TOWN CONVENIENCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1942, Page 2

TOWN CONVENIENCES

BOROUGH COUNCIL ADMITS NEED WORKS COMMITTEE TO MEET TRUST. POSSIBILITY OF SECURING SITE. The possibility of securing a suitable site in Masterton for the provision of conveniences is to be investigated by the Borough Council, in consultation with the Trust Lands Trust. This course was decided oil at last night’s meeting of the council, following on receipt of a letter from the Trust drawing attention to the lack of conveniences in Masterton. The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, said he had always been interested in the provision of conveniences in Masterton. He went on to detail steps to that end that had been taken in the past, though without result. He was not quite sure that they were worse off for conveniences than other places, though that argument was not a good one, The conveniences they had were inconspicuous and difficult to find, especially in the blackout. All the elaborate conveniences in the world would not get over the filthy habits of some people. They had had examples of that before there were any blackouts or brainouts at all. He was not quite sure that the matter had been raised perfectly bona fide. Stating that he had had the question in mind for some time, Councillor C. E. Grey said one thing Masterton did want was a good public convenience, though he admitted that it would not stop the streets being used by those so inclined. From the public standpoint the provision of conveniences was most desirable. He had had dozens and dozens of people coming into his shop and asking where the public conveniences were. He suggested the old church area in Church Street as a suitable site on which both men's and ladies’ conveniences could be provided. It was high time that some steps should be taken, though he admitted that the time was not quite right. The Works Committee were agreed on the need for a convenience, said Councillor W. Kemp, who added that it seemed to him that the time was not opportune to do anything costly at present. Four times the council had gone into the question on previous occasions.

“The Trust is quite willing to receive a deputation from the council to go into the matter and I think they are quite sympathetic,” said Councillor Grey. “Every section that has been mentioned has been considered on previous occasions,” said Councillor R. Russell, who agreed on the need for conveniences. More than one convenience was wanted. It seemed to him that everyone alongside the proposed sites objected. “I think we should ascertain what the Trust is prepared to do,” said Councillor G. W. Morice, who stated that perhaps some temporary provision could be made meantime, in view of the present state of affairs. Councillor H. E. Gardner said a site should be obtained without delay, as otherwise a suitable one might not' be available. Councillor J. Ninnes moved that the Works Committee meet the Trust and endeavour to secure a site. Councillor Grey said he thought it would be as well to ascertain if the church area behind Mr Pither’s shop were available. The motion was carried, the committee to investigate any sites other than Trust sections that might be considered suitable and to report to the next meeting of the council.