BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 272, 21 April 1914, Page 8

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

FORTNIGHTLY meeting. At the fortnightly meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council last night there were present: His Worship tlio Mayor (Mr. 6. W. Browne) and Org. A. E. Sykes, W. Healy, A. H. Johnstone, W. Ambury, Jas. Kibby, N. T. Maunder, F. 11. Jackson, J. E. Wilson, Jas. Clarke, W. A. Collis and J. T. Manni.w TRAMWAY ESTIMATES.

Mr. I<\ Black, consulting engineer to tho Council, wrote in reply to a letter from the Council that lie knew of no special circumstances likely to lead to material alterations in tihe tramway estimates. There was always the possibility of an alteration in the price of labor and materials within a period of IS months', and he believed that owing to the very busy condition of practically all the British manufacturers prices had hardened during the last year. It was impossible to say to what, extent this would be reflected in the tenders received, as, of course, actual prices were only quoted at the last minute before tenders had to be made up. A great deal also depended upon the number of firms tendering, and whether they were already busy or slack. He had based the estimates upon actual prices for work carried out in New Zealand, and was hopeful that the "market conditions at the time of tenders being received would inot have'materially altered. | UNFULFILLED PROMISES.

Mr. J. W. H. Martin, of Brooklands road, wrote that during the timo of the Greater New Plymouth agitation pro- | inises were freely scattered about the | suburbs ;by borough "agitators" that residents therein would bo granted similar privileges to householders in tho borough should the former join hands with the latter, namely, the securing of electric light, water supply and other conveniences at the pleasure of the "bor-ough-ites." Considerable time had passed since then, lwt nothing had been done in the matter, and the only recognition the suburban residents had received was an increase in rates. Some six years ago he had presented a petition from residents on the Brooklands road for electric light on that road, and had been asked to hold it over. He now asked whether the Council intended to instal electric light and other, conveniences on Brooklands road, and if so, when?— Referred to the Works Committee. A DANGEROUS CULVERT. _ The engineer Teported on the condition of the Mangaotuku culvert from M. Jones' stables to tho eastern side of Brougham street. This culvert consisted of two dry stone walls covered with totara timber. .Near'tie eastern side of Brougham street, on the southern side of the culvert, the foundation had given way, making that portion of the street unsafe for heavy traffic. Several of the totara planks showed signs of decay, and would require renewing very shortly, ami lie considered the whole culvert would require re-building within two years.

The engineer will report as to what weight of traffic may safely bo allowed on the street.

LIGHTEN OUR DARKNESS,

Fire ratepayers in ths portion of HoJwon street betwoon M and Bendry streets wrote asking the Council to place two street lamps in that portion of Hobson street which was now being formed to its permanent level.—Referred to tie Electric Light Committee.