HOKITIKA

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 June 1923, Page 2

HOKITIKA

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING HOKITIKA, June 23. The Hokitika Borough Council met last evening. Present:'. The Mayor (Mr. G. A. Perry) and’ Crs. H. M. Coulson, Jas. King, W. Jeffries, R. F. Perham, G. Heinz, G. Wood. Apologies were received for the absence of Crs. Lloyd, and Evans. The Westland Rugby Sub-Union, wrote stating that damage done to seats on the pavilion would be repaired.—Received. The Commissioner Crown Lands, wrote, stating that the royalty on timber cut on Perry and Go’s holding in South Hokitika was £32 2s 7d on 665,280 superficial feet. The Borough was entitled to one half less £4 appraisement.—Moved by the Mayor that the Council prepare plans and that the amount be spent on the South Hokitika road. The Department of Health wrote respecting the collection of rubbish in the Borough. also re sanitary arrangements in places of amusement. The Mayor suggested that the proprietors of the halls be approached to see if they can make any suggestions and then submit them to the Department. This was agreed to on the motion of Cr. Coulson. ' J. Kearns senior, wrote complaining on the state of the cemetery. The Central Cool Stores and Dairy Company wrote asking that drains footpaths and streets near the factory be put in order.—Public Works Committee to report at next meeting. The Treasurer reported receipts £272 7s; payments £277 18s; credit £452 Is 7d. Accounts amounting to £167 12s 5d were passed for payment. Cr. King, on behalf of the Abattoirs Committee reported that the committee recommended that the slaughterman’s salary be increased to £2O per calendar month.—The recommendation was adopted. The Town Clerk submitted a report on the abattoirs for the previous year’s working. Cr. Jeffries said that when the abattoirs were erected it was not intended that they should earn big profits. He thought a rebate should be made in the killing charges. He considered £l5O profit was too much and during the currency of the loan would amount to over £3OOO. The Mayor pointed out that no allowance was made for depreciation or clerical work. The profit was not large.

Cr. Coulson said some profit should be received, because depreciation was not allowed for.

Cr. Jeffries moved that the matter be referred to the Abattoirs Committee to report on at next meeting. He had pledged himself to the butchers to have a reduction made in the killing fees. He thought £lOO a year could be refunded to the butchers, when there would still be a profit. At £lOO a year there would be over £3OOO by the time the loan expired. The Mayor said he would like to see it £4OOO. The people had to pay the charges and the money went bac£ to them. Cr. Perham seconded, remarking that it might encourage the butchers to reduce the price of meat.—Motion carried. The Mayor reported having interviewed Mr. J. C. Macfarlane re position of Borough Engineer and Mr. Macfarlane had agreed to undertake the work of drawing plans, takinglevels and supervising the work for 6| per cent of the construction price. It was resolved that the offer be accepted and the work proceeded with a't once.

Cr. Coulson referred to the fact that no horse had yet been procured for the Council.

Cr. Jeffries said that several had been offered but he wanted the Council to get value for its money. The Borough Overseer reported on work carried out during the month, and the Town Clerk read a report on the water supply which was considered highly satisfactory.