Patea Town Board.

Patea Mail, 7 April 1881, Page 3

Patea Town Board.

The monthly meeting was held cn Monday evening. | Present, Messrs Milroy (in the chair), Sherwood, Aitchison, Howitt, Dixon, and Taplin. ROAD PAST HOSPITAL. An}' objections to the proposed chain road past the Hospital were to be considered at this meeting. The road would take half a chain otf the Hospital reserve and half off the Education reserve, the road continuing to the town boundary with the object of giving access to building sites northward of the Hospital. Mr Dale appeared to support objections lodged by the County Council against any portion of the Hospital reserve being taken for a road. The Council’s objections were three. Mr Sherwood submitted that no new matter could be introduced by Mr Dale, who must confine his objections to those stated in the written notice. This was assented to. Mr Dale said it is undesirable that a public road should go so near the Hospital, as drink might be supplied to patients. Secondly, the County Council contemplated planting trees on the land proposed to be taken. Thirdly, the land being very sandy, to cut the surface would convert it into drifting sand. Mr Sherwood ; lias the Resident Surgeon stated that the proposed road would not be objectionable ? Mr Dale : I have reason to believe the contrary. Mr Sherwood ; You have said the Council intend to plant trees. Have they passed any resolution ? Mr Dale : It was an understood thing at the time the Council inspected the land that such was the intention. Mr Sherwood : What rent does the Council pay for the land ? Mr Dale : I consider that does not bear on the point. Chairman : They pay Is a year to this Board, in whom that land is vested as a trust for Hospital purposes. Mr Dale : Is it not the intention of the Council to close the Hospital ? Mr Dale; I believe a majority are against it. Mr Dixon : Does Mr Dale not think this road would improve the Hospital property ? Mr Dale : Certainly not. A Hospital should be kept as private as possible. Mr Aitchison pointed out that sand could be easily dealt with. Mr Sherwood : The question of compensation for the Education reserve is only nominal, I move that “The Board having heard the Chairman of the Count}' Council in support of his objections to the proposed road past the Hospital, and having considered the same, find that the objections are not of sufficient importance to be upheld, and that they be not entertained.” A road must be made to the Hospital, and I believe this road would be a public benefit by continuing it a chain past the porcliMr Aitchison seconded, and said the objections were frivolous. It would be a convenience if a person visiting the Hospital could leave his horse or conveyance nearer to the entrance than at present. The place will not he reasonably accessible till a road is made. Mr Dixon agreed that the objections were very frivolous, and said the Council arc to blame in not assisting the Board in such a work as this, instead of putting hindrances in the way. Chairman : When I objected to the road before, I did so on the ground of expenseThe Board has expended nearly £8 in pro - claiming and surveying and advertising. But it is not desirable now to turn back. Mr Sherwood : I have stated to this Board that I will bear the expense. The Chairman’s objection on that ground is unnecessary. The motion was then adopted unanimously. WORKS REPORT. The Works Committee reported that 34 days’ labor had been expended in preparing York-street for gravelling, and that Mr Philimore had completed the gravelling contract. Chairman : The question of storm water in Bedford-street will bo dealt with by the Works Committee. The report was adopted. BUILDING CONDITIONS. The Chairman, in answer to a question as to the small shop built of old timber on a front section in Egmont-street, said : If the applicant for a transfer is prepared to show the Board that there is £IOO valuation put on the section since our last meeting, then we could consider it. The Board

have resolved that no transfer should be entertained until this condition was complied with. We can do nothing with it to-night. I believe it is the intention of the present occupier or lessee to make farther additions within a short lime. SUNDRIES. A statement of receipts and expenditure connected with the Recreation Ground showed adebit of £2 16s4d against the new trustees, whose first meeting is convened for Thursday evening. They start therefore with a small debt. Mr Adams’s motion as to kerbing a portion of west side of Egmont-street was postponed, owing to his absence. The Inspector of Nuisances reported that pigs are frequently running about the town. He was instructed to inform the police. The Chairman said the leases of surrendered sections had been all sold at the late auction, some at an advance. Mr Sherwood : That shows the property of the Board is increasing in value. I hope that any member of the Board who speaks of that district again as Poverty Flat will be fined ss. It is a ridiculous name, and ought to be changed. As to gazetting public streets, Mr Sherwood said he would withdraw his notice of motion, as this and several other complicated questions would be settled by the town becoming a municipality. The force of circumstances would bring that about in a short time, notwithstanding opposition in the background. The monthly statement of accounts showed receipts (including balance in hand) £lO6 14s 2d ; and expenditure £65 15s lOd, leaving a credit balance of £4O 18s 4d. Accounts passed for payment : County Mail 15s 9d, Mr Hamerton £4 9s, day labor in York-street £1 4s 6d. The Board adjourned.