BOROUGH COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 July 1934, Page 9

BOROUGH COUNCIL

LAST EVENING’S MEETING. A special meeting of the Greymouth Borough Council, to take the place of the meeting postponed last week, was held last evening; present: The Mayor (Mr J. W. Greenslade), Crs F. A. Kitchingham, J. B. Kent, R. j. Williams, J. McGinley, J. S. Robertson, F. F. Boustridge, and F. B. Lawn. An apology for absence was received from Cr C. Neville.

Mrs C. T. Greaney wrote complaining of'the flooding of her property in Chapel Street, in wet weather. She stated that the shingle and gravel was washed down the hill, and deposited on her property. The attention of the .Engineer had beep drawn to the matter on several occasions, but "'no improvement had been effected. Cr Kent said that the matter was urgent, and he moved that it be referred to the Works Committee with power to act.

The .Mayor, in seconding- the resolution, stated that Mrs Greaney certainly had cause for complaint. It must be recognised, however, that it was a very abnormal rainfall recently, and one that it would be difficult for any local body to cope with. He understood that the Engineer had a solution to the difficulty in Mrs Greaney’s case, and he could take the matter up with the Works Committee.

The Engineer said that the main part of the work had been carried into effect. The resolution was approved. G. Patterson, A. M. Watson. T. Wilson and H. Hahn wrote asking if the Council could explain why heavy rainfall floods Albert Street and runs through their properties. Prior to the past two years, they stated, 'it was only when the river overflowed that a flood occurred in Albert Street. The matter was referred to the Works Committee.

The Mayor stated that the flooding of other properties should also be considered by the Committee. When tins were floating around the floor of Lima’s shop, he said, there was something wrong. Cr Robertson said that he moved at the previous meeting of the Council that a report be submitted to the Finance Committee in connection with the flooding at Revington’s Hotel.

The Mayor replied that the Works Committee had suggested certain improvements, and Cr Lawn stated that the cleaning out of the sewer was proposed. The Unemployment Commissioner wrote stating that the “wet-time” conditions for unemployed workers, as applied in Christchurch, could not be granted in Greymouth, as the circumstance's were not similar. Cr Kent said that the Council should go further with the matter. As there was so much wet weather in the Grey district, the “wet-time” conditions should apply more than at any other place. He moved that further representations be made. In seconding the resolution, the Mayor said that the Council had decided in committee to help the unemployed as much as possible. Cr McGinley suggested that Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., be asked to assist in the matter. The big centres should not get all the plums. Everyone was paying the same, and the unemployed on the West Coast should get the same assistance as those in Christchurch.

The Mayor stated that the centres were singled out for special benefits, and they got considerably more tnan the smaller towns. The resolution -was approved.

MORE LIGHT NEEDED. I » Kennedy Bros, applied for permission to erect a sign at their premises at the corner of Guinness and Boundary Streets. The action of the Engineer in granting permission, was confirmed.

Cr Kitchingham remarked that the Council should not be bothered with such minor applications, but the Engineer pointed out that it was necessary, under the by-laws. Cr Kitchingham stated that an amendment was necessary.

M. J. Fogarty applied for permission to make alterations to the lean-to at the rear of the Education Board’s office, Mackay Street. Cr Robertson moved that the application be referred to the TownPlanning Committee with power to act.

The resolution was seconded by Cr Kent, and approved. J. Keating and 2 other residents of Thompson Street wrote requesting that a light be placed midway along the street.

The Mayor moved that the request be referred to the Works Committee, to report to the Finance Committee. Any question of expenditure outside the estimates must be referred to the Finance Committee.

Cr Kitchingham, in seconding the resolution, said he took it that the decision would be deferred until the Council ascertained how many extra lights they were going to get from the Power Board. Cr Boustridge said he did not see any use in referring the matter to the Works Committee, as they could, not do anything. Why not get a report from the Engineer and deal with the whole question? The Mayor pointed out that the Works Committee could view the various localities, and decide where the extra lights were necessary. Cr Boustridge said that be asked for a report from the Engineer h. month ago, and it was time they got it, so that they could deal with the matter as a whole. Cr Williams said it was decided that the chairmen of committees should interview the Power Board in regard to the lighting of the town.

