BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Grey River Argus, 26 May 1922, Page 6

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

ORDINARY MEETING. The Borough Council met last evening. Present: The Mayor (Air J. DLynch) Crs. AV. 11. I’artitt, 11. F. L'oogan, AV. € l . S. Colclough, R. J. AVilliams, J. AlcGinley, T. B. Baty, J. O’Brien and J. Gr-eaney, COBDEN BRIDGE. Referring to his notice of motion to the following cll’eef: —‘‘That a Commission be set up to apportion the cost of the upkeep of Cobden Bridge by the local bodies interested,” Cr Doogan said in his opinion something would need to be done in the direction indicated by his notice of motion. At the present time the Harbour Board, County Council and Borough Council contributed towards the maintenance of the bridge, the- Borough Council being the controlling authority. It was open to consideration as Io whether there were other local bodies who should contribute towards the cost of maintaining the bridge. Unless an agreement could be come to with the local bodies concerned—which was highly improbable—a commission would have to be set up to apportion the cost. The other local bodies involved would be the Runanga Borough, Cobden Town Board, and Brunner Borough. It was j/st a possibility that they should pay. He felt it was the duty of the Council to ascertain this fact on behalf of the ratepayers. Tli-o matter was not very urgent but they did not know when repair work fo the bridgq may become necessary, lie, asked that his notice of motion be allowed to stand over until next meeting in order that the Counci* mav have an opportunity of ascertaining further particulars. The Council agrccTl to allow the matter to stand over until the next Council meeting. ALL ABOUT A FENCE. The Secretary of the AVest Coast Rugby League applied for permission to erect a fene-e around the playing area at the Recreation Ground. Cr. Doogan said trouble was exper, ienced through the spectator's crowding over the lino. He moved that the request be granted, as the erection of the fence would not interfere wiiii the other portion of the ground. Cr. O’Brien seconded and suggested that the fence be erected for the duration of the football season. Cr. Baty moved as an aiiTundinen' that the request be. not granted. After the first few matches the. fence would probably be broken down. Surely there would be someone to keep the crowd back. Cr. Parfitt supported Cr. Doogan’s resolution. Cr. AfcGinlcy seconded the amendment. He contended that the Council had no right to give anyone power to erect the fence. The Mayor expressed himself in favour of granting the request. It was merely a fence to keep the crowd off the playing area. The responsibility for keeping the fence in order would be on the Rugby League. Cr AVilliams supported the resolution. Cr. Doogan, in reply to Cr. Baty, said by granting the erection of the fence, the Council would encourage the people to use the ground and thus hi'lp to improve it. They wanted io get the public to become interested in the games and thereby use the ground. The Council had the power to -erect the fence at any time, and tu slate how the ground was to be used. 'I here was no ulterior motive behind the request, but a move to keep the crowd back. He contended that the amendment was out of order as it was a direct negative. Cr. McGinley attempted to spear; when Cr. Doogan rose io a point of order. He ha I awaited his right of reply ami would call the Mayor to raise a point of order. Cr Batv also commenced in explanation but was ruled out of order. The resolution granting Hie permission to erect the fence for the duration of the present football season was carried. THE TOWN HALL. Cr Williams said seeing that the Minister of Health was visiting the town shortly it was probable that he would look over the general appearance of the town while here. It* so he would find a bud state of affairs. It would be better to have the Town in such a state that he could not east any reflection on it. In many alley ways there was a collection of trade refuse such as packing cases etc, which, should a fire occur, would prove a great hindrance to the firemen. It might pay the Council to put an extra man on. He would also rcl'-er ’o the Town Hail, which at the present time was not presentable for the reception of a Minister of the Crown. Several articles had been laying around the hall for a long time, such as an old gun and two or three tar barrels. These should be removed, lie moved that Hie Engineer attend to the matter and have the presvincts ol the Town Hall made presentable. Cr Colclough seconded and said the ■windows in the’ hall were in need of attention. He asked if anything bad been done towards the provision of a ladies’ rest room, in the hall. Cr O’Brien said he was in accord with the cleaning up, but did not agree with the Council cleaning up just for th-e sake of the Minister. It uld not require the visit of a “big gun from the

