TAIHAPE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3654, 16 December 1920, Page 4

TAIHAPE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Taihape Borough Council was held last night, when there were present: His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. J. Joblin), and Crs. Reid, Etevcneaux, Davies, and Fookcs. CORRESPONDENCE. Outward correspondence "was read and approved and inward dealt with as follows: —

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmee.

From Manager Ponsonby Boys’ Band enclosing itinerary of tour. The Mayor expressed the hope that the citizens -would do the best they could for the boys who would be here on 6th January, and again on 14th January, and Or. Cunninghame jwas appointed to make the necessary ar range-ments in connection with the billeting of the boys. s From Secretary of Labour re statutory meeting of the Council. —Resolved that the meeting be held on 21st January. From District Health Officer re sanitary inspector, outlining the now system and explaining that the Council would require to pay £6O per annum as its contribution towards the salary of the inspector. The Mayor explained that the District Health Officer was under a misapprenhension regarding the contribution the Council had been paying. Cr. Pookes thought the Council should ajppoint its own • sanitary inspector. The town was not in a sanitary state, and the inspector had a very large district to cover. Something should bo done in the way of having the town cleaned up. He did not think a sufficient amount of attention was paid, to sanitation through the lack of inspection. Cr. Cunninghame and others did not think there was a .sufficient amount of work to keep their own inspector occupied full time, and it was resolved that the sum of £SO per annum be offered to the Department as the Council’s contribution towards, the. salary of the inspector.

From Caledonian Society re use of ground and permission to make a charge for admission on 27th January. —Granted. From Rangitikei' County Clerk re hydro-electric pqwer s explaining what steps had been taken in the direction of forming a power board. —The Mayor explained that he had attended the conference, and that under the scheme Taihape could come in under the outer area, which would not com-

mit them to anything.—Received. From Inspector of Explosives re Explosives 'tAct-, and enclosing a copy of the Statute. —Referred to Works Comittee for report. From Minister of Lands, regretting inability .to visit Taihape at present, and stating that a visit would be made at a later date if possible.—Received. From Minister of Public Health, regretting inability to visit Taihape at present. —Received. Prom Borough solicitor re right-of-way. —Agreed to. Prom Taihape Athletic Club re use of Oval on Ist January, and asking permission to make a charge for admission.—Granted. From Town Clerk Gisborne, re pre- > ' ■ mium bonds, and asking Council’s support for proposal that loans be raised by the issue of premium bonds. —Cr. Cunninghame thought the Council shoilld support the .proposal, as they all knew that the financial position was most difficult at tHe present time. It was not such a gamble as a good many people contended. He moved that the Gisborne Borough Borough Council's 'recommendations* be supported. Seconded by Cr. Davies and carried unanimously. BOROUGH FOREMAN’S REPORT. ( In submitting my report *, for .the past four weeks I wish to state that the following work has been carried out; The wall and footpath at Aldridge Terraco has been repaired and opened for traffic again. The new culvert in. Ruru Road has been put and to> complete this job another four . concrete pipes will be required. I report the culvert in Ruru Road leading from Mr Wrightson’s property is in a dangerous condition and will require to he renewed as soon a? possible as the 9-inch water main from the reservoir passes directly over this culvert and if allowed to break . away would cause disaster to the | water supply. I The filling in of the culverts in Car- 0 ver Street and «pi Street has been! almost completed and in carrying out this work, I had the open drain in Mataroa Road cleaned out aud used for filling; the extra filling required I obtained from Carver and Pipi Streets, forming about five chain of new footpath where the earth Kas been carteC

away. The 12-ineh. sewer pipe leading froin the sop He tank to the river became blocked with silt 'from the river and had to ho cleaned. While at this work

I took opportunity of cleaning out the septic tank ? and I would respectfully recommend that the overgrow: h around the septic tank and along rh - pipe line be cleared away as soon ; s possible and the two slips that have come down covering up the man-hole be cleared away. 2 would recommen that the exposed part of the septic tank receive a coat of it is chipping in many places, and requires attention. Tho, footpath from the Crma Hotel to Matai Street has been cl*. ed and coated with ashes, ‘also U>o footpath from Lord’d Stables to Him Street, and as soon as formed will e * coated with ashes.

