WAITARA.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1922, Page 7

WAITARA.

HARBOR BOARD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the above board was held on Friday last. E. Beckbessinger s application for a renewal of lease was reported upon, the arbitrators fixing the rent at £3O annually, -which is 5 per cent, on the unimproved value of the land. The following tenders were received for shingle rights:—T. Rattenbury, £’2o for each beach, E. D, Tate £l5 for west beach, Hill and Cross £l5 for each beach. The highest tender was accepted. Mr. H. George’s offer <vf £24 6s Gd to complete the painting of the wharf sheds, as recommended by the committee, was accepted. The secretary was given instructions to sue for arrears of certain rents. The secretary of the Chamber of Commerce wrote on 'behalf of a meeting with the Seaside Society in connection with the state of the south walk He pointed out that it seemed desirable either that the wall should be built up or demolished, as it might ultimately interfere with navigation, but to determine the point it might be well to obtain an engineer’s report. The chairman said it was no doubt a question for a marine engineer, and the hoard already had engineers’ opinions, which showed that the wall would cost anything from £15,000 to £20,000. It was a question of money which the board did not possess. Mr. Ogle asked, supposing an engineer’s report was obtained, what good would it do? They had in their possession previous reports, and they were told that unless a job was made of it, it would be wasted money. Stone put down to stay must be in huge blocks, requiring lifting gear. Small blocks and patching had been done before, with the result that the sea had made mincemeat of the work. The fact should not ibe forgotten that there was a big base, which was assisting to maintain the channel. Surely members of the board who had been acquainted with the river entrance for a number of years, and watched the action of the sea, ought to know as much about the wall as those who were now telling the board what to do. After further discussion, Mr. Ogle moved that a reply be sent, stating that the matter of the repairs to the south wall is of bigger dimensions than the combined committee imagine, and that they be invited to send a deputation to the board to discuss the matter fully. — Seconded by Mr. Jaggs and carried. GENERAL. At a committee meeting of the Cbfton Rowing Club, Mr. L. Bakewell was elected chairman for the season. It was decided that club fours be held on a Saturday afternoon about the end of January, at a time when the tides are suitable. Several new members were elected. Two Home liners, the 'Suffolk and Tairoa, are expected next week to lift produce from Messrs. T. Borthwick and Sons’ works. The local Druids’ -Lodge are holding a Christmas Tree Carnival next Monday evening for the kiddies of the lodge members. Father Christmas will arriv.» during the evening to distribute the toys. In connection with the window dressing competition during shopping week, just passed, the committee found it necessary to get independent judges outside the town to make awards. The first idea to be put into effect was for the public to decide by ballot papers, but owing to there being so many irregularities and abuse, the other course was adopted. Messrs. T. R. McQuade and J. Wilson, of New Plymouth, were the judges, and the awards were as follows:—Best dressed window, Mr. .H, J. Wells; most original window, Mr. A. E. Chittenden.

BOROUGH COUNCIL. Dec. 16. The monthly meeting of the above council was held on Wednesday last, the Mayor presiding. Messrs. Burgess and Fraser applied for a concession of half rates on their unoccupied Waitara property. —Granted. A complaint was received from Mr. L. M. Moss, solicitor, acting on behalf of P. J. Petersen and others, in respect to the deposit, of nightsoii, the contention being that same was a nuisance and dangerous to health. The Mayor stated that the deposit was ploughed in once a fortnight, and that the health inspector was satisfied. — The matter was left in the hands of the Mayor to make the best arrangements. The Chamber of Commerce wrote suggesting that McLean Street be tar-sealed from Domett Street to the bridge.—Cr. Johns expressed sympathy with the request. Apart from the dust nuisance to the shops, the road was wearing out, and it was quite evident in the near future the road would be bearing a lot of traffic through to Te Kuiti. There were several streets in and about the main street thai could not be done out of revenue, and the Waitara Bridge also required attention. He suggested that the issue be put to the ratepayers at the same time as the electric light loan.—lt was resolved at a later stage to obtain authority for a loan of £5OOO for the purpose. In connection with the electric light supply, the deputy-superintendent advised that the consent of the ratepayers should be first obtained before application is made for consent of the Governor-in-Council for a £5OOO loan. The general manager of New Plymouth Borough Council advised that it could not be stated how soon electrical power would be available for Waitara. The material for transmission lines would only be ordered on a contract being signed. The increased power was expected to be available in New Plymouth about April. The Mayor said the rate for security of the loan of £5OOO would be two-fifths of a penny in the £, but it would not be necessary to collect it. A general discussion ensued as to whe ther it would not be a better proposition to install a steam plant in lieu of the hydro-electric, but it was considered it would be too costly and impracticable. The Mayor thought the steam plant scheme could be put on one side. His idea was a loan for a period of, say, 20 years, at G per cent., for linking up with New Plymouth. He proposed that a poll should be taken on January 16, and that a meeting of ratepayers be held beforehand to place the proposals before them. The necessary resolutions in connect on with the taking of the poll were carried. Mr. W. Jones was appointed dog tax collector for the year, the fees to be the same as last year, Complaints were received of stock being driven on ”"n”thnr’sed streets:. -Left in the hands ui the to see the inspect ox.

The clerk reported that the rates outstanding, and bearing 10 per cent., totalled £246.

GENERAL. I notice that the Waitara Retailers’ Association advertise Christmas holidays as December 25 and 2G. This is unusual for Waitara. For years they have always observed three days. They are also observing January 1 and 2. The Education Board have received letter from the department in respect of Waitara’s application for additions to school as promised. The tone of the reply, apparently, seems to indicate the old “taihoa” policy—“ When funds are available,” etc., same will receive attention. The letter asked the board to frame the claims in their order of urgency. The board went into the question and appointed Messrs. White, Smith and Dempsey to prepared a report and submit the same to the board at Tuesday’s meeting. An enjoyable and pleasant evening was spent on Wednesday, consisting of singing, competitions and various games. The function was got up by the St. John’s rose show committee, in appreciation of Mr. R. H. Lawrence’s (secretary) services as organiser of the show. The Rev. G. H. Gavin presented to Mr. Lawrence a silver entree dish. Mr. Lawrence, in returning thanks, said that it had been a great pleasure to work with the garden-loving people, nothing being too much trouble to ensure success.

Eight sailors from H.M.S. Philomel are due to arrive in Waitara for their Christmas holidays, the same as they did last year. They will camp on the beach.