BOROUGH WORK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 October 1940, Page 2

BOROUGH WORK

PAST MONTH’S ACTIVITIES REPORTS TO COUNCIL. INCREASE IN LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP. At the monthly meeting of the Masterton Borough Council held in Masterton last night the following reports were received: — The librarian, Mrs A. Cohen, reported that a total of 6393 books (696 of which were reference and non-fiction) were issued last month. Books added to the library totalled 457 (49 being non-fiction). At the beginning of September subscribers totalled 578, and at the end of the month had increased to 595. Last year the subscribers at September 30 numbered 497. In the juvenile section five new members had joined the library, making a total membership to date of 120 subscribers; 281 books had been issued during the month. Mawley Motor Camp. Mr T. Bulloch, custodian of Mawley Park Motor Camp reported that from December 1, 1939, to August 31, 1940, a total of 373 cars had visited the camp. During last month five cars parked at the grounds.

Ladies’ Rest Rooms. , Mrs G. L. Nissen, matron of the Ladies’ Rest Rooms stated that 116 visitors, 140 country and 126 townspeople, a total of 382, visited the rooms during the past month. The committee room was engaged two days a week by the Ladies’ Patriotic Committee and the Lady Galway Guild. Municipal Band. Mr B. Rickards, secretary of the Municipal Band reported that eight practices were held during the month. A programme was rendered in the Masterton Park on the afternoon of September 29. Cemetery Report. “The usual work in connection with the cemetery, cleaning paths, mowing grass, etc., has been attended to during the month,” stated the acting-sexton; Mr J. Catherall. There were 14 burials during the month. Abattoirs. Mr P. J. Wallace, manager of the abattoirs stated that 150 cows, 76 heifers, 159 bullocks, 46 boners, 85 calves, 590 ewes, 1157 wethers, 98 lambs and 120 pigs had been slaughtered during the past month. Thirteen cattle, 5 sheep and 4 pigs were condemned. Killing fees were slightly lower than those for the corresponding period of last year. Health Inspector.

Mr T. A. Russell. Borough Health Inspector, reported that 26 applications for licences to sell ice cream had been received, which he recommended be granted. A sample of the town water supply had been taken for analysis but no report was yet to hand. The usual milk samples had also been taken. Fifteen requisitions had been served. Eighteen applicants had been tested for their drivers’ licence, two failing to pass the test. Five persons were convicted and fined for breaches of the traffic regulations. Borough Engineer. “The formation of Cockburn Street has now been completed,” stated Mr C. R. Mabson, Borough Engineer, “and storm water drains and creeks along the road have been cleaned out. The path in Donald Street had been reformed, rolled and sanded. Maintenence work was carried out in Gordon, French, Raglan, Short and Cockburn ' streets and River Makora and Roberts’ roads.” During the month four building permits, for an estimated value of £290 15s, were issued. For September last year five permits for £1650 14s 6d were issued. Gas Manager’s Report. The total gas made was 3,840.600 cubic feet, stated the gas manager, Mr J. Y. Douglas. A new steam coil for preheating distilled tar had been fitted into one of the tanks. A section of the works gas holder was not in good order and required attention. Gas sold by meter showed a slight increase. Altogether, 10.679 bags of coke and 4862 gallons of tar were sold. Park Work. The acting-park custodian, Mr F. H. Knowles, reported that the work at the park had been carried out satisfactorily during the past month. The work of sowing seeds for the summer flowering plants and the top-dressing of cricket fields had been completed. Included in the general park work for the present month would be the preparation and marking out of playing areas for the coming season.