COMMITTEES’ WORK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20572, 4 June 1941, Page 7

COMMITTEES’ WORK

REQUESTS REFERRED

COUNCIL’S DECISIONS

REGENT BUILDING PLANS

Several matters raised in the course of the first business meeting of the new Borough Council, hold last evening, were referred to committees for consideration and report, the Mayor and councillors agreeing that committees could more profitably investigate the backgrounds of the requests and proposals than could the council as a whole.

The attendance represented the full strength of the council, comprising the Mayor, Mr. N. H. Bull, and Messrs. H. H. De Costa F. Tolerton, J. H. Hall, J. J. Macdonald, G. J. Jeune, R. Morse, H. E. Maude, G. Bradley Smith, and Dr. A. L. Singer. Writing on the subject of the Mangapoike source of water supply for the borough, the medical officer of Health, Dr. J. K. L. Davies, indicated that with certain precautions the source should be acceptable. “From the chemical analysis both samples appear to be of good quality,” Dr. Davies wrote. “The bacteriological examination, however, is suggestive of contamination by faecal organisms. Since the sanitary survey demonstrates the presence of numerous cattle and sheep grazing in the watershed, this unsatisfactory bacteriological analysis is accounted for, and if the stock is removed further trouble should be obviated. In view of the above I consider the site is very suitable for the proposed scheme.” The letter was received.

The manager of the City Band, Mr. A. Wood, requesting the renewal of the band’s subsidy from the council, submitted a survey of the band’s activities during the past year, and suggested an increase in the amount of the subsidy, which last year was £7s.—On the motion of Mr. H. E. Maude, the request was referred to the estimates committee. The Gisborne agency of the Automobile Association (Auckland) wrote recommending that the council establish pedestrian crossings in the business area.—On the motion of the Mayor, who referred to the matter as a “hardy annual,” the letter was referred to the works committee.

Change-Over in Pump Motors The Poverty Bay Electric-Power Board forwarded a suggestion that the council should make a further stage in the change-over from D.C. to A.C. in the sewerage pump motors.— The letter was referred to the works committee.

Proposals for the construction of two fiats in the Regent buildings for Gisborne Theatres, Limited, were reported upon by the building inspector. The engineer, Mr. E. R. Thomas, said that new plans were being submitted contingent upon the council permitting the use of wood and fire-resist-ing material for the subdividing walls. Superintendent J. W. Kane, of the Gisborne Fire Brigade, had approved the proposals and the council had previously given permission for similar .work.

In discussion on tlic proposals, Mr. Thomas stated that the work already had been started, and Mr. Morse said that the council should not permit work to proceed until the plans had been passed. f On the motion of Mr. Jeune, the matter was deferred until plans of the new proposals were submitted and approved. The council accepted an invitation from Canon A. F. Hall to attend church as a council on June 8, to invoke God’s guidance in its labours. Home Guard Training Lights

The Poverty Bay Electric-Power Bo.ard advised that it v/ould contribute up to £25 to the cost Of cux - - rent for lighting Home Guard parades, but indicated that it would make routine charges for current and any necessary installations.—The letter was received.

The Dominion chairman of i,hc People’s Movement invited the council to join in a deputation to Paiiiament to emphasise the necessity for a national Government.—On Mr. Maude’s motion, seconded by Mr. J. H. Hall, the council agreed to take no action in the matter. On the Mayor’s nomination, Messrs. Hall and Jeune were appointed to represent the council on the Gisborne Fire Boai'd. The town clerk, Mr. W. M. Jenkins, reported that motor-bus revenue for the fortnight prior to June 1 was £360 2s 2d, compared with £357 17s 6d for the same period last 'year. Over a distance of 6195 miles, the revenue per mile was 14.30 d, as against 14.0 d; passengers numbered 29,993, this figure being 29 below that for the same period in 1940. The borough engineer reported that repairs to the Mangapapa Creek bridge, on the back Ormond road, had been completed. A timber culvert at the intersection of Valley road and Howarth street had collapsed, and was being' replaced with concretepiles at a cost of £59 18s. Half the cost would be met by the Cook County Council. Twenty-eight No. 13 scheme men had been employed during the period.

Repairs to air-valves on the main supply line of the borough watersupply. and the replacing of a corroded .pipe near (lie Reay bridge were the principal worksundertaken during' the fortnight. : 1