MARLBOROUGH NEWS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21578, 14 September 1935, Page 24

MARLBOROUGH NEWS

WAIRAU RIVER BOARB DIVERSION SCHEME BLmiBEIM, September 13. At the monthly meeting of tbe Walrau River Board,, at which Mr US. Parker presided, plans and specifications were 40ceived from the district engineer of the Public Works Department, Nelson, of the proposed Waihopai diversion scheme. The estimate of cost given by the district engineer is £4740, against the original estimate of £2280. More work was .involved in the scheme as propounded by the Public Works Department than was originally anticipated. After a brief discussion it was finally carried unanimously that because of the substantial increase in the cost, as disclosed by the plans and estimates supplied, the scheme be not proceeded with. Four tenders were received for 100 \ cords of stacked willow wood at the "| Waihopai riverbed, the tender of Mr j? D. T. Cross at 7s 6d a cord being accepted. - It was decided to acquire land W establish a nursery. Beautifying a Biver At the monthly meeting of the Come , to Blenheim Association, Mr H. Duck- 4 worth presiding, a report was re- J| ceived from Mr W. W. Tylor on the '■% conference held among the borough j council, the river board, and the as- :■ sociation about the acquiring of the land on' the river side of the banks on the north of Alfred street bridge so that the scheme of beautifying the banks could be extended to the riverbanks between Alfred street and the railway bridges. Arrangements were made at the conference for the land to be vested in the borough counciL About 14 owners were involved and ft sub-committee had been set uj> to interview them with the object of securing their land for the scheme. It was decided to approve of this scheme and to offer £5 towards the cost of transfers. It was decided to urge the Government to fix the date of the general election for mid-November, or not later than November 21, so as not to upset the Christmas trade* Queen Carnival At a combined meeting of committees of the Regimental Band Queen Carnival it was decided that the new band instruments to bo purchased be vested in a board of trustees to consist of two citizens' and two regimental representatives. It was reported that nearly half of the £BOO required to procure the instruments was available. Boy Scoots At a meeting of the Marlborough Scout Executive, a proposal that the Blenheim and Redwoodtown Boy Scout troops and committees should amalgamate to form one strong troop was favourably considered. It was considered that efforts should be made to raise sufficient funds to build a scout hall at Horton Park. It was decided to institute an honorary membership list with a minimum subscription of 2s 6d to raise further funds and to enlist the interest of a larger number of local people.

Borough Council At a meeting of the Blenheim Borough Council, the Mayor (Mr J. Stevenson) presiding, a number of tenders for a new motor-truck wero received, and a special committee was appointed tc consider them and bring down a recommendation at the next council meeting. A report was received on the. conference amcng the borough council, river board, and the Come to Blenheim Association about the acquiring of land on the river side of the banks to extend the beautifying scheme to the river banks on the north side of the Alfred street bridge. It was decided that the matter be left to the reserves committee in the meantime, the council being agreeable to the expenditure of up to £25 for the cost of survey and transfer fee. Sitting as the Owaka Domain Board, the aerodrcme was fully discussed, and it was decided that, as suggested in a letter received from the Minister for Lands, that, the Domain Board reiinquish control of the Owaka Domcn, provided that a fully representative body is set up to control the domain as an airport.