OTAHUHU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 300, 10 August 1917, Page 2

OTAHUHU

[The Otahuhu Agent for " The Times" is Mr Bathe, from Whom copies of the paper may be ordered. Mr Bathe is also authorised to receive advts. and printing orders on oar behalf. | BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING LAST NIGHT The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last evening. There were present. the Mayor (Mr A. McDonald), Crs H. J. Hall, H. J. Moffitt, R Todd, H. t Clements, A. J. Wildman, F. R Field, and J. Brady. Cr H. J. Hall acted as Town Clerk pro tem, Mr Kent-Johnston's successor not having yet taken up duty. SECOND DIVISION LIAGCE

Mr A. A, Cfemer, President of the Second Division League, Auckland, wrote asking if His Worship the Mayor would take the chair at a faceting of the League to be held in the Otahuhu Public Hall oh Tuesday next—His Worship intimated that he had written agreeing to take the chair as requested.

GREAT SOUTH BOAD FOOTPATH A petition bearing about 100 signatures of residents was received asking that the footpath on ihe Great South Road between Huia and Portage roads should be repaired as it was impassable. It was also requested that the water tables should be cleared. Cr Wildman said the footpath in question was used by a large number of workmen and in winter was always in a bad state. The matter ww referred to the Works Committee to report as to the probable cost of the work. CATTLE AT LABOS !

Considerable amusement wis caused by the reading of alette* from Mr M. A. Pickard which contained the folio wine: "Will yoU the Ranker to ooihe and pound the aniirtals that are oil these roads every night and, in fact, every day as WelL there are two cows—a red one and a red and white—they are out on this street every night lam told the Banger knows all about those two cows and who they belong to. And there is a black horse that lives on Avenile road and the streets leading from it and is never taken in by the owner —to-night he was galloping down this street like a mad thing The Bangefr has never been seen in Walter street at any time and I am quite certain he has never come any night so far. Will yon please tell him the contents of this letter and also tell him if these animals are not kept off I will report him at the next Council meeting. Crs Field and Todd both considered that the Banger was doing his work satisfactorily. As to the "black horse," the Mayor remarked that he had been approached that day by a ratepayer who had seen that hone repeatedly. Cr Brady also drew especial attention to "that black horse" which seemed to live on the roads. It was decided to draw the attention of the Banger to the complaint made.

MANGERE WATER SUPPLY la further reference to the Mangere Boad Board's application for water to be supplied from Otahnhu for the Manga* Bridge district, Mr £. Ashcroft (Clerk to the Boad Board) wrote that the probable number of consumers would be about 25 to 30 and the estimated quantity of water required would be 250,000 gallons per annum. The Board, he said, would agree to take a supply through a large meter at the boundary of the distriots or for consumers to have their own meters The matter was referred to the Water and Drainage Committee for % report. woollky's footpath

Arising out of the Beport of the Works Committee, in which it was stated that the Road Foreman had been instructed to report on the condition of Woolley's footpath, the Mayor said the Council wished to know whether the Foreman intended to carry out the instructions given him. Cr Field pointed out that 2J chains were formed and metalled but the balance was not.

Cr Brady said a large quantity of scoria had been left there ani as far as he could ascertain the instructions given to the Foreman had not been complied with. Cr Field, who endeavoured at some length to explain what had actually been done by the Foreman, claimed that the work was thoroughly solid and in good order. He felt sure there was some misunderstand* ing. Cr Moffitt contended that the footpath had been formed only two feet wide instead of four feet wide as intended. After much informal discussion the Committee's report was adopted on the understanding that the Foreman should report why the instructions of the Committee had not been carried out.

CHBIBTMAS GUTS FOR 80LDIEBI Mrs Rouse, on behalf of the Otahuhu Women's Patriotic League, in a letter to the Council, applied for a special grant towards the Soldiers' Christmas Gift Fund. Cr Hall stated that he believed £lO was given last year. The Mayor intimated that he understood the town aimed at giving £75 and the school children had contributed £ls. The object was a worthy one in every way. All the Councillors concurred and on the motion of Or Wildman the sum of £lO was donated to the fund. WATXH TOWIB. In connection with the recommendation of the Water and Drainage Committee's report that a " capable man " should report on the improvements which should be

effected to the storage capacity of the water tower Cr Moffitt moved an amendment that the word 9 " capable man" should be substituted by " competent engineer," contending ihat the latter was what was needed. Cr field explained that in his opiiiibn a " competent engineer was not necessarily a capable man. A good practical man was required, experienced in ferro concrete work. On the amendment being put it was carried, Cr Field alone dissenting. With regard to the engagement of an engineer Cr Moffitt moved that a certain engineer (whom he named) should be engaged for the purpose and was supported by Crs Todd, Clements and Brady. An amendment by Cr Field that the question should be deferred wasj howeter, Untried on the casting vote of the kOyoi:

PUMPING ENGINEER'S RESIGNATION. The Mayor read a letter from Mr John H. Nodwell tendering his resignation as Borough Engineer. In referring to this His Worship .flaid he had approached Mr Nodwell with a view to his withdrawing his resignation as in his opinion the Council could not have a more capable and trustworthy man. Continuing, the Mayor remarked that there had been too much " pin pricking " and he was afraid the suggestion made some time ago that the position of turncock and engineer should be combined had, in conjunction with other street rumours, culminated in Mr Nodwell's resignation. There had been far too much Council business conducted on the street and he hoped for the harmony of the meetings of the Council generally that it Would cease. In the case under review the position of the pumping engineer Under such circumstances was unbeatable and as a result Mr NodWell had decided to resign. It was decided to advertise for a ttiinping Engineer in succession to Mr Nodwell.

FINANCE CrH.J, Hall, as acting treasurer, reported that the debit balance on the District Fund Account stood at £3908 138 Id and that the following accounts were in credit, viz, Cemetery £ll4 6s lid, Park £l5O 2s 9d, and Domain £36 14s Bd. Accounts amounting to £369 5s 7d were passed for payment.

We would direct the attention of oiir readers to the advt. of Mr John Hall, of Otahuhu, appearing in chis issue. This old est tbliahed fiim dates back its establishment to the year 1848, and has throughout its long career maintained a reputation for supplying the highest class of gonds at reasonable prices, believing that a good article is cheaper than so called 'cheap' goods whose quality is unreliable. The reputation of Hall's grass seeds stands deservedly high amongst farmers both of Upper and Lower Waikato. Thanks to the good offices of the Mayor (Mr A McDonald) the talented musical combination known as the Auckland Male Choir, of which His Worship is a member, are to give a concort in aid of patriotic funds in the Otahuhu Public Hall next Thursday evening. The programme will also be contributed to by other of Auckland's leading vocalists and a crowded assembly should be secured.

In the report in our last issue of the Baptist Sale of Woik Mrs Ashcroft, in place of Miss 0 Thwaites, should have been credited with having assisted in playing the musical accompaniments for the stage items rendered.