MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 April 1937, Page 5

MEETINGS

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE. . [our own correspondent.] -HOKITIKA, April 9. The monthly meeting of the Hoki-i tika School Committee was held last evening. Present: Messrs A. C. Armstrong (chairman). H. W. R. Sweney, W. E. Richards, W. H. Shannon, J. J. Breeze, A. Leslie, R. J. Redder. The Chairman reported he had made enquiries respecting the cost of installing a small electric motor in the dental clinic.—lt was resolved that a motor and light be installed. Concerning the request for dental treatment for the Kumara and Ruatapu schools, the Chairman said advice had been received that no extra nurse is available, and that the local nurse was fully occupied and unable to undertake extra work. The dental nurse reported total attendances for the month 119. Children were treated from Hari Hari (24) and Hokitika (42). F. G. Brown (teacher, Timaru) wrote asking if the school would be available for a party of visiting school children during the May vacation. (Mr Brown brought over a party from Clarkville last year).—The Committee were unanimous in their opinion that until the infantile paralysis epidemic has subsided it would be unwise for parties of school children from infected districts to travel, but would be pleased to grant the request when danger is past. A letter was received from the Board stating that a report had been received from- their foreman recommending numerous structural alterations in the Hokitilqi School to render it earth-quake-proof, beter lighting and ventilation. The cost of this, however, is such that the Board recommends to the Department the erection of four separate wooden classrooms, ■ which will form the nucleus of a new school.

It was resolved to procure Coronation badges for the school children. Respecting the scheme for supplying milk to school children, the Chairman reported that lie had made exhaustive enquiries from all milk suppliers, and the butter factory, but none was prepared to accept the undertaking. It was resolved to notify the Department of this, and to ask that the Department supply milk and cocoa for country children during the Winter months. The Principal of the Grey Technical College wrote, stating that the cookery room at Hokitika will be required on Monday evenings for preparation of Tuesday’s lessons. Accounts aggregating £24/0/5 were passed for payment.

It was resolved that the Board be asked to build a. new shed at the caretaker’s residence, the old one being in a state of collapse.

The Rector (Mr J. G. Johnston) reported that the attendance at the school is: Primary—lSO boys. 152 girls, total 332; Secondary, 47 boys, 53 girls —lOO. Last year’s figures were: Primary 315; secondary 127; the total being the same as this year. The fall in numbers in the Secondary Department is due to the small Standard VI. number last year. Rooms 13 and 14 badly needed more ventilation, and he recommended another style of windows. Several small requirements were mentioned, which are to be referred to the foreman. Mr Cassidy had left, and Mr Swainson had been filling the position temporarily.

Mr P. R. Muirhead was appointed to the Primary Department, and, if approved by the Board, Mr J. S. Wilson to the Secondary Department. It was resolved to procure prefects’ badges, which are to be handed down to successors, unless the holders wish

to retain them, which can be done on payment of cost of same. HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD. [our own correspondent.] HOKITIKA, April 9. At the meeting of the Fire Board there were present: Messrs A. RElcock (Chairman), S. J. Preston, W. E. Gaylor (secretary), N. D. Bowman, and Williams (Underwriters’ representatives), W. Braddon and J. J. Me Intosh (Superintendent). The election of chairman for the ensuing year resulted: in the re-election of Mr A. R. Elcock to the office. Regarding amalgamation of local bodies, the following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this. Board is opposed' to its amalgamation with the Borough Council, as it would not be managed as economically or efficiently.” The Minister concerned to be notified of the resolution. The Foreman’s report was approved, two fires being reported for the quarter. The secretary reported all plant to be in good order and condition. The financial statement showed: Receipts £174/4/10; expenditure £lBB/19/8; cr. balance £l2/8/1. Accounts amounting to £172/6/10 were passed for payment. The estimates for the ensuing year totalled £603. Dealing with the matter of a new station it was decided to have plans and specifications prepared for the new two-storied building in reinforced concrete, to be ready for the next meeting of the Board. It was decided to renew the suggestion to the Borough Council that building by-laws be formed and pu't into force. Also that a letter be sent to the . Hokitika. Business Men’s Association''asking their support.

BOROUGH COUNCIL. [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, April 9. I The Hokitika Borough Council met last evening. Present; The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry), Crs. T. W. Duff, A. R. Elcock, G. Heinz. E. L. Park. Apologies for absence were received from Crs. H. L. Michel, H. A. Thompson, H. T. Parry, and E. Teichelmann. | Cr. J. King was granted another three months’ sick leave. The Rugby Union wrote asking ior use of Cass Square for 1937 season, on usual conditions. —Agreed. The Rugby Union also asked for use of Cass Square for a seven-a-side j tournament on May 12.—The Re-| selves Committee was empowered toi act, after discussion with Union on the suitability of the day. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote, asking whether the Council had any objection to the alienation for the purpose of a. camping ground for touring motorists of Government reserve 185, Hokitika, formerly held hy the Department of Agriculture as a. site for a, stock inspector’s residence, but which is now Crown land, and is available for disposal.—Referred to Reserves Committee. The Canterbury Progress League Christ church, extended an invitation to the Mayor and members of the I Hokitika Borough Council to be preI sent, at the ceremony of the unveiling 'of a. memorial to the late Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson at Arthur’s Pass on Sunday, 18th inst., at 2.30 p.in.—Accepted, such councillors as are able to attend.

The Director of Housing Construction advised that in regard' to the housing survey, the Minister is prepared to grant dispensation from the necessity of furnishing particulars in respect of those houses which are definitely known to be above the standards as set out in the housing

survey regulations as regards overcrowding and fitness, and asking tha the Council proceed with the survey of the Borough, and further, that it will be necessary to submit the housing survev map as required'by-Clause 7 of the Housing Survey Regulations at the time of submitting the housingsurvey statement.—Town Clerk to ask for special dispensation as required. The Commissioner of Transport wrote, advising that the general policy at present is to refrain from a rigid enforcement of traffic regulations 11 (1), and that a supply of stickers will be forwarded' so that an intensive check can be instituted in the Borough. . The Westland County Council advised that the following resolutions were adopted at a conference of local bodies held on March 22. 1937, in respect of local bodies amalgamation: — (1) Tfye absorption by the Westland County Council of functions of local bodies within its area, namely: The Westland Electric Power Board, and the Inter-Wanganui River Board; together with the Boroughs of Kumara and Ross. (2) The absorption by the Hokitika Borough Council of the functions of the Hokitika Fire Board, and possibly the Hokitika Harbour Board. and 1 ' asking that the Council consider •the foregoing and, if possible, furnish any comment that may be appropriate not later than April 24.—1 t was decided to call a conference of the members of the Fire Board, Harbour Board and Borough Council for Thursday next. The financial statement showed receipts £540/7/1, expenditure £614 6/8. Accounts, amounting to £686 13/- were passed for payment. The Abattoirs’ report slated: Stock slaughtered for month of March: —38 cows, 11 heifers, 84 bullocks, 14 calves, 237 sheep, 172 lambs, 15 pigs; condemned, nil. Fees collected for month £B4/11/-. Fees for the corresponding month of last year, £BO/4/. The foreman’s report was received. A report was received from the subcommittee appointed to arrange the loan of £lB,OOO for waterworks from the Hokitika Savings Bank. It was reported' the first payment oi £12,000 was ready and the debentures lor same would be handed over to the bank on Monday next.

Mr D. Stevenson, reporting on his inspection of the Princess Theatre, Soldiers’ Hall, and Regent Theatre, stated all were satisfactory, save for one or two minor items, which were being attended to.