PUKEKOHE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 393, 19 July 1918, Page 2

PUKEKOHE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. At the monthly meeting of the Pukekohe Borough Council, held on Wednesday evening last, there were present: The Mayor (Mr. H. G. B. Mason), Councillors A. B. Barter, J. Patterson, J. T. Stembridge, G. H. Armstrong, R. Bilkey, F. J. Morrow, and A. P. Daysh, with the Town Clerk (Mr. F. J. Deane). An apology for absence was re* received from Councillor Hamilton. A Complaint -

A letter was received from Miss Fawsett, renewing a complaint she made in June, 1917, of water being allowed to remain on the road in front of her property in Edinburgh Street, and flowing on to her section. She stated that, instead of a culvert being laid in the water-table when a scoria crossing was put across the road, the scoria was thrown in the yratetr-table, resulting in the water running over the footpath into the adjoining property. The Foreman was instructed to institute such work as would remedy the defect. Pukekohe Hill. Mr. J. Robertson and three other owners of adjoining property on Pukekohe Hill wrote, stating that they were prepared to contribute £9O towards the repair .and metalling of the portion of the road from the corner of Mr. Cronin's property to that of Mr. Robertson's. Councillor Stembridge reported that the Finance Committee had considered the request, and had ascertained that there was an unspent balance of £3O available for improvements on that road. The cost of repairs, he said, would amount approximately to £l2O. He moved that the offer of £7O be accepted, and that as soon as the weather improved the work should be carried out. This was unanimously agreed to. Balance-sheet

On the motion of the Mayor, the balance-sheet, as audited, of the Borough Council's accounts for the year ending 31st March last was adopted. Electric Lighting. The Lighting Committee reported as follows:—The work of duplication is now nearing completion, and the Engineer estimates that by Friday, 2nd August, he will be able to supply a limited day load. We would like, in fairness to the Engineer, to explain the failure of the light on Friday, the 12th inst. Such was owing to the excessive load placed on the plant—a load that was not anticipated by the late Mr. Fenn for at least two years, but which has taken place in ten months. This caused the fuse wires in the Power House installed with the plant to give out, causing several stoppages in the light for a few seconds while replacing them. This should speak volumes ( for the progress of our electric lighting scheme. Councillor Barter, in moving adoption of the report, explained that the Council would only be able to supply a limited day load, and only during restricted hours. The Mayor remarked that he understood that little day power would be provided at first, but, as the possibilities of the use of electricity in the future for heating and power purposes were boundless, he trusted further developments would take place at an early date. Councillor Barter fully realised the many uses to which electricity could be applied, but, he said, further extensions and improvements could not be carried out within additional loans. Their Engineer (Mr. Wyatt) had, by skill and by the economical use of material, been able to effect the duplication of the machinery at considerable saving, but it was impossible to carry out other improvements which might be desired without an additional loan from the public.

The report was adopted. Fire Brigade Telephone. Councillor Barter reported that Captain Brown, of the Pukekohe Fire Brigade, had applied for permission to have the telephone extended to his house in Seddon Street, which, in case of fire, would he a great advantage to the public. He (Councillor Barter) understood that the installation to a Fire Brigade officer's house would be carried out by the Postal Department at half the usual cost, towards which Captain Brown offered to contribute half the amount. Councillor Patterson objected to the proposal, on the ground of cost. Councillor Armstrong said the connection was wanted for the protection of the public and for the convenience of Captain Brown in his official capacity.

On the motion of Councillor Barter, it was resolved to enquire from the Postal Department if the connection would be made at half cost, and, if so. it was agreed to arrange for the same. Finance. The Town Clerk reported that the debit balance on the General Account was £2,416/3/-. with a credit balance <.f £530/13/3 on the Loan Account. Accounts amounting to £5*24/2/7 were passed for payment.