Patea Town Board.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 543, 8 July 1880, Page 2

Patea Town Board.

The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday evening. Present, Messrs Milroy (in the chair), Taplm, Aitchison, Dixon/ Adams, and Sherwood. PURCHASE OF ROSS’S LEASE. The Chairman stated that, in pursuance of the Board’s instruction, he had arranged with Mr Ross, lessee of the Recreation Ground, for the Board to take over his lease at the price of £55, as compensation for fencing and improvement; this sum to include the allowance on rent. He had paid the money on account of the Board, and received an acknowledgment from Mr Ross. Mr Aitchison moved, and Mr Dixon seconded, “ That the Board endorse the action of the Chairman in purchasing the lease of the Recreation Ground from Mr Ross, on behalf of this Board.” This was agreed to. FIRE BRIGADE STATION. The Fire Brigade applied, through their secretary, for permission to erect an engine-shed on the site already granted by the Town Board for the erection of a firobell. The shed would be about 20 feet by 12. Mr Aitchison moved and Mr Sherwood seconded, ‘‘That the application of the Fire Brigade to erect a shed on section 7, block 40, be granted, subject to tbo approval of the Works Committee as to position, style, &c.” This was agreed to, Mr Dixon stating that the proposed building will be no disgrace to any section. EXTENSION OF LEASE? Mr G. 11. Dixon wrote :— ‘‘ lam requested by Mrs 11. Dixon to ask your Board if it is a customary thing for them to grant extension of time to any of their leasehold proprietors. If so, on what terms will your Board extend her present lease from ten to twenty years ?” Mr Taplm : We have in a previous case decided not to extend nor in any' way' to interfere with town leases. I think that, a precedent being established, we ought to abide by it. Chairman : Wc have had applications previously, which were refused ; one being from Mr Taplin. Moved by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Adams, “ That the consideration of Mr Dickson’s letter be held over until the whole question of town leases be taken into consideration.” Mr Sherwood explained that ho would be prepared to move, at the proper time, that the whole question of town leases be taken under consideration. He said : I cannot help thinking, in the interest of tho town, that these leases should be treated as a whole, for if leases are to be revised at all, this should he done on some general principle, so that all leaseholders may be on the same footing as to extension or otherwise. The motion was agreed to. CRICKET CLUB’S RIGHTS. The following letter was read:— “ We, the undersigned, have been appointed a sub-committee by the committee of the Patea Cricket Club to wait on your Board rclativctotho present position of tho cricket ground. The Cricket Club desire to spend some money in repairing and improving their pitch, and they would respectfully' enquire if they' can count upon the Board’s protection in doing this, as it would be manifestly useless to attempt anything of the sort if footballers and others are still allowed to make what use of the ground they' please. Tho Cricket Club would remind your Board that the ground lias been cleared, fenced, and impioved by'them at very'great expense, and they would ask that their equitable if not legal right to the pitch laid down by' them should be recognized and upheld by' the Board, and steps taken to prevent any farther injury to the ground. —We are, sir, yours obediently', R. C. Texxent, F. Horner,”

Mr Tapi in said Mr Tennent being present, the Board might wish to hear

what he had to say in support of the letter. Mr Tennent being invited by the Chairman, said : The Cricket Club and the Committee have seen with great satisfaction that the Board had proposed taking certain steps relative to that ground, namely, to have the whole Recreation Ground placed under the Public Domains Act. What the Committee wish to see is that the ground bo placed on a proper and satisfactory footing. We do not wish to prevent other clubs from using the ground for any kind of sports. We only wish to see the ground put in such a condition that those parties using certain portions should not hate liberty to damage other portions of the ground laid off for cricket. If the Carlyle Football Club have a right to play over the cricket pitch, any other club would have the same right. All the cricket grounds in the colony are put upon much the same footing, and that footing is that trustees are appointed for the ground, and they make certain bye laws, and set aside portions of the ground for different purposes. We wish now to ask what we are to do for the coming season. It will be useless for the Cricket Club to expend money in putting the pitch into proper condition for next season, unless this Board gives them some protection. Mr Sherwood: Has any reply been received as to this land being brought under the Public Domains Act ?

Mr Adams ; Is tins intended to give the Cricket Club the absolute right to this ground ? MrTaplin: lleallj', Mr Chairman, is not that a foolish question ? Chairman : The only answer I can give is that the Cricket Club only seem to wish to place the ground in proper order, not

only for themselves but for any other club that will keep the ground in proper order, Mr Dixon : The dub went to the expense of laying down the ground at a cost of £3O last year, and they only want that Pr Mr C Adams.: The, piece of - ground that wo intended for the foot-ballcrs is not big enough to play on, unles we take part of the present cricket-ground. Moved by Mr Sherwood, seconded by the Chairman, “ That the matter of dealing with the Cricket Ground be leftover until an answer is received from the Government re bringing the Ground under the Public Domains Act.” Mr Sherwood said : To attempt to deal with the ground under the present tenure would only lead to more confusion. The Cricket Club are entitled to great consideration in this matter, and theii ground ought to be protected ; and I regret to bear that there has not been a proper degree of good feeling between the athletic clubs here. This Board cannot give any exclusive right to a particular club; and 1 think it would be far more satisfactory to endeavor, to get this power, and when procured, it will be ample to give each and all their respective necessary rights. It would be competent for the Board to begin removing fences, and extending the ground. Mr Taplin .• I admit we have not the power at present; but that ground belongs to the Board, and I maintain that the Board have the same power as a private owner to prevent persons fiom injurin''’ that ground. If a prosecution foi damages was brought before a magistrate, I think it would be necessary only to show proper proof of damage clone to ensure a conviction. I think a magistrate would simply give an equitable decision. >» hen we begin tree planting, wo shall have to protect the trees, and in doing so we shall have just the same right as we have now to prevent damage to the cricket pitch. It the Chairman will take out a summons for damage in a particular case, the Cncket Club will undertake to produce in Court the proof of damage. I believe the footballers—the gentlemanly footballers—intend to retire from that pitch, but they have created a mischief which I am afiaid they cannot rectify, unless wc prosecute before a magistrate. 'I lie playing b} youn ir fellows on moonlight nights cannot be got rid of without some action being taken by the Board. Mr Sherwood: Arc the trustees in legal existence ? Mr Taplin ; As much as ever they were. Mr Adams: I don’t behove the boys are as bad as Mr Taplin wishes to make out. To summons any of these youngsters foi scratching a small bit of grass would make the Board ridiculous all the country round. Mr Sherwood: No doubt we have power to prosecute for malicious injuries to property. Thonnotion was then adopted.

