PATEA BOROUGH

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 12 August 1931, Page 5

PATEA BOROUGH

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. At the monthly meeting of the Patea Borough Council on Monday night those present were the Mayor (Mr. F. Ramsbottom) and Councillors G. R, Honeyfield, A. T. Cliristensen, G. Pettigrew, T. Scott and C. H. Carey. Cr. F. Naismith ‘ was granted leave of absence.

Acknowledgement of the application by the Council to raise a loan was received from the Loans Board. On the matter of a footbridge to the Patea Bridge, the Public Works Department wrote advising the Council that the engineer had inspected it, and found it unsuitable. Provision would be made in the construction of a new bridge for a footbridge. Tho Pateq pictures management applied for permission to carry out a new scheme for public safety. It was decided that the manager be asked to submit a report at the next meeting. Execution of tho lease with the Plunket Society was carried out, the Mayor and Cr. Carey signing on liehalf of the council. Mr. C. Gardner, the building inspector reported that the Fire Brigade bell tower was unsafe, and would need to be destroyed. The question then arose as to where the bell would be hung. The engineer (Mr. J. O. Cunningham) stated that he had had offered to the Borough an electric syren, which was placed on the council table. It was decided to give this a trial, and if suitable, to nnstal it on the Fire Brigade roof. STREET WORK. The supervisor (Cr. Naismith) reported that repairs had been carried out in Egmont, Kent, Norfolk. Livingstone, Cornwall, Meredith, Bedford, Lincoln and Victoria Streets while the septic tank lias received a good deal of attention from the engineer. ENG INKER’ S REPORT. The borough engineer (Mr. J. C. Cunningham) reported that power station plants were running satisfactorily and without interruptions. The flow of water in the creek had been such as to curtail very much the hours of running of the Diesel engine, while the units generated by the hydro have keen double the total of last year, and by the Diesel much less than in 1930. “The consumption of fuel oil is the lowest on record since January, 1930. An in crease in units generated by both plants of 3179 units or 9.4 per cent. “During the time tlie Diesel has not been required an inspection of bearings, etc., ‘has 1 been carried out, fuel tank and system thoroughly cleaned out and adjustments made where necessary. When circumstances permit, a general overhaul will be ‘undertaken but asi both plants' are now needed for peak hours this will have to be delayed for some time later when one plant will) be sufficient to take the full load over lighting peak. “Wiring.—On© petrol pump lias been wired and connected, and in addition one heating and three lighting points have been added to the system. Three additional heating meters were also installed. .

“Waiter Department.—The pumping figures for July are as under: 1930. gallons pumped, 1,518,500; units used, 4841; decrease (gallons), 71,300. 1931, gallons pumped, 1,447.200; units used. 4688; deorease (units), 153. “Drainage.—During the spring-tide the septic tank was due to receive attention, but after running for a time a. stoppage occurred in the outlet pipe. \\ 'bile the bottom portion of the pipe, actually carrying the sewerage, was in a. good state, ol' preservation the top portion had fallen in, due apparently to the action of the gasses on the cement. The faulty pipes have been replaced with glazed earthenware and provision made for ventilation, the lack of which was the apparent cause of the failure, as the gas had no means ■of escape and was trapped In- the rise and fall of the tide. Tbb total length renewed was 18 feet, the balance of the original being in quite good order. “The condition of the tank is quite satisfactory with the exception of a' number of the slabs which form the rover, and here again is evidence of the work of gasses, but the same are! finite serviceable for a; number of years vet. Two new connections were made in the system, namely; Druids Hall -md Diesel. Station. One blockage in +he sower serving Middlesex Street and Surrey Street was also cleared.” The report was adopted.