GREY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Grey River Argus, 8 September 1939, Page 12

GREY BOROUGH COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of «> e mouth Borough Council was. held last evening, when there were present the Mayor (Mr. F. A. Kitchingham) .and Crs. H. Herring, F. Boustridge J. <R. Anderson, J. Saunders, J. B. Kent, Nevll kn apology tor bl. a received from Cr. R. J. Williams. Messrs Guinness and Kitchingham forwarded memorandum ° f for the Council’s consent (Beale Smith).— Approved. The Commissioner of Crown Land, wrote regarding proposed Reserve, Blaketown, and suggested that the area should be transferred to the control of the Borough Council. It was decided to take over the area, which will eventually be controlled by a Domain Board. It was explained by the Mayor that no capital outlay could be made by the Council on this domain, and it was a matter for the citizens to put the area in order. The council would assist in any way possible. . Mrs N. Bird wrote thanking the Council for the efforts made regarding the purchase of their section. The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage wrote thanking the Council for the good wishes conveyed during his recent illness. Messrs Guinness and Kitchingham forwarded a further plan of sttb* division in respect of G. R. Cottle s property, lor consent ol Council. Approved. Native Trustee, Wellington, wrote regarding registration of land to Greymouth Trotting Club. The letter stated that advice had been received that registration was held up owing to the Council not having produced the necessary evidence regarding the question of a street. A tracing of the land had been forwarded to the secretary of the Trotting Club, and it was suggested that the Council should endorse in this plan a certificate to the effect that no part of the land in the lease was recognised as a public street. He thought this would be suf-, ficient evidence to enable the District Land Registrar to proceed with the registration. It was decided to endorse the plan as suggested.

Mr. J. W. Beresford applied for permission to transfer a Dangerous Goods License from Mr. E. V. Arthur. —Granted. Mr. W. Hughes advised that, arrangements had been made for him to take his annual leave. Messrs Guinness and Kitchingham forwarded memorandum of transfer, Heveldt to Bourke, for consent—Approved. > On behalf of Mr. George Cottle and Mr. J. Eadie, approval was sought for plan of sub-division of part. Lot 60, Section 1522, and part sections 1592 and 1593, Block 12, Greymouth S.D. —Approved. Mr. J. W. Grant, hon. secretary of the Blakelown-Preston Road Ratepayers’ Association wrote bringing the following matters under the notice of the Council:— Blake Street: The edges of the bitumen road in this street are in a very unsatisfactory and deplorable condition. The formation has broken away at the edges, leaving a sharp drop which is very dangerous for both pedestrians and motor traffic. We believe one accident has already occurred through this dangerous condition when a passenger was alighting from a bus.

Sewerage: Some time ago it was mentioned that the Council intended to do house sewerage, etc., for those who wanted it done. S'o far we have no definite information as to whether application to the Council or otherwise is necessary for an estimate, and we would be pleased if you could issue a statement or give us any information on this matter, as numerous residents are desirous of having everything in readiness for immediate use when the time comes. The end of September was mentioned as the possible date for the completion of the outfall when the sewer could be used. Is this date still correct or has it been extended?

Bus Stop Signs: Some time ago the Council had power and telegraph poles painted white to indicate the bus stops. Whilst improving the position considerably we think a still greater improvement could be made as we have had complaints from the public and bus drivers that strangers do not know their meaning, and we would suggest that the poles be given another coat of paint and “bus stop” stencilled on them. With reference to your letter of August 8 regarding the tar sealing of Doyle and Rigg Streets we regret that the Council cannot undertake this work at present, but would appreciate it if it could be done as soon as finances permit. In the meantime, could these two streets not be graded and a dressing of metal applied to permit the bus route being extended. We believe these two streets were laid down as a bus route by the Transport. Departipent in 1936. The first request was referred to the Engineer and will be proceeded with in the course of a few days. The second request was referred to the Finance Committee. It was decided to attend to the matter of bus stop signs. The final request was referred to the Works Committee. Mr. J. G. Walton wrote complaining that as a result of the filling in of what was called the Blaketown frog pond the water was being forced back on his section, which was at the south end and which was the lowest section in Blaketown. It was impossible for the water to get away and was coming up to his back door. Cr. Kent said it was a serious matter. Cr. Boustridge said the Works Committee had visited the scene, and it recommended that the matter be referred to the Harbour Board, as it was controlling the work, although the Borough contributed. He moved that the Engineer confer with the Harbour Board in an effort to have the flooding eliminated if possible, while the contractor was on the job. Cr. Anderson seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. Tom Learmont, on behalf of Mr. J. Murphy, forwarded for the Council’s approval scheme plans A and B of the proposed sub-division of Section 9 and 10, being part of the Education Reserve and bounded by Milton Road and Byron Street. Permission was granted under the hardship clause. The Director of Housing wrote asking for suggestions in the napning of I the two streets in the Holland Settle-! ment at Cobden, in the form of names ’

of old identities or place names of historic interest.

