A CONDEMNED SHED.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 245, 29 September 1922, Page 6

A CONDEMNED SHED.

INSPECTOR’S ACTION CRITICISED

A letter was received from Mr. R. MX/Coniiell, manager of the British Fork Depot, Heretaunga street, asking that the order made by the council requiring the removal of a shed at tile rear of his premises b e cancelled, or that, at least, the matter be deterred for twelve months. He explained that the shed was floored in concrete and connected with the drain, had corrugated iron walls and root, and in no way offered a harbourage for rats, ft was used as a harness and store house and tool shed. He had been feeding a horse there during the luncheon hour, but that practice had been discontinued, and would not be renewed. The landlord of the place would not agree to rebuild the shed in brick, and its removal would cause the writer great inconvenience.

Cr. Maddison said that he had called at the shop, and he inspected the structure. He was surprised, as there was nothing to warrant the condemnation order. ’He had depended on the report of the inspector made at the previous meeting, and ho had accepted it as correct. If this building were condemned, then an v building might be condemned.

Cr. J. Clarkson said that he also had inspected the building, and he considered that there was no justification for the order. It was scandalous that the proprietor should be threatened with pains and penalties under such circumstances, and he raised the question that the inspector’s action should be inquired into. He also had depended on the inspector’s repprt. He moved that the motion of condemnation of the building be rescinded. This was seconded by Cr. Maddison and carried.

Cr. