COBDEN TOWN BOARD

Grey River Argus, 3 May 1932, Page 3

COBDEN TOWN BOARD

ORDINARY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Cobden Town Board was held last evening, when there were present: Commissioners T. H. Jones (chairman), F. Turley, R. Marley, W. O’Reilly, U. Mettrick, J. Frederic and the Town Clerk, Miss Davison. A letter was received from J. Ford, who is using his own tools while in the employ of the Board, stating that a chain he used on the Board’s work had been ruined, and asking that the Board pay the cost of it. —The Chairman said the position was that while taking a level the chain had been left! on the road and was run over by a ’bus. It was decided to comply with Mr Ford’s request. THE UNEMPLOYED. R. Marley, Secretary of the Unemployed Workers, wrote asking for a donation to the Mayor’s Fund. In reply to a query by Comr. Turley as to how much work the Board had received from the Fund, the Chairman stated that a few days had been received. Cr. Marley stated that no one had ever been turned down from the Mayor’s Fund and it could be said, that, the Town Board had received benefits. The Chairman said that on one occasion the Mayor had been asked to give £lO to enable the Board to have it subsidised, but they were informed that there was nothing in the Fund.

Cr. Marley stated that was sometimes the-case, but nevertheless whenever there was anything to bo given no man was turned away regardless of whether they were Greymouth or Cobden men, and he suggested that as the Grey mouth Council had given something, Cobden should have a fund to help their own men. The Chairman . disagreed, as ho thought that if a fund Wore started in Cobden, the people would not patronise it as they were too near Greymouth and had to contribute more in • "oportion than Greymouth. Pr. Turley moved that the Board -in it an Unemployment Fund with a donation of two guineas, and that in the event of the public subscribing ten ■: ineas. the whole be subsidised by r’ght guineas, making a total of 20 guineas; the fund to be administered !>'• the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Finance Committee. Cr. Marley inquired: “In the event nf this fund eventuating, where is a an to go for relief?” Cr. Turley: “Lett him apply to the Hospital Board.” Cr. Marley: “Men would rather do a day’s work for 9s or 12s fid thin go to the Hospital Board.” Cr. Turley: “That is exactly how the Government dodges its obligations —sentiment! ” Cr. O’Reilly seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr W. P. McCarthy wrote explaining his attitude at the Transport Board meeting, stating that it was abundantly clear that he did not act contrary to the Board’s instructions, and that certainly the Board did not oppose Kennedy’s application. TOWN BOUNDARIES. A letter was received from Mr 11. I’. Holland re the alteration of the T'own Board boundaries. The Minister of Internal Affairs stated that the Board has no power to amend the award or to enter into any agreement, and suggested that the Board have a local legislation bill passed. Mr Holland suggested that the Board make application under Clause 373 ’of the Standing Orders. It was decided that the Town Clerk draw up the necessary percentages, and to ask Mr Holland to promote a bill next session dealing with the matter. J. C. Wilson applied for a permit to erect a shed on Lot 12, Sec. 150, Ward Street. —Granted.

R. Gray applied for the Board to erect a bridge over a ditch in front of garage. It was resolved that Mr Gray be notified that people were expected to build their own bridges into garages. Accounts amounting to £24 9s 3d were passed for payment. PROGRESS OF WORKS. The surveyor’s report, which was as follows, was read and adopted: Curbing and channelling in Ward Street is proceeding satisfactorily, first-class stone being spoiled on the job, and in a very workmanlike manner. The formation of a footpath on portion of Clifford Street, thus giving access to houses, is proceeding satisfactorily, as is the formation of South Ward Street giving access to -Palmerston Street. The spreading of gravel on this job is being carried out. The limitation of the e’eek bed in Sturge Street has proceeded very satisfactorily with stone obtained from the quarry. The alterations in Fox Street and the alteration to the footpath in Bright Street have been held in abeyance. Cr. W. O’Reilly spoke re the state of the road at the quarry, and said that it was still in a bad state, the road being indistinguishable from the footpath, and he suggested that a strongly-worded letter be sent to the Harbour Board on the matter.

Cr. Jones said that the rails had only been through about a fortnight, but it was time that the job was done and the path put in order. It was carried unanimously that the Harbour Board’s attention should be drawn to the state of the road and footpath, and the Chairman of the Town Board and Works Committee arc to see that the work is carried out. It was resolved that Mr A. E. Sloss junr. be appointed Traffic Inspector, to act in the late Mr A. J. Sloss’s stead for the same period as nominated by the conference of the delegates tn the Highways Board. Cr. Frederic suggested that instead of filling up the potholes the Board should spread gravel on the road by means of a spreader which could be made by a carpenter and attached to the rear of the lorry. After some dis-

cussion it was moved by Cr. Frederic and seconded by Cr. Turley that inquiries be made regarding (the spreader. —Carried. Cr. Mettrick referred to the state of the unmetalled footpaths in wet weather and considered that they should be metalled at once. Cr. Jones; “The paths were made from the primitive, and Rome was nor made in a day. ’ ’ Cr. Turley: “The paths have been formed, but the ratepayers have not done their share; they have allowed the blackberries to cover the paths. I think the Road Act requires people to keep noxious weeds in front of their places in cheek. Cr. Frederic inquired whether the Board had the power to compel them to cut the blackberries, and if so that they should be given notice to do so. Cr. Jones said that notices had been served at different times and the noxious weed inspector informed, but without much result. The people who intend doing it will do so without notices and those who do not intend to take action cannot be moved by a notice.