CIVIC AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 18807, 4 December 1924, Page 11

CIVIC AFFAIRS

FORTNIGHTLY COUNCIL MEETING, The fortnightly mooting of tho City Council was held last night; presenttbo mayor (Mr H, L. Taploy), Crs W. A. Scott, ,1. H. Hancock. -I. Wilson, J. B. Shaddock, J. E. MacManus, W. Bogg, K Sincock, J. J. Clark, J. _S. Dougins, W. B. Taverner,, and H. Halliday. - GENERAL COMMITTEE. Cr Sincock, who moved the adoption of the report of the General Committee, said, in reply to questions, that it was intended to mark tiic parking places for private motor cars, so that motorists would know the intention of the council. In regard to a question with respect to the need of provision of rest rooms in the city for women and children, Cr Sincock said the committee had the matter in hand, and the city building purveyor was looking for suitable sites. When a- site that was suitable and within financial reach was obtained something would bo done. The matter of traffic control at Cargill's Corner (mentioned by Cr Taverner) had not been lost sight of 4 by the committee. It had been understood that the police would keep an oyo on tho traffic at that point, but if that arrangement was not elfcctivo then the committee would have to consider the advisability of paying to have a police traffic man or a traffic officer there. The committee’s report was adopted, TOWER SUPPLY. Cr Shacklock, in moving the adoption of the report of tho E.P. and L. Committee, said tho committee recommended, in accordance with promises made verbally many years ago, that power bo supplied free of cost to tho Taieri River Trust for the operation of a dredge in tho lower reaches of the Waipori River. Tho spoil taken out would be used for a protection bank. Later on the trust was going to erect an electrical pumping station, and the power would then bo paid for in the same way ns the Taieri Drainage Board’s pumps were now paid for. Cr Halliday suggested that tho period for which power was to bo granted free be restricted to two years. They had no guarantee when tho job would bo finished.

Cr Scott also thought there should bo a limited period. Cr Clark suggested a three-year term. Cr Begg thought tho clause should go hack to the committee for further consideration.

Cr Shacklock said ho had personally taken the. responsibility of saying that tho power would be given free. The work would bring into use a great deal of land, the, profit from which would bo a direct gain to tho city. The trust was not going to dredge tho river for fun, but when it found bottom it would stop. The work would be completed in three years. The Mayor pointed out that the mutter was first raised by a deputation of Taieri settlers to the committee. It was stated that when tho council raised its dam at Waipori to the maximum height tho area in question would be more or less flooded. Some arrangements had to be made either for dredging or for pumping, therefore, to prevent flooding. The settlors practically said that if the council did not help them they would oppose tho passing of tho council’s Empowering Bill, giving authority for the raising of tho dam. After further discussion the report was adopted, with the addition of a. proviso that the free grant of power should be for three years. FINANCE COMMITTEE.

Cr Taverner moved the adoption of the Finance Committee’s report. With re fereuco to the new highway, he said that the Harbor Board was serving notice on tho tenants whose houses would have to be moved. With regard to loan matters, they wore progressing quite favorably. Of the £85,000 renewal loan required to bo taken up on February 1, they had already received £63,300, and were quite confident of receiving tho balance in good time. A further sum of about £40,0C0 would be required to meet the works department expenditure, aiid the indications were that they would not have any difficulty in raising that. Tho report was adopted. WORKS COMMITTEE.

.The adoption of tho report of the Works Committee was moved by Cr Wilson, clause 1, with reference to the purchase ‘of land at Parkside, being taken in committee.

Cr Wilson said it was now proposed to put the- Opolio Creek on one side, and to have a 66ft roadway on the eastern side of; Logan Park. Cr Douglas seconded the motion. Cr Halliday asked a question with regard to the laying of Trinidad asphalt in front of His Majesty’s Theatre with a place marked out on it for the parking of cars.

Cr MacManus asked about certain street lights, and about broom growing in tho Mornington tramway cutting. _ Cr Sincock said tho city engineer should take in hand the clearing out of gorsc and broom on street lines, and charge the department responsible. Cr Wilson, in the course of his reply, expressed the opinion that tho tramways department should clear tho rubbish from thq cutting. Tho report was adopted. GAS COMMITTEE. Tho adoption of tho Gas Committee’s report was moved by Cr Scott, who made reference to the gas cookery, demonstrations being given by Miss Todhuuter. Cr Sincock asked if the committee would go into tho question of treating its own tar, and see if tho work could bo profitably undertaken. Cr -Scott said he thought the local tar was quite as good as that got from elsewhere. The report was adopted. TENDERS. The tender of J. E. Watson, Inveracrgill, for tho supply of 1,680 dog collars at £52 13s was accepted.