BOROUGH COUNCIL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2346, 25 October 1921, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL

FORTNIGHTLY MEETING.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers last night. 1 CORRESPONDENCE.'

Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows: — From Mr C. Parker, submitting his terms, as requested by the Council, for repairs to be done at the gas works. —Decided that the Council is not willing to pay for Mr Parker’s assistants, as local labour will suffice, but accept his terms in other respects.

From the Town Clerk, Auckland, asking the Council’s support in a protest against certain clauses in the Motor and Vehicles Hill.—The Mayor said he was opposed to the protest. The letter was received. From Mr P. J. Jack and Mr W. G. Richards, requesting that gas be installed in their residences. — Granted.

ENGINEERS’ REPORT

Messrs Climie and Son reported as follows on the water and drainage works: —

“We have the honour to submit herewith plan of proposed water tower for your town. The site proposed for it is at the back corner of the Ferry Reserve, close to Messrs Ross and Son’s tank. Although no ironstone strata is found to exist there as was reported, the site is much flatter and more accessible by drays than other parts of this hill. The Water and Drainage Committee suggested that if possible the lower portion of the structure should be arranged to provide additional storage,. This consideration has determined the choice of a cylindrical tower instead of a framed structure with columns'. The difference in cost between the two types, which in the first place is not great, is increased by the additional reinforcement and larger foundations required to sustain the weight of the additional water. We heave no hesitation, however, in recommending the adoption of the Committee’s suggestion. The supporting tower has been designed twenty feet in internal diameter, giving a storage capacity of about 2,000 gallons per foot of height. In view of the nature of the foundations the capacity of this additional storage should, we consider, be limited to about 48,000 gallons. Eighty feet above the foundations the cylinder is increased to thirty feet in diameter, to provide an upper tank of 75,000 gallons, which it is proposed to support on a domed floor and a conical base. The upper tank is covered by a domed roof to prevent the growth of green algae, which otherwise would grow on the surface of the water if exposed to the light, and cause an unpleasant taste and odour in the water. As requested by His Worship the Mayor, we have arranged for the water (o be sprayed into both the lower and upper tanks, so that it may be thoroughly aerated before passing into the distribution system. We propose to adopt the revolving type of spray jet, about fifty. of which will be required for each tank. This involves a change in the, lay-out of the connecting pipes, as an outlet, independent of the inlet, is now required. It is also proposed to erect a third pipe up the inside of the tower to act as an overflow. An iron .ladder will be provided to give access to both tanks for inspection purposes. Provision will be made for adequate ventilation. The whole structure will be supported on a slab of concrete, suitably reinforced, thirty feet in diameter, and three feet in thickness. The combined capacity of the tanks is 123,000 gallons, the pressure' from the upper tank, when full, in Main Street, will be 561bs. per square inch, and from the lower when full, 251bs. We have considered the lower tank simply as a reserve supply, the valves being arranged so that the lower tank will automatically come into commission when the upper tank is emptied. We recommend that tenders be called for the work, all valves and those requiring to be built into the foundation being provided by the Council.” It was decided that the Engineers’ report be adopted, and that tenders be called for the erection of the water tower, to close on Monday, 28th November, 1921,. at 4 p.m.

FORESHORE LEASE

It Avas decided that the draft lease of the foreshore, as drawn up by the Harbour Board’s solicitors, be approved, and that the common seal be affixed to the lease when completed.

RUBBISH DEPOT.

A letter was read from the sublessee, stating that he was prepared to allow the Council to use the ground provided he had duplicate keys to both entrance and depot gates, and also the grant to be renewed every twelve months. It. was decided that the lessee of the Railway Reserve be asked to extend the period of the grant to three years without any reservation as to access to the new depot, Cr. Ross voting against the motion. BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY. Mr Perreau waited on the Council on behalf of the Beautifying Society in connection with maintenance work. He stated that the Society was very grateful to the Council for its aid in the past, but would like its help in the cutting of lawns and general maintenance work, which would be a matter of about £3O per annum. The Society would like the Council to meet half the cost, if possible. They would also like the Council to decide on a

new name for the Old Cemetery, which the Society suggested should be named Ihakara Reserve. He also mentioned that it was time some of the guards around the trees in the streets were removed and the trees trimmed. Cr. Bryant asked what money, the Society had put aside, and what it had in hand. Mr Perreau said that certain, sums had been earmarked and put aside. They had one sum of £250 placed on fixed deposit at the Bank for a period of two years, to be kept for the erection of a pavilion in Easton Park. They also had another sum of £250 on deposit for six months, and £6O in current account. Cr. Bryant asked if the Society did not think that they would be able to raise enough in two years time to erect a pavilion. Cr. Martin asked if the Society meant the Council to pay £1 for £1 year for year. Mr Perreau said that the grant could be made temporarily. Cr. Coley said that he considered the request was a fair thing. The Mayor said that the Council appreciated the very sincere interest the Society had taken, and was taking, in the town, and personally he would be delighted to accede to the request, but the Council had to consider the matter as business men. The Council made and collected rates for specific purposes. They were in arrears, and he considered that it would be Avrong for them to accede to the request while they had an overdraft at the Bank. Cr. Coley said he did not consider £ls a year much to pay out, and it was for the benefit of the ratepayers.^ It was decided that the' Council regret that oAving to the financial position of the reserves fund the Council is unable to comply Avith the request of the Beautifying Society to subsidise payment for maintenance Avork. Crs. Smith and Coley voted against the motion. DISTRIBUTING BUSINESS. Cr. Martin moved, seconded by Cr. Smith, that to ensure a policy of equality to each storekeeper in Fox ton, it be a recommendation to the various departments to obtain all requirements that can be economically obtained locally, from each, storekeeper month about. Cr. Martin, in speaking to the motion, said that there had been a good deal of dissention about the Council always purchasing at the one place. The Council’s money was ratepayers’ money. It Avas only a fair thing to patronise all if possible.

Cr. Smith said a great deal of material was purchased out of Foxton. Foxton should be supported. Cr. Bryant said that it was best to go where prices ivere lowest. It avus moved by Cr. Martin, seconded by Cr. Smith, that to ensure an equal distribution of all carting and carrying, excepting existing contracts, amongst the various firms of carters, it be a recommendation from the Council that such Avork be distributed month about to each firm. —Carried. MEASUREMENT OF METAL.

The Mayor moved, seconded by Cr. Bryant, that any metal excepting Bellmont and Avater and drainage metal, be distributed at an even depth in each truck, and that the Borough Foreman be instructed to take the cubic content of each truck on arrival, and supply such measurements to the ToAvn Clerk, delivery to be at Foxton, this to take effect from a period of three months from date of fresh contract.

The Mayor,,, in speaking to the motion, said that it Avas necessary for the Council to adopt some better method than the present system. He had been informed that the railAvay scales Avere not correct. Cr. Smith said that the Council were, he considered, getting a fair deal.

Cr. Bryant said that there Avas no harm in measuring the metal. The Mayor said the Council kneAv that they lost 50 yards a little A\hile ago.

Cr. Martin said that there Avas no definite evidence of the metal being short. It avus only guess work. Cr. Thompson said that a great deal of time Avould be lost. He suggested measuring one truck out of every tAvelve. t The motion was carried by the casting vote of the Mayor. Crs Whibley, Smith, Rand, Coley and Martin voted against the motion.