WAITARA.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1922, Page 6

WAITARA.

BOROUGH COUNCIL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) January 16, The Borough Council met on Wednesday last. Present: Crs. A. W. Ogle (chair), Blair, Rennie, Johns, Johnston, Jaggs and Jones. An apology for the absence of the Mayor was received. An application from Mr. W. F. Jenkins for remission of half rates on his untenanted auction mart was referred back to him. The council pointed out that it would create an awkward precedent if they granted the application. Messrs. L. Old and E. Bingham asked permission to fence off a blind road near their section.—lt was decided to reply that the council had no power to grtint the request. Mr. E. Dean wrote in complaint of fish hawking and asked the council to give further consideration to his request and for protection. —No action was taken.

An auctioneer’s license was granted to Messrs. Gaustad, Marlow and Co.

Mr. Haseler (Messrs. Borthwicks’ stock buyer) wrote pointing out the inconvenience of the long route as set down by the council for stock to the works. Elf* suggested that sheep be allowed to be driven via Wiest Quay, instead of the present route. A request was also made for a gate to be erected across the road leading to the Recreation Reserve. —It was resolved that t’fte clerk see Mr. Haseler and explain that if discretion is used in respect to hours for stock driving that no objection would be raised by the council at the use of the shorter route.

The Under-Secretary for the Department of Internal Affairs wrote stating that a grant of £5 had been made to the R.S.A. and Legion of Frontiersmen towards the upkeep of the old soldiers’ cemetery, but they now asked for an increased subsidy, and to be supplied with a lawn mower. The department, while anxious to see historic spots kept in order, considered that a local subsidy should be granted.—The matter was referred to the works committee.

The electrical engineer reported that 30 new consumers could be supplied now that the current is under control by meters. He drew the council’s at-, tention to the necessity of installing a second coke producer, owing to the fact that the plating of the scrubber of the coke producer is in a state of collapse. —The recommendation was left in the hands of the lighting committee. The borough overseer (Mr. Westerman), in his final report to the council, thanked them for the assistance given him in the discharge of his duties. The town clerk stated that Mr. Westerman Was ceasing his duties in a few days. Cr. Rennie asked if anything had been done in regard to filling the position. The chairman said the Mayor had an idea that Mr. Kendrick (one of the staff) could carry on, as he had full knowledge of the reticulation. The matter was left in the committee’s hands.

A complaint was made about the number of stock straying in the streets. The chairman remarked that he was beginning to think that the best way out of the difficulty would he to issue a license to cows for grazing. No action was taken.

HARBOR BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the Harbor Board was held last Friday night. Present: Messrs. J. Hine (chairman). Spurdie, Jaggs, Marlow, H. Kenzie, Nosworthy and Ogle. Messrs. Johns and E. Jones waited on the board as a deputation from the Borough Council in regard to the erosion of the river. Mr. Johns said that the erosion had been rapid during the past few years/ the river having eaten into the town to the extent of it-s own width. He held that the Harbor Board was vitally interested inasmuch as the board property was being seriously threatened. He hoped that the board would see fit to assist the town jn the matter.

The following resolution was passed: “That this board inform the Borough Council that it fully recognises the necessity of preventing further erosion of the river in the eastern portion of the town and would be prepared to render financial assistance to a river board or the council to do the work, if it can legally do so.” It was resolved, that Messrs. T. Ewens and .1. H. applied for rent reductions, 'be informed that the board is compelled to submit its properties to open competition and accept the highest offer, and therefore has no power to alter the rents.

GENERAL

Mr. W. McKenzie had his leg fractured below the knee on Friday last, owing to an electric light pole on which he was working falling. Dr. Allison was sent for and the sufferer was conveyed to the hospital. Mr. Rennie, after a long period of illness, was able to take his place at the Borough Council table on Wednesday last. The deputy-Mayor. before commencing business, expressed pleasure in seeing Mr. Rennie at the meeting.