Whakatane News

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 327, 14 September 1932, Page 6

Whakatane News

Our District Representative)

borough council QUESTION OF WRITING OFF GENERAL RATES DISCUSSED REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

(From

The monthly meeting of the Whakatane Borough Council was held on Monday night, the Mayor, Mr. W. Sullivan, presiding. The borough inspector reported that several sections were covered with gorse, and that complaints were being received in this connection. The clerk reported that the matter had been placed in the hands of the Works Committee and that the cutting of the gorse would be proceeded with immediately. A letter was received from a resident complaining of the danger of road racing on Saturday in the precincts of the borough and claiming that such racing constituted a menace both to the riders and the general public. After discussion, His Worship the Mayor, and Councillor A. F. Moncur was appointed a subcommittee to confer with the cycling club in regard to the matter. Rates Written Off A recommendation from the finance committee that the council agree to the writing off of rates totalling £5010 9s 9d was adopted. His Worship explained the matter at length and stated that the position in regard to rates outstanding had been incorrectly represented for a considerable period. Of the present amount to be written off, about £1200 was european rates and the balance native rates.

Some of the european rates had been wrongly levied and a great amount of it was "statute barred." The collection of native rates was a diffieult matter, the Maoris, relatively speaking, being guests of the borough. From now on, however, steps were being taken to have charging orders put on native lands where rates were not being paid and that policy would be put in operation immediately. Practical Assistance His Worship the Mayor in commenting on the fact that a youth would be appointed to the office staff stressed the opinion that all employers of labour, including local bodies, should make every effort to increase their staffs, as every person so placed was not only of benefit to the person concerned, but also very materially assisted to reduce unemployment. His Worship said that he referred not only to the employment of youths, but trusted that where possible young women should be absorbed in domestic duties. Several councillors also spoke in support and the town clerk was instructed to obtain a suitable youth as junior assistant in the office. Main Highways Fund The following resolution, moved by Cr. Moncur, was carried: — "That this council record its protest against the continued depletion of Main Highways Boards' funds for purposes other than those for which the fund was instituted, and that a circular letter be forwarded asking for support from every local body concerned." In seconding the motion, the Mayor remarked that it was hopeless trying to follow out any definite policy in regard to maintenance work while each year more money was being taken from the fund for other purposes. He believed that motor transport had come to stay, and that while the resolution might not be heeded at once, a combined protest from all local bodies might bring pressure on the Government to conserve the Main Highway funds for purposes of road construction and maintenance. General Business It was decided to fence a portion of the Maraetotara Gorge Road for a distance of 24 chains. Dealing with a report of the works committee, that the gorse nuisance on properties at Kopeopeo was becoming serious, it was resolved that the inspector be instructed to furnish a list of all sections where the nuisance is not being combatted. Conditions, drawn up by the clerk, relating to the licensing of theatres and hails and provision for regulation of attendances, Sunday use of the premises and the provision of firemen at entertainments were approved and the superintendent of the fire brigade appointed the council's surve.yor of such buildings. Estimates for the sealing of Bridge Street, portion of Commerce Street and the Strand from Commercial Hotel to the Wharf, are to be prepared by the foreman. In his monthly report, Mr. A. L. Donaldson stated that he had issued a warning to newspaper boys not to ride cycles or ponies on the footpaths, otherwise action would be taken against them.