BOROUGH COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 April 1934, Page 5

BOROUGH COUNCIL

LAST EVENING’S MEETING. The Greymouth Borough Council meeting, last evening, was attended by the Mayor, Mr. J. W. Greenslade, presiding, and Councillors F. A. Kitchinghain, J. B. Kent, .1. S. Robertson. F. B. Lawn, J. McGinley, F. Boustridge, R. Williams, and C. Neville. An apology for absence was received from Cr. G.. Perotti. The Minister of Internal Affairs advised that he had agreed to the representations of the Council and. the Cobden Town Board, regarding differential rating, and that special legislation would be put through to.deal with the situation, the local bodies to draft

the bill. . The Mayor stated that the letter was the outcome of a deputation, from the Council and the Town Board, which had waited oh the Minister of Internal Affairs, and it was-satisfactory to receive such a reply. The town Board

had asked for ten years, but it was then agreed that seven years would bf sufficiently long. After that time the rating would automatically right it self. It was now a question of proceeding with the bill. Cr. Kitchingham stated that the cost of drafting the bill would be met out of the common fund. He moved that the Council collaborate with the Cobden Town Board on the proposed legislation. The proposal had to be advertised, for four or five weeks, so that

as little time as possible should be lost in moving in the matter. The matter would be left in the hands of the Town Clerk to arrange for the drafting of the hill, which should be legalised to expire on March 31, 1942.- The motion was seconded by Cr. Robertson, and carried. Mrs L. Pankhurst wrote stating that complications had arisen in regard to tlio offer made by her to purchase portion of the unformed part of Raleigh Street, and she asked permission to withdraw her offer. The Assistant-Under-Secretary of the Public Works Department corresponded in regard to Raleigh Street, setting out the post- ; tion.

Cr. Kitchingham moved that the Government be asked to insert a section in the Local Legislation Act, so that a survey of the unformed portion of Raleigh Street could be carried out, and that the consent of the residents of Raleigh Street be asked in refer-

ence to the necessity to diminish the width of the street. The motion wa? carried. The Canterbury Automobile Association wrote relative to raffle control suggesting that High Street be tarsealed all over; that a white line be placed in the centre of the street; that Thompson Street be widened; and that the Traffic Inspector be on point duty at the intersection of Tainui and Mackay Streets on Saturday nights. It was decided that the matter. of tar-sealing High Street be considered, and the suggestion to have Thompson Street widened, be referred to the Works Committee; also, that the Traffic Co'minittee consider the Associa-

tion’s request to have the Inspector on point duty. Cr. Kitchingham said he considered that, a white line was necessary to the approach from Tainui Street to the

intersection of High and Heaphy streets, as at tile present, time it was not known . wrick direction cars were travelling. They could be making for High Street or Heaphy Street, but a whit© line would point out the direction they wore taking. The applications of the three codes playing football. in Greymouth, for the use of the Recreation Grounds, were deferred till the meeting of the Domain Board, to he hold next. Wednesday, a report to be received ih the meantime from the borough gardener, as to the condition of the grounds. The transfer of part Lot 69, M.R. 51 from T. G. and Kate Wilson to D. IVL Gordon, was approved. Requests received to have the footpath fronting thd*Church of Christ, and conveniences at Dixon Park, were held over till next Wednesday, when the Council will make an inspection of the borough. A. Cox, motor and cycle service proprietor, Mackay Street, wrote requesting that an area, be reserved for parking motor-cycles in Mackay Street. The Mayor stated that there was already a congestion of motor traffic parking in Mackay Street, and that the Council would have to consider eliminating the area for parking. He suggested that it be left to the Traffic Committee to see if any other place could .be found for the parking of cars and motor-cycles. Cr. Kitchingham said that motor cyclists could place their machines on the existing areas reserved for parking cars. It was impossible to reserve a place for motor-cycles only. They had to take their chance with other vehicles. It was a case of the parking places being free for all. The Council should tage action to precent the heavy standing traffic in Mackay Street, instead of looking for a remedy where none existed. If the request from Mr. Cox was granted, it would be reasonable for other firms dealing in the motor trade, to ask for special areas to be set aside for them. He moved that Mr. Cox be informed that his request could not be granted, but that motor-cyclists could use the parking places already marked out for motorists. The motion was seconded by Cr. Robertson, and carried. The transfer from the Public Trustee (acting in the estate of E. F. Heffernan) to Mrs. K. Heffernan, was approved. Guinness and Kitchingham forward- : ed transfer’ of part Lot 14, M.R.54, from :

the Public Trustee, to. C. A. Tillyshort, the transfer being approved by the Council.

