WAITARA NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1926, Page 5

WAITARA NEWS.

HARBOUR BOARD AFFAIRS. WEATHER DELAYS WORK. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Waitara, Nov. 15. The monthly meeting of the Harbour Board, was held on leriday evening las , Mr. Jas. Hine presiding. The following transfer of leases were and endorsements made: Board to R. Lucas; N. B. Fletcher to 0. Frank; Henry Woisin to E. W. Wheatley. Several lessees of beach sections, having failed to take up their sections, are to be referred to the board’s solicitors. In connection with a garage built by the late pilot, Mr. J. W. Laing, on the board’s property, the Public Trustee asked permission to remove or dispose of the same, so that the proceeds could be included as an asset in the deceaseds estate. —Permission was granted. Mr, B. Mora applied for a five years’ lease of a section on the river bank, and asked to be advised of what the rental would, be. It ivas decided to grant a lease for the period asked for, the valuation committee to assess the rent and the lessee to be entitled to remove any buildings at the end of the term, should a new lease not be granted. Mr. J. C. Rolleston, M.P., advised that lie had arranged with the Minister of Public Works to have an engineer visit Waitara and report on work required to prevent further erosion ,by the river. The chairman reported that Mr. Ball (Public Works District Engineer) had paid a visit. His estimate for the work required being £4140, and he suggested that the board apply for a £ for £ subsidy. A motion was passed that the engineer’s recommendation be forwarded to the Minister, with a request for a subsidy as suggested. Mr. Henderson reported as follows: — The work at the south wall has been considerably delayed through ■ rough weather. The wail baa been advanced a further distance of 69ft to a total length of 281 ft, and in addition, the grouting mentioned in my last report has been completed. We azo now engaged at the last bottom block. Owing to the accumulation of sand, accompanied by a heavy flow of water, difficulty is being experienced. So much time is taken up in clearing the box of sand and water, that very little time is left for depositing concrete, consequently I have been unable to taper the last block as suggested by the committee. The block will be finished as the others, with the exception that the top part will be kept back three feet. The chairman remarked that it was found advisable to lay this additional block, so as to close a gap. It was also considered, advisable to leave the rails intact, to facilitate patching that may be required. The chairman's action in appointing Mr. L. H. Sampson and Mr. W. Laing temporarily to the positions of secretary and pilot respectively was confirmed. On the motion of the chairman a £2O allowance was granted to the widow of their late secretary in recognition of his faithful service. It was stated by the mover that this amount was the liniit. the law permitted the board. At a special meeting held subsequently, the 1924 and 1925 balance-sheets, which had been just ’received from the auditor were passed, and a further resolution was passed to have same printed. A committee meeting of the Clifton Rowing Club was held during the weekend.

On behalf of the Retailers’ Association, Air. Chittenden stated that they were offering trophies for this season. It was resolved to thank the association for their kind offer. It was decided to hold the competition for the trophies on December 11. Mr. Chittenden was appointed to collest subscriptions on behalf of the club. It was decided to hold the opening of the club’s new hall with a ball on the night of December 9, Air. R. Hutchinson being appointed secretary of the ball committee.

Intending competitors-for the trophies on December 11 are asked to post their names on a board at the shed, and to get into training straight away. The matter of entering for the Harris Cr>p, at New Plymouth, was held over pending further information. At 5.4 S o'clock on Saturday evening the residents were disturbed from their equanimity by the ringing of the .firebell, freezing works siren and train whistle. It was an alarm of fire, and pedestrians, motor cars and cycles were seen going belter skelter to the spot where the call came from. Arrived there, the crowd were somewhat disappointed, as there was no fire to be seen. It appears, that at the residence of Afr. Anternovic, a heated iron had been placed in a cupboard, and a small fire had been started, but owing to the prompt action of Mr. J. H. Kibby, a next door neighbour, it was discovered in time and' was quickly subduecl. The brigade with its motor reel was on the spot in double quick time' and must be commended for prompt action. The Waitara Municipal Board held its proposed concert on the West Beach 011 Sunday afternoon, and was listened to by a large crowd despite the boisterous weather. A collection taken up by the band resulted in a sum of £5 being realised, which will be a welcome addition to the funds. It is the intention of the band to give periodic concerts during the summer, which will be much appreciated by the community. Also on behalf of the band funds, a sacred concert, inaugurated by the soldiers’ and civilians’ orchestra, was given on Sunday evening in St. John's Hail. It was well attended, the seating accommodation being taxed. A flap programme of music was rendered and much enjoyed, whilst Air. and Airs. A. B. McDonald, of New Plymouth, delighted the audience with duets and solos. The collection amounted to folds 4d. Mr. Taylor, on behalf of the band, thanked the organisers and artists and ail present for their support. The stamp machine recently installed in the lobby of the post office, has filled H long felt' want, and its is astonishing th» patronage it gets. But unfortunately it is getting patronage from other than those wanting stamps, and it is regret* table that such hoodlums are in bur midst. The mechanism is only adjusted for the reception of pennies and not of pieces of tin, cardboard and all sorts of rubbish. It is to be hoped the miscreants will be caught and taught a lesson.