MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 January 1927, Page 2

MEETINGS

HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL(Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, January 22. A meeting of the Hokitika Borough Council was held last evening; present:- The Mayor’ (Mr.'G. A. Perry), and Crs Jas. King, H. T. Parry, Si. F. Orr, W. Jeffries, H. M. Coulson, G. Heinz and A. R- Elcock. * The Mayor referred-to. the death of Cr G. H. Blank, who he characterised as a very useful man in the community. The loss to the town was great. He moved a vote of condolence with the widow and family. Seconded by Cr Coulson, who said that the late Cr Blank was a man who had the courage of his convictions. The motion was carried in silence, the Council standing. The Deputy-Mayor (Cr Coulson) referred to the pleasure of having the Town Clerk back in the office, and hoped he would soon be completely restored to health.

The Mayor hoped .Mr Andrews would take things easy. The Westland Hospital Board wrote stating that there was a vacancy on the Board and asking the Council to appoint a representative, and stating that the Council would be entitled to three representatives on the Board from March next. —Resolved that, as only two months are to run till the election, no appointment be made. Cr Lloyd was granted two months’ leave of absenceThe Reefton School Committee was granted the use of Cass Square for the annual excursion on February 2.

The proprietary of the Peerless Pictures wrote asking for a reduction in the rent of the Town Hall, pointing out the small seating accommodation of the hall and other drawbacks. —It was resolved that the rent be £1 and free light per night. G. Appleton applied to be connected with the water main, Livingstone Street. —Agreed, on the applicant paying cost of laying the pipes. The Health Department wrote asking that the Council deal with the destruction of rats.—Received.

The Manager of the Hokitika Savings Bank wrote asking the Council’s approval of certain alterations and exchanges of land. —Approved. Cr Orr, who has been acting as Chairman of the P.W. Committee for some months, was appointed Chairman of same.

Accounts amounting to the sum of £B9l were passed for paymentThe Treasurer reported receipts amounting to £2BO 10/2, payments £460 5/6, credit General Account £335 6/6, credit Loan Account £lBl 9/10. The Internal Affairs Department wiote re weekly half-holiday.—Agreed to leave the half-holiday as it stands. The Overseer reported on work carried but during the month, and that there -was nine feet of water in the reservoir.

Cr Heinz moved tht a strict record <lf the cost of upkeep and repairs of the pipe line be kept for three months in order to ascertain the cost of the upkeep of the line. Cr Orr congratulated the Overseer (Mr F. Chesterman) on the manner he and his staff had carried out their work and having looked after the water so carefully. Cr Heinz concurred in what Cr Orr said.

The Abattoirs Manager (Mr J. Jarman) reported animals slaughtered in December: 5 cows, 25 heifers, 57 bullocks, 242 sheep, 262 lambs, 15 pigs, 11 calves. Fees collected £7B 16/, compared with £Bl 6/ for the same month last year. Cr Parry referred to wandering cattle, particularly at night time, and its menace to motor traffic. He referred to an instance where a carowner had to pay for an animal injured by a car, the animal being on the road at night. This was most unfair, for the cattle should not have been on the road- More drastic measures should be taken against the owners of wandering stock.

Cr Coulson submitted some revisions and additions to the by-laws of the Council, the Committee set up having gone into the matter thoroughly. On the suggestion of the Mayor, it was agreed to submit the by-laws relating to motor traffic and parking to the local branch of the Automobile Association.

John Walsh (sexton) was granted his annual holiday, a substitute to be found.

Cr Parry complained of the state of the footpath in Stafford Street along Cass Square, also the unfinished state of the corner of Brittan and Stafford streets. Cr Heinz moved that no more tarsealing be done after Revell Street s finished, and that the footpaths be tar-sealed later on.

There was no seconder, the Mayor and councillors considering Cr Heinz’s motion too drastic.

Cr Heinz stated that the supply of tar was running low at the gasworks.

VALEDICTORY. At the Borough Council meeting last evening, Cr. Coulson applied for three, and was granted two month’s leave of absence, as he was going on a trip to England and America. He applied for the leave, he said, to save an election, and also to complete 20 years’ service on the Council. The 20 years seemed a long time he said, but it had been a pleasure to him. The Mayor expressed the wish that Cr. Coulson would have a very pleasant and profitable trip. He would be given a letter from the Council with the Council’s seal. Cr. Jeffries joined in wishing Cr. Coulson a pleasant trip. He was going to seek further knowledge in his profession and thus keep abreast of the times. For the 20 years Cr. Coulson had served the Council, he had been a sterling member and the people of the town owed him a debt of gratitude. He hoped Cr. Coulson would again be elected to. the Council on his return. Cr. Coulson thanked the Mayor and Councillors for their kind remarks. “It is the duty of every citizen,” he said, “to assist in Municipal affairs.” He was pleased to know his service has been appreciated. very grateful to the ratepayers, who showed such confidence in him in returning so often so high on the poll. He also desired to thank the Mayor and Council for their courtesy to him. They have had differences of opinion, but all in the best of spirit. He has 'received courtesy from the Town Clerk and staff. He wished them all prosperity.

Mr Coulson leaves on. Saturday next for America and England.