The Town Clerk read a resolution on the minutes, referring the matter to the Finance Committee. Cr Kitchingham said, after that, the Chairmen of Committees were to go to the Power Board. The Mayor withdrew his resolution, and Cr Boustridge then moved that the Engineer submit his report to the next meeting of the Finance Committee. The resolution was seconded by Cr Robertson, and approved. The Karoro Sports Club requested that a light be placed at the bottom of the hill in Chesterfield Street, at the entrance to the paddock used by the club as a sports ground. The application was included in the list, awaiting consideration.

ENGINEER’S REPORT The Engineer reported as follows; — Streets:—On hand is the eastern extension of Milton Road, to give access to hillside sections about to be built on. A start has been made upon the widening of Alexander Terrace at the intersection with Smith Street;

but circumstances have not permitted of continuous work upon the jpb. The construction of a stone wall to retain filling required for the widening of Heaphy Street has been commenced, the erection of a guard fence being proceeded with simultaneously. In Leonard Street, between William and Arney Streets, the footpath on the southern side has been trimmed and gravelled, while the roadway between Boundary and Arney Streets has been graded and metalled lightly. Along the unformed portion of Blake Street southwards from Flower Street, .the lupins have been cut and in Nelson, Chesterfield, and Shelley Streets, gorse and other noxious weeds have been cleared. In Mount Street the constructing and asphalting of the steps has been completed. In Cowper Street the concrete kerb on the western side has been extended southwards to the extremity of the area of land recently put down in grass on the left bank of the Creek. The old asphalt footpaths in Werita and Waite Streets have been taken up and gravelled, preparatory to re-asphalting in conformity with concrete kerbing and channelling. The heavy rain in the early morning of Wednesday, the 27th ultimo, caused slips on Omoto Road and Whall Street. In the former case, the road was open for traflic, but not so in the latter. In Willis, Moss, Murray, Alexander, and Blackmore Streets particularly, the drainage system was of insufficient capacity to deal with the run-off, and the consequent flooding scoured out the roadways and did damage in certain private properties.

Waterworks: The reservoir has been kept full with an average daily pump run of 5.9 hours. For the months December to April inclusive, when ho ' feed was available from the new 12- . inch main, the average daily run was 8.2 hours. A small feed was made I available on May 13 and the average minimum pressure rose from 36 pounds to 56 pounds per square inch. For May, the average daily run was 8.5 hours. On June 21, a six-inch connection between the old and the new systems came into operation, and the minimum pressure rose to 90 pounds per square inch, and for the month of June the average pump run rose to 8.9 hours. A leakage test has been carried out on the new main, the result being a loss of six gallons on the whole length in 12| hours. The meter ha's to be again tested for such a low rate of flow, but the test serves to show that the additional pumping required is not the result of leakage in the main. It is due probably partly to increased use, and possibly some abuse of water on account of the increased pressure, and partly to fittings, etc., on the old system being leaky under the new conditions. Steps are being taken to examine the whole of the system and to rectify the faults found.

