BOROUGH WORK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1939, Page 3

BOROUGH WORK

REPORT OF ENGINEER. Reporting to the Masterton Borough Council at its meeting last nifeht, the Borough Engineer, Mr C. R. Mabson, stated, inter alia: — Streets: Bennington Street formation between Masters Crescent and College Street is proceeding satisfactorily. Arrangements have been made for the completion of the road constructional work throughout the whole of the Government Settlement, the paths to be completed first and the balance to be carried out in sections as buildings are completed. A new path, has been formed in High Street on the east side from Solway Road to Jackson’s Bowser Station. Waipoua River Diversion: This work is now nearing completion, the excavation work below the Colombo Bridge, the removal of the willows, the construction of the return stop-bank along Colombo Road, and the widening of the channel below the Golf Course, are all practically completed. Given fine weather, the scheme should be completed in a fortnight. There are other improvements that could be carried out to the Waipoua River which would be a distinct advantage to the scheme, but these are not provided for in the loan. These include: The gravel-bank immediately above the Queen Street bridge requires splitting in half and pushing hard over to the northern and southern banks; also, the gravel bank opposite requires removing.

Building Permits: During the month 10 permits were issued, having an estimated value of £3,263 10s. The fees paid thereon amounted to £l3 10s. For the corresponding period last year, 10 permits were issued, having an estimated value of £4.262 14s.

INSPECTOR’S REPORT.

The Borough Inspector, Mr T. A. Russell, reported, inter alia, as follows for May:— Notifiable Infectious Disease: Diphtheria, 1 case; scarlet fever, 1 case; acute poliomyelitis, 1 case; erysipelas, 1 case. To date this month one patient has been sent to hospital for observation as a possible diphtheria case. In connection with the May diphtheria case four contacts were found to be carriers and these were also sent to hospital. Requisitions: The following requisitions were served: Repairs to building, 1; plumbing repairs, 3; remove rubbish, 1; abate nuisance, 1; cut back shrubs, 2. Business area: A considerable portion of the business area was inspected during the month and food shop proprietors were reminded of the necessity of displaying dog notices in accordance with regulations under the Health Act.

Licensing: The licensing for the year is almost completed. The following licenses have been issued: —Food premises: Fourteen bakers, 11 butchers, 13 dairies, 25 eatinghouses, 5 fish shops, 3 aerated water and cordial manufacturers. Other premises: Thirteen hairdressers, 6 tenement dwellings, 47 storage of dangerous goods, 54 industrial efficiency licences for the sale of motor spirit. Other persons: Twenty-three plumbers, 9 drainlayers, 14 taxi drivers, 7 hawkers, a total of 244. Traffic: Heavy traffic fees for the month amounted to £2lB Is lid. Thirty-two applicants, for drivers’ licences were examined. 5 failing to pass the test. A good deal of night patrolling in connection with traffic was carried out in conjunction with the Police and Inspector Milne of the Transport Department. A decided improvement particularly in regard to cyclists was noted. Twelve persons were prosecuted for traffic breaches all being convicted and fined. Two thousand three hundred and forty-five drivers’ licences were issued for the year ended May 31, 1939, as compard with 2244 for the previous year. To date 1855 licences have been issued for the current year. GAS MANAGER’S REPORT. The-gas -manager, Mr J. T. Douglas, reported inter alia as follow: — Gas Manufactured in May: Total gas made corrected N.T.P. was 4,140,200 cubic feet being a decrease of 170,000 cubic feet or 3.9 per cent over the corresponding perio.d of last year. Make per ton, 18,000 cubic feet; average calorific value, 460. The works are running very satisfactorily at the present time. The replacing of the main in Bentley Street is now completed. Bannister Street Holder: The new outer lift for this holder arrived during the month and the plates have been stored, inside the old buildings. Theerection of this lift will not start until after the winter season. Demonstrations: During the month' a series of four demonstrations were held in the Social Hall, Mrs Hankins, of Palmerston North acting as demonstrator.