BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 23 March 1926, Page 5

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

FORTNIGHTLY MEETING. The fortnightly meeting of the Timaru Borough Council was hold last night. Present—The Mayor (Mr (*. Wallace), Councillors T. W. Satterthwaite, P. J. Kelly, W. H. .Hunt J. Y. Arnold, F. Chittock, F. B. Hawkey, W. J.'Tutton, J. A. Hnv, G. Benstcad, R. H. Hart, and P. C. Yinnell. WORKS COMMITTEE.

Fortnightly reports of the Borough Engineer and the Sanitary Inspector and a special report on the case, Council v. Washer, were considered. Letters were dealt with q.s follows : From Booth Macdonald inquiring if the sprayer was satisfactory. Recommendation: That Booth Macdonald bo advised that the Council is well satisfied with the machine. From the Secretary, Canterbury Drivers’ Union, suggesting another conference.—Agreed to. From the Borough solicitors advising that the Council had power to make by-laws re fire escapes, ,V though there was a difficulty about appointing an inspector. Recommendation: That the Hon. F. J. Rolleston be asked to endeavour to have the law amended so as to place fire escapes under the supervision of the Fire Board, as was the evident intention of Section 20 (2) of the Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1921-22.

From the Borough solicitors advising that the Council had no power to compel butchers to substitute concrete floors for wooden floors in shops erected prior to the coming into operation of the regulations made under the Health Act, 1920. From the Hon. F. J. Rolleston forwarding a letter from tho Minister of Internal Affairs, stating that Aquarium Limited state that it cost £63 (o prepare these exhibits and that the Council and Mr Deans should divide the. exhibits and refund the cost to Aquarium Ltd. Tn a letter of 21-st July, 1925, the Minister promised to give the exhibits to tho Council without any stipulation as to payment. Recommendation : That the Mayor be authorised to obtain one chamois and one tliar. From the secretary, Floral Fete and Queen Carnival Committee, forwarding cheque for £3OO specially earmarked for Bark. From Mr Beri. claiming £3 damage to car by the. Council’s lorry.—-No recommendation.

From Mr W. Palmer, Canada Street, re nuisance and noise caused by cows in residential areas.—Referred to Inspector to report. Maori Reserve.—Recommendation of Finance Committee: That £750 he

dded to tho proposed loan to provide for improvements and other' expenses. Recommendation : That the proposal be referred to the Maori Reserve Committee, and that Councillor Benstead be added to that Committee. Thomas Street.—Recommendation : That the frontagers on the south side be each offered £2O (without prejudice) to provide concrete -steps to their properties. Tenders for sweets stall ' and tea looms, Caroline Baj-. ’The following tenders were received : , Sweets Stall—Mr P. E. Lewis, £<s p.a.: Miss Tilly Pring £45 p.a.; Mr and Mrs Gordon Davev £4O p.a. (conditionally on securing lease of tea rooms).Tea Rooms.—Mr and Mrs G. Davey, £IGS p.a. (conditionally on securing lease of sweets stall). ’ ;

Proposed by Councillor' Hunt: That the tenders of Mr and Mrs Gordon Davey for sweets stall and tea rooms be accepted.—Carried. Councillors Vinnell and Satterthwaito dissenting. Hassall Street widening.—The Mayor stated that he had been in communication for some time past with Mr \\ . Hall, representing the owners of land on the north side, with the object of purchasing the land necessary to widen this strdet to a width of one chnin, and was now in a position to state that the owners would accept £4OO for the land (about J of an acre) provided the Council erected a wire stock proof fence along the new street frontage. The hostel would encroach about two' feet on the proposed new street line, and the owners made it n stipulation that this building should be allowed to stand until its removal. Under Section 193 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920, the Council could claim betterment from the owners on the south side. A small piece of land in front of the High School not required for street purposes could be sold to the High School Board.

Recommendation : That n firm offer for two months be obtained, from the Convent of the Sacred Heart (owners of the land); and that efforts be made to fix the betterment monev to be paid by the owners on the sooth side. Troopers’ Memorial.—Recommendation : That tenders be invited for file removal of this monument to the triangle in Charles Street, and that this committee be authorised to accept a tender. Mere Mere Street.—Recommendation : That an effort be made to secure the, necessary land for widening this street on the south side. Avenue Road, North End.—Recommendation : That the money necessary

for forming the set back from AVai-iti Road to Roslyn Terrace be placed oil next year’s estimates.

