PUKEKOHE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 16, 26 February 1915, Page 2

PUKEKOHE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly mepting of the Pukekuhtj Borough Council was f held on Wednesday evening Pre- ' gent: The Mayor, Mr C. K. Lawrie, Councillors Comrie, Hubbard, Hurley, Pollock, and Beatty. ROAD IMPROVEMENTS.

A recommendation of the Works Committee that a footpath should be formed in Nelson street leading to the power house was approved. Cr Hubhard suggested that additional metal should be placed on the main Tuaksu road adjoining Meesrß R. Wilkinson's and Webb's properties as otherwise expensive repairs would soon be necessary.— The Works Committee were empowered to act in accordance with Cr Hubbard's fuggestion. It whs further decided to purchase 150 yarls cf shingle frr deposit in Queen street. 0:1 the motion of Cr Pollock it wss agreed that blinding material should be purchased for the repair of that portion of Harris street between Queen street and Jrckson's corner. 1 Cr Pollosk further propesed that authority should be given to the Works Committee to carry out repairs on Douglas' road from factory corner to Keuy's corner.— Carried. It was decided to lay shingle on i East street, to carry out formation * work on the road adjoining Mr J. • Gathercole's property, Pukekohe Hili, and to lay scoria on the far end of Beattv's road. Cr Hurley remarked that it was a matter of general remark that tha roller and scarifier were doing good work where engaged. WATER SUPPLY PROBLEM. Cr Hubbard gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that the Council should take steps to acquire Hickey'B Springs under the Public Works Act. Cr Hubbard further proposed that in the meantime the Council's solicitor sbculd be engaged tc enquire into Mr Pilgrim's claim re water righte at Hickey'a Spring.— Cr Pollock seconded.—Cr Comrie opposed, saying that the Council had already agreed not to proceed further with any water scheme, but to postpone lurtber deliberations until aftt-r the forthcoming Council election.—The .motion was pessc*, Cr Comrie dissenting and Cr Hurley not voting. FIRE BRIGADE SUGGESTIONS.' A communication was received from the Pukekuhe Fire Brigade drawing the Council's attention to the great distance between - the fire-plugs in King street, and pointing out that the same would constitute a danger to the business portion of the town in the event of a lire. The Brigade further asked tor permisson to use the Council Chamber for brigade meetings, and v it was mentioned that it was intended to use the present Brigade r< om for sleeping purposes for two firemer, who would thus be in attendance throughout the night. The letter alto drew the Council's attention to what was described as a serious shortage of appliances at the Brigade's disposal. The application for the use of the Council Chamber was acceded to, and the other matters referred to in the letter were left over for the Fire Brigade Committee to report on. LEASING GAS RIGHTS. In regard to the recently defeated Gas Loan proposals, a letter was received from Mr J. W. Black man, of Masterton, the advisory engineer, asking if the Cuurcil would be prepared to consider the leasing of gas rights to a private company, the same to contain safeguarding clauses to enable the Council to purchase at some future date.

Cr Hubbard considered that the matter of leasiug the gas rights should be left to the new Council to deal with. He proposed accordingly.—Carried. NIGHT SOIL REMOVAL.

Mr W. Wilde wrote offering to carry out night soil removal at a charge of Is per pail. No action was taken, the Council having already resolved not to entertain the suggested institution of night poil removal. FINANCE.

A credit balance of £2062 15* 6d was reported as standing at th&> bank, and accounts totalling £383 2b 5d were passed for payment. RECOGNITION OF GOOD WORK. On the motion of the Mayor it was resolved to increase the Town Clerk'B (Mr Deane's) salary from £175 to £2OO per annum, and the Waterworks Foreman (Mr Wyatt) was granted, a gratuity of two months' salary in lieu ot holidays which he had foregone,' owing to pressure of duties, since being employed by the Council. Councillors bore testimony to the capable and efficient services performed by both Mr Deane and Mr Wyatt, the former's existing salary being alluded to as out of all proportion to the duties be performed.