TOWN CLERK AND OVERSET:IV} REPORT. 1 / Mr J. F. Town Clerk, reported as follows: wish to report that I have made application to the Board of Trade re further permits fox concrete slab footpath work. Copies of the correspondence will’ be placed before you th’s evening. The kerbs and channels have boon completed along the eastern side of Main Street, and a start has been made with the same work on 'the western side. I might here point out that as we have not a permit for footpath construction work from Huia Street to termination of new kerbs and channels near Dalgety's, the completion of this section, has been held over. As you are about to consider the question of asphalting Main Street, it is probably as well that your attention should be concentrated on finishing the kerb and channels on the west side. For this reason the work nas been commenced at tho Bank of Australasia corner and we intend completing same to Mr Nathan *s corner at Kuku Street as I understand this is the first area of the roadway which you propose to asphalt and the completion of the channels as above wilt be necessary before the regrading of the Main Street is commenced. This work will be taken in hand ns soon as a decision has been come to* in respect of tbe specification to bo followed and a sufficient number of men are available, Tho work will bo completed to within three inches of the top edge or 'the channel, and after will be left open for traffic until the asphalt’ work is commenced. I was advised oh 6th inst. by Messrs Booth . MacDonald that tho Scarifier would be shipped in a day’ or two.

I have placed a bigger gang on the kerb and channel work in Main Street and expect to see this work finished before the Christmas holidays. The kerbs’and channels in Tui Street from Main Street to the Railway Station Will follow and providing a permit is obtained, the footpath work will bo pushed ahead after the kerbs etc. in Tui Street are completed. Arrangements have >been made for the supply of 400 yards of Eangitikei river gravel from Utiku. The cement on hand and in sight will enafSc us to carry on for some time to come. Should the weather continue favourable, labour be available and a permit granted, the M£sn Street bjonceitp work should be well advanced by Feb-r-ii.ary next.'

r 'made an inspection of the swimming baths on oth inst. and found that the crack in the bottom which was so noticeable last year had caused the plaster work to lift off the concerto bottom an inch or two, thus allowing the water to get under the, plaster. This has been all picked out and relaid with a strong quick setting mixture. The grounds have been cleaned up j and the baths should be ready forfilling on the night of the 10th inst. X might here mention that in quite a? number of places I found that the bottom surface is showing signs of lifting, due probably to expansion ami /contraction influences in the concrete bottom. ’ SOUTH BRIDGE: The acting Foreman (F. W. Bowers) states that a considerable amount of very heavy traffic has been going over the Otailiape Stream Bridge on the Main South Road of late aud that the decking off the bridge will require renewing. (One new punk was placed in position on Bth inst.) The sill on the north end Is cracked and it is probably advisable that you should consider fixing a limit to the loads to ho carried across. GRAVEL PIT: Very little has been made :n clearing away the slips owing to the men having been in more urgent work. Would >strongly urge that the working of the pit be carried out on safdfr lines than has been previously obtained. The steep faces worked in the past are certainly, unsafe and tend to encourage slips.

I understand from the borough foreman that it is tin* intention of the Trustees of the Loyal Hautapu Lodge of Oddfellows to pipe the creek running across their property in. Carver Street. Th's f-' v ’ bo dope es as possible otherwise it will be nccoa-' - try to •’ under the prC.yi-

eions of The Municipal Corporations Act 1908 to have this section, which is j dangerous to foot passengers fenced off. Willow trees in the swamp in the Oval Domain. These have all been cut down and stumps removed. The following table of allocations and expenditure to 6th inst. in the Items unde? administration by your committee, will show. you how these j‘ accounts stand. Storm .Water Drainage, Allocation £2654. Kerb Channels and" 3 Paths (note some cement on hand) £3739 —-£1298. Regrading Road a Ud Asphalting Main and Tui Street ( metal on hand worth £115) £4258—£487. Sundry Street Improvements £2OOO »—£1292. / Plant Account (Roller etc. to pay for) £2500—£643.' Preliminary expenses and first years interest £l3O3 —£1038.

I applied for a refund of. the duty paid on the Road Roller and have been advised thaF 'the sum of £lB9 has been passed for payment. This is approximately £7l less than The amount estimated by Booth MacDonald as the probable refund, but the Minister of * Customs will not remit the amount of the preferential duty. The Borough Foreman has been off duty owing to sickness since the 30th Hilt, and with the chairman's authority F. W. Bowers was appointed actingforeman, and has carried.out his duties in a very satisfactory manner. The levels for the west side of Main Street-have all been fixed by me and the rahfh of the pegs handed to Messrs Bowers and Livingstone. I have still to fix the levels in Tui Strret from Main, Street to Railway, and hope to get this done before the holiday Seaeon commences. I have been asked on several occasions to fix the levels for buildings in Main Street and the side streets from iWeka Street to Huia ■ Street. I have no authority to do this, and wish to [know if you require me to undertake jthe work. EE LABOUR:'I am advertising in the local paper tend the Wanganui Chronicle for pick' and shovel and have received some inquiries and hope to have a few mote men employed next week. > '

WORKS COMMITTEE'S REPORT.The Committee recommended:: — ■ 1. That notices he placed on the Main South Road Bridge prohibiting loads over 3 tons being carried thereon, and that the bridge be temporarily strengthened and repaired tin -the meantime* , () 2. That the Town Clerk be authorised to fix any permanent levels required in N Main and side streets from Weka to Huia streets and that a charge of a fee of one 1 guinea be made for each level. 3. That the culyert in Euru Road alongside the 9in. water main be constructed as suggested in the foreman’s report, also that the additional pipes required for the new culvert in Euru Road be obtained. 4. That the overgrowth at the septic tank be cleared away and slips removed and that the tank cover re-

ceive a co'at of tar. 5. That the#-sum of £SOO be placed ? on the new loan schedule for remaking approximately 60 chains of Main South Road from Cemetery gates. • 6. Report that estimates and other .particulars re cost of workers? homes have been obtained and your Committee will be prepared to further discuss the matter when sites are available.

