MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 July 1933, Page 8

MEETINGS

HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL. [our own correspondent.] HOKITIKA, July 15. Tim monthly meeting of the Hokitika. Borough Council was held last evening. Present: The Mayoi (Mi G. A Perry), Crs T. W. Duff, A. C. Armstrong, A. R. Elcock, Dr. Teichelmann, McGavin, Jas. King, D. P. Stuart, A. J. Thompson. The Town Clerk laid before the Council th© estimates of receipts and expenditure for the ensuing year. The Finance Committee (the whole Council) having examined the statement, it was resolved to adopt them. The Mayor stated that the rates had been fixed the same as last year (1/2 in th© £ on unimproved value), but the sanitary fee had been reduced from IS/- to 15/- per pan. He also referred to the fact that a large amount in rates was outstanding. A large portion of this was owing by relief workers and the Council would not create a hardship on these people by harassing them. Some rates in arrears should be paid, and the Council will take stops to collect them, and finality will be brought on some properties whose owners are either absent or cannot be found. The year is started with a bank overdraft, said the Mayor, and if by practising economy the Council is no worse off at the end of the year, they will not have done badly. It was decided to allow again a rebate of 5 per cent on all rates paid within thirty days of due date.

In his statement, the Clerk said: For the year ending March 31, 1933, th© year commenced with an overdraft of £ll2. The total payments were £10,891, and the overdraft at the end of the year was £344. This means that the overdraft increased by £231, and such 1 increase is due to the non-payment of rates. I have provided in the estimates for the same standard of maintenance as last year. The following correspondence was received:— ' From the N.Z. Refrigerating Co. Ltd., intimating that the following quantities of meat were delivered into Hokitika during the month of May, 1933, viz., 4 sheep. Mrs F. Preston, Flail Street, wrote drawing attention to the unsatisfactory condition of footpath in front of her residence, and suggesting that the footpath be either tar-sealed or reconditioned. The Secretary, Hokitika Fire Board, forwarded a resolution passed by the Fire Board on the sth Inst., drawing attention to the fact that th& extension of the water service for fire fighting' purposes in North Sewell Street, had not yet been made, and pointing out that such work is an urgent necessity.—To be reported on as to cost.

Mr T. Stankey wrote asking that some action be .taken to relieve the continuous flooding at his property in Rolleston Street, near Weld Street, and suggesting that a downpipe be placed at his frontage to allow the water to escape.—Received and request granted. Messrs E. W. Breeze and L. J. Kirwan, wrote asking the Council to have the water course, that is carrying the water flowing from Sewell Street through their sections, into their drains at the back .covered in.—Cr King said he had inspected the drains complained of and thought the work should be done. This was agreed to. The Hon. Secretary, Hokitika Lawn Tennis Club, intimated that their committee had inspected the area for the proposed tennis courts at the Botanical Gardens, but considered that even with a new drain, the ground in the original plan is not altogether satisfactory, and suggesting that the Council offer an extra two or two and a-lialf chains taking in the higher and firmer ground, on the present proposed area. Failing this, it is suggested that perhaps the Council could offer a suitable portion of Whitcombe Square at more reasonable terms, than previously.—The request was granted, the Clerk Jo indicate the extra cost in rent and rates. The Secretary Municipal Association, Wellington, forwarded particulars of resolutions passed by the Executive Committee at a meeting held on the 14th. June, 1933. The Wairoa Harbour Board forwarded copy of proceedings of Conference held at Wairoa in regard to Local Body rates, and asking the Council’s co-operation. Messrs P. Stephens and G. Stephens, asked, that the Council repeal by-law fixing the closing hour of the billiard ' rooms at 10 p.m.—Mr P. Stephens was present in support of his request. Cr Elcock said that as Parliament permitted billiard saloons to be kept open till 11 p.m. he could see no reason why the Council should reduce it to 10 p.m. Cr Armstrong agreed with Cr Elcock.

Crs Duff, King and th© Mayor, said that notice must be given to rescind a previous decision of the Council, also the police were opposed to saloons remaining open till 11 p.m. The Treasurer reported receipts amounting to £1157/13/8; payments £1629/11/1; debit balance £685 13/10. Accounts amounting to £866/9/4 were passed for payment. The Abattoirs manager reported: Stock slaughtered during June: —20 cows, 19 heifers, 55 bullocks, 253; sheep, 111 lambs, 5 pigs, 30 calves; condemned, 1 cow, 1 heifer. Fees received, £67/9/6; for same period last year £6l/17/6. Cr Thompson, on behalf of the Fire Brigade, asked that a fire plug be put in opposite Mr T. Stopforth’s residence for practice purposes. It was resolved to have this carried out if not too expensive.