OPOTIKI BOROUGH COUNCIL

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 175, 28 April 1939, Page 2

OPOTIKI BOROUGH COUNCIL

- - v i . v *y THE NEW CEMETERY COUNTY COUNCIL’S OFFER. The monthly meeting of the Opotiki Borough Council was held in the borough chambers last night. Present: The Mayor (Mr. G. S l . Moody), Councillors Q. L. Day, • A. G. Stevenson, F. J. Short, T. G. Johnson and Mr. W. H. Briggs (town clerk). The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and outward correspondence approved Inward Correspcmifar.ee. Cows.—Mr. -G. A. Hathaway* wrote stating that caws had broken into his property and had done considerable damage and lie asked for compensation.—The council decided to reply expressing regret at the occurrence and to ask for the- name of the owner of the cow responsible for the damage, to enable the council to look into the matter. It was also decided to point out that the cows would be off the streets in a short time. Taxis.—The- Municipal Association’s solicitor -in commenting on the Opotiki borough by-laws dealing with traffic, pointed out. that there was no mention of the limitation of taxis or town carriers, —As limitation in the reply particularly referred to the ruinous competition in larger towns, it- was decided to “receive” the reply. Drain Laying.—Mr. Fogarty wrote stating that Mir. Wylde had applied for a . drain-layers’ license but lie would not recommend the granting of the license.—On the motion of Cr. Stevenson it was decided to write and ask the inspector to wait on the council at the next meeting, to explain the position.

Cemetery.—-The Opotiki County Council wrote re cemetery improvements to the new area, expressing willingness to share the cost of the improvements and .to pay up to £SO on additional approved works.—lt was decided to reply expressing appreciation and thanks for the council’s generous offer.

New PAY.I>. Houses,—The Public Works Department- wrote stating that it- was the intention to build three houses at the P.W.R. yard at the junction and asking for the connection of a 2i-inch- pipe for fire fighting purposes.—The matter was left in the hands of Cr. Short and the town clerk.

The Department also, wrote in connection with proposed new regulations dealing with motor-cyclists.—Receiv-ed.

Accidents to Cyclists.—The 'I ransport Department wrote asking for the council’s co-operation in dealing with the cyclist accident problem during the winter months.—lt was decided to hand the information to the traffic inspector. Sports Reserve.—A request was received from the Opotiki Rugby L nion asking that the reserve be made available for the playing of football on Saturday (to-morrow). • After considerable discussion on the non-payment of fees by sports bodies, it was decided to ask representatives of the sports bodies to attend a special meeting of the council to lie held on Thursday next to go into the question. Workers’ Award.—All*. John 0 - Shea, Municipal Association’s solicitor, forwarded a lengthy opinion on the question as to whether council oinpiovees who do occasional concrete work should come under the award dealing with concrete works. Mr. O’Shea contended that the nature of the work done by the borough employees did* not come under the definition of a concrete worker. The letter was “received”. Bitumen Work at P.O,—A request was received that the council should undertake bitumen, work at the Opotiki Post Office yard. 'The council decided to ask the postmaster to secure specification's' from the P.W.D. and the council would then be prepared to do the work. Hospital Levy.—Ebtimates for the year were- received frejn the Opotiki Hospital Board. The borough levy lias been increased: from £433 5s 7d to £579 19s Id. The increase will necessitate an increase of the hospital rate in the borough by approximately l-3d.

Recruiting.—'The Auckland Provincial Territorial Association in connection with the Auckland mayor’s appeal for recruits.—The council decided to give every encouragement to borough employees who wish to join the Territorials and to see.that no employee would suffer from loss of time

or pay. Councillors considered that the young men of the district were generally badly in need of discipline and! that military training would do a great- deal of good. • ( General. .a It was decided to purchase a new grader blade. A formal resolution in connection with tire new borough by-laws, was passed. 7 • Petition.—A petition was received protesting against the suggested loan of £1(1,000 for street ' improvements, the ground for objection being the increase in rates.—ln commenting "on the petition remarked that, a fair portion of those who had signed' the petition were those already enjoying the benefits of good roads and paths. The council considered the objection a weak one and decided to go- ahead with the proposal. The health inspector’s report was approved. Mb ter s.—The council, decided to have all water meters tested as soon as possible. s. The borough inspector reported cn ranging and traffic work. Four horses, four cows and one herd of seven cows, were impounded during the month. FOREMAN’S REPORT The borough foreman, Mr. J. Ser 1 j can't, reported as follows 230 chains of water tables cleaned, out and most of the spoil carted to fill King and Goring Streets. 7 Traffic signs erected in Ford StreetOess pits cleaned out. Fire plugs cleaned and grubbed--;frec-of weeds. .Jfr'Various footpaths cut free of weeds.. Intersections swept. Streets and intersections patched with premix. Approximately 50yds. of river metal used patching various streets. Roads and intersections have ..been, kept graded etc. % Premix made at yard. Two new crossings put in St. John Street (one slab..and one pipe). New pipe crossings in Ford and) Church Streets. 20 chain of Ford Street scarified, graded and, rolled. Parks, cemetery etc. mowed and cleaned. General maintenance. Highway: 10 chains of Church. Street broomed, sprayed with M.C. I and given one coat of chips. Two and a-lialf chain Bridge Street excavated and filledl with rock-, graded, watered, etc., and brought rip to grade. Ten chain by 6ft. in Church Street excavated, filled with rock and rolled. Water.—lntake cleaned and dam scoured out. Stop cocks and taps repaired. Pipe line at sandhills lifted and laid in different- place. Two meters installed. Three blow-outs'* cn water main repaired. . Stone- groyne built 18ft. by 7ft. protecting water main in river. Domain.—-The turfing at- reserve has been commenced. The report was approved. . , The council decided to- extend the protective work on the water main.