PETONE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 137, 11 June 1898, Page 5

PETONE BORO UGH CO UNCIL.

The Works Committee of the Petone Borough Council met last evening. In a special report on the removal and disposal of nightsoil, the Engineer expressed the opinion that much of the present dissatisfaction was caused by the crudity of the system, in operation. He recommended what is known in Australia as the day system— i.e. the removal by day in hermetically sealed pans, which are taken to the depot in a specially constructed van. The pan has a rubber ring fitting closely round the rim of the lid, which is held in position aad cramped down by means of a steel cross bar fitted with an eccentric lever. The advantages claimed for the system are — That the pan aud its contents beiug removed bodily reduces the liability to foul the outhouse ; the pan left in place of the full one is in a clean and sanitary state, which in summer time is a great advantage ; the work being performed between dawn and 10 a.m. can be carried out more quickly ; and the disreputable vehicle which belated burgesses are liable to meet in tho small hours would be a thing of the past. The cleaning of tho pans is to be effected by means of steam generated in a boiler erected at the depot. The estimated capital c»st of the proposed system, incl|Ssiji#- laud for depot, is stated at £583 ss, and the annual working expenses (including interest on cost) £413. The returns are calculated on the fortnightly removal of 500 pans at 6d, £325 ; and the weekly removal of 100 pans at 6d, £130 ; total, £450. The pans would be supplied by the Council. The Engineer believes that ratepayers will not object to the additional cost for an efficient sanitary service. A deputation^ from the Co-operative Society asked if the Council could state what value it intended to put on the pieco of land in front of the society's store. They were ready for bringing out their front to the proper street level, but wished to ascertain the cost of the land before doing so. The Mayor said the land would have to be valued. He would endeavour to give the information after Monday next. The Committee decided to make the following, recommendations to 'iiext Monday's ordinary meeting:— (l)', That tho Engineer ibe instructed to order from Auckland small 'quantities of traps and draiuage fittings wjjich can be sold at a price that will cover cost; (2) that the Engineer be instructed iv future r to construct all street gullies of concrete ; (3) that a letter be sent to the Chief Surveyor urging the necessity of completing the standard survey in order to allow the Council to make up its roads and footpaths ; (4) that the Engineer be instructed to effect temporary repairs to Jackson-street near the Presbyterian Church — as to which a deputation waited on the committee — and to procure some birch saplings and deck planking for wharf repairs ; (5) that the Engineer's report on the recreation ground be referred to the Ground Committee.: (6) that the Council solicit the co-operation of local bodies interested in the upkeep of the Hutt-road, with the view of forming a joint deputation to wait upon the Government to ask for a subsidy towards the maintenance of the road ; (7) that repairs be effected to Kelly'slaue, and that owners of land on this lane be approached with the view of obtaining sufficient laud to widen this road ; (S) that permission be granted the local Cycling Club to hold sports on the recreation ground on Saturday afternoon, 2oth June, at a rental of £2, aud that if a postponement is required the use of the ground be granted for a Wednesday afternoon. The discussion of the Engineer's report on the construction of gas works and proposal for lighting the borough was deferred till Monda}' evening. The tender of Messrs. Percy Bros, for kerbing at £1 8s lid per chain was recommended, for acceptance. As the drainage tenders were considered too high, it was decided that the work be carried out by day labour.