NEW PLYMOUTH BOROUGH COUNCIL

Taranaki Daily News, 2 July 1918, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH BOROUGH COUNCIL

WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING,

A inoeting of the Works Committee of the New Plymouth Borough Council was held last evening. Present: The (Mr. C. H. Burgess) and Crs. Browne, Deare, Griffiths, Collis, Short, Hayden, and'Clarke.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS. Cr. H. Maunder desired information a3 to the cost of improvements to Carrington Road at the lower end: (1) What area of land did the present owner of section 993 surrender to the borough for improving the road, and (2) what compensation was paid to the present owner.' What did the "wall cost, with the finishing touches. The engineer stated that the cost had worked out at. £32 !)« 2d. The wall, at .€24 lis lid, wa.s over the estimate by £ll, but this extra cost would greatly strengthen the wall over the pipe culvert, also making up the pathway, which was not allowed for, but added to the appearance and neatness of finish.

The Mayor said they had not held anything back regarding this or any other work. All their work had been above board and the reporters were always there to take notes. Ur. Short said there appeared to bo a little misconception. Mr. Maunder had taken an interest in the work, and all he appeared to apply for was whether the council were getting fair value for the money.

The Mayor thought Mr. Maunder's letter might give a different impression. Cr. Colis differed. Mr. Maunder had every reason to write as he did.

Cr. Short said the council had done well. If the owner of the property had refused to sell and the council had taken the land and buildings it would have cost the ratepayers a good deal more.

The information contained in the engineer's reply is to be forwarded to Mr. Maunder.

BAD ROADS, W. M. Perry complained of the state of Carrington Road along upper Vogeltown, which was wearing into holes arid a danger to users. On the 26th he had been thrown from his motor cycle through striking a tiole, injuring his knee and ankle, and also damaging the cycle, which would neceaitate repairs, £2 7a Od, which ho expected the council to pay. He considered the road was disgraceful, considering the rates they had to pay, and desired the council to have the road put in good repair. He was of opinion that heavy patching was only a waste of money, and instanced the patchwork of Frank ley Road, which cost f 175 for a short length, and they certainly did not get £126 for wear and tear.

Cr. Browne said he had seen Mr. Perry after the accident, and he had received a rough shaking. He thought that if they had places which were a menace to the public safety the road should be put in a safe condition. Thi> Mayor said the engineer would take a look at the locality. This road was not as bad some otter roads. He instanced how, at Frankley Road, they had filled up a hole, and with the next rain away it went again. He also wished to know where the money was coming from. He moved that Mr. Perry be informed Mat the council regrets the accident, hut cannot accept any liability for the damage, and that the engineer will attend to repairing the road.— The motion was seconded by Cr. Clarke and carried. GENERAL. The streets sub-committee recommended that the South Road, from the junction of the Breakwater Road to the borough boundary, be re-formed and tarred (estimate £600), the cost to be charged to the .£42,000 loan—Adopted. The Streets Committee was also appointed a Gas Committee. Mr. Broofcman, White Hart Hotel, applied for a reduction of rates. With the coming in of the new licen3in S laws tile value of the property had been reduced, hence the application.—Granted. on production of certificate from owner.