BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 January 1917, Page 8

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The New Plymouth Borough Council held its usual monthly meeting last evening. The Mayor (Mr. C. 11, Burgess) presided, and the councillors present were: L. M. Monteath, F. E. Wilson, J. W. Ilayden, J. S. S. Medley, W F. . Short, W. A. Col'.is, F. J. Hill, S. J. Smith, E. Griffiths, and J. T. Mannix. ENGINEER'S REPORT. The engineer (Mr. W. H Cook), reported on the various works done during December in the following terms: Paynter's Avenue.—The formation and metalling from Devon street to the railway bridge is completed, with the exception of rolling and sanding. This latter will be in hand before the Council meeting. The kerbing will also bo under way. The entrance to Mr. Nolan's property has been completed, and the formation along Mr. Griffiths' frontage is well on toward:? completion. This work lias been delayed somewhat as it became necessary to draw upon the men for urgent minor works which had to be done in anticipation of the holidays.

Pioneer road. —This road has been metalled, formed, and roll-.jd and practically completed with the exception of final rolling. The surfaceman has been instructed to keep the road in good order.

Wallace Place.—The metalled portion has been rolled and completed. The cost of the work was £."iL 2s. The estimated cost was £OO. Clover street.—This street, from Gilbert street to John street, has been repaired along the sides, the metal scarified, resurfaced, blinded avid rolled. Considering the difficulty of foiling without a proper means of watering, the surface has withstood the punishment inflicted by ears orf the race days remarkably well. The sum voted by the Council for the. work was £45; the r.rtual cost was £~>R ICs Od.

Streets.—Owing to the holiday traffic and dry spell ami high winds, many stieet surfaces are ravelling. Rain would he welcomed when mu-'h goqd work could be performed by the roller. A good itcul of general cleaning up has been done.

Reserves—East End: Lower Buller street has been reformed and coated with second class metal and the footpaths reformed. The path from Watson street to the small bridge has been cleaned and made good. An entrance gate Ims been erected and (he drains havebeen cleaned out. Esplanade: From Belt read to Bayly street the footwalk has been cleaned and a gate has been erected. Maryland Hill: This reserve has been thoroughly cleaned up by the prisoners and reflects great credit upon the gaoler, an excellent job having been made of the work. Waterworks. —The No. 1 filter has been disconnected, and raised two feet on to temporary packing. The wall upon which the filter will be placed is being erected. A large number of the cups have been cleaned. The cast iron risers wil! be to hand next week, and connections will then be remade Tunnel at St.randon.—The Railway Department's sta!l"have made repairs to the above near Fitzroy nation where it caved in some time back.

Drainage.—The drain has been extended in Wallace Place, and is complete with exception of a sumpit which will be built shortly.

STANDISII lIILL, The Council Voided to put Standish Hill in good order at a cost of £325 17s. Work was also authorised to bo done in Wallace Place from Standish Hill to Tukapa road, at a cost of £207. TRAMWAY TRACK. Regarding the work required to be done on the tramway track, the engineer said this was very extensive. To estimate the work properly was a difficult matter and would take time. He had made arrangements for the supply .of tar and' other materials. A RETAINING WALL. Plans have been prepared for erecting a retaining wall along the frontage, in Young street, of Mrs. Dowling's property. Alternative estimates were submitted, one at £ISI Hs and another a .€144 4s. It was understood that Mrs. Howling would pay a proportion of the cost. The matter was- lofcrred to ,■>. sufi-committce. LOCAL THEATRES, I The engineer reported that the three picture theatres in town were running without licenses, . contrary*! ti> the by-laws. It was decided to take no action, councillors stating that the owners wen? doing their best to complete the work that remained to be The Mayor mentioned that the owners would prefer to be lined rather than cease running. EXTENSION OF WATER SERVICE. An application was received from Mr. J. W. Brayshaw for an extension of the water service to his .section in Ropiha street, Fitzroy. The engineer reported that the cost of a three-quarter inch pipe, which would serve SO sections, would he .-C2l 15s (id. There were two other houses which would probably connect. The Town Clerk wrote to Mr. Brayshaw informing him of the cost, and stating that as the main was a temporary one the residents would have to contribute half of the cost. The Town Clerk also informed the writer .that upon the receipt of this amount, the j work would be gone on v. ith. | Mr. Brayshaw wrote in reply stating that in view of the Council's decision,: h n had decided not to build and to cancel all orders for materials. He regarded the Town Clerk's statement that k would not pay the Council to extend for two horses as a sentiment that was "only worthy of the days when New Plymouth was notorious for its still'ling conservatism."

The Council did not like the tone of the writer's letter, and the Mayor was ir.clinctl to ignore the letter alogether, Cr. Smith, however, while taking exception to the tone of the letter, asked whether it was not the duty of the Council to encourage building and to oll'er every facility to new comers. He considered the Council should lay the main to Ropiha street. The Council agreed to comply with the request to lay'the main.