[THE HUTT VALLEY

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 12, 14 July 1931, Page 12

[THE HUTT VALLEY

LOWER HUTT BOROUGH COUNCIL

The fortnightly meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council was held yesterday. Preaout: Mr. "W. T. Strand (Mayor), and 'Councillors tA. M'Bain, W. G. Meldrum, W. Wilson, A. Anderson, D. S. Patrick, F. Campbell, J. Mitchell, A. Grierson, and B. Ginger. The Hutt Valley Intcr-Biblo Class Movomont was granted pormissiou to hold a "youth rally"- in the King George Theatre on cither 2Gth July or 2nd August. The borough staff appeal committee reported having hoard nine appeals for consideration in regard to tho 10 per •cent. cut. Tour were allowed, two wore disallowed, and threo were held in abeyanceT In,regard to the three held over inquiries were being made as to tho possibility of giving assistance'to the applicants by way of having interest on their mortgages reduced. Councillor Wilson remarked that tho appeal committee was evidently asking other people to bear the burden tho council had placed on the applicants. The Fire Prevention Committee' reported that it recommended tho confirmation of the appointment of Mr. B. J« Bird to the brigade. In regard to tho purchase of a second fire engine the opinion of the Inspector of Fire Brigades was being sought. Tho report was adopted. The Works Committee reported the acceptance of tho tender of Mr. H. H. M'Gill for the brickwork of tho fence round the recreation ground, at £409, and the acceptance <of tho tender of Mr. H. F. Lowe for the iron work, at £324. Tho report showed that from Ist April to 4th July tho borough had spent £1975 J.S 8d on unemployment, work, which included £,870 15s spent in wagos when the No. 5 scheme was suspended. , A comprehensive report on motor vehicles, benzine, and oil was presented by tho Town Clerk, Councillor Ginger criticised the report in detail, stating that ia his opinion the mileage from tho cars per gallon "was misstated; that second grade benzine should be purchased in place of first grade; that members of tho staff should not be allowed to purchase benzine from the council's pump; that the amount of oil used was excessive; that the price of oil was too high, and that the purchases of oil should be. made from one firm. Councillor Ginger also criticised tho practice of making the borough engineer an allowance of £150 a year for the use of his own car. Councillor Mitchell- considered that British oil and benzine only should be purchased, and Councillor AYilson said tenders ought to be called ,for the annual supply of benzine and oil. - ' It was decided that a committee composed of Councillors Mitch'ell, Anderson, and_ Ginger should, report on motor vehicles and tho purchase of benzine and oil. In the meantime, on tho motion of Councillor Mitchell,.it was decided to confine purchases to British material. The council decided to allow car parking, under strict conditions, in tho council yard, opposite the King George JTheatre. The. Eeserves Committee "was given power to act in regard to a request from Mr. Pilcher to be allowed to plant •ngaio trees in Eossiter avenue. A^ the request of Councillor Wilson the assistant engineer, Mr. Mainland, ■was requested to fill certain low portions of Bandwick road. • ; The council decided to, carry out, on behalf of certain ratepayers, and at thsir cost, the drainage of storm water ir the St. Eonan's avenue district.