The Mayor said that many names could be forwarded, but there was one in particular, the late Mr. Firth, a former • headmaster' of the Wellington College, who was born in Cobden. It was also decided to suggest the name of Lynch Street, to perpetuate the name of the late Mr. J. D. Lynch, a former Mayor. The Mayor reported that in the event of an emergency, arising the Fire Brigade had offered the. services of all of its members. It. was decided to thank the Superintendent for the offer.

WORKS COMMITTEE. RECOMMENDATIONS. The Works and Town Planning Committee reported having met on August 10, the Mayor, Crs Boustridge (chairman), Anderson, Saunders and Herring being present, and recommen ■ dations were made as follows; —That the area as follows be zoned as a light industrial area in Cobden namely:—-That area bounded on the south eastern side by Cardwell Street; on the south western side by Nelson Quay; on the north western side oy the Hall Street and the north eastern side by a line from the intersection of the boundary between Section 150 and 15} with the south eastern building line of Hall Street to the intersection of the boundary between Sections 57 and 58 with the north west • em building line of Cardwell Street.

That, the areas defined hercaftm be zoned as heavy industrial areas in Greymouth, namely:—That portions of Blocks 30 and 31 bounded on the north eastern side bv the north eastern boundary of Section 197 Block 30; on the south eastern side by the nort h western boundaries of the Section from Section 2024 Block 30 to Section 203 A, Block 31, on the other sides by Herbert and Lord Streets respectively and also Section 202 M, 202 N, 2020, and 202 P Block 30. That portions of Blocks 32 and 31 on the north western side of the line from the intersection of the western building line of Herbert Street and the north western building line ol Morice Lane to the intersection of the north western boundary of Section 216 Block 34 with the north eastern building line of the Town Belt North, and also 233 A and 2238, Block 32; that area bounded on the south eastern side by Boundary Street and on the other sides by the Tidal Lagoon and the Grey River; that area between the Tidal Lagoon and Preston Road between the intersections ol Arney and Swift Streets with Preston Road.

That in accordance with the area zoned as a light industrial area, in (1) above, permission be granted to the Petrous Tile Co. Ltd., to operate a roofing tile factory op Section 82 at the intersection, of Blackett and Peel Streets.

That the Greymouth Harbour Board be approached regarding the use to be made of the areas at present occupied by Tidal Lagoon this information being necessary to the full consideration of a Town Planning Scheme.

That where garages have been erected upon streets, the owners of the same be charged an annual rental of £1 as from July Ist last. That action be taken under Section 304; Municipal Corporations Act 1933 to procure the demolition of an old dwelling, now in a ruinous condition, on the south eastern side of Preston Road.

At a further meeting of the Committee on August 22nd all members being present, plans and specifications submitted by w - Hamilton, on behalf of Mr J. E. Williams, for renovation of the shop on Section 608 Block 3, Tainui Street were discussed. The Borough Engineer was advised to issue a building permit, accord ngly subject to such condition as the Fire Inspector might require as regards fire escapes. The Fire Inspector required that at least one upstairs window on the Tainui Street frontage be retained and that an iron ladder be provided to lie on top of the verandah in order 1 to be available lor use in reaching the street in case of fire and the Borough Engineer has issued the Building Permit endorsed accordingly. The approval, of the Council is asked for the Committee s action in this matter. The Committee again met on August 30; present the Mayor Mr F. A. Kitchingham, and Crs Boustridge (chairman) Anderson and Herring. The plan and specification, submitted by Miss K. Oliver for an extension to the small additional dwelling recently moved on to Part Section 21, Coakley Street, were considered and it is recommended that a Building Permit be issued subject, to the condition that a subdivision of the section will not be approved at any time an r j also that any motor garage erected must comply with any conditions laid down by the Council. The alternative plans of subdivision submitted by Mr T. Learmont, on behalf of Mi’ T. Murphy, for the subdivision of Section 9 and 10, Milton Road, and Byron Street were considered and it is recommended that the scheme providing for subdivision into 6 allotments, each with 44 feet frontage, 3 to Milton Road and 3 to Byron Street be approved. The alternative submitted provides for 6 allotments which would comply in all respects with the Borough By-laws but the scheme is undesirable in that, it necessarily involves 2 allotments with right of way access, only to Milton Road and Byron Street respectively. Regarding the application of Mr T. Scalmer for a lease of portion of Hill Quay along the western boundary of Cobden Domain, it is recommender that, subject to cancellation by either party upon the giving of 3 months notice, - a year to year lease be granted at a rental of 10s per annum. Visits were paid to Bright Street, Ashmore Avenue, Ward and Hall Streets, Lombard and Shakespeare Streets. Sewerage Works in Marsden Road area, the crusher and , the main sewer outfall to the Grey River. The Borough Engineer was authorised to purchase 100 feel of 12 inch concrete pipes for the completion of the storm water drain in the south western side of Bright Street between Sturge and Blackett Streets. The Borough Engineer out that, on account of the length of haul now required, the output of the crushing plant was restricted by the time taken in tramming shingle fro mthe pit to the crusher He recommended that a small petrol locomotive, similar to the jiggers used on sawmill tramlines for the conveyance of workers, be provided to facilitate transport. It is recommended that consideration be given to this proposal after the Engineer has stmmitted an estimate of the cost of the plant. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The Engineer, Mr. A. J. Fairmaid, reported:—Streets: In preparation for ( next season’s tar sealing programme

