BOROUGH INSPECTOR

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 12333, 23 April 1938, Page 3

BOROUGH INSPECTOR

MONTHLY REPORT VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS I INCREASE IN PAST YEAR | The Borough Inspector, Mr H. L. I Potter, presented the following rei port to the last ordinary meeting of the Borough Council; The building figures for March show a rise over previous months in the number of value of permits issued for dwellings, each of three residences costing well over £ 1,000. A total of fourteen permits were granted during the month to erect: dwellings, 7; additions to dwellings, 1; business premises, 1; additions to business premises, 2; garages and outhouses, 3; total value £ 7,393; total fees, £25 ss. For the official year ended 31st March, 1935, an increase in values of £ 2,024 over the previous year's returns is recorded. The number of dwellings erected were considerably less than last year, however 36 as against 55, or 34.55 per cent, fewer, and the value of new business premises also shows a decided decrease, 1937/38 figures totalling £13,661, whilst for the 1936/37 period the estimated costs reached £ 29,490, a difference of £ 15,829. The new Post Office accounted for £ 23,850 of the total £ 77,265 for the year, 144 permits in all were granted. The above returns do not include the thirteen dwellings erected under the State housing scheme, the Government not requiring the Council to issue permits for these. Following are comparative figures fo rthe years 1936/37 and 1937/38, and the attached summary serves to indicate the extent of building operations in the Borough during the past six years: 1930/37 No. of Value Permits £ Dwellings 55 38,807 Alterations and Additions to Dwellings 2 6 2,68 7 Business Premises 11 13,662 Alterations and Additions to Bus. Premises 13 2,728 Garages & Outhouses .... 24 63 9 Additions to Pub. Bldgs. 1 41 129 75,241 1937/38 Dwellings 3 6 39,13 3 Alterations and Additions to Dwellings .... 31 4,147 Business Premises 11 3 3,6 61 Alterations and Additions t oßus. Premises 13 2,728 Garages and Outhou*es .. 48 1,901 Public Buildings 3 25,196 Additions to Public Buildings l 198 Other Buildings 1 300 , 144 77,265 Building figures for six years.— 1932/33, £16,104; 1933/34, £23.342,; 1934/35, £ 34,369; 1935/36, £ 44,500; 1936/37, £ 75,241; 1937/ 38, £ 77,265. Infectious Diseases. Investigations were carried out and precautions taken relative to one case of scarlet fever notified on the 19th of the month. The last previous case notified of scarlet fever was in July of last year. ,

Licensing.—lnspections are being made and annual licenses issued in respect to dangerous goods stores, eating bouses, milk shops and vehicles, butchers shops, ice : cream sellers, and advertising hoardings.

Licensing undej;, tije. Industrial Efficiency Act, 193(3, of Petrol Resellers.—l was instructed to report on the circular letter from the Chief Inspector of Explosives relative to the above.—The Bureau of Industry has requested the Council to undertake _ the duties of licensing resellers of motor spirit, which, in the meantime, is to he confined solely to the licensing of pumps; further advices to be received concerning the licensing of retailers engaged in selling spirit in cases and/or drums. Licenses are issued conjointly with dangerous goods licenses, and the Council retains 10 per cent, of the fees collected under the Industrial Efficiency Act. Assessed on the number, of pumps now installed, this will amount to £5 -145,: which sum should more than meet the costs of issue. Application and license forms are to hand.

It was stated that the value of the State houses was about £ 13,000. Cr Gallagher moved—That the report be received.—Seconded by Cr McFarlane and carried.

It was decided that the Council pay the fee tor the telephone in the inspector’s house.