BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6319, 23 February 1922, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

.REPORT OF ORDINARY MEETING

The fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held on Tuesday evening, there being present: The Deputy-Mayor (Cr. 11. H. Do Costa), and Grs. It. Robertson, T, Todd, F. Collin, D. W. Coleman, C. E. Bickford, F. Gray, and, F. Ball. The Mayor (Mr Geo. Wildish) and Cr. Bowie were granted leave of absence. The dog tax collector wrote acknowledging receipt of the council’s letter stating that in paying an increased rate a house-to-house canvas was expected. He pointed out tliat the 10 per cent, increase applied only to collars sold over 300, and it was asked that, as there was no possibility of that number being sold, the Council would arrange that he receive 10 per cent, extra on the Is Gd collar as had been intended.—lt was decided that 10 per cent, be paid on all collars sold over 200.

The Cook Hospital Board wrote thanking the council for the payment of the levies before the close of the financial year, it being stated that this was of great assistance in the adjustment of finance:

The Deputy-Mayor stated that there had been a considerable amount of controversy regarding the hospital levy, the latest trouble being over the levy being based on the old valuations when the Department contended that the new valuations should have been used. It had new been decided, however, that the board’s action was quite correct, and that the rate should be levied on the old valuation. Everything was now satisfactorily adjusted.—The letter was received.

The local manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company wrote stating that the council’s complaint regarding the large stones projecting on 'the footpath in front of the Grey "Street store would receive attention. —The letter was received. Attention was called to the inadequacy of the street lighting in Norman Road, and it was asked that another light be erected on the corner of Norman and Herbert roads. It was decided that the request be placed with the many others which were awaiting the consideration of the council.

A complaint regarding the condition of Leith Street was received from a number of residents, it being stated that there was grass on either side of the footpath, and water lay m the centre, while the road had no gravel nor metal. In wet weather it was impossible to get in and out without wet feet. It was also requested that a light be placed at the Roebuck Road end of the street.

The Deputy-Mavcr stated that there was no doubt but that the street was in the same bad way as the council’s finances. Several of the members said that the street was in pretty bad condition, and the engineer was instructed to see what could be done to at least improve the footpaths.

The Minister of Public Health wrote regarding the anti-plague precautions, asking the council to renew its efforts to poison rats and clean up the town. Regulations requiring that all premises should be supplied with a suitable metal receptacle, with a water-tight lid, for the deposit of rubbish, was also forwarded.—lt was decided that the importance of exterminating rats should be stressed and that any offenders be prosecuted. Cr. Bickford asked that the estimate of the cost of extending the tramways down Grey Street, as asked for a month ago, bo laid on the table at the next meeting of the council. In reply to Cr. Tedd, the engineer stated that it was intended to put metal down Grey Street between the newly metalled portion and the footpath) The Works Committee reported:—

“The matter of allowing Mr Bull's benzine store, Gladstone Road, to remain as built, contrary to the bylaw, was considered, when it was ultimately agreed that o'ut of consideration for the public safety the by-law would have to be carried out. Mr Bull can easily make the door of his store conTorm to the by-law by a sliding door or some such method.

“The question of the formation of a car stand at the beach end of Grey Street was considered, and upon inspection it was decided that' the work carried out by the engineer would suffice in the meantime.

“Street lighting, upper Gladstone Road: The committee inspected this street, and agreed that lighting was necessary, but as the electric cables are not extended in this direction, and the council not having funds available at the present juncture, they would suggest that this matter be considered when going through street lighting requirements at annual estimates next April. “An inspection of the ladies cloak room. Peel Street, was made, when it was recommended that a caretaker be advertised for to attend such rooms between the hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily, at a wage of about 25s per week. This room will be open to the public between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The engineer was instructed to enclcse about one chain behind the cloak room with a suitable fence in order to alleviate the danger to the public from cars turning quickly round same. He was also instructed to run a post and rail fence from the men’s convenience to the Seivwriglit memorial for the same p.urpose. Arrangements have been made with one of the council’s men to have these premises cleaned out regularly.” The report was adopted.