SEDDON TERRACE ACCESS: LEGAL ISSUE RAISED

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 July 1950, Page 2

SEDDON TERRACE ACCESS: LEGAL ISSUE RAISED

Commissioner of Crown Lands .has written to the, Runanga Borough Council regarding the representations, which have been made over a long' period, for the provision of a subway to provide access to the. resi- ! dences on Seddon terrace. He pointed out that practically all the sections involved had been alienated on permanent lease and the lessees had the right to acquire the freehold at any time. It was therefore doubtful I whether the department would make any contribution towards a subway. It was suggested that an estimate of the cost be secured from the Railways Department, and the matter would be considered further. At last nights meeting of the council, the Mayor (Mr G. E. English) said that the matter had been dragging on for years and it was time the responsibility for the work was properly decided. The council felt that the Lands and Survey Department was bound to provide a legal access for its tenants, and that the Railways Department had a responsibility to see that a safe railway crossing was provided. Everyone was sympathetic, but the danger was still there, and it appears that it would be until someone is killed.

At the Mayor’s suggestion, it was decided to refer, the matter to the council’s solicitor for an opinion on the question of responsibility for the provision of a legal access.

Site For Flax Mill

The. Mayor said that there had been some objection to the proposal that a flax mill be established on land near Dunollie residences on the ground that the noise would be a nuisance. It had now been suggested that a suitable site would be on borough land alongside the . Greymouth railway; an area which the council had offered for sale recently. A tender of £lO was received for the purchase of a one horse mower, and was accepted.

It was decided to postpone consideration of tenders for the stone crusher for one month.

Mr W. Bell, Ranfurly street, wrote complaining of the erosion of his property through the flooding of Raleigh creek, and asking that some material be supplied to prevent erosion of his access bridge.—Referred to the foreman.

Two applications to instal septic tanks were granted, subject to the approval of the health inspector. Mr J. T. McPhee wrote asking that attention be given to the water supply on his property.—Referred to the foreman.

The Runanga Home and School Association wrote asking who was responsible for the maintenance of the frontage of the school grounds. The association had plans to improve the school frontage by the 1 planting of shrubs, and would be glad of any assistance the council could give. It was decided to advise the association . that the maintenance of frontages was the responsibility of the occupier of the land, in this case, the Education Board.

Messrs J. Timlin and J. Harrington, representing the Runanga Workingmen’s Club, waited on the council with regard to the club property. Mr Harrington said there had been some publicity regarding the question of rates on the club building, and the impression seemed to be that the club was averse to paying, but this was not the case. If the club had been approached in the first instance it would have been found only too willing to meet its obligations. The club would like to know what rates were due. It had been suggested having the building revalued, but he said that it would be fair to base past rates on the value now showing on the valuation roll, and any later valuation which may be made by the department would be effective when notified. ,

Valuation Of Club

The Mayor said the matter had been raised on the question of whether the club was liable for rates or not, and the Mines Department had advised that rates were the responsibility of the club as from April, 1948.

Ci- S. Braithwaite said it was the duty of' councillors to see that rates were levied on all rateable property.. There was no suggestion that the club was dodging rates. t

On the motion of Crs Barrow and O. Bergh, it was decided that the club be advised that its interpretation of the valuation for rating purposes was correct.

Mr Harrington said the club proposed to provide a parking area for cars near the club rooms, and sought permission to erect beams and decking over the -main drain for this purpose.—Permission was granted. On the motion of Crs Barrow and Bergh, a vote of thanks was accorded the deputation for meeting the council and the amicable arrangements made.

The Runanga Badminton Club wrote stating that the club was prepared to provide a working bee to improve the'interior of the gymnasium if the council would provide the paint. It was decided to accept the offer, with Jhanks. The Runanga Ladies’ Hockey Club forwarded a donation of £1 towards the cost of maintenance of the Domain, and this was also received with thanks.

The Superintendent of State Mines advisejl that the department had approved of a grant towards the cost of maintenance work on the water supply ‘tunnel. This would also include the provision of concrete legs and steel rail bars for the sets which require to be renewed. It was decided to call tenders immediately for this work. Building permits for work totalling £2940 were granted.