PAPAKURA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 274, 11 May 1917, Page 1

PAPAKURA.

PAPAKURA TOWN BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of the Papakura Town Board was held last Monday evening, when there were present: Messrs R. M. Gillespie (chairman), P. Holt, W. Richardson, H. Linstom, T. D Campbell, and H. Lloyd, with the Town Clerk (tar H. W. Geissler). Mr T. H. Markwick sent an apology for absenee. A LETTER OF THANKS. Mr Geo. Haidy, Secretary of the School Committee, wrote conveying the thanks of the Committee for the new footpath formed in front of the School. HUNTJA ROAD BRIDGE. A letter in answer to a communication from the Board was received from Mr Lockie Gannon (the Board's Engineer) stating that his plan for the proposed new bridge on the Hunua Road was a structure 12ft wide in the clear, the original scheme having been for 16 feet which was regarded as too costly. Arising out of this letter the chairman stated that a good deal of work was necessary to make the Red Hill Road accessible and he was of opinion that the construction of the bridge could be left in abeyance for the present. He was strongly in favoar of a 16 feet wide bridge and would not entertain the idea of a bridge 12 feet wide. Mr Holt suggested that the repairs to Red Hill were only required from the brow of the hill near Campbell's farm. Mr Linstrom enquired if a grant could hot be obtained from the Government but was informed that such would not be available.

Mr Holt thought that 12 feet width was quite enough for a single vehicle as the approach to the bridge was so short. He did not consider it necessary to make the bridge wide enough for two vehicles.

The chairman contended that the bridge should be wide enough for a motor and a pedestrian to pass over it at the same time but Mr Holt remarked that the bridge was only 14 feet long. The chairman thought that if the Board could not have a 16 feet bridge it would be better to wait until they could afford it. If, said the chairman, it was only four feet wider it might prevent an accident. Mr Campbell expressed himself in full agreement with the chairman and could not favour a bridge of less width than 16 feet.

Mr Linstrom enquired if a temporary bridge could be provided to which Mr Campbell remarked that for the sum of £2OO to £3OO a good bridge could be constructed. It was ultimately resolved on the motion of the chairn.an that the question of the construction of the bridge should be left in the hands of Messrs Holt, Campbell and Linstrom with power to act.

AREA OF TOWN DISTRICTS. The Hon, G. W. Russell, M.P., Minister of Internal Affairs, wrote acknowledging the Board's communication relative to a suggested amendment of the Act to enable a Town District to contain a greater area tftan now fixed by law, The Minister expressed his agreement with the suggested amendment and promised that the matter would be dealt with as early as possible. When this letter had been read Mr Holt submitted a draft of amendments to the Act which he suggested should be brought forward, remarking that if the Board could get the same passed Papakura would grow into a municipality by degrees. Mr Richardson proposed that a vote of thanks should be passed to Mr Holt for the great trouble he had taken in the interests of the town, The chairman remarked that Mr Holt was deserving of thanks as he had devoted a great deal of time to the Board's interests. The motion was unanimously agreed to, and Mr Holt remarking that he was only doing his duty. THE BALEYARDS (iI'ESTION.

A letter was received from the Manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., relative to the reply the Company had received from the Franklin County Council that the cost of forming and metalling Wellington Street from the Great South Roud would necessitate an expenditure of about £'27o, which they (the Council) could not undertake. The chairman said he did not think it had been intended that the road should be metalled, but it might be advisable to invite Mr Bodle (the manager) to meet the 'Board for a deputation to bo formed o wait upon the Franklin County

Council, It was agreed that Messrs Richardson, Linstrom and the chairman should meet Mr Bodle on the lines suggested. Mr* Richardson specially urged that the Board should push tho matter ahead and adhere to the scheme of having the saleyards removed. Previous Boards, he said, had for years endeavoured to have the saleyards removed and that Board should not allow the matter to drift.

ratepayers' ASSOCIATION deputation Messrs D. W. Jones (chairman) and JE, S. Cole waited on the Board - .".*. * . ... <. .. f ' . V

as a deputation from the newly formed Ratepayers' Association relative to providing an improved stock route and also asking that the condition of the cemetery should be improved, Mr Jones, in his opening remarks, said that the Association was not formed to work in an antagnostic spirit but rather to suggest improvements and to co-operate with the Board.

