CIVIC AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 19326, 12 August 1926, Page 2

CIVIC AFFAIRS

MEETING OF COUNCIL The fortnightly meeting of the City Council last night was attended by the Deputy-mayor (Cr W. H. Taverner) and Crs J. J. Clark, J. S. Douglas, .1. Wilson, J. B. Shaddock, J. 11. Ilancock, C. H. Hayward, D, Larnach, AY. A. Scott, and H. If. Sincock. A POPULAR LIBRARY, Cr Clark, in moving the. adoption of the Library Committees report, remarked that it was gratifying to see that citizens continued to display a keen interest in the library, notably in the making of valuable donations, such as that of Mr F. J. Lake of tho ‘ Dictionary of 'English Furniture.’ An other extremely valuable gift would bo made shortly—that was a collection of manuscripts, Bibles, association books, etc., which was already on loan. Cr Clark added that since tho opening of tho financial voar 7,861 readers had made use of the library, a record for that period in any year. The number of persons who had used tho reference library in that period was 12,36 U, and 16,02 U volumes had been consulted. The scheme for tho inauguration of school libraries would, it was hoped, bo launched within twelve months. Another of tho books reported as missing, concluded Cr Clark, had been returned, leaving two others to bo accounted for. Cr Hayward seconded tho motion for the adoption of tho report, ami this was carried. BUS REPAIRING IN STREET.

In regard to tho report of the General Committee, the adoption of which was moved by Cr Sincock, Cr Larnach drew attention to the fact that certain bus drivers were using Manor place for some purposes."*—Tho Chairman said that it would appear that some private bus owners or drivers were using tho street for carrying out repairs, oiling, etc. It this was so, steps would have to ho taken to compel them to provide a repairing shop. E.P. AND L. COMMITTEE. ,

Cr Shacklock moved tho adoption of the Electric Power and Lighting Committee’s report. Ho stated that an application had been received from the Amalgamated Engineering Union for the consent of the council to tho framing of a separate agreement with the union to govern the conditions of employment of members of tho union in the employ of the City Corporation. The matter had been Considered by the committee, and also by the Tramways and Gas Committees, and it had been decided that the council should continue to bo included in the several awards governing tho workers in question in tho same way as other employers. The applicants had been so informed.

TRAMWAY COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

Cr Douglas moved tho adoption of the Tramway Committee’s report. Cr Hancock referred to the fact that tho rope on the Roslyn lino had only lasted fifty-two weeks. Was that satisfactory? Or Douglas: Yes, considering that it was used during the Exhibition period. Cr Sincock expressed tho belief that tho new rope would bo as good as the old one. He also referred to tho fact that cars were encroaching on the new road at the Maori Hill junction. Cr Larnach referred to tho “unsightly spot” at the bottom of Melville street. Ho had brought tho matter under the council’s notice before, but nothing had been done. Cr Clark asked whether tho committee could uot make the Mclyillo street property a little more attractive. It was very near tho city, and a little paint would improve matters. In reply Cr Begg read a report from the engineer regarding tho Smith ropo used on tho Roslyn lino. The engineer was of opinion that it had proved satisfactory. Regarding Cr Larnach’s complaint, ho understood that tho manager was arranging with Mr Tanuock to do something. Cr Scott; It ought to be planted with creepers. Cr Larnach: And Cr Scott should plant them. Tho report was adopted. GAS COMMITTEE.

Cr Scott moved tho adoption of the Gas Committee’s report. Cr Hayward suggested that councillors should bo invited to see the work that was being done at the gasworks. He was sure that many did not appreciate the magnitude of the work being done there.

Cr Clark considered it was wrong to make a minimum charge of £1 per annum to consumers for the use of gas coppers. They should encourage people to use gas coppers, but this was not the way to do it.

Cr Scott said that it was the duty of councillors to visit the gasworks, where a considerable amount of work was being done. He would be prepared to give councillors any information about the work or to take them out. In regard to Or Clark’s complaint, Cr &ott said that it was not right to ask the ratepayer who used a good deal to bear all the cost. The report was adopted. TOWN PLANNING.

Cr Wilson moved the adoption of the General Committee’s report. Cr Douglas asked whether the committee had taken any steps to bring the city into line with the other centres in regard to town planning. The Deputy-mayor said a copy of the Bill- was on bis desk, but ho had not yet had an opportunity of perusing it. The general impression of those who had read the reports on the Bill and who were interested in the matter was that something more simple would have been just as effective. It was regrettable, added Cr Taverner, that the Government had proceeded with such an important measure without lirst giving the public bodies an opportunity of .considering it and of making recommendations. The Works Committee might oven yot forward suggestions if it had any to make. Cr Clark deprecated the attitude habitually taken up by public bodies in connection with this and similar measures. Whenever any public body found something in a Bill which did not coincide with its ideas it at once raised an outcry and attempted to kill the Bill. The present Bill might not be ideal, hut it was a marked advance on any legislation in existence. It would be easy to modify it later in the light of experience. Or Wilson, in reply, said that a Street Planning Bill was long overdue, but all that was needed was a simple Bill for the guidance of public bodies. Dunedin could not stand the expense of a nig re-subdividing scheme. The report was adopted TENDER. Ihe tender of the Bruce Railway Company for the supply of natural round poles at £631 17s 6d was accepted.