TEN YEARS’ MUNICIPAL PROGRESS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2874, 23 April 1925, Page 3

TEN YEARS’ MUNICIPAL PROGRESS.

THE MAYOR’S SURVEY. At the conclusion of Monday night’s Borough Council meeting, the Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) i:i replying to the eulogies of councillors respecting his period of service as Borough Councillor and Mayor, made the following survey of progress during that period Public Works: —Looking round —the Main Street ten years ago you would have seen a dusty metal road punctured with pot holes. Sandstorms were of frequent occurrence. Great credit is due to Mayor Fraser, Councillors Coley, Bryant and Thompson for commencing the good work of tar-seal-ing, and to-day we have an up-to-date surface throughout the entire length of our Main Street. During ruy eight-year period of service the Council has carried on the work by re-laying and tar-sealing the greater portions of Russell Street and and Johnson Street, and Clyde Street. The following streets have been provided with asphalt footpaths, Park Street (both sides) Robinson Street, Johnson Street, Coley Street, Union Street, Liddell Street, Whyte Street Extension, Avenue Road and Ravensworth Place. Altogether about two miles of footpaths and one mile of concrete kerbing has been laid. The capital value of these enumerated improvements on present-day costs at 4s 6d pers quare yard approximate £5,600. The money allocated for maintenance of roads streets and drains for period under review was £11,152 from the general rate. The council has therefore good value in up-to-date surfacing for more than 50 per cent, of its expenditure. This permanent work has been carried out entirely from rates; and what is more remarkable faking the reduced spending power of the sovereign into, consideration the average annual expenditure for the ten year period is - actually less than for the two years immediately preceding when the money was spent chiefly on maintenance. The council most heartily appreciates the faithful services of Mr Huntley, road foreman and his assistants from time to time for the satisfactory manner in which they have performed their duties.

Water Supply: —A high pressure Artesian Water Supply Scheme costing £20,000 has been completed. Regarding two purposes for which the water is used; viz fire-fighting and-drainage the scheme is a complete success. The wells continue to yield an adequate supply; the pumping machinery is in good order; and although the water is not pleasing to some palates, from a health-giving point of view it is much better than stagnant rainwater from a tank.

Drainage:—A Septic Tank has been built with outfall into the rivers. The council has been assured by the Waterworks Foreman and also Mr Huggins Health Officer that the tank is working satisfactorily. . Main sewers have been laid through the more thickly populated portion of the proposed reticulated area, and about 200 private connections have been made. Our citizens who have a modern drainage system installed are delighted at the convenience enjoyed as compared with an obselete pan system. The council earnestly hopes that loan moneys long overdue to complete this work will be supplied at an early date. Fire Brigade:—The council also took the initial steps towards the formation of a Fire Brigade. A band of enthusiastic young men signified their willingness to assist in the protection of life and property. The Brigade passess modern esu’ipment and has given splendid service. Great praise is due to every member of the Brigade for the patriotism in service without fee or monetary reward in the interests of our town.

Gas Works: —During the period under review various improvements have been carried out. A gas holder was erected to hold 14,000 cubic feet of gas. Hew beds of retorts have been set, and the works are in a fair state of efficiency. Under the able management of Mr Downes the best results possible under fiuancial difficulties of heavy interest and Sinking Fund Commitments have been obtained.

Town Hall: —Two years ago the council rather reluctantly, owing to a previous venture, resumed the run ning of Municipal Pictures under the able management of Mr. Trueman, Town Clerk. The very gratifying results have exceeded our most sanguine expectations. The council heartily congratulates Mr Trueman and Mr Reid, caretaker, for their services crowned with success.

Beautifying Society: —The council desires to place on record its appreciation of the good work done by the society. The good work done in planting trees and shrubs in Ihakara Gardens, Easton Park, and Public Streets has made our town much more attractive from a scenic point of view.

Silver Band: —Tlie council is also pleased to note the resueitation of the band. The council has been able to help the members in various ways, and desires to assure them of its sympathy and co-op-eration.

Finance: —It affords me very gieat pleasure to leave the council with every banking account in credit. Exclusive of loan moneys these credits amount to over £IOOO. In regard to administration I wish to heartily thank Mr Trueman for the way he has striven to conserve the best interests of our

town. The office is run on methodical lines, and Miss Owen is rendering valuable assistance. I also wish to thank all councillors and ex-councillors for the way in which they have assisted me to promote the health and prosperity of our people. 1 wish to particularly mention councillors Coley, Bryant, Thompson and Walker who have helped me consistently through storm and calm during four terms of office. Councillor Ross has also rendered good service to the council. His knowledge of machinery and electric power has been most valuable chiefly in connection with the Water and Drainage scheme. Councillor Parkin is a good councillor. He has not wasted time by making long speeches. It has been said “That a still tongue denotes a wise head.” Councillor Parkin posesses sound judgment as shown by his recorded votes. Councillor Adams is an excellent councillor. During the two years he has served the council he has gripped the true position of sound economy in administration. Finally I wish to thank the citizens for their kindness and patience during a lengthy period of service. It has been a great pleasure to me to work for them.

During the comm" year I trust that our town will continue to prosper in all schemes to ensure the good health and happiness of the people consistent -with sound finance.