SHANNON’S PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

Shannon News, 11 September 1925, Page 3

SHANNON’S PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

—— IMPROVEMENTS to cost. £700. RATEPAYERS to BE ASKED FOR LOAN.

At the meeting of the Shannon Borough Council on Tuesday, Cr. Spencer, chairman of the Housing Committee submitted the following report in respect to altering the present Council Chambers:— Your Housing Committee met to discuss questions with reference to the proposed work in alterations, etc., to, the present Borough buildings. (1) Decided to alter plan and dispense with verandah. (2) To attach ladies’ rest room and conveniences to rear of building and approach same by footpath between Borough Buildings and Post Office, for which purpose the Council are endeavouring to procure an 18-inch strip from Post office, which with the additions of that, already there, will give easy access to rear of building. We recommend the Council to favourably consider this scheme only, costing in the vicinity of £700, giving all the necessary conveniences to carry on for several years. Dealing with the report Cr. Spencer said various opinions had been expressed regarding the proposal and some persons seemed to think the money would be wasted. But, be said, it was ridiculous to spend £7000 or £8000 for looks when they could get the required conveniences for £700 or £800. He would like the councillors individually to express openly their candid opinion of the proposal, as it was desirable that they should be united and work together. Cr. Curran said he was not in favour of the proposed work, thus further increasing the rates. The present building was good enough for them to carry on, and unless they proposed getting a proper hall or building he would not favour asking the ratepayers to sanction a loan. Cr. Thwaites: Cr. Curran is not consistent. He says he does not favour spending money and increasing the rates, yet in the same breath he says he favours a new building. At this point Cr. Roberts said that at the last meeting the proposal, with certain alterations, was passed unanimously. There was a minute to that effect and it should not be discussed over again. The proposed scheme was then thoroughly explained to Cr. Curran by the deputy mayor, who pointed out that although a rate would have to be struck to raise the necessary money, it would not have to be collected as the revenue derived from letting the office would pay the interest. Cr. Curran then took exception to living rooms being on the premises. Cr. Downes said as a member of the Housing Committee he had gone into the question thoroughly and he was satisfied that it was essential some one should reside on the premises as caretaker. Cr. Curran: If this proposal is allowed to go on it will be the end of a municipal hall. Cr. Spencer said the Council had quite enough to look after, without a municipal hall. He said he could quite understand anyone being opposed to the scheme if the rates were to be increased, but it would be self supporting. The Council have get to tackle something like this or they will never improve the present building. Cr. Thwaites then moved: “That the Council approve of the scheme if the strip of land of 18 inches can he obtained from the Post and Telegraph Department.” This was carried, Cr. Curran being the only dissentient. On Cr. Downes’ motion it was resolved that the Town Clerk be instructed to make arrangements to take the necessary poll for raising the money. Cr. Thwaites then gave notice of motion that all other, resolutions dealing with municipal buildings be rescinded. A vote of thanks was accorded Crs. Spencer and Thwaites for their offer, to prepare a slide to be thrown on the picture screen showing ratepayers the proposed scheme. THE PROPOSAL. It is proposed to raise the building at least nine inches and repair the foundation where necessary and bring the main frontage out in line to the front boundary, and also make the following additions to present buildings.—Reading room, main entrance hall Town Clerk’s office, strong room for Council, office for letting with a private entrance and ladies’ rest room with conveniences at the rear of the building which will be reached by a private entrance between the building and Post Office. The building is to receive three coats of paint and be repapered throughout, and chimneys pulled down and re-erected There will be a recess front door at the main entrance and the front windows will be of quarter inch plate glass. It is estimated the cost of this work will be £700.