HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 17 May 1946, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent]. HOKITIKA, May 16.

The Mayor (Mr. A. R. Elcock) presided at the monthly meeting ot the Hokitika Borough Council held on Wednesday evening when the Council discussed the matter’ of the provision of silt for top-dressing roadside lawns, Cr. Roberts stating that one resident had received eleven loads. Cr.' Havill said all applications should be placed before the Council, otherwise it appeared that some residents were being favoured. Cr. Preston maintained that the Borough staff should receive more guidance from the Council and applications for loads of silt should come through the Council and be authorised by the Town Clerk.’ Cr. L. Ross said that the works committee had met and discussed the matter, but nothing had been done. It was merely a waste of time. After further discussion, it was decided that the Council accept <sr. Preston’s resolution, that all applications foi’ silt must be considered b? the Council.

A request was received from a resident for some loads of filling hut after dicussion’in which it was stated that private sections were being enhanced in value by the dumping of screenings and turf from the streets, while the spoil should ©e used to fill in open drains that haa been piped, it was resolved that no further applications be considered until the Council’s requirements had been met.

The foreman stated that shortage of labour, and the inability to procure gum-boots had hampered the work of cleaning out drains, and was authorised to employ a casual labourer to assist in the work. A number of objections were received’ from residents in Gisbon Quay, in respect to the Council’s action in leasing an area for a stone crushing plant. The Town Clerk advised that the Harbour Board controlled the issue, as the applicant nad to secure permission to take gravel from the river bed. After some discussion, it was decided that in view of the objections laid, the application would not be granted. Mr. 'J. R. Roberts was appointed' Borough representative to the Harbour Board in place of Mr. W. J. Richards, who tendered his resignation. The Westland Hospital Board forwarded tentative estimates of the levy for the year. It was resolved to accept the levy which showed a substantial increase on that of last year, and to join with other local bodies in making a strong protest to the Government against increased hospital taxation, and to urgently request some relief.

It was decided to engage a registered. architect to make a complete survey of the Free Public Library building, with view to carrying our extensive repairs. Authority was given Mr. H. C. Peart to carry out temporary repairs to the roofing of the building.

An application by Kanieri Electric Ltd. to run a power line to buildings at the rear of Revell Street, was deferred until next meeting. To meet the urgent demand’ for building sections in Hokitika it was decided to prepare plans for Howitt Square, and the stopping of Ross Street. With the elimination of this street and 20 chains of access road, a large number of sections would be made available. The Town Clerk said the Housing Department was vitally interested, an d desired to secure sections as soon as possible. Miss Dale of the staff of the Hokitika District High School has appointed teacher in charge of the Kanieri School in succession to Miss Dunn, who has resigned. Mr. T. Gilbert has joined the staff of the Hokitika District High School. Miss J. Heenan, who has been in charge of the Woodstock School has resigned to take an appointment with the Correspondence School section under the Director of Education. Mr. T. Nolan of Wataroa is at present on a visit to Hokitika.

Mr. Dorrie Leslie of Wellington was a visitor to Hokitika this week. The Gael arrived from Wellington at 9.30 a.m. yesterday and after discharge loaded for Jackson’s Bay and Okuru. She was scheduled to sail at 10.30 p.m.