COBDEN NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1934, Page 7

COBDEN NOTES

, [OUB OWN COERESPONDENT. 1 The extraordinary spell of dry weather is taxing the tank supply of water, and households are experiencing inconvenience. Washing day is far away for many, and clothes’ lines usually so full before Christmas are empty. Those engaged in the industry aie lamenting the “beautiful” weather, and are anxiously awaiting a “call” to service. Residents and business people in the vicinity of the bus route are fed-up with the dust, and enquiries are made regarding the Greymouth Borough waffer-cart, or the local Fire Brigade when they have a practice drawing on the lagoon and spraying the street.. Otherwise, water for domestic or fire purposes is almost only a name.

The ratepayers. arc realising the Greymcu.th Borough Council are putting business into the United Borough scheme. Their resolution to take drastic action was followed . by the issue of “blue paper” demands for arcrars of revenue—£3s9 in Cobden and £3OO in Greymouth. It is the “shiny” side of Christmas, and some have already paid up. “it’s money that makes the mare go,” and where much work.is required want of funds is a hindrance. The time is now considered opportune to instal a highpressure water supply. Interest on a loan would be low, and plenty of labour is available.

Painters and carpenters are getting in practically full time on their jobs, and gardeners are busy keeping pace with the rapid growth of vegetables though a cheek is due unless the rain showers come. It is rather dry for the cows, too, and farmers would not mind a change. Tho swimming season is in full swing. The absence of floods in the river and the influence of the tides has brought a quantity of salt water from the sea well up the river, and conditions for bathing are the best for many years. Since a shark was seen from Cobden Bridge and at the second shingle, limited facilities exist lor indulging m water sport. Surfing never loses its thrills, however, as with broken water of a rough sea, healthy amusement can always be sought.

Cyclists arc abiding by the new bylaw for painting the rear mudguard of their cycles and motorists generally observe the law of the road. A by-law of six miles an hour at intersections is thought unreasonable, but caustic censure is directed at the driver who scorches so that he cannot be seen for dust. The Borough rates are changing respecting the Cobden area. The general rate will remain collectable on the unimproved value, but the Hosj ital rate, commencing with the year 1935, will be levied on the capital value. Land-owners will receive relief, and property-holders nil! pay mere according to the difference be-

tween the unimproved and capiatl values. .£4 per lamp per year is an electric light charge which, it is considered, might be an item for reduction when concessions are being granted by the Electric Power Board. In 1901 Cobden possessed one light, a kerosene lamp installed in the corner of the engine-shed. It was christened the “York Light." Now (ho electric light extends to Domett Esplanade. The Trig Station at present Js a pleasant spot. By way of a zig-zag track from the toil of Stafford Street the summit can- be reached in half-an-hou.r or so. The scene from various points and cool, refreshing air of the bush is delightful. From the top a wonderful view is obtained dining the present clear weather, up the Grey Valley and along the sea coast, beyond Hokitika. A little - expenditure on the track now would preserve its usefulness.