BOROUGH COUNCIL FORTNIGHTLY MEETING

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10885, 11 August 1932, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL FORTNIGHTLY MEETING

Sunshine Recorder Still Available. ERECTION TO BE PROCEEDED WITH. The fortnightly meeting of the Tauranga Borough Council was held last night in the Borough Council Chambers, when there were present His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. C. Robbins), and Councillors F, J. Al--1 e 1 y, L. Norris, C. Whiting, .1, Law, J. F. Russell Wallace. A. E. Xewsharn. T. Bloor, and A. N. lies. An apology for absence was received from Councillor J. M. Daines and leave of absence was granted. Before commencing the business of the meeting, His Worship the Mayor spoke of the death of Mrs John Leydon, which occurred in Auckland recently. The late Mrs Leydon was the mother of Mrs A. Skinner, of Tauranga, and though it was unusual for the Council to pass a vote of condolence with the relatives of those who had not been connected with the Council, he felt that as Mrs Skinner had done so much charitable work in Tauranga the Council was justified in proposing the vole of condolence. The motion was carried, all present standing. New South Wales Interest Redact ion Act, IJ)3I. A circular letter was read from the Takapuna Borough Council in connection with the New South Wales Interest Reduction Act, 1931. It stated that the TAkapuna Borough Council had forwarded an emphatic protest to the Prime Minister against the action of the Government in not availing itself of the provisions of the act in view of the fact that some months ago, both the Crown Law Offive and the Audit Department insisted upon local bodies availing themselves of the reduction. The Council requested the Tauranga Borough to forward a protest to the Prime Minister if they were iu agreement with the motion of the Takapuna Council. The letter was received and it was decided to support the Takapuna Borough Council’s action. Heavy Traffic License Fees. The Town Clerk, Rotorua, in a letter regarding heavy traffic license fees, stated that advice had been received from all the local bodies interested that they were prepared to carry on under the existing arrangements for a further twelve months. Consequently, it was not poposed to hold a conference this year. The letter was received and approved. Loan of Town Hall. A request was received from the Tauranga Plunket Society for the free use of the Town Hall for two nights in September for the purpose of holding a concert. It was decided to inform the Society that it would have to approach the lessee of the Town Hall, Mr R. J. Kerridge, direct. Appontmcnt of Trustee for Cemetery Control. Mr C. Lowe, Secretary to the Tauranga Cemetery Trustees, wrote asking the council to appoint a trustee in the place of Mr T. Tanner, who had resigned. The Secretary stated that it was understood that Mr S. G. Willcock was willing to act in place of Mr Tanner. The Council appointed Mr S. G. Willcock to the Trust Board in place of Mr Tanner. Sunshine Recorder. Dr Kidson, Government Meteorologist,, wrote in connection with the sunshine recorder. He stated that the instrument was still available, and for its support a rigid pier of brick or concrete would be required. The height of this pier should be four feet six inches, and the top one foot square, with sides running E-W, and N-S. The top should be level. The site would have to be carefully chosen so as to get the maximum amount of sunshine. He understood that Miss Butcher had a good exposure available. The instrument would be set up under instructions from the Meteorological Branch of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, by the Borough Engineer. It would be desirable for the mounting to be inspected by one of the Department’s staff, and the writer hoped that this would be possible before the end of the year. The Mayor stated that it had practically been decided to erect the recorder on Miss Butcher's property at Judea. Cr Whiting moved that the matter of the erection of the recorder be left in the hands of the Engineer, and be gone on with immediately. Cr Bloor seconded the motion, which was carried. Lease of Property. Two tenders were received for the lease of a section in Tenth Avenue, adjoining Mrs Cadness’s property, and on the motion of Cr Bloor, seconded by Cr Allely, it was decided to accept the tender of E. Turner at £8 15s. ' Outstanding Kates. In regard to lots 140 and 141, Section 1 Town of Tauranga, Mr W. E. Rawsou, Native Trustee wrote; “I have no funds in hand from which payment of the outstanding rates can be made. This property has not yet reverted to me as owner as I am negotiating with the original lessee for the occupation of same. If this comes to pass, this gentleman will, I presume, be liable for the cun ent rates only, and it therefore appears that your only remedy Therein is to proceed against the former lessee. The letter was received. Town Planning Institute. A letter was read from the Town Planning Institute of New Zealand (Incorporated) asking the Council to reconsider its decison to resign from the institute. After discussion, the Counci decided to abide by its decision to resign, as no benefit was received from the membership. Unemployment. A letter was received from the Secretary of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce stating that it was that Chamber’s intention to hold a conference of Local Bodies to consider the question of procuring suitable lands, and breaking it in for esttlement by the unemplayed.

