OTAKI NEWS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10614, 12 June 1920, Page 8

OTAKI NEWS

TOWN BOARD MEETING MATTERS OF INTEREST DISCUSSED. Tho usual monthly meeting of ihe Otaki Town Board was held last night Present —Commissioners H. Nicolson (in the chair), H. M. d’Ath. H. N. Ollier. J. Meads, and P. Eikihana. Apologies for absence on account of ill-health were received from Commissioners Brandon and Noble. u A letter was received from Mr W. H. Field. M.P., enclosing copy of a letter ho had forwarded to the Prime Minister on tho subject of the attempt being made in Hawke’s Bay to alter the- Government’s determination ■to establish an agricultural college at Weraroa, and to place it in Hawke’s Bay instead. Mr Field added that strong efforts were being mad© to influence the Government in this direction, and it (therefore behoved public bodies to secure the college for Weraroa, which was, in his opinion, Die most suitable place.—Received. The Mangahao Hydro-electric Power League wrote expressing tho hope that tho new Minister would be able to state definitely what the policy of’ the Government would be with regard to the distribution of power. Tho present uncertainty was not in the best interests of local bodies or the department. The uncertainty of matters was tile means of loading many of the concerned to seek for other sources of supply. This would mean greater competition for available labour, with possible delay for all the works, and increased labour costs. —Received.

The Cromwell Borough Council forwarded tho following resolution : —“That owing to tho high price of leather goods consequent on the Government removing the embargo on the export of hides, the council urge on the Government the necessity of roiniposing the embargo witho«f delay.” In this £bey flashed to bo supported by the Town other local bodies.—Received. - ■ The secretary to His Eoynl Highness tho Prince of Wales, wrote conveying (b« latter’s thanks for the addrens presented him on behalf of Otaki, and stating His Highness was disappointed at being unable to visit the township.—Received. RATEPAYERS’ REQUESTS.

Mr Pole, representing tho Otaki Rate payers’ Association, waited on the board and said the members considered that it would bo more profitable to install acetylene gas than the proposed light. He asked that the matter be given attention. The chairman pointed out tluit up to the present nothing definite had been done re. garding lighting, and that inquiries were being made as to tho best light to install. He assured Mr Pole that the association’s request would receive every consideration.

Mr Pole also drew the board’s attention to the fact that the fence of the Postal Department encroached 18 inches on the road, and asked that it be set back.— Some members considered ithe matter a trivial one, but it was finally agreed that the department be asked to give the matter attention. Mr Pole also drew attention to the state of the footpath on Bench road, and asked that it be .improved.—Members considered that attention should first be given to the Mill road and Waeringa road footpaths, which were in a worse state. The growth of gorso on Beach road was also referred to. and it .was decided to write to owners of property interested, and request that it bo cleared. ELECTRIC LIGHT PROPOSAL.

Mr D. J. Reardon waited on the board relative to the electric light question, and asked w’hat the board intended to do. Ho was desirous of guesting the board in the most reasonable way, but he believed no real effort had been made to secure the loan money. Mr Reardon said ho was prepared to come to a compromise, and do his best to assist the board in any way. It was pointed out that Mr Field, M.P., and Mr Byron Brown, the late chairman, had endeavoured to secure the money and failed. ' Mr Reardon said this was a matter he could not understand, as several local bodies had of recent date been successful in raising loans. It was finally agreed to -h-old a special meeting on Thursday night next, and endeavour to arrive at some linality. Mr Field, M.P, is to be asked to be present.