RICHMOND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 14 January 1931, Page 2

RICHMOND

BOROUGH COUNCIL 81-MONTHLY MEETING At the ordinary bi-monthly meeting of the Richmond Borough Council there were present: The Mayor (Mr H. alien Kelly), in the chair, Councillors Schroder, llill, Newport, Smallbone. Haycock and Croucher. The Mayor moved that a vote ot sympathy be accorded to the relatives of the fate Mr A. Martin, a citizen of many years’ standing. The motion was carried in silence. Accounts totalling £llß 12s 7d were passed lor payment. Before proceeding the Mayor wished all present the compliments of the season. Councillors Cloudier and Newport replied on behalf of the Council. CORRESPONDENCE The following correspondence was among that dealt with : The secretary of the Municipal Association of New Zealand wrote drawing the Council’s attention to Section 13 of the Finance Act, 1927, which provides that all fines inflicted as the result of prosecutions by local authorities for offences under Statute Law belaid to the authority concerned. —The letter was re- ! ceived. The Unemployment Committee at Nelson wrote asking the Council to form a local committee in the borough. Details | of the scheme were enclosed. I The Mayor pointed out that unless a committee was formed, no subsidy for employment of sustenance could be re- ! ceived. He thought that it would be wise to form a committee. He moved therefore that an unemployment com- ’ mittee be set up consisting of the whole 1 of the Council and the Town Clerk. The resolution was seconded by Councillor Smallbone and carried.

The Health Inspector forwarded his report for the period ending 31st December, 1930. The report stated inter alia that there had been only two cases of infectious disease during the period and these had been of a mild character. A letter was received from the Department of Labour re the statutory half holiday for the year. It was resolved that this remain as at present, subject to the approval of the business people. Mr W. J. llislop wrote asking that improvements be effected to Upper Champion road. —The matter was left in the hands of the Works’ Committee with power to act.

Four residents of Salisbury road asked that restrictions on the use of sprinklers be removed. The writers are to be informed that the Council regrets that it cannot remove the restrictions. The Methodist Bible Class Union asked for the use of the Memorial Building for their camp at Easter. It was resolved to inform the writers that under the changed conditions now existing it is not possible to grant the request. Mr H. J. Boyds, Christchurch, asked for the rateable value of certain parts of the borough. He stated that lie was preparing for the Chamber of Commerce a report on the possibilities of irrigation in the Waimea Plains. The information is to be supplied. Two applications were received for the position of dog tax collector in the borough. Mr'Marsh was appointed. It was resolved that the tax be 2s 6d for. dogs kept solely for herding or driving sheep or cattle by bona fide shepherds, drovers and farmers, and 10s for all other dogs. v

FOREMAN’S REPORT " ” v

The foreman’s report was read and received as follows:—“The grader has been used on the main highways weekly since last meeting. Eighteen yards of metal have been carted to Hiil street. The repairing of the culvert on Lower Queen street is not yet completed. The 4in main when exposed on opening out this culvert was found to be leaking. It has been repaired with two bands and packing. One day has been occupied in cutting blackberries at the reservoir.” The Ranger also forwarded a report showing that he was paying strict attention to his duties. Councillors expressed the hope that a report would be received each half year. GENERAL The question of water-supply was discussed. The Mayor explained that at present the level of the water in the reservoir was about sft below the overflow. It was resolved that restrictions remain at present, and that tire Waterworks Committee be empowered to impose further restrictions if necessary. On the motion of Councillor Haycock it was resolved to burn the grass on the Recreation Ground when opportunity offers. It was resolved on the motion of the Mayor that the Progress League - be thanked for the efforts made to secure the continuance of the services of the porter in charge at Richmond station.

A PROTEST The Mayor moved that the Council enter an emphatic protest against the stoppage of work on the Midland railway line, this not being in accordance with the promise made by the Government. The Mayor stated that he was more than surprised that a Government placed in power because of its railway policy should stop such a work, and in such a drastic manner discharge the men employed, thus swelling the ranks of the unemployed, and taking away the £125,000 which had been placed on the Estimates for the work during the year. The motion was seconded by Councillor Smallbone and carried unanimously.

Councillor Hill stated that he considered it was of the greatest importance that Nelson should be connected with the railway system of the South Island, and every effort should be made to have tlie work completed. Councillor Schroder stated that Nelson had just as much right to a railway as other parts of the Dominion. It had been stated that the line would not pay; but they had heard that in connection with other lines, especially that through the Otira. However this had turned out to be a great success, and the Nelson line when completed might proye to be a paying proposition. it was resolved that the Mayor represent the Council on any deputation that may go to Wellington in connection with railway matters. Councillor Schroder brought up the question of the waste of water on certain property. It was resolved on the mol ion y£ Councillor Croucher, seconded by Councillor Haycock, that a letter be written to the person concerned stating that any councillor has the right to enter property if water is being wasted. It was resolved that certain property owners be given notice to trim hedges growing over streets.