The meeting was to bo held in the Borough Council Chambers at 10.30 a.m. on August 23, and the Council was Invited to send representatives. Councillor Whiting moved that Crs Bloor, Newsham and Law represent the Council. Cr Wallace seconded. The Mayor pointed out that all members of the Council were cordially invited to attend the conference. Levelling Fifth Avenue. A petition signed by householders in Fifth Avenue, between Cameron Road and Devoaport Road, was presented, requesting the Council to have the Avenue levelled. The petilionrs staled that they would keep the Avenue in condition satisfactory to tlie Council should the work he done. Cr lies sated that the request was very reasonable. The work could be done with little cost to the Borough, it would beautify the area and would in the end save the council maintenance as the residents would maintain the road. He moved that the request be agreed to. Cr Allely seconded. The Mayor staled that he very much appreciated the petition as it showed that the ratpayers were taking an interest iu the beauti tying of the town and were well satisfied with the efforts the Council was making in iliia direction. The only trouble that ha.d arisen in connection with this work was that people had driven vehicles over the newly planted grass. In fact, some seemed to take a delight in using these plots as a roadway. Cr Newsham: It is the tradesmen, I think. The Mayor: I do say that this is a disgrace. I have spoken to the Inspector, and he has visited all the tradespeople in the town and warned them against this practice. There are some people who have no idea of keeping the town pretty. Cr Whiting pointed out that the work in Fifth Avenue should be put in hand immediately us the grass should be planted this month. It was decided to instruct the engineer to put the work in baud. Finance Committee's Report. Cr lies, Chairman of the Finance Committee, reported that the Committee met on August Bth, when there were present: Crs lies (Chairman), Bloor, Whiting and Law. The following recommendations were made; Accounts for Payment.—That the accounts as per schedule he passed for payment. Insurance of Motor Trucks. —That steps be taken to cancel the Fire risk with Lloyd’s in order to take out a comprehensive policy with the Union Insurance Company.

Sinking Funds. —That the Town Clerk write to the Minister of Finance pointing out the discrepency between the high rate of interest charged by the Public Trustee and the low rate allowed by him on Sinking Fund investments and the effect of the National Expenditure Adjustment Act in exempting Superannuation Funds from the 10 per cent, stamp duty, thus further penalising local bodies who have raised loans so invested from the Public Trustee; also that in the opinion of the Council the time has come when further reductions should be made in interest rates. Employers’ Indemnity—That the N.Z. Insurance Coy’s account for £203 Is lid be passed, subject to being certified. Jubilee Accounts. —That the accounts as per schedule passed by the Jubilee Committee be paid. Interest Due in Sydney, £90,000 Loan. —That the Finance Committee negotiate for transfer of £1919 2s 6d to Bank of New Zealand, Sydney, through Messrs Tolhurst and Son in order to take advantage of exchange. The recommendations were agreed to. Lease of Part of Abattoir Property. Cr Newsham stated that Mr H. A. Washer was desirous of leasing part of the abattoir property as a holding paddock. Mr Hynds had been using the paddock, which adjoined his property, and if it were leased to anybody else about 15 chains'of fencing would be necessary. He recommended that tenders be called for the lease of the property. Cr lies moved that the matter be referred back to the Abattoir Committee for further consideration. Seconded by Cr Allely and carried. Electricity. On the recommendation of the Electricity Committee it was decided to agree to the conditions laid down by the Railway Department for the erection of power lines across the railway. It was also resolved to erect a light on the corner of Edgcumbe Road and Morris Street. The matter of the charge to the Publci Works Department for current was held over. Abattoir Manager's Report. Mr A. T. Rutherford, Manager of the Abattoir, forwarded the following report of stock slaughtered for the month of July. The numbers for the corresponding month of last year are shown in parentheses: Cattle 76 (87). sheep 282 (309). lambs 14 (2), calves 5 (2), pigs 5 (20). The fees collected for July, 1932, amounted to £9 9 16s while for July 1931, the fees amounted to £llO 16s 6d. The report was received. Gardener's Report. Mr W. Parlane, borough gardener, submitted the following report for the month of July; “The frost continuing, little mowing of lawns has been necessary. The swings and other apparatus has been attended to regularly and everything is in good order. The lily pond in Herries Park has been embptied, cleaned out and refilled. There has been an increase of fish in the pond, 24 large and small having been caught. The bulk of the work for the month has been weeding in the various plots and rock gardens, while I have also planted seedling flower plants when available. Dogs on the waterfront are again becoming a nuisance, having recently dug holes among the palms, nearly digging one out.” The report was received. Inspector’s Report. The Mayor explained that Mr R. Bamberry, Borough Inspector, was at present indisposed and consequently had not been able to furnish a report for the meeting. The meeting concluded at 8.40.