OTAKI BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Otaki Mail, 21 April 1922, Page 3

OTAKI BOROUGH COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The ordinary monthly mooting of the above Council was held on Wednesday night. Present: His Worship the Mayor .(Mr Brandon), Crs. C. Kilsby, H. Taylor, K. Carkeelc, J. R. Bills, A. W. Broadway, and H. Cockrell. Correspondence was dealt with as follows: Assist the Blind. From Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Committee, soliciting help for blind soldiers. —Cr. Kilsby considered something should be done, but he did not know what lo suggest. —Better handed to Cr. Cockrell to report on at nest meeting. Improvement Wanted. T. Hannah wrote asking for road improvement near his place on Tas--man road.—Cr, Cockrell said the road was narrow, while loose sand was liable to cause ears to skid.- —Cr. Kilsby stated that the Works’ Committee ■would shortly be viewing all roads and this matter would then have considera-tion.-—Left to the Works’ Committee. A letter was also read from the Health Department relative to a, building in Otaki which was stated to be a. menace to public health. The Clerk stated that several letters had been written ou the matter, and that the place was owned by Natives and leased to a European. , Cr. Kilsby said the locality was worse than any cow-yard, tkjif the drainage was bad; and the place, generally, in a filthy condition. He thought drastic action should be taken.-—Decid-ed to notify the lessee that improvements must be carried out at once, otherwise action would be taken. The Banger. While it was generally agreed that the new ranger was doing good work Cr. Taylor drew attention to stock frequently running on Bell St.-—Decided to draw the ranger’s attention to the matter. Town Clerk's Beport. After dealing with this the Mayor said he considered the Town Clerk should be complimented on his comprehensive report, which was very satisfactory. He was pleased to sec the Domain returns so good. Maori Rates. Cr. Cockrell said something would have to be done regarding the collection of Native rates. The Mayor stated that the matter was a difficult one to handle, but that the Council was no worse off than other local bodies. He thought it would be a good thing if the Natives were allowed to pay by instalments. Cr. Carkeek 'agreed, and stated that ths Natives were now awakening to their responsibilities. Previously they had been told not to worry about their rates. Cr. Bills said the Natives were deserving of more consideration, and draw attention to the fact that while Europeans had good pathways Natives had none. Ho drew attention to the good work done by the Maoris at their Church, and considered the present footpath should be extended to the end of the Church fence. Tho Mayor said he had previously suggested this, but had been defeated in his move. He was now' pleased to see Cr. Bills a convert. Broadway said, as one of tho ■Works’ Committee, he would, see the matter received attention. Meeting-Day. Owing to the approach of winter the Mayor suggested that meetings be held in the day-time. Although some members did not favor the alteration they raised no serious objection, and it was finally agreel to meet on the second Wednesday in each month at 9.30. / Finances. The Mayor considered the financial aspect of the Council very good and thought they should interview the Bank re terms. —Agreed to, it being decided to raise the overdraft by £SOO. Road Repairs. Cr. Taylor pointed out that some, of the roads were in bad order and should be attended to. He thought it. would be a ; sc act. to secure the Horowhenua County' Council’s grader, which was at present cn the Te Horo length. —Decided to ascertain particulars as to cost of grader for a few days. Accounts. Accounts amounting to £335 I7s 4d were passed for payment.