OTAHUHU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 318, 12 October 1917, Page 3

OTAHUHU

OTAHUHU BOROOGH COUNCIL At the fortnightly meeting of the Otahuhu Borough Council, held last evening, there were present the Mayor (Mr A. McDonald), Crs J. Brady, H. J. Hall, H. J. Moffitt, E. Todd, H. T. Clements, A. J Wildman, H. V Stringer, and F. JR. Field, with the Town Clerk (Mr W. J. Dinnison). POST OFFICE HOURS Sir F. W. Lang, MP, forwarded a copy of a letter he had received from the Postmaster-General with regard to the proposed alteration in the hours of duty at the Otahuhu Post and Telegraph office. The letter from the Postmaster-General, dated October 9th, was as follows : "I have the honour to inform you that the Otahuhu Post and Telegraph office is open between 7 and 8 p.m. for public business. This attendance is not necessary. The returns for the work done*<Wnot pay for the lighting. During the month of September between 7 and 8 pm. there were forwarded six bureau communications and 27 ordinary telegrams to a value of 14s Bd. If the evening attendance were abolished the services of a cadet could be saved. I propose, therefore, to close the office for the day at 5 p.m. But before doing so I shall be glad to hear whether you have any remarks to offer. At the present time particularly, no expense should be continued that can be avoided." After the reading of the letter the Mayor remarked that in view of the suggestion that a telephone bureau should be established in Otahuhu the closing of the office, as proposed in the letter, would affect the proposal for the establishment of a bureau since Mangere subscribers were influenced by the fact that the attendance at the Otahuhu bureau would be availabie from 7 to 8 in the evening. On the motion of the Mayor it was resolved that in view of the establishment of a telephone bureau in the neighbourhood the PostmasterGeneral should be asked to defer the question of curtailing hours at the Post Office.

I.AKK ST. .lOHN With reference to the suggestion made in a letter read at the last meeting from the Onehunga Borough Council that the respective Councils should co-operate in any future steps which might be thought necessary with regard to the preservation of Lake Bt. John, the Water and Drainage Committee recommended that the Council should co-operate to secure preservation of the lake. Cr Brady supported the recommendation of the Committee and expressed the opinion that, apart from the question that the lake might affect the Onehunga water supply, the matter should have the cordial support of all local bodies since the lake ought to be kept as a sanctuary for native birds. Cr Hall did not share the last speaker's views, for he contended that it was not a beauty spot. By supporting the recommendation, he said, they would be opposing the City Council. Cr Brady claimed that there seemed to be a desire on the part of some people to destroy all beauty spots around the city for the sake of mere profiteering and he was against it.

Cr Hall said the scheme was one outlined by the City Council and was not a private individual scheme. He moved as an amendment that the letter from the Onehunga Borough Council should be received and the Mayor seconded pro forma. On the amendment being put to the meeting it was only supported by Cr Hall and the recommendation of the committee was then adopted. HANGER The Public Services Committee reported that the services of the Ranger had been dispensed with and recommended that fresh applications should be invited for the position. The recommendation was adopted 11ATHING SUED PROVISION The Public Works Committee recommended that another shed for men should be built on the left-hand-side of the wharf and that the existing shed (at Avenue Road beach) should be altered to suit ladies. After some discussion as to the relative merits of Princess street, Walter street, and Avenue road as site for the shed for ladies, Cr Field moved that the Committee should submit a sketch of the proposed shed, with estimated cost, and should report at the next meeting.—This was agreed to.

CEMETERY RESERVE It was resolved, on the recommendation of the Public Services Committee, that tenders should be called for the lease of the Cemetery Reserve as from the Ist January, 1918, for a period of three years BAND INSTRUMENTS Cr Hall enquired if the Committee appointed by the Council to look after the Council's interests on the disbanding of the Municipal Band had taken over the instruments and uniforms. Cr Clements explained that Bandsman Logan had expressed his willingness to look after the uniforms. The Mayor said there should lie tin inventory of the band's equipment supplied and some definite understanding arrived at with regard to the custody of the same. It was eventually decided that the Town Clerk should communicate with Bandsman Logan on the subject and that Crs Clements and Todd should report thereon at the next meeting of the Council. ADDITIONAL SCHOOL VV.iVM >I • ATION Mr G W K empiay, Secretary to the O'ahuhu School Committee, wrote that owing to the overcrowdoo state of the schools his Committee nere trying to obtain temporary accommodation at the Salvation Army building.-' but there was no drainage to those premises. lie asked as a temporary measure that the Committee should be allowed to erect two conveniences uuder the pan system. the urgency of the matter the Council resolved that the