Kerb and channel, Avenue Road.— Recommendation: 'That the person who iamaged the new work he prosecuted. Blasting.—Recommendation : That Messrs Shillito Ltd. he notified that they must make .good any damage caused bv recent blasting operations. Caroline Bay, entrance.—-Recom-mendation : That the Borough Engineer submit a plan to next meeting showing some improvement to the grade on the roadwav on to the Bay. Referring to straying stock, Councilor Chittock said the time was approaching when tho Council should frame a by-law prohibiting any person from keeping more than one cow in tho borough. 'Too many people in the borough kept a number of cows and made no proper provision for them, with the result that too often the. cows were on tho roads and footpaths, where they were a source of great inconvenience. In some boroughs it was not permissible to keep cows within the borough boundaries. Referring to the widening of Hassall Street, the Mayor said that some of the frontagers had agreed to pay for “betterment” at the same price as the Council had agreed to pay for tho land which they were buying on the opposite side of the street. The biggest frontager was the High School Board, and the matter could be brought up before that body at its next meeting. The Catholic Church authorities had met the Borough Council very fairly in tho matter of sel'ing the laiM necessary to widen Hassall Street. They did not want to sell any of their land and only offered to do so ip the public interest. Councillor Satterthwaite endorsed these remarks, and said the Mayor was entitled to the thanks' of the Council andQdie whole community for the action ho had taken in this matter. While it was very necessary to widen Hassa 1 Street he hoped that Mere Mere Street and Avenue Road would also be widened at an early date. Councillor Arnold agreed that the price asked for the land in Hassall Street was quite reasonable and the work was verv necessary. The town "clerk was authorised to ascertain from tho High School fkard what they are prepared to pay by wav of betterment, in the street named. Councillor Kelly asked that the footpath in Oxford Street be asphalted. Councillor Hay (chairman of the Works Committee) said he feared that they would not lie able to do all tho footpath work before the present season for asphalting was over. Ibe committee were endeavouring to secure a plant which would enable them to carry on this work more expeditiously, and were now awaiting the arrival into tho Dominion of a portable' plant which they believed would be suitable. Councillor Satterthwaite thought the Works Committee should go into this matter very thoroughly, and not take anything on trust. Councillor Arnold said he was quite satisfied to allow the matter to stand over for another week or two, in order that the committee might have the opportunity to examine the plant which was expected to arrive at AA cllington shortly. When they got up-to-date machinery and adopted up-to-date methods they could expect to do thq work of the borough more expeditious'y. The Mayor added that three suitable plants were under consideration. In reply to Councillor Hawkey, tho Mayor said it was not proposed to remove tho shrubs from the triangle in Charles Street, where the Troopers’ ♦Memorial is to he placed. Councillor Hawkey inquired as to the actual location of the memorial, and it was decided that the .Works Committee should meet on the site this afternoon and decide this. ,

It was unanimously agreed that the shrubs should not be removed. Councillor Benstcad stressed flic necessity for mending the broken kerb and channel work throughout tho borough, and pointed out that this is a very big job. Councillor Satterthwaite said it had been long delayed, and he would like to see it started next day. The report was adopted. BUS COMMITTEE. Tenders for bulk supplies of petrol— A. S. Paterson and Coy—Big Tree motor spirit, Ls lOd per gallon; Big Tree benzine 1s 7d per gallon. British Imperial Oil Coy., Ltd.— Shell, l.s 10d per gallon; Anchor, ls B.}d per gallon; Powerin, (Is 7d per gallon. Vacuum Oil Coy., Ltd.—Plume, Is 10d pei' gallon; Ka.lif, Is RJd per gallon ;/Mercury, Is 7d per gallon. On all tenders a rebate of 3d per gallon for a twelve months’ supply, if the Council supplied its own pump and tank, and if tenderer supplies pump, etc., )d per gallon on twelve months’ supply for quantities in excess- of 800 I lons per month, plus a payment by the Council of £lO and rent of 10s p.a. etc.

