RUATORIA PLANS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22198, 7 December 1946, Page 6

RUATORIA PLANS

BUSINESSMEN MEET WATER-SUPPLY NEEDS CONTINUOUS TELEPHONE Projects of particular interest discussed at the December meeting of the Ruatoria Chamber of Commerce were the proposed establishment of a watersupply for the township and the develooment of a town-planning scheme to cover the future subdivision of township lands. Two petitions were approved by the chamber for submission to townspeople, and the hope was expressed that both would be well supported. In connection with the water-supply nroject, the petition prayed the Waiapu County Council to include the lands of the signatories in the supply area, the financial commitments of the signatories being dependent upon approval ot the expenditure which the project will entaii. Signatories to the townnlnnnins petition are not asked to accent any financial liability in the matter.

The chamber decided to aslc the countv council to establish by-law control of the oassage of cattle through the streets of Ruatoria, and prohibition ol such passage at hours when danger to the public—and especially to schoolchildren—might result. Possible Airfield.

An inspection of possible airfields m the vicinity of the township was reported on by Mr. H. Patterson, who indicated that the area known as Kemps Hill, a low plateau about three miles west of the town, was in his opinion the most suitable to serve as a stoppingolace on the Gisborne-Auckland air route. Mr. Patterson stated. that Ruatoria had a good claim for air sei - vice, and the chamber agreed to approach the Minister of Works to secure the construction of the necessary ground facilities and to seek the aid of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce in pressing the township's claim. It was stated that during the war a survey of possible landing-grounds had been made by R.N.Z.A.F. experts, and that the first choice fell upon the area selected lately by Mr. Patterson. It is reported that, an emergency landingground is to be designed in the neignbourhood of To Araroa.

Continuous ’Phone Service.

The demand for a continuous telephone service in the township was brought forward, and it was decided to approach the Postmaster-General on the matter. .As a preliminary step, subscribers of the service are to be canvassed, as two-thirds must express their willingness to meet extra charges before any change can be made from the present system.

The establishment of a returned serviceman as a chemist was regarded as a workable project which also would increase the amenities of Ruatoria. It was decided to seek the aid of the district rehabilitation officer in securing such an establishment, and also to consult the district health officer as to the advisability of the proposal. Provision of public conveniences adjacent to the road-service depot has been a pressing need for some time, and the chamber recently approached the district manager of the N.Z. Railways Department road service with a view to securing a contribution to the cost, in support of an outlay for which the Waiapu County Council has been asked. This approach did not bear fruit and the chamber is now to write to the Minister of Transport seeking his aid. and also to the district member of Parliament requesting him to press the application.