Empire City” to conic here and show them how to clean up their Town Hull On the suggestion of Cr. Parfitt it was decided that attention to the roof be added to the resolution, which was subsequently carried. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The Borough Engineer (Mr J. O’Don- ! ncl) reported:—‘‘In accordance with the Council’s instructions, viz:—That the Borough Engineer furnish a detailed report to the Town Clerk', not later than noon on the Afonday preceding each meeting, etc. Since the last meeting, cutting blackberries in Marsden Road, Cowper and Turumaha Streets. Metalling in Herbert, Alackay and Tainui Streets. Kerbing in High Street in hand, and footway in Blake Street sot out, both of which are authorised. Chapel and Aloss Streets arc being attended to as aufubrised. TURNCOCK’S REPORT. The Borough turncook reported:— ‘‘ln accordance with instructions received from the Town Clerk, I bog to report that I have been engaged at general inspection work, repairing water taps, and attending to leaks throughout the town and also re-erected posts that mark the position of fireplugs. For some days 1 was engaged al the wha?7 testing the stand pipe and locating some defects in the water supply there, also cleaning and adjusting various fire plugs. At the request of Air AlcQuecn, eluded) assisting at starting the cnstation every morning (Sundays included) assistin gat starting the engine, drawing pistons etc., on some occasions these visit have been for hours. In addition to the above I have also worked at the pumping station for six complete night shifts, was when the pumps were running three shifts. Cr O’Brien said the report was not sufficiently detailed. The object of the Committee was to find whether the water was leaking through the pipes or being consumed in the town. The Town Clerk stated that the report had been made prior to the meeting of the Committee. The report was adopted. AVORKS COAIAIITTEE REPORT. The AVorks Committee reported: — ‘ ‘ AV-o enquired into several matters referred to ...us and submit the following recommendations. Re C. 11. Ilton’s request for improvements near his residence, Alarsden Road, that no action be taken. Re Blaketown Ratepayers’ Association, asking the Council to declare gorse a noxious week within the Borough. After carefully perusing the Borough by-laws we find no provision made therein to deal with this nuisance. That the matter be referred to the Borougk solicitor for his advice. Re purchase of one ton motor truck. A truck ot this capacity would be unsuitable for Borough work, and bearing in mind that the carting service is on trial, we have no recommendations to make. Re the relative cost of sand delivered per motor traction as against th-e Borough steam service recently in use conveying sand from the ( South Tiphead. Having no data to guide us in the mav ter to a satisfactory conclusion, saving that in our opinion the recent metnod is too costly, the material having to be man bandied four umes before it is deposited where required and costs sav .8/- per yard, plus cost of preparatory work such as trailer, chute, loaning pits etc. The other matter referred to us is vho is to bear the cost of clearing the wanton blockages of drains in the part known as the Court House area; this will be enquired info later. Thu following matters referred io the AVorks Committee. Chairman and Engineer, with, power to act will be attended to in rotation: — 1. Storm waler overflow in Alexander Street, near Air Rundle’s. 2. Footpath repairs in Smith Street. 3. Drainage of stagnant pool Sawver’s Creek Road. 4. Footpath formation in Gltikctovi-n. near State school. 5. Preston Road footpath repairs. Fire Station approach improvemeats. The report was adopted. GIiNTiRAL. The Public AVorks Minister (lion JG. Coates) wrote in regard to a suggested survey of the proposed ien Mile water simply. The- writer stated that he could not recommend the granting of the request as it seemed to be purely a matter for ’.he Borough Council, and iu view of the fact that the ratepayers did not approve of a loan tor this purpose.—Received. The Gore Borough Council forwarded a resolution to the effect that all aniiisemeiit taxes collected in the district be paid over to the Imai body of district or Town Board as the case may be. The Mayor: A very sensible resolution Councillors. The Mayor suggested that the Council support the proposal and the resolution be- forwarded to the member for tin- district (Mr T. E. Y. Seddon). It was decided to adopt this suggestion. Tim Mayor referred io the meeting of local bodies ’ representatives which is to be held to-night in connection with the Old People’s Home and other matters to place before Hon C. J. Parr. Cr. Colclough:ls not the matter of the- tccliinal school to be brought forward, as Mr Parr is Minister of Education 1 Cr McGinley moved that the Mayor and Cis. O’Brien and Parfitt represent

r __ ——. —-— ar— I the Council at the meeting to-night. Seconded by Cr. Baty and carried. The Mayor aud Deputy Major were appointed to sign the agreement betewcen the Council and the Railway Department with regard to the lease of coal chutes. Cr. Parfitt moved that the Mayor and Cr O'Brien be, a deputation to the Minister of Health to support the action of the Kaiata Ratepayers’ Association in protesting against the removal from the district of the. St. Helen's maternity nurse. Cr AVilliams seconded the resolution which was carried. Air AV. J. Henry applied for the work of painting the Abattoir manager s house.—The matter was left in the hands of the Engineer. Mr T. E. Y. Seddon. M.P., wrote promising to make representation to the authorities concerned on behalf of the Council’s letter regarding a. poriion u> the Finance Act. —Received. Cr AVilliams referred to overhanging hedges in the Borough winch were causing trouble and would hamper footpath repair work. One property at the corner of Franklyn and High Street was causing trouble in this respect. He moved tl'at two months’ notice be given to the owner io have the hedge removed. Seconded by Cr McGinley and carried. Cr Doogan moved that the matter of having the footpath, in High Street between Bucck'Ugh Street and Franklyn Street be referred to the Engineer. This was carried. It. was decided on the motion of < r McGinley that the Engineer be instructed to carry out repairs to the footpath -and street in Elmer Laue.