PAPAKURA TOWN BOARD.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 587, 26 November 1920, Page 1 (Supplement)

PAPAKURA TOWN BOARD.

MONDAY NIGHT'S MEETING.

The ordinary meeting of the Papakura Town Board was held on Monday, when there were present: Messrs. S. Evans (acting-chairman), E. D. McLennan, D. W. Jones, T. D. Campbell, R. Montgomery and the clerk (Mr. A. L. Cooper). An apology for absence was received from Mr. Jos. Rea. A petition signed by Mr. T. J. Hansley and four others, ratepayers, resident in Wellington Street, requested the board to form a footpath from the existing one on Wellington Street to the saleyards, also that Cook Street footpath be attended to. It was decided to accede to the request as far as Wellington Street was concerned, but the matter of Cook Street footpath was referred to the Works Committee to deal with. Water Supply Loan, £BOOO. With reference to the loan of £Booo\ for the water supply, the Public Trust\ Office requested the board to forward necessary particulars, when the application would be considered. The rate of interest was 5*2 per cent, plus 1 per cent, sinking fund. Mr. Jones moved and Mr. Montgomery seconded that the necessary particulars be forwarded and that application be made for the money. Mr. Jones pointed out that in the interests of the district and the health of the inhabitants the money should be obtained even at the greater rate of interest that money could be procured (if availabfe, but. it is not) from the State Advances Office. If the board only required £IOOO or any amount up to £BOOO it could be lifted, but if - the money was not required there was no need to lift it. He contended that it would be a far better policy to have the work completed as soon as possible rather than retard the inork and the progress of the district for the sake of a few extra pounds. The fact of deferring the matter meant that the work would be delayed for a period of nine months. Mr. Montgomery endorsed Mr. Jones' remarks. The chairman maintained that it would be a very shortsighted polity for the board to raise the money at a higher rate of interest. He was inclined to defer the matter for about nine months when money would be available at a cheaper rate of interest. Mr. McLennan was of the opinion that owing to the demand for money by local bodies, and the scarcity thereof, the rate of interest would considerably increase. Mr. Campbell said that if the £BOOO was procured at the higher rate of interest it would mean that the board would raise £34,500 instead of £28,000 sanctioned. This meant that they would be raising another £4500 without letting the ratepayers know the position. Mr. Jones pointed out that Mr. Campbell's figures were wrong. Under the conditions of the loan the board had authority to raise an additional 10 per cent. The motion fin being put was carried, Mr. Campbell dissenting. * Sanitary Depot. The possibilities of securing a suitable saifitary depot for the district are very remote indeed. The board for the last six months has endeavoured to obtain a suitable dump, but any likely place has met with public opposition. A site was obtained on Mr. J. Rea's property, but the Manukau County Council received a petition from ratepayers in the neighbourhood requesting the practice should cease at once. The County Council took action, and since then the board has been endeavouring to overcome the difficulty. The Sanitary Committee reported on Monday evening that so far no definite arrangements had been made. It was resolved the matter be again referred to 'the committee, with power to act. Stone Crusher. The chairman reported that he had made arrangements to have the newly acquired stonecrtlsher brought to Papakura. He and Mr. Campbell had inspected McKinstrey's creek »and found a large quantity of •metal available for crushing. It was decided to take steps to have a quantity of metal .crushed to cope with immediate requirements. The chairman's action in having the crusher brought to Papakura was endorsed. The engineer was instructed to proceed with the kerbing and channelling of the Great South Road and Broadway. It was decided to notify owners of property, through which the creek, running parallel with Eagt Street, flows, to clean the creek from all obstructions, particularly willows. It was resolved to procure a quan- , tity of shell for the purpose of shelliqg footpaths.