BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 217, 13 August 1937, Page 4

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

HIGHER COSTS IN WAGES

The monthly meeting of the Feilding Borough Council was held Inst evening, the Mayor (Mr T. Collins) presiding. Also present were Crs T. L. Seddon, TV. Andrews, A. C. McCorkindalo, A. J. Eellow, V. E. Smith. G. Rairagh, G. J. Fitzpatrick and P. G. Guy. An apology for absence was received from Cr E. Fair.

The stationmaster at Feilding intimated that a light had been installed in front of tho station.—Received. Cr Fitzpatrick said that the light was now functioning and was visible from Fergusson and Aorangi Streets. A distinct improvement had been made. Tho Transport Department wrote in regard to the council’s protest regarding the Government taxing over tho Feilding-TVellington road transport service and stating that the public would be fully served by adequate services.—Cr Smith said that a further protest should bo loti god. “TVo should not tako this lying down,” lie added. Cr Fitzpatrick said tho service would be filtered through the Railway Department and the department would como first. Tlie letter was received. A letter from the Commissioner of Transport with a report on accidents and road safety was received. It was decided that when a revaluation of the borough is necessary, the appointment of a local valuer to act in conjuncion with tho Government’s valuer should be made. Cr Smith said that a local valuer would have more idea of tho value of properties in the borough than tho Government valuer. Accounts amounting to £405 4s 7d were passed for payment, and £2309 15s 6d paid since the last meeting was confirmed.

Cr McCorkindale was appointed to represent the council on the committee to elect a local bodies’ representative on the board of managers of the Feilding Agricultural High School. A letter was received from the Palmerston North Hospital Board thanking tho council for books.

Tho library committee reported that 100 novels had been purchased at a cost of £7 10s.

Coronation expenses.-—The treasurer submitted a statement showing the total expenditure (including expenditure on the municipal buildings) to be £57 6s lOd. It was recommended that the cost bo allocated ns follows:—Feilding Bprough Council, £32 6s lOd; Oroua County Council, £ls; Kiwitea County Council, £lO. It was stated that the rates were coming in satisfactorily, £1387 having been collected in respect of current rates and £258 in regard to arrears. It was reported that, as a result of increased wages to the staff, cil had now to find ah extra £368 a year, while adjustments made during the current year would amount to an additional £296. / Permanent genfcral employees would receive £4 10s per week, while casual workers were to be paid at tho rate of 2s 4d per hour. It was decided to plant trees donated by Mr F. Mason at the cemetery, tho cost of material being estimated at £25. When a letter was received from the certifying officer asking for particulars of suitable work for the employment of subsidised labour, Cr Smith said that when the Government took over they said that they would find work for everyone. Now it appeared that they were falling hack on the local bodies to help them out. It was decided to carry out certain work with the use of subsidised labour. The Mayor reported that 30 residents in Derby 'Street had consented to pay the cost of planting trees in front of their properties, and it was hoped that before August 18 the other 30 residents in the street would give their consent. ENGINEER'S REPORT. The monthly report of the borough engineer (Air T. K. Hay) stated, inter alm:Tho undermentioned streets have been repaired with gravel and trimmed with the grader:—South, East, Fitzi'oy, (hurai, North Road and Derby Street. Tho sides

of the bitumen road in Aorangi Street liavo been mctallod whore required. Asphalt roads and paths in tho town area liavo been repaired. Tho road at Halcombo Hill corner has been completed on its new line and lcvol, and a cement groulod stono drain constructed from North Rond to the end of too new road. Street channels and open drains have been cleaned in various parts of the borough. No cases of infectious or notifiable diseases were reported. The water pressure has been satisfactory. Repairs have been carried out to service pipes and now connections made. Mains have been scoured. The. reservoirs have been kept full throughput the month, and the lower sections of the pipeline have been scoured. The weir ami intake arc in good order. Some willow planting for protection purposes has been done above the intake. Sewers have received necessary attention, also Ihc septic tank and outfall stream. The usual maintenance work lias been continued at Kowhai Park and tho squares.. Improvements at Victoria Park arc well in hand. A motor mower has been procured for the cemetery. • THE ABATTOIR.

Tho abattoir manager (Mr A. E. Ramsay) submitted the following report:—During July, 1937, 62 cows, 7 oxen, 66 heifers, 26 ewes, 291 wethers, 15 lambs, 58 pigs and 1100 bobby calves wore dealt with at the municipal abattoir. Fees amounted to £IOO 4s 4d as compared with £lll 12s stl for tho corresponding month of last year. The following are the killings in the extended district for the month of July 1937 : 317 slice]), 157 lambs, 57 pigs and 18 cattle; fees amounted to £l9 8s 9u. PUBLIC LIBRARY. Mr A, Farmer (librarian) reported as follows: —Books purchased in July, 20; books changed, 1352; subscribers, 218.