TOWN BOARD.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 21 August 1912, Page 3

TOWN BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was hold in the chambers on Monday evening last. Present : Messrs James Stewart (Chairman) A. Becrof t, Jas. McLeod and J. A Wilson. Members expressed pleasure in Mr Becroft being so far recoved from his recent accident as to be able to take his seat again. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The resolution re borrowing money from the Bank of Australia, passed at last meeting was confirmed. The Chairman stated that when all moneys due the Board were in, the overdraft would be wiped off. DRAINAGE. Mr Becroft asked if the Board was working on Bank money for the drainage work now being done. Had not any of the Loan money been paid to the Board's credit. The Chairman : The money was alright, they had received notice that it would be paid several weeks past, but it had not been received yet, £522 13s 9d had been spent so far. Mr McLeod thought the matter should bo looked into; the money should be paid to the Board's credit, In answer to a question the Chairman stated that the moneys for drainage work was all paid by cheque. The wages and cheque books were on the table, In reply"to Mr McLeod he stated the shifting of the earth from the drains was being done by the drainage works, and the Board was spreading it, Mr Becroft asked if the supply of pipes had been tendered for.' He thought they should be. The Chairman said it was not worth while calling for tenders, as the supply of pipes was under a syndicate. Mr McLeod said he had been informed different, and that it could be arranged. Tenders should be called for. The Chairman agreed to have specifications drawn up, ready for nest meeting, CEMENT SUPPLY. The acceptance of the tender of the New Zealand Portland Cement Cos. tender, on the approval of Mr Wilson, Engineer, was confirmed. GENTLE BREEZE o'ER SWING BRIDGE. Letter read from Mr Short, Commissioner, notifying the Board that Monday, August 26th, had been fixed for the enquiry into the control of the Swing Bridge, between the Board and the Waitemata Council.

Mr Becroft: What is this enquiry going to cost tho Board.

The Chairman it would be fixed up between the two bodies,

Mr McLeod : It was absolutely un* necessary for the Commissioner to come up here at all. It was only needless expenditure. It was redicu* lous that the Board and Council could not decide the mattex without the Commissioner's services. He was quite sure who would get control. It was agreed five years ago that the Council should have control.

The Chairman ; A resolution was ou the books, and it would require a notice of motion to rescind it. As to the agreement of five yeais ago that the Council should have control, there ■was nothing in the minuteß about it-

Mr McLeod : I waited on the Board and it was agreed that the Council do the work and the Board pay their share.

Mr Becroft: The County certainly did the work years ago. Mr McLeod : I do not want to put the ratepayers to the expense of the enquiry. There would be something. to come up when the new Board en me in next month. The Chairman :,.There would be no washing-up to do as everything would be tabled before next meeting, jA. short washing skirmish took place Mr McLeod : It would to just as well to pass a resolution giving the Council control, and save expenses. The Chairman^ Anyone who sup- j ported such a resolution would be a ■ traitor to the--ratepayers and the Board. Mr Becroft: 1 think the Chairman should withdraw that remark. Me McLeod : I would support it. I would produce evidence decidedty against the Town Board having control. The Chairman ; We will ace. Mr McLeod moved, seconded by Mr Becroft, " That this Board give tho Waitemata County Council control of the Swing Bridge," The Chairman moved " That the existing state o!f things be not interfered with." He was surprised that: such a resolution as Mr McLeod's was supported. The thing had been sprung on them in the absence of Captain Hammond. Mr McLeod : Don't mention about springing things, I would like to know why the lat9 Prime Minister asked Mr James to view tho newbridge site. Didn't you mention it to him when he .was here. The Chairman: I did not, Mr James was not shown the bite. Mr McLeod went on to point out seveial instances where the Chairman had sprung things on members in connection with recent Eailway conference, which the Chairman denied. There being no seconder to the Chairman's amendment the motion was put and carried. Messrs MoLnod, Becroft and Wilson voting in favour and the Chairman against. Mr McLeod moved 'I'hat a wire be sent to the Cornrnis?kmr not to come, as the Bridge control had been finally fixed. The Chairman said it would not be final, it would come up again. A new Board would get onto the matter, and perhaps some of the present members would not be there. Mr McLeod : Very likely some would aot be there. (Laughter),

DEDICATION OF ROADS, Letters were read from Messrs D. and J. L. Stewart agreeing to grade, form, fence and dedicate Awaroa Road running through their properties from G-arfield Road to Ratawhiio Road. Mr J, L. Stewart waited on the Board and produced plans of road. He explained that he was selling out his part and would like the matter settled. After going into the matter thoroughly members agreed that it must eventually benefit the town, but were not inclined to take over roads that would be a pull on the Boards rates, before they could get much from the land to be out up It was eventually resolved on the motion of Mr McLeod, seconded by Mr.Becroft, •' That the dedication of Awaroa Road be accepted from Messrs D. and. J. L. Stewart by the Board, the former to contribute £25 and to cart metal required for road to his boundary, grade and form the road, the Board to supply the metal. Mr J, L, Stewart to grade, form, and fence road from. Mr D. Stewart's property to Ratawhire Road. The road to be 66 feet wide the whole way. Ten chains of the road to be counted as already metalled. GENERAL. A letter was read from Mrs Stewart re removal of earth from property m Commercial Road, where the fence had been pulled down for some time. Matter to be attended to. A case of a woman in poor circumstances was brought before the Board. Tne Chairman stated the woman did not want Charitable Aid. Accounts amounting to £297 10 6d were passed for payment. DOMAIN BOARD. Minutes read and confirmed. Letter from Director of Tourist and Health Resoits re application for pay ment of £400 grant, asking for furthei imformation regarding work done before payment could be made, Mr McLeod said the money should have been paid as vouchers were sent. From Public Works re grant of £ for £ for erection of new bridge over Kaipara River, stating that re-con^ struction should be done by local bodies interested. Also thut the Minister is unable to make piovision for widening and improving load be* tween Helensvilie aud .Hot Springs.

Accounts amounting to £42 4s 3d were passed for payment.