work is proceeding in Shakespeare Street where, except for the intersection of Marsden Road, the roadway has been re-metalled nearly up to finished cross-section from Buccleugh Street to opposite Raleigh Street. In Bright Street a start has been made upon the re-grading of the portion between the finished length of tar sealing and Sturge Street,, considerable excavation being required and a footpath has been relocated from Sturge Street, below the terrace, upon to Bright Street. The water tables, and the sides of the roadway in Eva, Elizabeth and Marlborough Streets and in Sinnott Road in the Kilgour Estate Sub-division are being re-graded. In Blake and- Reid Streets the footpaths along the recently constructed concrete kerbing and channelling are being graded as regards crossfair. Tne footpath in Turumaha Street between Tainui and Herbert Streets, and those in Rochfort Street have been surfaced, using emulsified bitumen. On the Moss Street, footpat h a slippery length of concrete surfacing was removed and replaced by emulsified bitumenous asphalting. The footpath on the southern side of Chapel Street, between Tainui and Alexander Streets is being re-surfaced in conformity with the concrete kerbing and channelling.

A dry stone wall is in course of construction between the footpath and the roadway along the rise section of Ashmore Avenue, Ward Street has been formed and metalled between Clifford and Hall Streets and a metalled footpath has been made along the western sidb. Spoil from Ward Street, was used to widen the embankment approaching the terrace in Hall Street, and a footpath has been formed on the southern side of Hall Street from Ward Street to Range Creek. Concrete kerbing and channelling has been completed in the western side of Lombard Street from Herbert Street. to the angle near Tainui Street.

The sewerage of the Kilgour Estate Sub-division has been completed. In Marsden Road the work is proceeding from Ida Street towards the Lower Bridge and the laying of a 36-inch diameter pipe culvert to replace the two 24-inch diameter pipes which intersected the sewer grade, is nearing completion. The sewer is almost completed in Ida Street, and work has been commenced in Marlborough Street both ways from Ida Street. The sewer to serve the Paroa Road area has been commenced in Cowper Street. Work to provide for the connection of all houses in Preston Road is nearing completion and in Collins Street there has been laid a length of sewer into which the small pump-; ing station in this area will discharge. I The excavation for the main sewer j outfall culvert to the urey River has been completed and the bottom on l which the culvert will be built has I been concreted for 35 feet. Unsuit-1 able tides and freshes in the river have latterly interfered with pro-) gress on the site. Progress in sewer laying, to date, 1

with the August figures in parentheses, is as follows:—36 inch pipes, J 3520 feet, (92 feet); 30 inch pipes. 40 I feet, (—); 24 inch pipes, 736 feet, (472 feet); 21 inch pipes, 935 feet. (—> ; is inch pipes, 1049 feet, (—) ; '.15 inch pipes, 1458 feet, (426 feet); 112 inch pipes, 2244'feet, (—); 9 inch I pipes, 5980 feet, (771 feet); 6 inch pipes 10,197 feet; (1103 feet); 4 inch pipes' 1644 feet, (247 feet). Total: 27,803 feet (or 5.27 miles); (3,111 feet (or .59 miles). The men now engaged number 47, of whom 42 are employed on a co-operative contract basis. The scheme as originally designed, (there has been some modification),' provided for the laying of 37,789 lin-. eal feet of sewer of 6 inches diamet-j er and upwards. To date, of these | sizes 26,160 lineal feet or 69 per cent, of the original design have been laid, i In addition to routine extension and maintenance of the drainage; system, a sump and a manhole in! Shakespeare Street have called for al-1 teration to conform to road works in hand, and similar work has been re- ( quired in Alexander and Chapel I Streets. At the upper end of the cul- : vert, through which the rising main ; to the Reservoir crosses Omoto Road, ■ a manhole and a large storm water jsump with a 24 inch pipe connection | ■ have been constructed. On the western side of Bright Street between Sturge and Blackett Streets a 12 inch; pipe storm water drain is under con-i struction in conjunction with the road . improvement, work in hand there. i Four inch water and gas mains have been laid in Lydia Street from Bridge Street to junction Street. The Reservoir has been kept full with an average daily pump run of 12.88 hours. The low-lying sections, in the bend of Sawyer’s Creek, near Palmerston Street, which were recently acquired from the Perotti Estate as a reserve, have been cleared in an endeavour to lower flood levels in the creek in time of extremely high flood. The improvement of the bank behind the Main School in Turumaha Street is proceeding favourably. The reports were adopted.