A request from the Cobden Town Board, for the supply of crushed gravel by the Council, for repairs to 1 Bright Street, Cobden, was left to the z Engineer, to supply at cost price. TEREMAKAU RIVER. . The acting-District Engineer of Pub- . lie Works wrote stating:-—As you are r no doubt aware, the Teremakau River has for many years been threatening to break through into the Orangipuku . River, near Jacksons. A recent in- . spection has shown that the Teremakau River is now flowing hard against its right bank, and the position is such that a small rise in the Teremakau is ..sufficient to allow m heavy overflow into the Orangipuku. It appears that there is a serious danger

of the Teremakau breaking through its banks at the overflow, thus allowing a considerable portion of its flow to reach the ..-Orangipuku and. from that stream to- flow into Lake Brunner and

VW »» MUV luanc IJI uxiuei iUIU tile Arnold and Grey. Rivers. .. Should this occur, da.mage to.farm .lands .and to public works would certainly follow. After a careful study had been made of the whole position it was decided that the construction of works to cut off the overflow was justified and ne!cessary. Proposals for works estimated to cost £1445 have been pre- | pared and placed before the Minister of Public Works who agrees that it is

- desirable that the work should be car- - ried out, and that the Unemployment t Board should be approached for a sum ; of £5OO tojvards labour, vOf the bal-| ■ ance of £945, the Minister has agreed . to find half, and has intimated that the

: other half will have to be found by the local bodies affected. I have, therefore, been instructed to approach the local bodies concerned and ascertain if they are willing to contribute a sum of £470 towards the cost of the work. It is considered that the local bodies that might be adversely affected by the threatened overflow are — Greymouth Harbour Board, Grey Power Board, Grey County Council and Greymouth Borough Council. I should be glad if your Council would confer at ah early date with the other local bodies mentioned above and decide what contribution each is prepared to i make. Cr. Robertson: I will move that no action be taken. We want the water on the bar. Cr. Boustridge seconded. I The Mayor stated that he would welcome the opinion of the County Engineer, who had inspected the condi-1 tions of the river some time ago, and had decided against, any action being taken. He suggested that the Bor-1

’"'ougli Engineer consult with the County e and Harbour Board engineers. While i the matter might seem fantastical to 1 some of the Councillors, there was no t question that if the fears held by the 1 public Works Department eventuated, the effect on the borough would be f such that it was not wise to over- > look. 1 Cr. Boustridge said the whole matter 3 was ono affecting the County Council. ’ and the County Engineer had adverse- ‘ ly reported on the need for protection works, when he examined the position some time ago. 1 Cr. Kitchingham pointed out that on ■ the occasion referred to by Cr. Boust- ! ridge, delegates from all the local bodies interested inspected the river, 1 and the Public Works later agreed that protecion works were not necessary, but apparently the Department’s views on the matter had been now changed.! The Mayor stated that a conference | between the local body engineers would not mean that the Council was in agreement, with the Public Works Department, but. the reports from the engineers would be useful. Cr. Robertson agreeing to withdraw his motion, the Mayor moved that the engineer consult, with the County and Harbour Board engineers, and report back to the Council. Cr. Kent seconded, and the motion was carried. AERODROME SITE. The Town Clerk notified that a. conference of local bodies would be held in Greymouth this evening, for the purpose of discussing the proposals for an aerodrome site in Greymouth. The Mayor stated that, a preliminary meeting had been held that afternoon, and it appeared that, certain difficulties which had at. first presented themselves, could now be overcome. The cost, originally estimated at about £ 11,000, however, would probably amount to between £15,000 and £16,000, for the work proposed at the lagoon site. The ; latest suggestion was that the local ; bodies proceed with work oh the dry area for a single runway in the mean- ; time. The district would then be in ; a position to engage in flying, and not ■ be behind in that respect, from other ( centres. The approximate cost of ( the single runway would be £l2OO, of ( which the Unemployment Board , would contribute half, leaving the local \ bodies to find approximately £6OO for ( the work. The intention was to bring , the wages of the unemployed workers , engaged at the aerodrome site Io 13/4 < per day, so that the additional amount ’ to the standard relief work rate of 10/- ‘ would be found by the local bodies. < That money could be contributed out ' of ordinary revenue by the Borough J Council, the Harbour .Board, and the Grey County Council, while the other local bodies interested would need to 1 contribtuo.their share from unathoris- 1 ed expenditure. A duty devolved on 1 tho Borough Council, and it. would ‘ have to assist. The Council was plac- 1 ing its reserve of some 25 acres for £ use as an aerodrome site, but it was £ presumed that the land would remain t in the hands of the Council. Taking £ the value of the land at £lOO per acre, 1 meant that the Council’s share in that £ respect would be £2500, so that it J

should take a lead in the. mjatter, The question would be decided at this evening’s meeting. It was decided that the whole Council attend the conference, as delegates.