The laying of the 12-inch main was completed on the evening of June 21. On account of the non-arrival of the meter which is to be put in on the discharge side of the electrically-driven pump, it is not advisable to connect the 12-inch main to the rising main at the Pumping Station, but the increased pressure now available makes this not an urgent matter. After completion of the connection at the pumping station, an eight-inch connection between the old and the new mains will be made at Cobden Bridge, when a further small increment of pressure may be expected. • - The laying of a 4-inch main in Robinson and Doyle Streets from the intersection of the former with Blake Street to the intersection of the latter with Rigg Street is now in hand, 300 feet of pipe having been laid up to the end of the past month. Drainage:—Two additional drainage sumps have been constructed, one on the eastern side of Tarapuhi Street north of the weighbridge, and one on the western side of Herbert Street north of Leonard Street. In Packer’s Quay, on the southern side of the intersection with O’Grady Street, a 5inch pipe has been placed across the roadway to deal with stormwater previously lodging at this corner. On the eastern end of the two-foot concrete arch culvert crossing Paroa Road from the Nelson Street open drain, a length of 24-inch concrete pipe -has been placed to assist in obviating bad blockages which occurred at the bad entrance to th® culvert. The manhole in the footpath on the western side of Waite Street at Briscoe Lane has been brought up in .conformity with the concrete kerbing recently constructed, and the invert of the manhole has been improved by adequate benching to obviate the accumulation of solid putrifying matter. The William Street sewer has been extended southwards for 36 feet to provide a required sewer connection. Exceptionally heavy falls of rain such as that above referred to have been somewhat more frequent during the past seven months than has been the case for a number of years, three such having occurred in the time referred to. The flow of storm water into the drainage system is being facilitated in the course of the ordinary work of the Borough, and the co-effi-cient of run-off is being increased as residents improve their properties and as streets are extended and improved. Consequently the drainage system is taxed, and the provision of further storm-water drainage will have to be undertaken in the near future. The falls recently experienced, even that exceptional fall of over 12 inches in 24 hours experienced some years ago, would occasion no trouble if evenly spread over the 24 hpiu- period, but such is not the case, the major part of the precipitation occurring in a few hours, ft will be seen, therefore. that records of total rainfall as at present. available, are of little use in designing an economical storm- | water system, and means of determining the rate of fall should be made available. It is recommended, therefor,e. that a recording rain gauge be procured. In April, 1932, prices for such were obtained, the range being from £l5/15/- to £5O. The instrument at’the lower price would be suitable, but there would now be an increase on account of higher exchange. General: —The clearing of the aerodrome site is in hand, and more men being now available, more progress is being made. The matter of draughts in the Town Hall has been receiving attention, the main works carried out to date com* prising elimination of air currents I from the basement, improved fitting •of the main doors under the tower, land tiie construction of a partition on I the roof principal over the proscenium, j The effect of these works has been 1 favourably commented upon.

RAIN GAUGE DELETED. Cr McGinley said that he did not think a water gauge was necessary’. Th . re was one at the Harbour Board, which the Engineer could use. He strongly’ objected to expenditure on such things. Before they knew, where they were, the Council would have to sack half the staff. The Mayor pointed out that the

Harbour Board’s gauge would show the rainfall for 24 hourly periods only, and the Council wanted to know what the actual fall was in short periods. They might get a tremendous rainfall'in a few hours. • Cr Boustridge suggested that the Engineer supply, an estimate of the actual cost. From £l5 to £5O was a big area to cover in price* The Mayor pointed out that the Engineer said that the lower price instrument would be suitable. Cr Lawn said he would like to remind the Council that this was a year of economy. They were very short of money. The sum of £l4 was to be spent at the gasworks, for something which no doubt was necessary, but all these extra things were cropping up in a year when the Council would have a hard trial to get its money in. He thought that some such matters should be held over. Cr McGinley said that the gauge was unnecessary. He had intended to move the restoration to the staff of the full 10 per cent cut in salaries and wages.

The Mayor stated that the gauge was required, to give the Engineer adequate knowledge of the rainfall. It was a matter of whether or not.it would be false economy not to provide the gauge. It was like a stitch in time.

Cr Lawn: The same argument could be used in most things. This is a time when we should conserve our money.

Cr Williams said that all the instruments in the world would not make any difference in the flooding. He would not be surprised if some of the drains were blocked, causing flooding. The gauge would be a. good thing, but, like Cr Lawn, he thought that the Council should cut its cloth according to the times. Cr Kitchingham said he agreed with the Mayor, that it would be false economj r not to procure a gauge. It looked as though the Council would require new sewers, and .the gauge would be a valuable source of information, in determining the size necessary. Its cost would be a “flea-bite.” If, as Cr Williams suggested, some of the sewers were blocked, that point should be cleared up; otherwise it looked as if they must have further drainage. They could not have people’s properties flooded, as they had been in the past year or two. He moved that the matter be held over until investigations were made as to the existing drains. The resolution was seconded by Cr Boustridge, and supported by the Mayor, but was defeated by five votes to three, and it was decided that the clause in the Engineer’s report relating to the gauge, be deleted. Cr Kent moved for a report from the Works Committee and the Engineer, regarding the three-inch water main in Marsden Road, as to its adequacy, in the event of an outbreak of fire.

The Mayor seconded the resolution, but reminded Cr Kent that it was pointed out at the previous meeting, that the whole of the money allocated for water supply had been expended. Cr Kent said that, pipes had to be ordered from the Old Country. Cr McGinley suggested that some four-inch pipes in stock be used. Cr Kent’s resolution was approved.

