PAPAKURA TOWN BOARD.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 118, 8 December 1915, Page 1

PAPAKURA TOWN BOARD.

Monthly Meeting.

The monthly meeting of the Papakura Town Board waa held on Monday eveuing. When the meeting opened Messrs D. B. Stewart, D. W. Jones, 'T. Campbell, J. Bates and the clerk, Mr Geissler, were present. MODE OF PROCEDURE. The acting-chairman, Mr Stewart, stated that the first business of the meeting was the election of a chairman, but Messrs Jones and Campbell raised objections to this, stating that it would be better to have the minutes first, as the Board had no official intimation that the position was vacant. The minutes were then read, Messrs Crawford and Waliis having arrived meanwhile. MR WILLIS' RESIGNATION. The correspondence was then read, the first letter being from Mr A. Willis, embodying his resignation. PUBLIC HEALTH. The District Health Officer wrote recommending that the waste pipes and sink ni a property on the Wairoa road should,be trapped on account uf a case of tubercolosis which was recently discovered. Members thought that the matter was one for the consideration of the Wairoa Road Board. WAIROA ROAD BOARD. A letter was read from the Wairoa Road Board tendering apologies for their deputation'* non-appearance at the i'ai-akura Board's Inst meeting, but stated that the members selected hoped to be present at the next meeting. With regard to Dominion road repairs the letter stated that the matter was being attended to. The Wairoa Road Board took the opportunity of drawing the Papakura Board's attention to holes in the main road between Clow's corner and the station.—it was explained that the latter had been attended to. The deputation waited upon the Board towards the close of the meeting, and matters in connection with the joint rangership were thoroughly discussed.

Mr Walsh suggested that the cooperation of the Papakura Road Board should be sought. Mr McConaughy also spoke upon the matter, but suggested that owners of cattle taken in hand by the ranger should be given an option of releasing the beasts on the road at a fee.

The deputation suggested that a joint pound should be erected and a ranger employed. The following motion proposed by Mr Jones was carried in the presence oi the Wairoa Road Board deputation: "That this Board is of opinion that the proposal uf the Wairoa Koad Board is worthy of consideration, and suggests that a conference of the neighbouring local bodies be held for the purpose of going into the matter. HOTEL TRANSFER.

Messrs Nicholson and Gribben forwarded a cheque for £2, being the transfer fee payable to the Board on the transfer ot the license of the Papakura Hotel frum Mr C. Waterman to Mr S. L. Bygrave. KARAKA BRIDGE. Messrs Arthur Kates and Co., Ltd., wrote stating that the principle of the firm was disappointed to see the very crooked approach to the Karaka bridge on the Papakura side, and asked it it was too late to alter the road. The letter suggested that the Board take action in the matter so as to strengthen the hands of the Karaka Road Board.—lt wae decided to refer the matter to the Franklin County Council.

PAPAKURA IMPROVEMENTS. Messrs Willis Bros, wrote stating that excavation works were being carried out on their property adjoining their store, and as a result the pipes leading to the water trough had been lifted. The firm asked that members of the Board should inspect the work relative to the relaying cf the pipe's, and, further, drew attention to the Hooding of their property on Elliott street. It was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the actingchairman and Messrs Crawford, Bates and Campbell. RATEABLE VALUES. The Municipal Association for' warded an opimon"that on a revision of the District Valuation Roll a local authority might object to any valuation." It was added that "the Valuer-General can at any time increase the valuation in consequence of the addition of improvements, or on account of subdivision." ROAD WORK. Various contemplated road works were reported upon and discussed by the Board. Some matters had been deferred owing to the recent wet weather, and fit was decided that these should be immediately attended to. After the completion of Huia road it was decided that East street be given attention. ELEC'HON OF CHAIRMAN. The election of chairman was then proceeded with, Mr Stewart calling for nominations. Mr Mears proposed Mr D. W. Jones, stating that his reason for so doing was that the nominee was one of the "easiest get-at-able." Mr Campbell nominated Mr Stewart for the remainder of the term, Baying that he was the oldest member of the Board and be

thought would give satisfaction to the ratepayers. ]hs latter nomination was seconded by Mr Waliis. Mr Jones' nomination was not seconded, and en further nomination being lortheoming, Mr Stewatt was declared elected.

The newly - elected chairman thanked the members for the liuncur they had done him, stating that he had a hard row to hoe to follow in the footsteps of the late chairman, Mr A. Wilile. He, however, would do bia beat in tin intertsts of Papakura and the Board. Mr Stewart also welcomed the newlyelected member, Mr A. Waliis. EAST STREET.

Mr E. C. Cole waited upon the Board with reference to an approach to Mr W. Multitude's property, which has been let, and it was stated that the matter would be attended to. SOUTH ROAD.

The condition of the South road at Cave's Hill was considered, and it was decided that two men be engaged to repair the road. FINANCE. The clerk reported that the' overdraft at the bank was at present about £l'JO. There were about £l4O worth of rates still to come in, with £BO licensee tees due in June next. Until the latter month, providing all the rates were paid, the Board thus had about £4O to spend. Members were of the ocinion that the Board would have to adopt the suggestion thrown out by the Government and go slow, so that no new work will be undertaken but repair work carried out. ROAD METAL. it was decided that tenders be called for the supply uf 150 yards of blue metal, 100 vards to be delivered in the reserve and 50 vards on the Hunua road. CARTING. The matter of carting metal was considered by the Board, and it was stated that except when metal was being carted over bills members should stop the use of two horses. The chairman, however, said the Board should pay a fair price for carting, and men on the road shoulu also get more than 8s per day. Since the outbreak rf war the cost of living had advanced greatly, but the wages of the Boatd'B employees had not risen accordingly. At a later meeting be would probably move that an advance in wages be naid. KANFURLY ROAD. It was resolved that the Board inspect Raofurly road with a view to deciding upon various proposed works. CEMETERY SECTIONS. It was decided that the Board resume possession of the cemetery sections, to clear them, and offer them for sale at the February stock sale in Papakura. ACCOUNT. The following accounts were passed for payment:—A Young £2 16s, W A Kerr £1 4s 6d, D McFarlane £5 15s, W Rhind JH Is, W Richardson, rebate of half rates, £1 2a Id.