HUTT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 130, 25 February 1908, Page 9

HUTT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tho Mayor, Mr. T. A. Peterkin, presided at tho meeting of tho Hutt Borough Council last evening, and there were present:—Councillors Russell, O'Sullivan, Ward, Hodgins, Wiklsmith, Ross, Judd, and Hakhvin. Tho Si/crotary of the Wellington District Hospital, replying to an inquiry by tho Council, reported that tho number of cases from the Lower Hutt treated at tho hospital for tho two years ended December 31, 1907, wero: —1906, 50; 1907, 42. Councillor Ward said ho would like to see specified the amount which tho borough had received in charitable aid in return for its contribution. Tho Council's contribution was between £'100 and £500 ajoar. It seemed from the return that the borough was paying, on an average, £10 per case. Ou the motion of Councillor Baldwin, it was decided that the hospital authorities bo asked to supply a return showing the nunibor of patients admitted, and on whoso certificates they wero admitted. Accounts amounting to £470 12s. lOd. wero passed for paymont. Messrs. Bunny, Petherick, and Ayson, acting on behalf of Mrs. Wheatley, wroto agreeing to accept tho sum of ,£lO, plus 10s. 6d. costs (if paid forthwith) in connection with shingle removed from the metal quarry at Wainui Hill. It was agreed to pay £10 in full sottloment of tho claim. Twenty-seven ratepayers and house-holders petitioned tho Council to talco steps to havo an alleged liuisanco caused by the Gear Manuro Works abated. It was decided that tho company's attention bo called to tho potition, and that they bo asked what steps would be taken in tho matter. Tho Petono Technical School applied for tho usual subsidy. It was stated that £lo had been provided, in the estimates. Tho Wellington _■ Centre of ' tho N.Z.A. Swimming Association "wrote at length on tho matter of public swimming; baths for . tho Hutt. "hero had been. a. rumour current that somo, of . the residents intended moving in tho. matter.; The suggestion was' mado that tho Borough Council: obtain an engineer's report ns- cost. - Councillor Baldwin suggested- - that the' letter bo held over till the next year's estimates were prepared'. Councillor Ross did not consider that this'was ahiattcr in which tho Council should: tako any part. It was not a general rule for Borough Councils to do as requested. Councillor Ward supported Councillor Ross's remarks, and Councillor Judd was of a- similar opinion, pointing out that thoro wero 1 already very good facilities for bathing, in tho' district, especially' as a shed/was now.to ho provided. Councillor Russell favoured obtaining an engineer's estimate and report, as requested. .Tho question, .ho said, .was ;merely. one .'of'.site; thoy. would be ablo to supply,tlio water. On Councillor Russell's , motion, it was to instruct the' Borough : Engineer;' to draw up a report in his spare time. .. •••, ; v j . Regarding an application-.by tho polbo authorities for water, it was dccidcd that the i' '• '!■-".ind' in ;V l /ollin"l<m,' viz., supplying all Government buildings through a meter, bo adopted.; , It was reported that tho applications rocoived up to date for water connections num- i bored 67. ~ V ••• -- . ■ ' ..

Tho waterworks- by-laws -for 1908 were confirmed, aiid it was decided 'tliat they come into operation on, March 9. Tho Committee which' was recently'••Set up to go into matters connected will tho..staff ' recommended'-'tliat'- ho reduction be niado iri tho office sta'ff; -that the..Engineer bo rempowered to'claim the assistance .of one of the ofßco clerks for correspondence reports ;'that Mr. Miller, 1 gasfitter, bo relieved .'of the reading of gas •motors, and that he devoto all his timo to tho,; laying of >gas mains; and that; one of "the clerks undertake the' reading ofgas motors.'- The report was'adopted.' . Mr. John Gardner was appointed waterworks inspector under the by-laws. ! The Council decided to widen Bridgo Street, at the old cemetery. Six'teon ■ feet will'bo. added to tho road here, to givo a better approach to the bridgo. ' Tho improveirient,' it , was pointed out, was an important one. !