TOWN BOARD.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 25 June 1913, Page 2

TOWN BOARD.

The fortnightly meeting of the Town Board was held on Saturday ; present—Comrs McLeod (Chairman), A. Becroft, J. Stewart, J. W. Wilson and James Hand. Street Lighting. Re the lighting question the Clerk said he had been unable to see the local plumber to get prices for the erection of lamps. An Auckland firm quoted prices for supplying posts and frames for lamps, but the Board members thought it unnecessary to go to this expense. Comrs Becroft and Stewart thought the present lamp posts about the town should be fixed up first. Mr Wilson said the Board wotxld have to make a move in the matter. Referred to the Lighting Committee to take action as early as possible. The Ptjblic Library. In accordance with notice duly given Comr Wilson moved that the resolutiou on the minute book, deferring tho question of taking control of the Public Library for twelve months, be rescinded. Cmr H and seconded. In speakidg to the motion Mr Wilson said that when the question was first introduced he was of the opinion that taking the Library over would mean extra expense to the Board. Since then a deputation had waited on the Board from the Ratepayers' Association on. the matter. It was explained that some of their members had been instrumental in getting the library built (the present library was muchi,better than the old one) ; they asked the Board to take control oi the Library; and their wishes should have some consideration. He felt sure it was the right thing to do providing the Board, were not asked to go to extra expense at the present time. Comr Becroft said he still held his ground on this question owing to the condition of the Board's finances and the unfinished state of the roads. When representatives of the ratepayers were mentioned he considered he represented the ratepayers, as he was elected by a large majority. If the Board took over the library they would then become the responsible party.

Mr Stewart contended that the library question had not been before the ratepayers, and to say that the Ratepayers' Association, which was run by a clique, was representative of the ratepayers was absurd. The deputation that came to the Board was not representative of the ratepayer s. The library was controlled well enough at present; and reading between the lines he did not think the Board wanted it at all.

Mr Becroft thought tho question should come before a public meeting before anything was done definitely. The Chairman said when this matter was first mooted he drew the attention of the reporter to what he had to say about it and that he would like his re~ marks published. He favored the library being taken over and thought it was the wish of the ratepayers that it should be done. When the deputation came tonne Board he then stated ho was still in favor of this course.

He thought it was reported that Mr Wilson was to give notice of motion, aud the fact that ratepayers had not attended this meeting to protest showed that they tanctioned what had been done. Mr Stewart said he had a petition signed by a number against taking the library and Mr Becroft also had a petition. Mr Becroft, considered it would be taking '• a mean advantage " to carry the motion. He had never known a thing brought in such an underhand way dming his 22 years of service. He was surprised at Mr Wilson going back. In reply on the debate Mr Wilson said he first opposed taking over the library on the score of expense. But if the library were to bo carried on as before without additional expanse to the Board it was a right position.. The local authority had control of the Library at most other places. The motion was put to the meeting and carried by 3 votes against 2. Tiie Drainage Scheme. The Marine Department asked for a copy of the agreement signed by Mr Johnstone re the Board's drainage pipes crossing Awaroa creek. <vi.r Becroft said he went round with, the Engineer a fbw days ago and Mr Can Stewart offered to give up his claim and allow the sewer to pass over i the creek under certain conditions They also saw Mr Jamos Stewart and understood that he was not going to put in a claim. He would not say what amount of compensation Mr Dan Stewart wanted. The Chairman referred to having waited on Mr Dan Stewart some months ago the result of which he then told the other meinbors of tbe Board He asked Mr Stewart if he iuteuded to object to the drainage pipes crossing A waroa creek, who had replied, •' No, I am not going to ol> jejt, that would be a mean thing to do." Continuing, the Chairman said h:s way of getting out of the difficulty was to lay ttie pipes across and let them go for damages ; the Board and the ratepayers had been fooled long enough, lie i onnnented strongly on the claim for damages. Mr Becroft favored going ahead and laying the pipes rather than delay the drainage operations. Mr Stewart pointed out that the creek had been used as a traffic way for years and when a road wag taken away from anymio another should' be g'ven in return. The Chairman referred to the lato Chairman of the Board having scouted the idea of anyone objecting to the pipe crossing, but later when before the Minister staited to plead Mr Johnson's case.

Mr Becroft thought the Board should get in writing what the objectors wanted and if beyond the Board's power to deal with go ahead with the work and let the matter be fought out after. General. An application from James Stewart for a building permit for house in Commercial road, held over at last metting for plan and particulars of section to be supplied to the Board was granted. Mr Stewart explained, that the application was sent without him seeing it and the plan should have been forwarded. Mr Stewart read a letter from Mr Dan Stewart, which was to be lodged with the Board, notifying that damages w rould be claimed for interference with the drainage system for certain paddock 3by means of the Board's drainage operations.—lt was decided that the matter complained of receive attention. (Becroft, Chairman). Mr Stewart brought up the question of improving the various street crossings, which badly wanted a lvr.tle attention. —In the ensuing discussion it was stated that the Board had been unable to obtain scoria, The Chairman introduced the question of striking the rate for the ensuing year. After discussion as to the advisability of having a revaluation tho rate was fixed at Id general and 3-16ths hospital rate. It was also decided to communicate with the Department re a new valuation of the town district in view of an extra sum of money being required to complete the water and drama ge service.