HUTT AND PETONE

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1206, 15 August 1911, Page 6

HUTT AND PETONE

(From Our Sucelal Correspondent.) SAFETY IN CASE OF FIRE. Inspector Hugo's report on the fire exits, etc., of public buildings at Lower Hutt has brought forth the following report from tho works committee of tbe Hutt Borough Council. We.4e.yan Sunday School.—The committee recommend that the door at the eastern. end of the building bo raised to the level ol' the inside platform, and that tho oiltsido platform be then raised to the level of tile inside one, and that hand rails l>o placed on each side of the outer one. That tile doors in the class rw.-i.-m be made to open into tho room, and that the front door be made to open outwards. Councillor Ball asked if this building were licensed, because if it were not it was a serious mntter. Councillor Hodgens explained that a notice had been served, but, since then, certain alterations had been made. He submitted that alterations should not be allowed excepting under the supervision of the engineer. Councillor Clendon said that, if tbe license wore withheld, tho hall was being used, and something should be done. On the motion of Councillor Hobbs, the recommendation was approved. King George Theatre.—Tho committee have inspected this building, and aro of opinion that, at present, it. would be unreasonable to insist on a full compliance with Inspector Hugo's recommendations, and therefore leave tho matter in the hands of.the council to deal with. Councillor Hawtlioni did not agree with this, but stated that, as soon as lie was able, lie would comply with the inspector's [ report. It had been suggested that the capacitv number should bo reduced from 1300 to 900. Councillor Roots then moved: "That, seeing that Mr. Hawthorn cannot at present see his way clear to make the alterations required, ahd if he gives a promise that they will be executed at his earliest convenience, the recommendation be given effect to. In the meantime the license should be amended so as to reduce the permissible seating accommodation from 1300 to 900."—Carried. Councillor Ball asked what would bo tho legal position of the council if a panic did occur. Would they be liable? Tho Mayor: Certainly not. Wo have tho report of our engineer, and we act upon it. In regard to St. James's Church, it was resolved that an extension of time be granted, for the alterations suggested by inspector Hugo.

OVERWORKED MAGISTRATE. Before proceeding with the usual business of tho Court at Upper Hutt yesterday morning, Dr. M'Arthur, who presided, took occasion to apologise for not attending on tho two previous monthly Court days. He was sorrv to hear that tho business hud been held up, but on each occasion he had been engaged in Auckland. "I really ought to be. in Auckland now," concluded his Worship. Mr. Webb, on behalf of the tradesmen in the town, and of. members of the Gar, said that he must enter a protest regarding the way tho town had been treated by the Department. ' The magistrate, whoso duty it was to come to Upper Hutt, was given so much other work to do that he found it impossible to attend even once a month. During tho three months sinco a magistrate was last there, judgment summonses had been suspended, and this gave time for debtors to clear out of tho country. In many cases tho ends of justice had 'been defeated. He would be' glad if some representation was mado to the Justice Department, which, it was perfectly clear to him, was sadly undermanned. Dr. M'Arthur said: "I quito agree with you there, Mr. Webb. 1 don't think I should be called upon to work every evening, as is thfi case now." Mr. Fair also added a few words relative to tho manner in which judgment summonses especially had been held up. Dr. M'Arthur concluded by promising to make representations to tho Department at the earliest opportunity. . UPPER HUTT COURT. Dr.. M'Arthur, S.M., presided at tho monthly fitting- of the Upper Hutt Magistrate's Court yesterday morning. Tho only business on the criminal side lvas in respect to breaches of by-laws. The Upper Hutt Town Board proceeded on nine informations against Alfred Soutliie for allowing, at certain times, sixteen horses t,o wander. The defendant admitted two of the informations, and after being pressed by Dr. M'Arthur, pleadqd guilty to all. A nominal fine of ss. was imposed. Three; similar informations were also brought' against John W. Robinson, who was ordered to paj; Court costs, 21s. Judgment was given .by default in the following undefended civil cases:—G.- L. Lay v. David Blair, 'JM 7s. 7d., costs 10s.; 6ame v. H. V. Parker, »£2 Ss., costs 125.; J. A. Hazelwood v. W. A. Grantham, ,£2 3s. lid., costs. 155.; Kotchen Bros. v. Denis Kelly, £o ss. Sd., costs 15s. 6d.; W. H. Edwards v. A'rthur Goodman, .£2 13s.* Gd., costs 7s. In the judgment, summons cases, F. J. Mann was ordered to pay to W. Barton the sum of ,£BO 12s. on or before August 28, or, in default, undergo one month's imprisonment. A. IC. Boyd was ordered to pay .£1 ss. to J. A, Hazelwood on or before the same date, in default seven days' imprisonment, while no order was made in the case of the samo creditor v John Cuneen. tho debt amounting to X 8 7s. 3d. William Henry Phillips .was ordered to pay the Upper Hutt Jown Board the sum of £27 10s. on or before August 28, in default one months imprisonment.