As to the stock route the deputation asked that an improved thoroughfare should be provided so that stock could be driven over the present route with less inconvenience to man and beast. It was mentioned by Mr Jones that the present bridge in Elliot Street together with the approach was too narrow and that cattle were in the habit of drinking salt water which was disasterous to the animals.

Mr Cole explained the difficulties experienced in getting cattle over the road and endorsed what Mr Jones had said.

Mr Richardson expressed his pleasure that the Association had been formed and was particularly pleased with the way in which the Association's claims had been presented.

Messrs Jones and Murray drew attention to the state of the footpaths along the Great South Road, which needed cleaning and attention. The chairman expressed pleasure at receiving the deputation and assured them that any matters brought before the Board would at all times receiva their careful consideration and their suggestions that evening, he added, would in due course receive attention.

The deputation thanked the Board for their courtesy and then withdrew.

RATES. It was resolved that the general rate for the year should be lid in the £ and the Special Rate threethirteenths of a penny.

FUTURE MEETINGS The chairman gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that future meetings of the Board should be held on the first Monday in the month at 10 a.m. instead of 7.30 p m. as now.

ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £4O 13s 6d were passed for payment.

CATTLE GRAZING Mr Holt presented a report of the Special Committee recommending that cows be licensed to graze on all roads in the Papakura district, except Great, South Road and the Broadway, at a fee of lCs for six months payable in advance, the Town Clerk be authorised to issue permits.

The report was "received" and was deferred for consideration.

THE LIBRARY Mr Holt, acting librarian, was authorised to sell or otherwise dispose of library books which were dilapidated and also to expend the sum of £3 in the purchase of new books, and 30s for rebinding books.

PAPAKURA PATRIOTIC LEAGUE

A meeting of the Papakura Patriotic League Committee was held on Monday, May 7th, in the Parish Hall.

The Treasurer submitted a report of the canvass for funds in aid of the Y.M.C.A. Trench Comfort Fund. This showed that the week's campaign resulted in the collection of £206 10s, and the committee were very well satisfied with the result of their efforts.

A hearty vote of thanks was moved to Messrs Lloyd, Slack and Linstrom for the use of their cars during the campaign; to the Methodist Trustees for the free use of their hall on the occasion of the visit of Messrs Fowlds and Spragg; to the Athletic Club for their donation of £'B ; to the Presbyterian Sunday School for their donation of £2 10s, and to Mr C. J. Moon for his splendid efforts in assisting the League. The Secretary was instructed to write and thank Messrs Fowlds and Spragg for their assistance. Messrs Richardson Bros forwarded a cheque for £fo IQs, the same being made up of the gross proceeds of last Saturday's picture entertainment (£9 13s) with a donation of 17s from themselves. The generosity of the firm was recognised in a special vote of thanks being accorded them. * Mr C. J. Moon was unanimously elected a member of the committee

The report further showed that the usual monthly contribution of £*J had been .sent to the Belgian Consul and that 2"> hussifs, as usual, had beon forwarded to the Auckland Women's Patriotic League.

THE RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION Tho liest business meeting of tiie newly formed Ratepayers' Association was held in the Parish Hall on Wednesday of last week when thero was a fairly good muster of members. in the absenca of the ['resident Mr D. W. Jones) through indisposition, Mr A. Willis was voted to the chair.

Mr Watkinson brought forward the matter of much needed improvement to the stock roud, more especially tho necessity of fencing oil' where it skirted the salt water, and the Chairman drew attention to tho growtli of noxious woods in the cemetery. The President and Messrs Cole and Watkinson wore appointed to attend tho next meeting of tho Board to bring these matters before the Board.

Several other important matters, dealing more especially with finance, were discussed, but on the suggestion of the Chairman were left in abeyance until members were more conversant with Town Board matters.

Meetings are to be held on the second Monday in the month and it is to be hoped members will roll up.

Mr T. J. Elliott, who only a few months ago succeeded Mr D. W. Jones as headmaster of the Papakura school, has resigned the position having accepted an appointment as Assistant Inspector under the Hawke's Bay Education Board. He leaves for Napier to take up his duties as Inspector at once. Mr Elliott is generally regarded as a highly efficient teacher and many will r,egret his departure from the district. It is understood that Mr Jones will temporarily act as headmaster, pending the appointment of a successor to Mr Elliott.