From the Distributing Agency Coy. offering Milwaukee pump at C 95, and 500 gallon tank at £3O f.o.b. Christchurch, and Milwaukee pump, at £SO, and tank £.30, less 2-} per cent. cash. From Hope Ribbons, Ltd., Wellington, quoting “Fry” Rump at £125 less 5 per cent, f.0.b.. Wellington. Tank locally made £27 10s, imported £4O. . Proposed by Councillor Arnold and seconded by Councillor Chittock, That the Council enter into an agreement with the British Imperial Oil Company for the installation of bowsei' pump and tank, as per resolution of the 22nd February, 1926, and further that the same Company's tender dated 7th March, 1926, for supply of petrol for twelve months be accepted. —Passed nonnimously. The report was adopted. ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMITTEE. From Raymond, Raymond and Campbell, on behalf of Mr F. Lewis, present owner of the shop formerly leased to this Department, requesting return of fittings. Recommendation: That the application be referred to the Mayor with power to act. From the manager, South Canterbury Power Board asking permission to run one-phase vertical low tension electric wires on borough poles from Luxmore Road along Old North Road to Mr F. J. Smith’s house. Recommendation: That the Mayor and Engineer be authorised to deal therewith. The report was adopted.

•ELECTRICA L ■ ENGI NEER’S REPORT. Mr G. T. Wilson, borough electrical engineer, reported that he had interviewed the resident electrical engineer Public Works -Department, and arranged for the installation of a voltage regulator. This apparatus would possibly be installed by the end of the month, so that the Council could derive the benefits of it from fhe beginning of the financial year. He had not yet got the total units for the year classified, but wo-gld have same next week. It was evident that the Council would bo able to make a reduction of at least Id per unit for (lomestie lighting, and reduce the minimum charges fiom 5s to 3s per month and 12s 6d for cooking and water heating, Regarding power, very little reduction could be expected this year until the lighting load increased to balance the power load. lie would have a comprehensive report complete for the next Council meeting. This, if adopted, would be well nned by consumers, and encourage a greater consumption of current- being used for lighting and cook inn. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Committee recommended that the ir'cessnrv steps be taken to l-d.so an additional 10 nor cent, loan on No. 7 Drainage and Sewerage Works Loan of £7OOO. From the Slate 7 r iro Insurance Office applying for the accident cover

on the Council’s employees for; the tloßecommem*ition: That the P™' posed loan for the purchase of the Maori Reserve be increased b> £7M to cover incidental expenses and imnrovemeuts. . ~ «. The last clause in the report was referred to the Native Reserve Committee, the balance of the repoit being adopted. THE LIBRARY'. The Library Committee recommended the purchase of new books at an estimated cost or .-to. From Mi: W. A. Foden suggesting having in the library, pianforte music of an educative nature such as vho works of Beethoven, Chopin or any of the works of the old masters.— Received. , ' , r . ~ , From 24 applicants Miss Margaret Knowles, Nile Street, was recommended for appointment to the posi- j tion of assistant ;n the Public ; to Councillor Vinnell, Coun- j cillor Arno’d said that Mr s letter had been simply “received be-. causG the Council could not afford to purchase expensive music for which, there would be only a limited demand. Councillor Hawkey said that it seemed to him that it was hardly a matter , for the Council. , , Councillor Benstead suggested that the matter bo held over for furtliefl con-’dcration. . , . Councilor Vinnell said he was pleased to sec Mr Foden’ s letter, which, gave cause for hope in the future. j Councillor Benstcad said the request • seemed to him a modest and a. good one. Other departments of the Library were supposed to bo of an educative nature, and it was refreshing to find a request for educative music. Ho thought the matter should be given. ; further consideration. j The letter was referred hack, as sug- i gested, and the balance of the report . was adopted. | GENERAL. I The Floral Fete Committee forwarded a. cheque for £3OO from the recent Queen Carnival. . ’ On the motion of the Mayor, the Council’s thanks were tendered to all who had assisted in the carnival The Mayor added that he hoped the North, South, and West End Improvement Associations would confer in regard to the expenditure of the rnonnv raised, and then consult the Council. Councillor Benstead (North Enel) and Councillors Tutton and Kelly (West End) said they felt sure that this would be done, and that all would work in harmony. Mr and Mrs G. Davev applied to have two of the living rooms at the 13av Tea Rooms renovated. i The matter was referred to the Works Committee for further consideration, some Councillors taking strong exception to the applicants securing a lease of the tea rooms, as they stood, and then immediately asking the Conner to spend a goodly sum on them. Other Councillors took the view that' it was the Council’s duty to make the rooms habitable. Councillor Hawkey said a good many of the Council’s employees would like to visit the Exhibition, and he asked if they could have Easter Saturday off to enable them to do this. Saturday was a half-day in any ease. On the motion of Council'ors Hay and Benstead, it was unanimously agreed to comply with the request. NEW METHODS SUGGESTED. Councillor Benstead proposed: “‘That from the members of the permanent committees of this Council, Report Committees (consisting of two members from each) be appointed monthly to visit the various departmerits and works under tho control oi the Council, and report monthly, in writing, to the respective permanent committees, the Mayor to bo an ex officio member of each Report Committee.” j 1 Councillor Benstead said lie liad been a member of the Council for nearly a year, was on two committees, but had iio opportunity of becoming acquainted with anything under control of the Works Committee. Under present conditions he felt it a'most impossible to take an intelligent interest, in the work they were supposed to understand and He contended that Councillors were not in sufficiently close touch with the various activities of.the Council, and under a system such as ho now proposed all Councillors would understand the work of the Council better and would be able to record then* ,