•BAND ROTUNDA The following report was submitted by the Engineer: — It is proposed that the Rotunda in Boundary Street be dismantled and reerected on the site in the Children’s Park at present occupied by the old fountain. The dismantling of the canopy will require great care, as the structure is largely of cast-iron in comparatively frail members. In the re-erection it is suggested that the central pillar be dispensed with and that angle-iron stiffeners be substituted, the stiffeners to be fixed in the inside angle of each pilaster and each carried up to a common junction under the centre 6f the dome. The arrangement of the re-erected canopy is shown on Plan No. 103 and the base to be used is shown on Plan No. 113, the outside wall being of concrete and with concrete piles under the wooden floor. For durability it is recommended the floor be matai in preference to rimu.

Alternative methods of re-erection are to provide one set of steps only, or to provide four sets as in the existing structure. If the first method be adopted it will be necessary to provide cast-iron panelling and hand-rail to fill the gaps in the surrounding rail. If the second be adopted no such provision has to be made. The cost w<ould be approximately the same in either case; and the four sets of steps would give an enhanced appearance to the structure. The following estimate, therefore, is based upon the provision of the four sets of steps: — Estimate: —Clear site and excavate foundations £6/10/-, material in foundation £44/10/9, labour on foundation £l5/11/-, shift and re-erect canopy £5O, angle iron stiffeners to replace central pillar £42, contingencies 10 per cent. £l5/8/3; total £174. The Mayor said that the estimate did not include the cost of clearing the foundation away. He moved that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee. The resolution was seconded by Cr Kitchingham and approved. Cr Kent moved that tenders be called for the demolition of the rotunda. ■ , The Mayor said that he could not accept any resolution involving expenditure, unless it was first confirmed by the Finance Committee. r J here was also the question of carrying out the work by the Council’s staff. , ~ The Engineer said he would not suggest shifting the canopy by Council labour.

' Cr Kitchingham moved, as a matter of policy, that the rotunda be shifted to the Children’s Park. Cr Williams said that there was a bandstand at the Park already. Cr Robertson said that it was no good, being too small for bands to play on. The Mayor said that he had intended bringing up the matter of a new bandstand for the Park, if the rotunda had not been suggested. Cr Kitchingham’s resolution was approved. On the motion of Cr Kent, it was decided that the Engineer should call tenders for the removal of the superstructure of the rotunda to the Children’s Park.

TENNIS CLUB’S FENCE. Cr. Kitchingham referred to the south side of the Town Belt. About 1928, he said, the new street was put through, and it involved cutting into the bank on which the tennis courts were situated. The ntaural result was the weakening of the Tennis Club’s fence, which would have to be renewed before long. It might involve the building of a concrete wall. The question of responsibility would atise, as to the cutting up of the. bank,

and also as to whether concrete channelling should be put in at the same time as the wall. He moved that the Works Committee go into the matter of whether concrete channelling was desirable between the Cenotaph and Alexander Street. The work should be done now, because there would be an extensive tennis tournament held next year. It was the Council’s propel ty. The Tennis Club’s members had raised the question as to whether the Council should not contribute a substantial amount to the wall, for the reason that the cutting away of the bank, although it was the Council’s property, had weakened the fence, and necessitated the work that had got to be done to-day. The Mayor said he regretted that, in the meantime, he could not support the work being given precedence over others. There were other more urgent works in the Borough. It would be very nice to see the work done, but he would not support its being given precedence. Cr. Williams seconded Cr. Kitchingham’s resolution, pro forma. Cr. Kitchingham said that the Tennis Club could renovate the fence, but it would be an eyesore. ICseemed to be a case where the Council and the Club could co-operate. The Mayor said that the Council could secure a report from the Works Committee, and the resolution was approved. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee submitted the following recommendations, as the result of a meeting held on June 2i; —That accounts paid since last meeting amounting to £2126/0/7 be approved, and that accounts amounting to £llBO/1/0, be passed for payment, and also the sum of £35/6/2 on account of Waterworks Improvement Loan. That the Gas Manager’s report be received, and the clause relating to advertising in the local newspapers be adopted. That analysis apparatus be procured for the Gas Works at a cost of £l4, f.o.b. Wellington. That an application from R. Leach, Preston Road, to fence in part of the Borough Reserve 1 at the end of Preston Road for grazing purposes, be referred to the Chairman of the Reserves Committee, with power to act. That a request from the Star Football Club, that a- street light be placed in William Street adjacent to the Club’s Hall, be considered when the question Of street lighting is being discussed by the Lighting Committee. That applications for increase of salary from J. Rose, M. O’Grady, M. Donovan, and H. T. Trouland ami others, be referred to a meeting to discuss all salaries and wages. That the balance sheet of the Greymouth Municipal Band for the year ended March 31, 1934, be allowed to lay on tho table. That an application from Mrs M. Boddy for permission to shift the garage on her property in Tainui Street, to face that street, be refused. That regarding the proposal submitted by Cr Kent in connection with street lighting, the Engineer go into the whole matter and supply a report to each member of the Council for consideration. That regarding the Borough Engineer’s report regarding improvements to the Town Hall, in the meantime, only the work of eliminating the down draught on to the stage from the space between tho ceiling and the roof be carried out, at an estimated cost of £lO, and that the question of heating be held over in the meanwhile for report. The Committee submitted the following recommendations in connection with a report brought down by the Works Committee: —Clause 1. — That the bed of tile open channel at

