BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1916, Page 8

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

WORKi COMMITTEE. > At last night's meeting of the above committee, there were present: His Worship the Mayor (Mr. C. H. Burgess), Crs. L. M. Mpnteatb, P. E. Wilson, A. H. Johnstone, W. P. Short, P. J. Hill, Jlayilwi, S. C. Smith, J. T. Mannix, A. E. Watkins, J, S, S. Medley, E. Griffiths, W. A. Collia. C. Skitrop, C.E., Waipukn, wrote that he was prepared to carry out all engineering in connection, with the permanent street works oil a commission of 5 per cent., and to forfeit any commission Oil any work that should exceed his estimate by 10 per cent.—Consideration of the letter was deferred for a special meeting to be held on Thursday evening. The Borough Engineer reported having made inquiries into the alleged poor pressure of water at the High School fire during its first stages, and also enclosed a letter from the turncock. The engineer stated that he found that the reservoir was quite full on the occasion, and that the flow, though not very good at first, rapidly improved. As this occurred without the turncock taking any action in closing or opening any valves, it can only be attributed to the possibility of the hydrant not being opened at first, and also to the fact that it is well-known that the supply generally improves after a few minutes' drawing off from the hydrant.

In liis report, the turncock gave an emphatic denial to the statement that the pressure was poor when the leads were first put on. He arrived at the fire soon after the first hose was fixed, and he was quite satisfied with the pressure. When the water from No. 2 hydrant wag being played on the fire lie noticed that the jet was a bit weak, and surmised that the hydrant had not been turned down sufficiently, but just later on the jet was throwing full, the defect having apparently been remedied. From this out, the pressure was good, considering the height of the fire above the lower levels. No better proof is needed than the fact that the brigade saved the back portion of the school, despite the tremendous hold the fire had. He had asked Superintendent Bellringer for the use of some of the gear to test the valves, but the Superintendent would not let him have it, as it would cause too much trouble, and the gear would get dirty. The borough solicitors (Messrs. Govett and Quilliam) advised with reference to the powers of the Council to compel owners to remove noxious weeds growing in front of their properties, especially on streets. They were of opinion the Council can compel owners to clear half the road frontage only in cases where the growth of plants (blackberry, gorse, sweetbriar, broom, acacia, and fennel) that obstructs traffic or drainage.

It was decided to expend up to '£lß (engineer's estimate) in improving the footpaths in Sackville and Barriball Streets, Fitzroy. The matter of metalling Gover Street, between Devon Street and Gill Street, and Dawson Street between Vivian Street and Bulteel Street was deferred until next Monday for further consideration. The Borough Engineer reported 011 the cost of kerbing Buller Street, and on the metalling of same. —After discussion the question was deferred until the new borough engineer takes up his duties. Mr. Thos. Kelly drew attention to the state of the footpath in Buller Street, and it was decided that an extension of the crossing be made to suit Mr, Kelly's requirements, pending permanent work being undertaken. G. W. Purdue and twenty-four other ratepayers of Fitzroy West, forwarded a petition asking that Richmond, Barriball, Record, Sackville, and Newton Streets and footpaths be improved.— Engineer to report on cost of repairs necessary, and also on loan moneys available. W. Brown and eleven other residents of Hamblyn Street and McLean Road drew attention to the state of Nob's Lane, and the bad state of the footpath at the junction of the latter street and Devon Road.—The engineer reported that it would cost about £l2 to remedy the matters complained of, the charge to be made against the Nob's Lane vote.—Deferred for inspection by the committee. F. W. Robertson and nine other ratepayers in a petition stated that they understood the sum of £7OO or £BOO was was voted for the improvement of Fulford Street, between Dawson and Morley Streets. As nothing had been done and the road was practically impassable, petitioners urged the necessity 'of proceeding with the work.—To be in due course.