BOROUGH OF PUKEKOHE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 13, 5 June 1912, Page 3

BOROUGH OF PUKEKOHE.

Meeting of the Council. At AVednesday evening's meeting all the Councillors were present. The Mayor mentioned that the outbuildings at the back of the Post office, in Hall-street, were encroaching to the extent of 5 or fi feet on the street.—lt was decided to write to the Post master-General iD connection with the matter. (V. Pollock urged that the cost of carting and spreading metal for the railway station was too high—i: was sometimes Is 6d per yard more than it ought to be. That, meant that the cost was 3s fid per yard when 2s would be nearer the mark.—The \\ orks Committee was instructed to go into the matter. An intimation was received from the engineer-in charge that whilst the erection of the overhead railway bridge was in progress the road would be encroached upon.—lt was decided to ask the departmental authorities to see that the road was kept in good older and free for traffic. A claim was made by G. Gilbert, of Huntly, for £3l, for hire of engine, pumps etc. This was a disputed account due to misunderstanding with the Town Board. After heaiing the explanations Mr Suggate estimated the value of the hire at £l9 10s, which sum Mr Gilbert agreed to accept. For the continued use of the appliances 15s per week for the engine and 5s per week for the pumps, etc , was agreed upon. The pumps referred to had been pniDloyed in supplying water to the contractor and it was ruentiom d by the Mayor that ho understood that the contractor had offered to supply the water for his contracting requirements for £200; now it had cost £OOO. Crs. Pollock and Comrie thought that even now they should arrange to cart the water required by the contractors, and moved a motion to that effect. "We have had a dry spell," said Cr. John 3 , "can we get the water?" It was decided to leave the arrangements as they are. The engineer (Mr Suggate), who was in attendance, said that good progress had been made and the reservoir should he completed in two or three weeks. The Mayor : When will the water supply be available for the use of the public. Engineer: In six weeks or two months. The conditions of contract were reviewed and matters relating to insurance and other details were fixed up. The water charges (by meter) as decided by the Town Board, were adopted. A little discussion arose as to what should bo done concerning the plumbing and water connections, and it was finally resolved to obtain prices from the local plumbers, the majority of cor.ncdlors appearing to favor giving them the work if the price quoted is reasonable. In reply to the Mayor, the engineer said he did not think any dust would get into the reseivoir, although a few leaves might. He did not think there was any danger of people using the reservoir for battling purposes, but a restriction would prevent that. In connection with the cost of the work, the Engineer said his estimate was £10,546, which had been exceeded l»y £487. The question of employing Mr Suggate jun. as Clerk of Works cropped up, the Mayor remarking that it seemed a peculiar thing that a son should be appointed to take charge of his father's work. It was only natural to assume that if any mistakes were made they would be looked upon with leniency. Mr Suggate, jun., said that two members of the Road Board employed him. Cr Berriman raised a question about duplicating the pumping plant, and wanted to know what would happen if the engine "jibbed." He thought two plants would be necessary, as with a service like Pukekohe's they should run no iisk. In the course of discussion Air Suggate was understood to say that the cost of duplicating the plant, which may b9 required in twelve months time, would bo about £;»000. Cr. Hart was granted leave of absence for three weeks.