STREET CLEANING.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1921, Page 4

STREET CLEANING.

THE SPREAD OF WEEDS ACTION BY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Strong comment was made by Cr. Kibby at last night’s meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council, on the spread of fennel in the borough. The subject was also mentioned in the report presented by the engineer (Mr. W. H. Cook). The engineer stated: “The usual street-cleaning has been carried out, and gorse and fennel cut down in parts of the borough. So far as the latter is concerned several gangs of four men each could be employed in eradicating these pests. Tn fact, I do not think less than £3OOO would clear every street and roadl of (he growth, but to take the matter in hand systematically a much larger sum would be necessary, and very stringent conditions made and enforced against owners of private property to keep the vacant sections and lands free from seed-ing-noxious weeds. 1 do not think that either the time is right, or the expenditure warranted, to embark upon this class of work; money can be made to yield a better and more immediate return from other work of a more necessitous nature.” Cr. Sykes moved that if notices to cut fennel served by the inspector are not complied with he be instructed to prosecute. This was seconded by Cr. Kibby. Cr. Parkin/ said he thought the council should attend to its own streets first, and he moved an amendment that the engineer put two men on for the purpose of clearing fennel. Cr. Short seconded the amendment. Both motion and amendment were defeated. and finally, on the motion of Cr. Griffiths, the engineer was authorised to spend up to £29 on the wqrk an. to report back to the council.