7. Having held over consideration of Mr Coutts’ request for exchange of land in Block XVIH until next meeting. 8. That the permanent hands be paid the sum of 1/101 per hour in future. 9. That F. W. Bowers, assistant foreman, and J. Livingstone, motor roller driver and mechanic, be paid a weekly wage of £5 each, but "no overtime. 10. That W. Carthew be paid time and a half on all overtime worked. The above increases to date from Ist December last. 11. Dog tax fees. (See last year's resolution.) 12. That H. D. Bond and others be informed that provision will be made m the next loan schedule for the footpath on East side of Kaka road. 13. That the Council take over taxi stand telephone, and charge each taxi proprietor a sum sufficient to cover the cost of the telephone and maintenance thereof.

14. That the Postmaster be informed that this Council considers 7 that a site on Post Office ground*, near, the private entrance to the Pose is the most suitable site for the x? telephone. having let a contract for the supply of 400 yards of Eangitikei gravel for use on kerlf? and paths. m •» Ifi - Bangitikei County ‘ 7 pcimd if it will assist the Council in obtaining a grant from

the Government towards the expense of erecting a new bridge over the Otaihape Stream, also if it will contribute a half-share of the nett cost of the bridge. 17; That Messrs Dalgety and Co. be informed that the account rendered for £7 18/6 is correct. 18. That 30 yards of metal be spread on on Kiwi Road and that the Town Clerk be authorised to arrange for cartage of same. 19. Have arranged that the Foreman of Worhjs he granted leavte of absence up to 2nd January next. 0. Submit herewith the Town Clerk's and Borough Foreman's report for consideration. The report was adopted, after the various clauses had been discussed. ELECTRICAL ENGINEER’S REPORT

Mr A. Thomson, electrical engineer, reported as follows: I herewith submit a report onMhe operations of the Electrical' and Waterworks Departments during the past month/ The road to the power house has been cleared of all slips, and is now in fairly good condition. Loose earth lying on the face of the hill is being removed to'prevent as much as possible the spillway being blocked again. Advantage could be taken of the dry weather we are having at the present time to improve that portion of the road from the bridge over the tail race to the end of the power house, by putting down about six loads of gravel, and I would ask for the necessary permission to do this work. After a few showers of rain the condition of this-part of the road is such that it becomes impassable for heavy traffic, and in the winter time great difficulty is experienced in carting coal to the bunkers.

Coal is coming to hand now in fair quantities, and the total amount in. the bunkers and storage bin is 36 tons.

» The load on the plant in the power house is such that is not necessary to put the gas plant'into operation, but the engine is given a run once a week for half hour to keep it in good running condition. ' < The total number of -units generated during the month was 29,173, a decrease of 752 units on the .previous month. This decrease is accounted for by a 3-h.p. motor not running, and also to less current being used for lighting purposes. The plant generally in tthe power bouse has been running very ■well. The commutator bars o'n the turbine generators require turning up, and I will take the first opportunity of having this attended to.

J purpose making a test of all machines during the present month to ascertain the efficiency of each, and am making arrangements to have this done.

Mr Harvey, the recently appointed chief engineer at the power house, arrived on the 4th inst, and commenced duties on the 6th inst.

The high lift pump has been giving considerable trouble recently, and I found it necessary to open it up and give it an overhaul. The bathing season opened on 11th lust., and the supply baths had to be drawn off from the reservoir supply, which lowered the level to 4ft. £in. Now that the pump is running again I hope to greatly increase this quantity in a very short time.

Of late there has been a very noticeable decrease in • pressure from the low lift 3 pump supply, and difficulty has been experienced in keeping the railway reservoir full. I have made investigations arid find that the loss of pressure is mainly due to the larger number of faulty taps and pipes in the town. "Provision is made to deal with this breach of the Borough by-laws relating to water supply, and I would ask that some action be taken to prevent this waste. Owing to one of the staff being absent on leave and another resigning hi?* position, the amount of work done by this elepartment has not been up to the average of previous months Work has accumulated on this account, but with a full staff it will not be long before it is well in hand.

