MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 113, 30 December 1918, Page 3

MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

Adjourned Meeting. The adjourned meeting of the Matamata Town Board was held on Thursday evening last, Mr J. Price (chairman) presiding. Commissioners J. F. Vosper, H. A. Kelso, W. A. Gordon and G. G. Bell were also present. SYMPATHY. Before commencing the business of the' meeting the chairman referred to the sad toll of the epidemic, and proposed a vote of sympathy to the relatives of those who h,ad died. In doing so he referred to the sterling work done by residents, especially a number of ladies. During the epidemic’s run, he said, work had been done in the district, which plainly showed that many of the male residents if able to have gone to the front would have shown bravery equal to the best soldiers. The motion was carried in silence. Later the chairman said that in response to a public meeting held he had received many offers of help. He would like to mention a number of names, but on thinking the matter’ over he was convinced that it was not advisable, and the workers would not wish it. Mr Price also gave a resume of the general organisation and operations through several weeks. On the chairman’s motion, seconded by Mr Yosper, it was decided to generally thank the workers through the press. In speaking to the motion Mr Yosper said if names could be mentioned foremost among them should be the chairman’s. He had given all ; his time, and had done splendid work. Mr Vosper also referred generally to other workers in somewhat similar terms. The motion was carried by acclamation. Mr Price said he did not want special thanks, for he did that which any man should do in his position. EASTER HOLIDAYS. The Te Aroha Chamber of commerce wrote asking for the board’s support in its endeavors to get Easter Saturday ma e a general holiday through the towns in the Thames Valley. The chairman stated that he had replied stating that it was usual for Matamata business places to close on the day mentioned, and from inquiries made he was of the opinion that the majority of the shopkeepers were in favor of continuing the practice. The chairman’s action was endorsed. STANDARD WAGE. The Public Works department informed the board that it has recently been decided that an additional war bonus of Is per day is to be paid to all wageearners employed on local body work carried out with grant or subsidy monies, making the wage for laborers 12s instead of 11s per day. The matter did not concern the board meanwhile, as it had received no grants or subsidies. PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

The Minister for Internal Affairs wrote stating that' after careful consideration the Government had decided that each local body should have full liberty to make its own arrangements regarding peace celebrations, but that an indication of the course and form adopted by the Government will be given in due course. —Received. ROAD FOREMAN. The matter of the appointment of road foreman was deferred until next meeting. ADJUSTMENT WITH COUNCIL. The chairman explained that owing to the epidemic the mem-* bers deputed had not visited the Matamata County council re the adjustment of matters between the two bodies as decided at last meeting. It was resolved that the deputation wait upon the council at its next meeting. TOWN PLAN. The matter of acquiring a plan of the town area, with levels if possible, was discussed, and was left in the hands of the chairman and clerk to attend to. STOCK ON STREETS. Mr Vosper drew attention to the number of cows allowed to run on the town streets. He' asked whether all the license fees had been collected. The clerk stated that he had if received about a third of whatj should have been paid. * The chairman said the position was somewhat difficult, inasmuch as the man irf charge of the pound was still in the employ of the county council, and until negotiations were completed the pound was still under the control of the county council.

Mr Bell said it was not a case of owners placing only one cow on the road, hut whole herds. He had seen over a dozen placed on the roads. Members said the position was most unsatisfactory, due to the inactivity of the County council. The stock recently impounded had caused a lot Cf trouble, and many complaints had been made. It was decided to institute prosecutions for any breaches of the by-laws without further notice. Members stated that this did not only apply to wandering stock, but to the by-laws in general. It was explained, for instance, that many builders had commenced the erection of premises without obtaining permits. GREETINGS. ’ ' The meeting terminated with general season’s greetings. An account of £2 2s was passed for payment.