HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1948, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). HOKITIKA, Dec. 16. Notice of motion to rescind a previous resolution for the appointment of a Borough Engineer in Hokitika was given by Cr. S. J. Roberts, at last evening’s meeting of the Borough Council. He offered, as an alternative that the Council consider obtaining the services of a part-tuna engineer, or part-time services of an engineer’ from the Public Works Department. Cr. D. D. Lyness would not favour rescinding the motion, but thought it would be an excellent idea if the Council could have an engineer seconded by the Ministry of Works. It was decided to try to secure the services of an engineer part-time. Cr Roberts’ notice followed advice by the Town Clerk that no applications had been received for the position of engineer. At the meeting, the Mayor, Mr A. E. Perry presided, and there were also present Crs. A. C. Armstrong, H. C Peart, S. J. Roberts, S. Havill, a. Preston, D. D. Lyness, E. W. Heenan, and H. A. Thompson. There was an’ apology from L. S. Ross. The Internal Affairs Department notified that an amending Act had given the council power to deal with old and delapidated buildings. Their repair or removal could now be enforced. It was decided to take action next year. . . The State Collcries. Picnic Committee was granted the use oi Cass Square for their picnic on Saturday. February 5. It was decided to purchase four serilight lens road danger lights for use in the town. The Town Clerk advised the lamps would rwnain lighted foi a period of 72 hours without attention. The Manager of the Bank of New Zealand wrote complaining o; the unsatisfactory state of the footpath near lire Bank. The Chairman of Works said the work had now been completed, but it was necessary td advise the manager that this type of repair work was carried out only in the summer months. It was decided that the council could not entertain the request of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Committee for a reduction in the rates of its reserves in Tancred and Hampden streets. Cr. Havill said the sections would improve once the proposed drain was completed. The Committee offered to dispose of the sections at. any price. It was pointed out mat the council was bound bv the Valuation Department. . It was decided that the Hokitika Progress League be informed that, when it receives the plan and estimates of proposed flood protection work at present under survey by the Ministry of Works, the Council would contribute towards the work. The Mayor said he was most anxious to have the work started. Cr. Havill said he desired to see the plans and estimates for the work before committing the council to any expenditure. Cr. Roberts said the Public Works Department stated that they were watching the position closely. If any break occurred they would start work immediately. Until the plan was ready this was all that coula be expected. Cr. Preston said that before the Ministry of Works proceeded with the work, they would require to know what amount tne council was prepared to find. The Mayor said the League could be assured that the Council had not so far received any plan of the proposed work, nor any estimate of the cost. Cr. Havill said if appeared from paper reports that the League's meeting when this matter was discussed, was reported to show that the council was' responsible for delay in starting the work. Arising from an application by Mr S. Bassett, for a permit for alterations to a cottage at the rear of his garage, it was resolved to seek a legal opinion, when it was stated that the area was a road reserve and that the work had already been completed. A similar case concerned an application by Mr Ritchie for permission to transfer his home to a section on the beach area. The Town Clerk said the applicant had been told he could put his home on the area free of all cost, and no one had any authority to shift him. Unfortunately the applicant had incurred considerable expense in shifting his home, and had deposited it directly on the road reserve. A written notice had been served on him pointing out that the council could not agree to the application, and that the house would have to be removed. Following a long discussion the council resolved to make a borough section available to the applicant within the area desired, and to charge a nominal rental, the applicant to be advised to shift his home on to this section. The Westland Dairy Company was granted the right to a bus stop near th e Railway Hotel for the Kokatahi and Koiterangi services, provided the traffic authorities gave their consent. The Railways Department forwarded a complaint against buildings being erected in close proximity to the railway line, especially at crossings. The council referred the complaint to its solicitor to ascertain the council’s authority in the matter of issuing permits for buildings in these areas. Cr. Heenan’s suggestion that Mr J. B. Kent M.P., be asked to confer with the Water Committee in regard to the proposed new supply line from Lake Kaniere and that he be asked to nlace the full facts befor e the Minister, was adopted. TThe foreman is to be instructed to watch the position of water channels where persons were preparing lawns and filling the channels.