MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 90, 11 July 1918, Page 2

MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

duty Meeting. There were present on Monday evening Messrs J. Price (chairman), E. C. Banks, W. A. Gordon, J. F. Vosper and J. Poblen. CORRESPONDENCE. The inward correspondence was not of an interesting nature, the only letter calling for discussion being that asking for a contribution to the Saunders memorial. In connection with tliis request it was decided to receive the letter, it being stated that owing to the board not having yet received revenue it was unable to contribute. KING COUNTRY FIRE. The Waimarino Fire Relief association, acknowledging receipt of a donation of £23 4s lOd, sincerely thanked the board and hall committee for their efforts for the sufferers in the recent disaster. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The chairman reported that he had engaged a man to clean out water tables in the area, and, although much of the work had been done, owing to the very bad weather the beneficial effect could not at present be seen. With regard to the gravel pit he had endeavored to come to an arrangement with a contractor for the upkeep of the pit. He thought that the contractor mentioned would consider an offer at threepence per ya’rd. Messrs Gordon and Pohlen considered that it would be better for the board to look to the contractor for the cost of the sand taken out by him. Members stated that the contractor mentioned should be responsible for one shilling per yard. He was given a free hand by purchasers as to where he was to obtain the gravel, and if he obtained it from the town pit he naturally charged for it. Thus if the offer was officially made by the board the contractor would be drawing money both ways.

Mr Banks stated that instead of continuing spoiling a settler’s property it would be better to obtain land somewhere to provide a permanent pit. Mr Vosper, while agreeing with Mr Banks’ suggestion, considered that it might be deferred meanwhile. It was decided to increase the royalty to 2s per load, and to hold all carters responsible for payment. A motion “ that the purchase ot a site for a sand-pit be considered,” proposed by Messrs Banks and Pohlen, was defeated. The chairman stated that the question would be better left alone for a little while. RATES. The question of rates to be struck brought forth considerable discussion, and induced the commissioners to give an outline of what they considered necessary work. It w r as unanimously considered that the general rate of three half-pennies in the pound was necessary for the first year, plus a loan rate of five-sixteenths of a penny for special loan. Notice of motion to strike the rates as above, to be confirmed a month hence, was given. THOSE HOLES. On the motion of Messrs Pohlen and Banks it was resolved to get some blue metal for patching work. The chairman’s suggestion that screenings also be obtained was adopted.