FINANCE REPORT. The Finance Committee submitted the following' recommendations, which were approved:—That the payment of accounts which were paid since the previous Finance meeting, amounting to £3616, be approved. That accounts amounting to £2232

8/5, including £1637/4/11 for water mains from loan monies, be passed for payment. Gas Manager’s report to committee. —Regarding the small wooden building housing. governor and .mains control. It is recommended that this matter be left in. the hands of the Works Committee and Borough Engineer, with power to act. Regarding Showroom: That this clause be given effect to. Regarding faults service: It is recommended that this clause be given effect to and that the report of the Gas Manager as amended be adopted. That the reports of the Borough Treasurer be adopted. That the application of Mr Hallinan of Rigg Street, Blake-

town, requesting permission to subdivide his section No. 127, Harbour Board Reserve, Blaketown, be granted under Clause 19, of the Amending Borough by-laws, 1924. That Messrs Rugg and Co., Guinness Street, Greymouth, be granted permission to instal a petrol tank on their premises subject to the dangerous goods regulations being complied with. That Mr J. W. Coadwell be granted a rebate of half rates and sanitary charges on unoccupied premises Marlborough Street for the year 1933-34. That in response to a letter from the District Inspector of Factories the Engineer adjust the matter of overpayment of wages under No. 5 scheme. That the question of purchasing the new Oxford Dictionary offered, by Alfred Wilson, of London, be left in the hands of the Library Committee to report. That the matter of replying to the Cdminissioher of Transport, regarding allocation of heavy traffic fees be left in. the hands of 'Councillors Kitchingham and Kent, the two Borough representatives on ..the Local Transport, Committee. .That application by , Mr. Walter Scott, requesting permission to erect a temporary shed in Milton Road, be left in the hands of the Engineer with ..power to act. That the matter of Mr D. Shanna-

han’s request for permission to repair his stables in Herbert Street, be referred, to the Town Planning Commitf tee with power to act. That the Grey County Clerk’s, application for sanction to issue a permit .authorising the Post and Telegraph Department to carry long ladders, etc., on the Department’s lorry through the Borough streets be granted. That the Shell Oil Co. be informed that the Council cannot accede to the company’s request for a reduction of rental for re-

newal of pipe line casement, as it is the Council’s desire to treat all such companies on the same lines. That

I and offer made by Messrs Armstrong land Springhall Ltd., to supply an addressograph. be filed for reference. That the action of the Engineer in granting permission to Mr R. F. StopI forth to erect a sign in front, of his shop in Mackay Street, be endorsed. That the application of ’Mr L. J. Courtney of the Gas Department, for an increase of salary be received, and taken into consideration when all salaries are reviewed. A letter was received from Mr T. E. Schou, Sanitary Inspector, that William Quinn, an unlicensed plumber, had been doing sanitary work within the Borough. It is recommended that necessary legal proceedings be taken against Mr Quinn. That no action be taken with respect to an application by (he Civic Band for financial support. That suggested amendments to the Transport regulations contained in a circular from the Commissioner of Transport dated March 7, 1934, be approved. WORKS COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The Works Committee reported as follows Visits were made as follows, namely:—Laying of 12inch water main, along bank of Grey River; Kilgour Road and Shakespeare Street; Palmerston Street; Blake and Reid Streets; Leonard and Guinness Streets; Gas Works. The Committee, recommended; In response to Mr Souter’s request, reasonable access be provided to his property in Kilgour Road, priority of work to be decided when drawing up the next schedule of works to be taken in hand. That the erection of light pole adjacent to the angle in the dead end of Palmerston Street bo shifted back to the edge of the recent formation and that the road be widened accordingly. That one extra street light be provided in each of Blake and Reid Streets, southwards, from the lengths at present so lighted. That the footpath on the southern end of Leonard Street between William and Boundary Streets be raised to conform to that on the northern end of the street and that the roadway be also raised in like conformity. That the I programme of kerbing and channelling for the year 1934-35 be as follows, namely; — (a) Alexander Street, both sides, Thompson Street to Shakespeare Street, (b) Shakespeare Street eastern side, Alexander Street to Winnie Street. (c) Shakespeare Street, both sides, Franklin Street to Winnie Street. (d) Shakespeare Street, east side, Buccleugh Street to Marsden Road, (e) Guinness Street,

complete kerbing ahd channelling as required between Tainui and Boundary Streets. The total length of .kerbing and channelling is approxijmately one mile and the cost of I cement only is estimated at £lBO. The following localities were visited on March 28:—Gas Works. Laying of 12inch water main in Mawhera Quay. Cobden Bridge, Preston Road and Blaketown. The Committee recommend that a 6inch. board fence be erected around the large tar well at the Gas Works. This well has always been unfenced, but in view of a recent fatal accident in a somewhat similar. place in Wellington, the above recommendation is made. The report was adopted.