DAMAGE TO I’ROPERTV

Moved bv Mr Dixon, seconded by Mr Sherwood, “That the Chairman be empowered to get notice boards put up on the Cricket Ground cautioning the public against damaging the Ground or any property thereon.” TREE PLANTING AND FENCING. Moved by the Chairman, seconded by Mr Shcrwoob, “ That the Tree Planting Committee be empowered to call for and accept tenders for the removal of the present* fence between the Cricket and Hocreation Ground, and have the same ioerected within half a chain of the northern fence, and also have the extension of the Recreation Ground ploughed and sowed down in grass.” Mr Sherwood said ; I expect to succeed in getting a donation of trees. I have made an application, and hope to succeed. If so, they will come in about a fortnight. The cost will bo for carriage only. Perhaps the Patea steamer will bring them free. , Mr Taplin ; I will try to get that done. Wo are a liberal body. Mr Adams: Instead of moving the fence, yon should spend the money on trees. The motion was agreed to. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. Moved by Mr Aitchison, seconded by Mr Taplin, “That applications for the office of inspector bo invited by two insertions in the Patea Mail, applicants testate salary expected.”—Agreed to. APPLICATIONS AND COMPLAINTS Mr H. F. Christie wrote : I would respectfully call your attention to the urgent necessity there is for forming die lower part of Norfolk street, more especially mf the path-way from its present termination opposite Mr Connelly's to York street. On account of the inconvenience of the ground and of the numerous rushes and waterholcs, it is unsafe to travel there after dark. 1 shall feel obliged if you will kindly see that the work is undertaken at once. Rather than it should be delayed, I would be willing to contribute onc-tliird of the cost of forming the footpath in front of my sections N05.14 and 16, block 25. Mr James Jackson wrote:—“ Would yon kindly consider the best means of removing that sheet of water which now stands in front of my property neat Hirst’s cutting, as it is doing considerable mischief to me by rendering the property untenantable.” > '■ ; Mr Jackson also wrote at a later date : —“ It is with regret that I have again to call your attention to the nuisance in Devon-street, near to the. Australasian Hotel, caused by the slops and filth deposited there daily from the above-named hotel. You will confer a great benefit on the residents in the immediate neighborhood by causing the above to be abated.

The Chairman moved that the three letters bo referred to the Works Committee. - ’ •' 1 Mr Aitchison seconded. Mr Taplin: I should object to this matter being "referred to the Works Com mittee to carry out. If they are to report, upon those works, well and good. Mr Aitchison : Mr Jackson has already lost two tenants through the water lodging near his property. To leave this matter to be reported on at next meeting might lose more rent. Mr Taplin : Give me some proof that the WorksCoinmittoc will do something in the matter, and I might support the reference to them ; but what I object to is that when this is referred to that committee, I as a member of the Board lose control of it. Mr Dixon : What is the use of a Works Committee if they arc not competent to carry out matters referred to them ? Mr Adams : The Works Committee ought to go over the ground, and say what is to be done. Mr Taplin : Yes, that is my idea. Mr Sherwood : From the state of the Board’s finances the only course is to leave the matter over till next meeting. The resolution was adopted, WORKS EXECUTED. The Works Committee reported that during the month there had been a temporary footpath formed in Victoria-street, and the wooding of footpaths towards the public schools, at a cost of £3 6s 2d. FINANCES. The monthly statement of accounts showed there was a balance in hand of £43 19s Id, that rents and rates had been received to the amount of £52 8s lid. The expenditure showed £2 2s for the election, £55 for Boas’s lease, and sundries, molting a total of £7l Gs 9d, leaving in hand £1 Os lOd. LOAN FOR PL’ULIC WORKS. Discussion took place at a late hour (the meeting lasting till 11.30 p.m.) on a proposal of Mr Sherwood as follows : —“That the Board endeavour to obtain a loan on the security of the rents, for the purposes of drainage, street formation, tree planting, and securing a water-right for the town ; but that before farther action bo taken, the opinion of the ratepayers shall be taken thereon by a public meeting.” Mr Adams seconded the motion, which, after discussion on one or two amendments, was adopted without dissent. ALTERING'NAME OF TOWN AND NAME OF MAIN STREET. Mr Sherwood also moved, “That the ratepayers be asked to express an opinion as to the desirability of changing the name of the town from Carlyle to Patca, and the name of Taranaki-road to Egmontsirect.” Mr Aitchison seconded, and it was adopted Mr Sherwood a -vive notice of motion that the day of meeting of the Board be altered from Monday to Tuesday, This terminated the business.