votes more intelligently than at present. Borough Councillors were possessed of average brain power, and it they adopted his motion some good j must accrue in the shape of useful suggestions. They would also get into closer touch with' the officials rind the workmen, and this must result in good to the ratepayers generally. The motion was seconded by Councillor Hart, who said that only good could accrue from its adoption. The Mayor said lie thought the motion a step in the right direction. Councillor A 7 inncll said the mover ot the motion was no doubt prompted by the best motives, hut he. (the speaker) would refuse to delegate his respoiir nihility to anyone else, and so long as he was a member of a committee he would demand, the right to know as much about the work as was known by anyone else. If any Councillors were not in touch with the work of the borough it was their own fault. He would support the motion if Councillor Benstead would alter it to include all the members of the committees instead of limiting it to two members. Councillor Hay said trfie motion did I include all Councillors as they would take it turn about to report. Councillor Arnold said that if he wanted to investigate any part of the Council’s work he ivonld do so without asking anybody. The bedrock priiieip'e of the conduct of the Council’s business was entirely wrong*, the men in charge of each department should lie responsible; and the time was coming when thirteen men would no longer waste twenty hours a month over business which could be dono much more expeditiously, and at less cost, by a qualified general manager. He thought the motion was on wrong lines. Councillor Kelly moved an amendment; “That the matter he referred to the eonnniitees for their consideration.” This was seconded by Councillor Vinncll. - Councillor Hunt said he would like to see the whole committee visit each department and report to the Council.

Councillor Satterthwaite spoke in support, of the amendment, and said that periodical inspection should be made of the work under the change of each committee. There was nothing to prevent them from doing that now. Councillor Kelly said he did not fool disposed to poke his nose into the business of the officers of the Council, in whom they should have confidence. Councillor' Hav said he would bo pleased if Councillors would take a, tour round the various works, sav, once a month; they would then be familiar with what was going on. Couiieil’or Tutton also expressed the view that the Council’s work should ho insneeted by Councillors as a whole. Councillor Benstead, ill reply, said one would think from some of the remarks made that he was introducing some dreadful innovation —something which had not been heard of, or dreamt of before. But such was not the ease. The system which he proposed obtained on every representative body. He was not concerned whether the inspection was made by the whole committee, or bv two members; his desire was to remedy tire collective apathy in regard to matters over which they were supposed to have control. There was no sug/cstiou of spying, or of hek of confidence in the various officers. On the motion being put, it was

lost, those voting for it being the ayor, Councillors Hart,. Benstead, and Hay. Against—Councillors ■ Satterthwaite, Yimicll, Kelly, Hunt, Arnold, Hawkey, and Tutton. The amendment was then put and carried.