RUNANGA BOROUGH COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 December 1945, Page 2

RUNANGA BOROUGH COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING. I ■■ — I.l—. The Mayor (Mr. E. Kennedy) presided at last evening’s meeting of the Runanga Borough Council. Present were Councillors R. Wright, S. Braithwaite, J. Devine, C. Barrow, R. Hambley and R. Nelson. “Honest people are carrying the burden of the Borough,” said Cr. J. Devine when the meeting was discussing the number of ratepayers who have made little or no effort to meet their rates. The Town Clerk said that the difficulty was that in response to letters some came forward with 10/- or £1 and a promise to pay regularly—then nothing more happened until more letters and more threats were sent. Cr. Devine said some ratepayers were getting no further ahead, as the small payments did not, over a year, meet the current rates, and the old debt gradually grew. He recommended placing such accounts in the hands of the Borough solicitor, and that the Council refuse to accept small payments off arrears. He wanted to get at the “hard cases”—people in a good position to pay, but who ignored their responsibility while widows and pensioners who could ill afford the rates, made every effort to pay regularly. On his motion, seconded by the Mayor, it was decided to obtain, legal advice regarding taking a judgment summons in flagrant cases. WATER SUPPLY FOR BATHS Messrs R. Armstrong, J. Duggan and D. Manderson, representing the Swimming Baths Committee waited on the Council regarding water supply to the baths. Mr. Armstrong said the position which obtained last year was unsatisfactory. He suggested that a pressure gauge be installed at the baths, and that the baths caretaker be empowered to draw water for the baths whilst the pressure remained aboVe a stated figure. The foreman (Mr. T. Merriman) said that when water is being drawn off for the baths, the reservoir emptied. “According to that, the water supply is a failure,” said Mr. Armstrong. The Mayor agreed that insofar .as’ supplying the town and the baths at the same time, was concerned, that was so.

Mr. Manderson said that last year the baths were filled at night and every effort had been made to work in with the Borough. ■ The foreman said there was not sufficient water from the mains during the day to keep the town going, aryi the deficiency was made up by the amount which flowed into the reservoir during the night. This would not allow the baths to be filled more than once a fortnight. Mr. Armstrong said that on health grounds, that would be a failure as even 10 days was too long for the same water. The water should be changed twice weekly. ‘ The foreman said that the present position had applied for the past two years, during which time there had been a big increase in the demand, with more connections to the supply. The pipes from the intake were too small for the demand. Mr. Armstrong said that, when the water scheme was installed there was talk of supplying Cobden and even Greymouth—so abundant was the water. The Mayor said' that at the intake lend, there was a si f x inch, pipe through the tunnel, dropping to a five inch, and then four inch, which was insufficient. There should have been a double line of eight inch pipes down to Dunollie. Mr. Armstrong said it was too late to talk of the faults of years ago. The position looked hopeless as far as the swimming baths were concerned. Replying to a suggestion that the baths be filled over two nights, Mr. Armstrong said that would mean the baths being closed on two days, as they could not be used unless the water reached the safety rail. The Mayor said when the scheme was first produced, the Public Works Department had approved the plans after making some amendments. Now that the town had a fire brigade, a safety supply of at least 75 lbs. pressure must be maintained at all times. Mr. Duggan said that if the baths were better served with water, there would be less drowning fatalities in the town. Instead of trying to learn to swim in the surf, people would learn to be strong swimmers in the baths and be better able to fend for themselves in the surf. Mr. Armstrong said he realised the position in which the Council was placed, and as it appeared that the baths could not be filled unless the reservoir was kept filled, then nothing could be done, and it looked as if the baths would have to remain closed. He thanked the Council for receiving the deputation. GENERAL. The application of the picture entertainment committee to screen pictures on Christmas night was approved. 1 Mr. J. Finlay applied, for lease of pavilion on the Recreation ground granted at 5/- weekly. The executive of the West Coast Farmers Union invited the Council to be represented at a conference to discuss river control and surface mining.—The Mayor was appointed to represent the Council. Runanga Fire Brigade invited Councillors to attend a social function. — Accepted. The foreman reported carting 20 loads of ashes and 12 of shingle. Twenty-four yards of crushed metal was supplied from the Council crusher. The grader worked on four days. Ten 12-inch and ten 24 inch concrete pipes have been made. Water supply has been laid to the crushing plant, and Dunollie Bowling Club. Four inch pipes have been lifted from the Domain and laid at Dunollie for the Fire Brigade. In the Inverness Street drainage scheme, 268 feet of 12 inch concrete pipes have, been laid, with junctions and inspection boxes. Leaks in the mains have been repaired, the intakes cleaned and sluices opened. The report was received as satisfactory, and in reply to a question, the foreman said he had received no help from residents so far in the drainage work in Inverness Street. Building permits totalling £BOO were granted during the month. The Town Clerk reported that the Fire Brigade was enquiring if the Council intended to go ahead with the house numbering plan. The Town Clerk also reported that the estimated cost was £3O, largely for the metal numbers, the cost of which would be recoverable from householders. On the motion of Cr. Braithwaite and the Mayor, it was decided that the Town Clerk approach, Mr. A. Fairmaid, Grey Borough Engineer for information on the plan of house numbering. In reply to a question by Cr. Braithwaite, the Town Clerk said that the Crown Lands Department had written denying responsibility for an access road to Seddon Terrace. The

letter said that it was “not the policy of the Department to improve access.” Cr. Braithwaite said it was not a question of improving access, but of providing a legal access. People crossing the railway line to Seddon Terrace were guilty of trespass of railway property, yet there was no other way of access. The Land Board sold the land for settlement years ago, and was still offering land for sale, yet had. provided no access. On his motion seconded by Cr. Hambley it was decided to write to the Department again emphasising the facts of the case.

Cr. Barrow raised the question of water flowing from old mine works on the hillside at the side of Herd Street doing damage to a number of properties. On the motion of Cr. Devine seconded by Cr. Wright it was decided that the Mayor and Cr. Barrow meet the Superintendent of State Mines and ask that the Department take some action to remedy the position.

The Mayor said that as this was the final meeting of the year—a year which had been more pleasant than many in the past, and more harmonious than during the previous term of office, —he wished to extend Christmas greetings to the Council and to the staff. With the limited funds available, all had worked to manage the affairs of the Borough to the best advantage of the people. Crs. Braithwaite and Barrow reciprocated on behalf of the Councillors and Mr. Merriman on behalf of the staff. The Mayor entertained the Council and officials present to refreshments.