CIVIC AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4710, 7 November 1917, Page 6

CIVIC AFFAIRS.

« V ; H MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

Various aspects of Borough matters were discussed at the meeting, of the Borough Council last evening, at which the Deputy Mayor "(Cr. J. Brown) presided. There was a full attendance of councillors. Messrs, de Lautour, Barker, Stock, and Blair wrote on behalf of the persons who propose to enter into a contract with the Council for the completion of Langlands’ contract, _ namely, Messrs. G. Smith, J. R. Nicholls, B. Hird, and J. B. Kells, The letter stated it was desired that an agreement should be drawn up making it clear that the new contractors were to receive in respect of the unfinished work the remuneration stipulated for, namely, the balance of the contract price, together with the value of extras 'as mentioned, and that any plant and material remaining over after completion of the contract is to be the property of and at the disposal of the new contractors. - Mr. Smith, who will, be the active partner of the four, is ready to get on with the work. The Town Clerk reported that the agreement was in the hands of the solicitors for preparation. ; The Wellington branch of the British General Electric Company, Ltd., again asked the Council to furnish the company with information regarding the completion of the generator contract.—Cr. Munns considered that the firm should be given the information. The firm had 'gone to a lot of trouble in putting their tender in.— The letter was received, and no information to be given. Correspondence was received from the South British Insurance Co., Ltd., National Insurance Co. of New Zealand, LtcL, Standard' Fire and Marine Insurance Co. of New Zealand, Ltd., the Fanners’ Co-operative Insurance Association of New Zealand, Ltd., the New Zealand Government State Fire Insurance Department, submitting suggestions as to the disposal of the Council’s insurances.—Referred to Finance Committee.

Four shift engineers at the Borough power-house—M. Hampton, J. R. Ross, C. H. Smyth©, and B. Bodowing to the increasing cost of living, for a war bonus.—Referred to Finance Committee.

Chandler and Co., Ltd., Auckland, wi’ote asking for particulars of tramcars, preparatory to making an offer to take over the advertising on the Borough tram-cars. —The information to be given. Mr. G. F. Henderson again drew attention to the tree on the corner of Wainui Road and Harris -Street, which he declared was obscuring the electric lamp on that corner.—Referred to Engineer. Mr W. H. Green, sanitary contractor, reported that there were about 32 premises which 'lie could not get the rubbish away from before 8 ,a.m. to 9 a.m. This meant the carts would be in the town until 10 a.m., but be was satisfied to go on jis at present so long as the Council did not complain of the carts being in the town at that hour.—Cr. Miller said the contractor had been doing his best to comply with the Council’s wishes, and the Council should give him support m every way possible.—Referred to Sanitary Committee. . Replies were received from thcEngineers’ offices of the four chief corporations relative to the price of distilled tar. Christchurch distilled its own from crude tar, Wellington purchased crude tar from the Wcllinging Gas Company at 4|d* per gallon. No dehydrated tar had been regularly purchased by that corporation. Dunedin imported from Australia at 6.5-8 d per gallon landed, barrels burnt. Sydney and Melbourne supplies bad •been most satisfactory’. Auckland was paying 5d per gallon for crude tar and 8d per gallon for distilled. — Referred to engineer. Mr H. H. Wall writing from Colwyn Bay, forwarded particulars of the method used in tar spraying streets in London, and covering tar with granite chips; also forwarding catalogue of tar spraying machines. — Handed to engineer for reference. E. W. Harvey, E. W. Wilson, L. Cleary, R. O’Meara, and H. S. Johnston, resident owners in Harris street, Kaiti. called attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the footpath fronting their .residences. —Referred to the engineer to report to the Council the estimated cost of the work. On account of favorable reports, it was decided to issue to taxi drivers Austin and Barclay, a license for the remainder of the year.

GENERAL.

The engineer was asked to report upon the Borough abattoirs. It was decided to inform Mr Lowndes that the two months’ time given him by the Council to demolish a building situated in Awapuni Road had. expired and asking, him to demolish the building or the Council would take action. On the motion of Cr Munns, the matter of calling tenders for the supply of coal for the power bouse was referred to the Borough engineer. Tenders are to be called! for the right of grazing the Kaiti reserve, Rutene road. TOWN CLERK’S REPORT.

Reporting upon the various contracts being carried out on behalf of the Borough, the Town Clerk stated : Derby’ Street Bridge: Timber is on the site for this work, and the piles have been pointed and shod. Contract for bridge and footway’, Esplanade and Cheeseman Road: Some timber is on the ground, but work has not yet commenced. Supply of Shingle: The Stanley Road depot is full, and there is a good quantity at Grey Street. More shingle is now coming to hand than is required, and the Overseer recommends that the supply from Kaitaratalii be stopped, as it is inferior to that obtained from Te Karaka. Waterworks: Pipes are again now coming to hand on this contract. Supply of pumping plant: Waterworks Extension—lt is reported that the bulk of this order is now in Auckland and will shortly he transhipped to. Gisborne. The alterations to the Stanley Road septic tank are now complete and are working as expected. Mangapoike waterworks extension: The contractor, Mr Godmun, now has twelve men in his gang, and is making very satisfactory progress with the work. Reinstatement: The Spiral Company advise that one .truck load of pipes are readv for delivery and will be railed to Napier care of Richardson and Co.,whose steamers will deliver them in Gisborne. The balance will be ready a few days later and will be forwarded as soon as possible. Rainfall for October at head-works, 2.22 inches. ' COMMITTEE REPORT.

At a meeting of the committee of the Gisborne Borough Council, the following matters were discussed:— Reserves: The Hockey Association, headed by Mr. Buseke, waited "on the committee in regard to obtaining sole right to three hockey grounds, Childers Road reserve, and owing to absence of Some of the members it was arranged to adjourn the meeting to 4 p.m. on 'Tuesday on the ground, when an inspection could be made. Sanitary Inspector: 18 applications were received for this position, and after due consideration the committee reduced tho " number to three, who have been requested to appear before the committee. Supply of shingle: The Engineer was asked to look into the question of obtaining shingle from Kaiti beach.