GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 October 1938, Page 7

GREYTOWN

MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL RATE COLLECTIONS GOOD ("Times-Age" Special) The Mayor, Mr A. W. Horton, presided at the monthly meeting of the Greytown Borough Council, held last night. Others present were: Councillors H. J. Nightingale, H. Trotman, F. Woods, H. Farley, G. Eager, A. Balfour, A. Stewart, I. Blissert, and W. A. Tate. The Mayor said it was pleasing to know that the recent European crisis had passed as the result of the common sense of the British Prime Minister in co-operation with other officials in Europe. All would feel relief that war had been averted, and that peace would prevail in the meantime at any rate.

Mr Horton said that at discount date 69.15 per cent of the rates levied for the current year had been collected as compared with 65.71 per cent at the same date last year. The total rates collected on discount date, October 4, amounted to £2622 18s lOd. The arrears of rates collected this year amounted to £363 12s lOd against £9B 9 s 9d last year.

Councillor. Tate said the collections reflected credit on the management. The Mayor, said the position was getting better every year. With more money about, rates were coming in much more freely. That seemed to be the case throughout New Zealand, and there was no reason why it should not continue. Councillor Blissert said the rates were in a healthier state than they had been for a number of years. “It seems a good idea, ’ observed Councillor Eager, when referring to a decision to support a proposal by the Transport Department to issue temporary motor driver licences to learnapplication was received from the Greytown Volunteer Fire Brigade for a donation to its recreation fund. It was stated that the result of a recent dance held by the brigade had not been satisfactory. It was decided to make a grant ot £1 Is to the brigade. It was reported that the council s allocation of heavy traffic fees for the quarter ended March 31 was £5l 14s 7d, as compared with £47 16s Id for the same quarter last year. The Municipal Association of New Zealand advised that the 1939 confer ‘ ence of the Association would be held in Dunedin in March. The Mayor was appointed to represent the council. ' It was reported that 13s in each case had been contributed by the public to the Spanish Refugee Children Fund, and the Chinese War Refugee Children F'rffie New Zealand Defence League wrote drawing attention to the gravity of the European situation, and to the state of the Dominion’s defence forces. A request was made that the council take steps to call a public meeting for the purpose of forming a local branch of the league. It was decided that when the organiser of the league visited Greytown, the Mayor convene a public meeting. Mr Horton was appointed to represent the council at a forthcoming conference of the league to be held in Wellington. Fire Brigade Meeting. The monthly meeting of the Greytown Volunteer Fire Brigade was held last night when Superintendent J. Wood presided over a full attendance of members. The secretary reported that the band uniforms had been handed over to the brigade. It was decided to have these cleaned and repaired before issuing them. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr A. W. Horton for his donation to the reunion supplies. It was reported that the siren would be attached to the fire engine this week. The secretary was instructed to obtain a quotation from the Power Board for an electric motor to drive the big siren on the Fire Station. A wet practice will be held next Tuesday. Incorrect Report. The report that had been circulated that the Greytown Defence Rifle Club would not function the year is incorrect The "Times-Age” correspondent in conversation with the secretary was informed that the club would start operations early next month. The difficulties in reference to the land had been mostly overcome.