MATAMATA TOWN BOARS.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 106, 14 November 1918, Page 3

MATAMATA TOWN BOARS.

j Monthly EVSeeiHig. ! The monthly meeting of the Matamata Town hoard was held on Monday evening, Mr J. Price, chairman, presiding. Messrs H. A. Kelso, W. A. Gordon and G. G. Bell were also present. Mr J. F. Vosper was granted leave of absence. FINANCE. A memorandum of agreement, as to the final adjustment of the finances of the Matamata County council and the Town board, was forwarded by the former's solicitors. The chairman said all had read the adjustment, so without discussing it he would move that a detailed statement of the accounts bo asked for. Regarding Cranswick's pit, he was convinced that the job was not finished. This would become a water-hole. Finnerty's sump also was unsatisfactory. SUMPS. It was decided to write to the County council stating that the board refuses to take over Granswick's and Finnerty's sumps until properly completed. It was also resolved that the chairman or Mr Bell wait on the council at its next meeting. BUILDING PERMITS.

Messrs Pomeroy and Co., of Hamilton, who recently purchased Messrs J. Mateer and Son's business and buildings, intimated that they intended erecting an iron building near the present structure, and also to extend the building now being used as a paint shop. A deputation consisting of Messrs Whittaker, M. Going and A. Mateer waited on the board with plans of the building. The former said that his firm was surprised that the property they had acquired was within the brick area. A brick building at the present time would be very expensive, and as the property was not near any other he would ask the board if it would ease the by-laws in the present case. The precaution was a wise one as far as the board was concerned generally, but the grounds for which consideration was claimed was that no one could build next to them. Mr Gordon said when the bylaws were framed it was considered that it would only be right for any new buildings to be built in brick. The by-laws were made and be would not be a party to breaking them. Mr Bell said until the by-laws were altered the board could not give consent. The by-laws could be altered certainly, but before he would agree to any alteration he would like to have figures before him showing that the cost of a brick building was almost prohibitive. On the other hand he did not think the by-laws should be such as to hinder the progress of the town. There was this to be said in favor of the applicants, that the coachbuilder's shop would not •be fitted with many partitions, consequently the risk from fire was minimised. Before retiring Mr Whittaker said the Matamata town by-laws were very strict, much more severe than those of Hamilton. They would call for -alternate tenders in brick and iron and submit them to the board at a future meeting. SANITARY SYSTEM. The district health officer wrote approving of.the site selected by the board for the deposit of nightsoil, on the Mangawhero road. The clerk stated that he had written two letters to the property owner but had received no reply. It was decided to take no immediate steps to take the land under the Public Works Act. ROAD FOREMAN. Mr Gordon raised the question of employing a permanent surfaceman. He said there were holes in the roads which required filling, while crossings were of urgent necessity. It was decided to invite applications for the position of road foreman, applications to be in by the end of the month. It was also decided to call tenders for a man, cart and horse as required hy the board. ACCOUNTS. Accounts were passed for payment to the amount of £9 5s 2d.