There are a number of new installations to be .carried out, and with the repair work that is always coming in there is sufficient for the staff to do for some time to come. REPORT OF ELECTRIC LIGHT AND WATER COMMITTEE. The Committee recommended:— The adoption of tho Electrical Engineer’s reports with the folloWhig recommendations;

A. That 6 loads of metal be spread over that portion of the roadway from the bridge over the tail race to the end of the power-house. b. Be transferring the main transmission line. That the necessary preliminary arrangements be made for permission to cut down the bush and erect the line, and have the work put in/ £and before next winter, 8 c. Be covering the spill-way at the power station. That No. 2 estimate be approved of. That Mr Bert Venner be appointed

wireman for the Taihape Borougli Council. Re agreement re extension to Loughnan's. (Railway Department). That this agreement be completed. That the application from residents in Kiwi Road, for extension of light to their residences b approved, and they he given the current under the usual and they j)ay the cost of extension. That the letter from Messrs J. J. Niven & Co. be received. That the Town Clerk receive his electric current free of charge, and all other married members of the staff receive electric current at half rates as from Ist December, 1920.

The report was adopted without discussion, FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The Committee recommended as follows: That accounts and vouchers amounting to £1747 8/1 be passed for payment.

Submit herewith the Treasurer's report for the Council’s consideration. That W. Howens he offered the sum of £2O per annum for winding and attending to the Town Clock . That His Worship the Mayor he authorised to interview the ValuerGeneral re the new valuation of the borough. That sanitary accounts amounting to £7 10/ be written off. That the Public Offices be closed from the 24th December 1920, to 3rd January 1921 inclusive. . Submit herewith for the Council's consideration correspondence in respect of the £IOOO Waterworks Loan. That the Special Water and Drainage area defined in connection with the proposal to borrow for extension to the area at present not sewered or reticulated with water be approved of, viz the following schedule, and the Roll advertised as required by the regulations under the Local Bodies Loans Act 1913. *

That a Protectograph be purchased at a cost of £l4.

With reference to Clause 3, Cr. Reid thought that Mr Howens should report on the state of the Town Clock. Cr. Etevcneaux said he had inspected: the clock with Mr Howens and found that some of the wires were worn nearly through. Cr. Reid said that some of the weights held by these wires were veryheavy, and he' thought there was a danger of them crashing through if the wires broke. It was resolved that a report as to the state of the clock be asked for. „ Cr. Reid moved that Clause 9 be struck out as he considered that bety ter use could be found for the money than by purchasing such a machine, which he contended did not give the Council a great deal of extra protection with regard to its cheques. The resolution was seconded by Cr. Fookes.

Cr. Davies explained the benefits of the machine which would safeguard the Council against any possible manipulation of its cheques by unscrupulous persons jnto whose hands the cheques might fall. He was particularly keen on the machine after he had seen it demonstrated how easily cheques could be altered, and he thought that the sum expended on the machine would be a cheap insurance against the possibility of fraud. The amendment was lost, and the report was adopted.

NOTICES OP MOTION. Pursuant to notice of motion, the Mayor moved as follows: “That "the resolution fixing the size of main water pipe at 8 inches be aiif| that the Council further consider the question of altering the size of the pipe from 8 inches to 9 inches/’ Seconded by Cr. Pookes and carried. The Mayor also moved, in accordancc with notice, that the report of the Committee making certain recommendations re names of streets adopted on 17th of May 1918 be rescinded! and that the Council review the question of naming the streets and making any alterations they may consider a d visa bio.—Carried.

The Mayor then moved that the name of the Main Street be. altered to Hautapu Street.; —Carried. GENERAL.

The report of the Inspector of ByeLaws was read and adopted. Cr. Eeid moved that the matter of housing the Borough workmen be referred to the Finance Committee. — Carried. Cr. Cunninghamc moved that property owners in the area where it was desired to make new roads be interviewed regarding terms for acquiring the land for such roads. One road which he considered to be of particular importance was That from Kaka Boad to Kiwi Road. Cr. Davies seconded the resolution. The Mayor said he could not see the matter In the same light. One ratepayer at the

other end of the town had been asked by the Council to make his own roads and footpaths and kerbing-in connection with a sub-division, and he. did not think it right that the Council should buy land from other owners in order to give them a road. Cr.' Eeid strongly opposed the proposal which he considered would enhance the value of private property without benefitting the borough to any great extent. Cr Davies contended that there ‘was no parallel between the cases mentioned by the Mayor, as the former w r as that of .a man subdividing a property for sale at a while the latter was merely a proposal to form a road to give necessary access. The motion was carried, Cr. Eeid dissenting, and Cr. Cunninghame was appointed to interview the owners. In reply to Cr. Etevenoaux, - tfie Town Clerk’ explained that the Councid did not intend to cut the grass on the Oval, and that he had informed the Athletic Club that they could cut the grass and dispose of it. —Eesolved that the Town Clerk’s action be endorsed. The Council adjourned till 21st January.