the discharge end of Petrie Avenue sewer be lowered as much as is consistent with the tide levels, and that the last section of the sewer be cleared of heavy deposit.—This clause be adopted. Clause 2.—That in the matter of the proposed subdivision of the land on the eastern side of the existing private roadway between Chapel and Moss Streets in extension of Mount Street, the dedication width bo 40 feet'; the roadway formation and metalling be widened to a. minimum of 20 feet; a footpath eight feet- in width be formed and gravelled on the eastern side. This is short of the usual requirements as, far'as concrete kerbing and channelling is concerned, and when the demand for this arises the Council will’be faced'with an expenditure of £so—-This clause be referred back- to a further meeting of the Finance Committee. Clause. 3.—That in connection with the flooding of Mr Rundle’s property in Alex- ■ under Street, the 'water from the cleft in the limestone rock at the foot of the hill on Mr Drake’s section be piped to the 24-inch drain, using ■ second-class 12-inch earthenware pipes, the estimated cost being £3O; not including qost of pipe <in stock. This clause be adopted. Clause 4.— That a 4-inch cast-iron water' main be t laid from the intersection of' Blake and Robinson Streets eastwards along Robinson Street to Doyle Street, aiid thence to the intersection of Doyle and Rigg Streets, these to be connected to the 'existing system.—This clause be adopted. Clause 5. —That - after the drain has been laid in Lower Gresson Street, as arranged with the Grey Harbour Board, the footpath be asphalted to the lagoon bridge.—This clause be adopted. Clause 6.—That upon completion of the concrete kerb now in progress in Cowper Street, the concrete kerbing and channelling in Brunner Street be proceeded with, tlie work taking precedence over similar work in Guinness Street and Preston Road as previously, arranged.—This clause be adopted. That the Borough Engineer go into the question of the cost of cutting gorse at the aerodrome site near the Hospital and also obtain information. regarding levelling of the site from the Government. That the Basket Ball Association be permitted to play on Boundary Street green, subject to the Association making good any damage which may be done to the green, the Council to have the right to cancel the ar-, rangement at any time-. The recommendations were adopted. As the result of a meeting held by the Finance Committee on June 28, the following recommendations were submitted and adopted:—That tho following increase of salary per week be granted to Borough employees: ■J. Rose 5/-, M. Brown 6/6, M. O’Gfady 13/-, Miss M. Donovan 4/-. That in connection with the Toto Clerk’s report on Loans Conversion Scheme, the matter be left in the hands of a sub-committe consisting of the Mayor, Cr Kitchingham and the Town Clerk, with power to act. That the offer of the Dispatch Foundry Coy., Ltd., to dispose of two sections Nos. 199 F. and 199 G. Gilmer Lane, for the sum of £lOO, be accepted, the Council to be liable for all expenses in connection with the transfer. That as reconi- . mended by the Library Committee, no action bo taken with regard to an offer from Mr Anderson, Rewanui, to i sell a dictionary to the Library. ’fho Mayor, said that tho loan coqi version would result in a saving of i (about £l2O. In addition, the loans would mature definitely at one period. . They could see that it was good, . sound business. .