BLAKETOWN

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1943, Page 4

BLAKETOWN

Ratepayers’ Association

At the’ annual general meeting of the Blaketown-Preston Road Ratepayers’ Association (Inc.) on Sunday evening next,’ the Mr. F. McEnaney, will submit the following annual report:—The year through which we have just passed, although’ the present conditions are far from normal, saw satisfactory progress in various spheres. As in previous ye,ars, our representations to the local bodies have been well received and in most cases suggestions put forward by this Association have been directly adhered to. During the past month, the Borough Council has tarsealed Collins, Coakley, Doyle, Rigg and Robinson streets, which constitutes a vast improvement. The bridging of the kerbing at the four corners of the intersection of Blake and Robinson streets has been completed, whilst storm water drains were constructed at the corner of Blake and O'Grady streets. The droving of cattle along Preston Road during meal hours and before school hours has been investigated and the position is now imoroved. Attention has also been given to a nuisance created by a stench from boiling-down works at Cobden.

Perhaps the most vexed question during Ihe year was the regulations orohibiting the catching of whitebait m the Grev River, below Cobden bridge. Strong representations were made to the Departments concerned, and residents were permitted to catch the delicacy; for personal consumption only. Further investigations were made by the Health Department and the report forwarded tn the Minister of Marine, with whom the dec’sion now rests.

During the year, the Secretary, Mr D. Costelloe, asked to be relieved of his appointment because of military duties and Mr. H. Mathieson was elected in his stead. Leave of absence was granted to Mr. C. Richardson, a member of the’ executive, serving with the armed forces. Letters of appreciation have been sent to local men returned from overseas, and it is the intention of this Association to present each with some tangible recognition of his service.

The hall is in good i epair, and arrangements have been made for the roof to be’ painted during the next few weeks. The committee is also considering the question of obtaining enough timber for a new floor, the cost of which has already been set aside, incorporated in a Reserve Fund. The finances of the Association (ere in a' healthy state as evidenced by the balance sheet. After meet'ng all commitments during the year and creating a Reserve Fund of £lOO. cash in the P. 0.5.8. amounts to £5O 17s Id and cash in hand to £3O 5s 7 d-

The passing of two old members ot the Association, Messrs P. G. Smith and C. W. Hodgkinson, is recorded with regret. Our deepest sympathy is extended to their relatives. In conclns’on, the thanks of the Association are due to the Ladies’ Committee for their valuable assistance and untiring efforts, to the 'Press, the Borough Council. Harbour Board and all ■ our well-wishers. Mv own personal thanks are extended to the Committee and members for their willing assistance in nil matters and for their attendance during the year. The i<een. interest disolayed augurs well for the future of the Association.