Derelict house

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 33, 5 February 1985, Page 1

Derelict house

Waimarino County Council decided to take another look before ordering the demolition of an occupied house in the Ruatiti Valley, when it met on Thursday. The subject of the derelict house came to the council's attention in a report by the county health inspector, Mr M. Sigley, who considered the building unsafe. The inspector commented, "Where derelict houses are not disposed of, problems may arise when squatters move in." Cr. Gavin Jones said that he would not be prepared to pass a demolition order without the council members having a look at the property. Cr. Malcolm Whale agreed that it was hard "to make a decision on a piece of paper," and stated that council members should look at the building before a demolition order was made.

The council voted that the building committee members should inspect the building and routinely review all future cases of inhabited buildings recommended for demolition. Cr. John Martin commented that using the committee to check on these properties would ensure a constant standard was maintained. No indication was given at the meeting as to who is occupying the unsafe house. ★ ★ ★ The council also voted to send a lawyer's letter to the person who dumped rubbish nearthe Ohura Road, 12km west of Raetihi. The council first has to identify the dumper, although county clerk, Mrs Hope Vaughan, said she thought the person could be traced. The lawyer's letter will insist that the litter be removed.