ENGINEER’S REPORT. The Engineer (Mr. A. J. Fairmaid) reported as follows: — For the month of March tar-sealing operations comprised second coat, wash in Blake Street between O’Grady and Coakley streets, O’Grady Street from Blake Street to Doyle Street, Doyle Street between O’Grady and Collins

streets, Rigg Street and Robinson Street between Blake and Reid streets, and Reid Street between Rigg and Robinson streets, a total length of 40 chains; in addition Cobden Bridge received a maintenance coat, and at the northern approach thereof the roadway asphalted was sealed. Working in conjunction with the Harbour Board, the northern approach to Cobden Bridge was asphalted. The north eastern corner of the intersection of High and Marlborough streets, the south-western corner of the intersection of Reid and Robinson streets ,and the turn on to the Lagoon Bridge embankment, from Reid Street, have also been asphalted to deal with the heavy wear which occurs, due to traffic at these points. Concrete kerbing and channelling has been completed on both sides of Street, like work on the western side of Waite and Customs streets is in hand. It was hoped o compelte these prior to the end of the month, but circumstances did not permit. At the intersection of Guinness, arid Tainui streets a new type of traffic doirie has been put in to replrice the former concrete dome, which required frequent painting to render it fully visible. . The new type is white enamel . over.cast iron. The firm manufacturing these fprwarded one for trial .purposes, visibility is good and lasting qualities will be observed. Repairs have been effected to the crusher by the insertion of a new main shaft, and the plant is again in good working order. At .the southern end of Bryon Street a length of 180 feet of 4 inch sewer was laid to pick up the flow from two houses recently erected, and to serve a third to be ere’cted Shortly. Little more pipe was involved in the work than in making connections required to the other drains on the eastern side of the street, and sanitary conditions gener- ' ally were improved by the adoption of the above mentioned course. A sewer | connection was made in Milton road, | and a sump put in on the north west- | ern corner of the intersection of High I and Marlborough streets to replace a | small sump which was inadequate to I deal with the flow in times of heavy | rain. The reservoir has been kept | full with an average nightly pump of eight and a-quarter hours. Work on the laying of the 12in. supply main is progressing satisfactorily, a total of 2055 feet having been laid to date.

This constitutes somewhat over 1000 feet for the month, as against the same length in a fortnight of Febrary, but the ground is now much more difficult to work, hence the slower rate of progress. As work in March comprised both easy and difficult ground, progress in future will be somewhat slower on the average. On Saturday, the 17th ultimo, the main was completed and filled as far as the vicinity of Cobden Bridge, after a 2 inch temporary by-pass had been laid to connect to the existing 8 inch main. The pressure benefit derived was between 6 and 8 lbs., and. although small, the improvement has been noted by residents on the higher levels in Murray Street, and also by residents in the extreme southern end of the town. The work done on the bank of Sawyers Creek, in Heaphy Street, now shows up to advantage, a good strike of grass having been obtained on Shakespeare Street, end of the job, where work has been completed. At. the High Street end a quantity of filling is required, and as that is not available immediately, the work has been suspended, and the area of land previously prepared on the left bank of Sawyers Creek, beiow the Cowper Street bridge, has again been taken in hand in order to prepare it. for autumn sowing, and a good showing in the coming spring. The cleaning of Sawyers Creek has been suspended meanwhile also, the man having been transferred to the laying of the new town main. At present employees under No. 5 Scheme comprise 18 two day, 54 three day and/. 20 four day men, a total of 92, a decrease of three at the end of February. Of these 12 two day, 21 three day and 9 four day mon are employed on the new water main up to the extent of tho time allotted to them by the Unemployment Board, comprising on an average 9 hours 40 minutes per two day men, two days for there day men, and three days for four day men. These times are now worked regularly every week by the men in the various classes, that is there is no stand down week as formerly, although the average per week ovei' the whole period has not been increased. On the water main job wages are made up to | 13/4 per day by the Borough Council. 1 The total value of building permits issued for the month of March was | £864. |