BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1922, Page 5

BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. the toko leases. COUNCIL’S ATTITUDE UNCHANGED. The New'Plymouth Borough Council met last night. Present: The Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson). Crs. J. Kibby, V. Griffiths, R. A. Large, W. Rumball, J. Brown and R. L. Parkin. Nine lessees of the council’s land known as the Ngaere reserve, or Toko leases, petitioned the council asking to be recompensed for depreciation on the buildings during the unexpired portion of the term of the old leases. In support of the application they pointed out that the condition of purchasing the buildings at present value was imposed on the lessees by y council, “who ignored the urgent representations made concerning the justice of

allowing depreciation, and who adopted / take-it-or-leave-it attitude.” They askec that the council should reduce the amount payable in respect of buildings by an amount equal to 7| per cent, per annum on the annually reducing sum during th* unexpired terms of the old leases. Th* signatories to the petition were: J. B. Bonner, C. B. Nielson, A. J. Sertus, C. H. Walton, T. Needham, J. Butler, R. L. Neal, E. H. Fincham and R. D. Rogers. The petition was the subject of a deputation from all the signatories, who waited on the council in support of the request. Mr. J. B. Richards, valuer, acted aa spokesman, and in his opening remarks emphasised that the tenants had effected a good deal of improvements, which had the effect of enhancing the value of the council's reserve. He pointed out that conditions had altered since the lease was taken up, though the tenants were not approaching the council in any poor-moufh spirit. After reviewing briefly the circußstances of the leases Mr. Richards urged that if the council could not come to an agreement they could at least set up a committee to go into the matter. After a short discussion it was decided, on the motion of Cra. Griffiths and Largs, that the council adhere to the prsvicNs I decision. GENERAL. The electrical engineer was given authority to secure a quantity of silver pine poles which he recommended were suitable for light lines, and were an economical proposition as compared with ironbark poles for small lines. The tender of Anderson's, lAd., of £6®7 for valves and gates for the No. 4 A hydroelectric contract was accepted. It was decided that the necessary rate rolls be prepared in connection with the proposed special rating area, for the raising of a loan of £lOOO for tar-sealing Frankleigh Park roads. A letter was received from Mr. E. R. Gilmour drawing attention to the high street kerbing on the corner of King and Egmont Streets, and said this constituted a danger to pedestrians, especially elderly people and visitors from the train unacquainted with the locality. The engineer was \ authorised to remedy the position where necessary.

Cr. Brown drew attention to the fact that two seats on the esplanade were missing, and he urged that the council should replace them. Attention was again directed by C.. Parkin to the state of the Waiwakaiho weir, and he said it was urgent that something should be done to prevent the concrete blocks being washed away.—The engineer was authorised to arrange a conference with the county engineer and the Public Works Department’s resident engineer.

The fact that damage is caused to gravel footpaths through water flowing off concrete paths in private residences was mentioned by Cr. Brown, and he advised that the engineer should investigate these cases, otherwise the council’s expenditure in regravelling footpaths was soon rendered useless.

An application was received from the Fitzroy School Committee for the use of the piano from the Fitzroy hall until such time as the hall (which is being used for accommodation purposes) is available. The committee understood that the Fitzroy Fire Brigade, who had the piano at present, were disbanding. In support of the application the secretary of the committee (Mr. V. George) pointed out that, owing to the hall not being available between* 30 and 40 social evenings were held in*" the schoolrooms last winter, and the piano, besides being well looked after, would be serving a useful purpose.—The council decided to grant the request. A circular letter was received from the State Forest Service, drawing attention to the fact that it was possible to provide for future requirements in the way of timber suitable for bridges, etc., by adopting a planting policy, and the council was invited to seek the co-operation of the department.—The Mayor said that, as councillors knew, it was intended to plant the land at the hydro-electric works, and this was the only suitable land the council had for afforestation. On the suggestion of Cr. Brown it was decided that the council contribute £ for £ towards procuring seating for the baths the total cost not to exceed £2O. The revision of charges for water tc two large consumers, the Harbor Board and Hospital Board was considered. It was decided to inform the Harbor Board that after the expiry of the present agreement the charge fixed by the by-law will operate, namely 2s pet thousand gallons The charge to the Hospital Board for all services was fixed at Is per thousand gallons.