BOROUGH COUNCIL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2334, 27 September 1921, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL

FORTNIGHTLY MEETING

The ordinary fortnightly meeting

of the Borough Couneil was held night, in the Couneil Chambers. GAS WORKS COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The Gas Works Committee reported as follows: — “Having given careful consider-

ation to the various matters reported on by Mr Blackman, it is recommended (.1) that the setting of four retorts be repaired, and that Mr Parker’s services lie obtained, if possible; (2) that the scrubber be put in thorough working order, as recommended, and that the Gasworks Manager obtain the necessary labour; (3) That in future engine room and plant be kept clean, and a weekly account be kept of the amount of oil used; (4) that the matter of re-erecting six new retorts, and also recommendations re No. 1 holder be deferred meanwhile; (5) that No. 2 holder be connected up with the town main immediately; (6) that recommendation re statistics be adopted, and that Mr Blackman t)o asked to institute the system.”

Cr. Martin asked whether it was essential that the work be gone on with, and that the cost and money available be gone into. The Mayor said the setting of the four retorts was a work of great necessity. If the setting of six retorts, now in use, were to collapse, it would mean that the town would be in darkness. It would cost £25 only to do the four retorts. In connection with the scrubbers, Mr Blackman had estimated that it would amount only to the cost of the work of two men for one week. The matter of six new retorts, and the fixing of No. 1 holder, was unfortunately a rather heavy expense, together amounting to £730. Cr. Martin asked what the Council intended doing about repairing the bed of four retorts. He would object. to trying to do such a thing, as it was almost impossible. He stated that the backs were out of the four old retorts, and that they were all to pieces. Mr Blackman had inspected them when they were cold, and it was necessary for them to be red hot to see the defects. It was useless to try and patch them. Four new retorts were wanted. Tn the present condition over half the gas would be lost if they were used. It would be a waste of money to try and patch them. Cr. Ross asked how long it was since they had been in use. Cr. Martin stated that they had been out of use up till two years

JH Cr. Ross si n I ('<l Hint I lie Manager should linve reported the null ter In the meeting if’ the retorts were in such n state. Cr. Martin said Hint lie was of (lie belief that a report four or,live years ago mentioned that the retorts were unrepairable. It was pointed out that the four retorts were only a stand-by, and onee the six retorts were in "nod work in" order they would not be required.

The report was adopted, Cr. Martin voting against I lie motion.

BOROUGH LOAN

A letter was received from the .Superintendent of-Ilie Stale Advances Office, informing the Council Hint it was against the rules of the Board for them to receive a deputation.

Cr. Whihley said the position was serious. He thought it was advisable to see the man in charge, and that a deputation should go to Wellington with that purpose in view. If Hie Council was to receive only £5,000 ft year, the water and drainage system wyuld drag out tor about ten years. Besides this, the Stale Advances Office offered no guarantee that the Council would be able to obtain another £5,000 next year. It was decided Unit the deputation set up to wait on the Superintendent of the State Advances Office interview the Minister of Finance, and that Mr Newman, M.P., be asked to accompany the deputation. MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. It was decided that the Mayor be appointed as delegate to represent the Council at the Municipal Conference. BUILDING PERMITS.

The C. M. Ross Coy. were granted permission to erect, a new building in Main Street, in accordance with the specifications submitted.