MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 73, 14 March 1918, Page 3

MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

Monthly Meeting. The monthly meeting of the Matamata Town Board was held on Monday evening, the members present being Messrs J. Price (chairman), E. C. Banks, W. A. Gordon, J. Pohlen and J. F. Vos per. WAIKATO SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL. A letter from an interim committee re the erection of a Waikato soldiers’ memorial at Hamilton to be used as a soldiers’ club was “ received.” TOWN RESERVES. In reply to the board’s letter the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister for Lands, stated that section 20 of block 7 had not been reserved but had been retained as a site for public buildings. It was possible that the land will be needed by the Government, and it would be inadvisable to allow it to pass out of Government control. Dealing with the other applications the writer stated that when section 20, block 8 was required for the purpose for which it was reserved—a mechanics’ institute and public library—it could be handed over to trustees; the application for section 6 of the same block would be further considered-if the purpose for which it is required is explained. As regards sections 6, 7 and 8 of block 2 the writer stated that the area of Crown land available for town extension being very limited, it is too valuaable to be granted as a municipal dump for metal, coal, etc. He regretted that this application could not be entertained. The letter concluded“ It would appear that the proposed extension of Tamahana street through the plantation reserve does not serve any necessary public convenience, but would be of advantage in assisting the subdivision of adjoining private lands contemplated by the owner, and, under the circumstances, I do not see my way to take any further action.”

The chairman stated that he had spoken to a prominent Government official who had suggested again writing, when further recommendations would be made from another source. It was stated that sections 11 and 12, block 17 in question were not required for a road, but were required to be reserved for a road if required. The position was, stated the chairman, that the Government had sold several valuable reserves, and the townspeople had no guarantee that the sales would • not continue. If they were vested in the town board there would be no risk of the course mentioned being taken. It was decided to write to the Minister for Lands again pointing out the position, and asking him to make a stop at Matamata the next time he is in the district. DOG TAX. It was decided that the County council be asked to collect dog taxes over the town area, and that the tax be the same as that charged by the County council. BY-LAWS. The chairman was given authority to endorse any building plans submitted, providing they conform with the by-laws. HEAVY TRAFFIC. A discussion took place regarding the use the “ Glaxo ” lorries were making of the main street, and the chairman was deputed to wait upon the manager of the factory to ask him to confine the lorries to the back street. SUBDIVISION. The plans of another town subdivision were approved subject to roading conditions. ACCOUNTS. An account for 10s 2d was passed for payment.