MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 121, 27 February 1919, Page 2

MATAMATA TOWN BOARD.

Fortnightly Meeting. The fortnightly meeting of the Matamata Town Board was held on Monday evening, Mr J. Price presiding. Messrs H. A. Kelso and J. F. Yosper were also present. Mr W. A. Gordon arrived late, being unavoidably delayed. A NEW BANK.

The Bank of New Zealand, through its Morrinsville manager, Mr W. D. Horne, advised the board that complete architect’s plans for a two-storey brick building, including a manager’s residence, wore now in his hands, and that the architects would be visiting the site at Matamata this week. The writer further intimated that the sections on both Arawa street and Tower road would be used. Attention was drawn to the fact that the Town Board had not had levels taken, and could not give the writer certain particulars asked for. The chairman said it would be a simple matter to take the levels of the locality mentioned. It was decided to get levels of the town taken, and that the chairman interview the bank authorities. POUND SITE. Messrs Hampson and Bell also wrote stating that as a result of inquiries made it had been found that the pound site at Matamata had not been vested in the Matamata public pound site, but that it was gazetted as a reserve for a temporary pound site. The letter pointed out that therefore the County council was not in order in charging £75 for this site, as the council has no power to dispose of same.

It was decided to write to the County council pointing out the position. DEDICATION OF ROAD.

Messrs Hampson and Bell forwarded, on behalf of Mr C. D. Dawson, the sum of £365 2s 3d, being the amount required by the board for the formation of roads through Dawson’s subdivision before it would accept dedication.

It was decided that the board attach its seal to the deedr of dedication.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME. The chairman reported that Mr Vosper and himself had visited Hamilton in connection with the proposed hydro-electric scheme, and had found that the opinion was almost unanimous that the Government be asked to take over the Horahora works with the view to developing the Arapum scheme later. The chairman and Mr Vosper also outlined the general discussion which ensued, the former stating that he intended calling a meeting of residents and farmers with the view to forming a hydro-el< ctric league. The chairman was, on Mr Vosper’s motion, appointed to act as the board’s representative on the deputation which is to wait upon the Minister for Public Works in March. WAR MEMENTO. *The Defence headquarters, Paeroa, acknowledged receipt of the board’s application for a trophy of war as a memento, and stated that the request had been forwarded to the Minister. —Received. UNIVERSAL HALF-HOLIDAY The Acting-Minister for Labor (Hon. W. H. Herries) stated in reply to a resolution forwarded by the board re a universal halfholiday that the matter which had been brought before the Ministers on several occasions would probably be dealt with when the next Shops and Offices Bill was prepared. He pointed out, however, that a measure as asked may mean a great inconvenience to many businesses.—Received. STREET CHANNELLING. Arising out of the road foreman’s (Mr G. report a general discussion ensued on the matter of street cnannelling and forming, It was decided that the road foreman prepare an estimate of the amount of work required in forming Meura street, and for “ backing up ” the metal on the main streets.

TOWN-PLANNING CONFERENCE. Correspondence relative to a forthcoming conference of representatives of local bodies, on the subject of town planning, was discussed at some length. The members of the board were agreed as to the importance of the conference and the advisability of sending a representative. Finally it was resolved th.it the che mu’ IM" JPee 1 !»<->ap • >inti.-> a deleg ite to represent the Matamata Town Board at the hiwii-plaiining conferenc to be ■i d in Wellington during tue 1 uiu.,ih nf May.

WATER SUPPLY. Following a remark of one of the members in reference to the destruction by fire of several business premises on Monday morning, a general discussion took place regarding the necessity of a water supply. As a result it was decided to secure the services of a competent engineer as soon as possible to go thoroughly into the matter and prepare a report and estimates of a water supply.