borough. __