WAITARA BOROUGH COUNCIL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 200, 3 May 1912, Page 7

WAITARA BOROUGH COUNCIL

INSTALLATION OF MAYOR. On the Mayor making his declaration, Mr. A. Rattenbury complimented His Worship on being again re-elected unopposed. It was only fitting that he should again be returned. The conduct of the Council's business had been very satisfactory. Cr. Klenner, as the oldest councillor present, also congratulated Mr. Jenkins on his re-election. The work of the Council has been ably carried out by the Mayor, and he could say that after four years as a councillor under the present Mayor, that more progress had been made in the town than at any time during the existence of the Council as a borough. Cr. Birdling endorsed the remarks of the previous councillors, and expressed satisfaction at the re-election of Mr. Jenkins.

Cr. Elliot said that as the baby of the Council he was glad of the re-election of Mr. Jenkins. Prior to his appointment lie had heard that there had been maladministration, but seeing that there was no one to come forward to oppose ' him that statement must go to the wall. His Worship said he felt gratified at I the expression of the councillors, and thanked tliem. Older members of the Council would know that he bad always spoken his mind on all matters. Reference had been made by Cr. Elliot as to reports of maladministration, but he could .honestly say no such state of things existed. All business was carried out in a proper manner, and he felt sure that when Cr. Elliot had had twelve 1 months' experience he would endorse the statement. He might say that it was not his intention to again contest the Mayoralty, but the petition was one he could not turn down, and at the request of his friends he had decided to again become a candidate. Many people were not so optimistic as he in regard to the progress of the town. There was no gainsaying the fact that it had and would progress, despite the. pessimists. ' They now had a successful water scheme and a substantial and much-needed new bridge was in course of construction. Values of property had risen, and business was prosperous. He would, as in . the past, do his best for the best inter- ' ests of the town. Unfortunately there were a few who wished to cast opprobrium on the Council's work, but they were few, and despite them he would carry on to the test of his ability. MONTHLY MEETING. The usual monthly meeting then took | place, there being present: His Worship ; the Mayor, Crs, Klenner, Elliot, Ratten- [ bury, Langman and Birdling. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr. S. Pott wrote; asking that the water service be extended along Brookes street.—Mr. R. A. Grimmer wrote, requesting that a light bo erected near the corner of Nelson and Brookes streets.— Mr. E. Jerrard wrote, calling the Council's attention to blackberries growing on Blake street footpath.—Mr. T.-Hellier and Mr. R. C.ribbon wrote, asking the Council to give a certificate that they •ire a majority of combined fancy goods, stationery and tobacconists shops in Waitnra, so as they might be exempted from early closing.—Messrs. Roy and Nicholson wrote, informing the Council that the agreement re bridge had been signed by the Clifton County Council—The secretary of the Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board wrote re a meeting of delegates, to appoint delegates to attend the conference at Wellington.—The Minister of Internal Affairs wrote on the same matter.—Mr. P. Taylor wrote, offering a price for the borough carting. —The Minister of Internal Affairs wrote, acknowledging the receipt of a notification of the election of Mr. W. F. Jenkins as Mayor.—The Normanby Town Board wrote, inviting the Council to be present at the unveiling of a cairn in the Waihi Military Cemetery.—The Minister of Internal Affairs wrote, asking for in- [ formation re King Edward memorials.

It was resolved to inform Mr. Pott that he can take the water off at the point where the pipe now ends. His Worship said that the foreman informed him that he had found difficulty in getting carts, and had finally arranged •with P. Taylor to carry on, and the offer before the Council was the result. —Seconded by Cr. Elliot and carried. Cr. Klenner said that Mr. Grimmer had spoken to him in reference to the erection of a light, and he moved that a light be placed there.—Seconded by Cr. Langman and carried. Cr. Elliot suggested a light near the corner of the Recreation Grounds, and Cr. Klenner thought one should be erected near the station. —Cr. Rattenbury «aid that the matter should be referred to the Lighting Committee—His Worship concurred, and said that he would be pleased <to see more lights in the town. —The Lighting Committee are "to report at next meeting. The petition of Messrs. Hellier and Gribbon was given effect to, subject to its being in order. His Worship was appointed delegate to attend the conference of local bodies in New Plymouth on May 14.

Cr. Elliot was asked to represent the Council at the Normatiby Board's unveilin® of a monument at Waihi. It was resolved to inform the late Mr. J. R. Mackay's executors that the Council had long ago been informed that the Council recognised no liability in the [matter. The Town Clerk reported that he had informed tho Minister for Internal Affairs that no King Edward Memorials had been erected. The suggestions of various works reported on by the Works Committee were adopted, and they were authorised to carry out such works. Cr. Elliot said 'he would not move his notice of motion re impounding, but as the ranger was not carrying out his duties he moved that he receive one month's notice, and that fresh applications be called. Cr. Klenner seconded this and endorsed the remarks of the mover—Cr. Rattenbury concurred, but thought the onlyway was to summon owners of straying stock— I The motion was carried. Or. Elliot asked permission to hold over his notice of motion re nightsoil removal until after the poll for drainage had been decided.—Permission was granted. ! Cr. Rattenbury, as one of the Cemetery ! I Committee, recommended that an iron I gate be erected at the Cemetery. I On the motion of Crs. Elliot and Klen- ! ner it was resolved that the committee be authorised to expend the funds in ; hand on the erection of a gate and genI eral cleaning up. | His Worship placed before the. Council I a plan, prepared by the engineer, of a concrete culvert required near tho flag j staff. I On the motion of Crs. Rattenbury and

Birdling the engineer was instructed to call for tenders for a concrete culvert with wings, as submitted by the engineer. Cr. Birdling, chairman of the Works Committee, recommended that the foreman's wages be raised to 10s per day, and the roadmen's to 8s 6d per day. He referred to the good work done by the imen, who had some very heavy work to do, and they had not shirked it, even giving up their 'holidays to complete work.—Or. Elliot seconded the motion, and in doing so said that it was his intention to have moved in the same direction. He was satisfied the men were worth their money.—His Worship expressed pleasure in supporting the motion, and gave the men great credit for their ability.—Other councillors endorsed the expressions, and were unanimous in supporting the motion. Accounts amounting to £438 13s <?d were passed for payment. On the motion of Crs. Klenner and Langman the Mayor was granted an honorarium of £SO per year. Councillors referred to the amount of time, devoted to the Council's work, and added that the Mayor, in addition, had many calls made on him financially owing to the position he held.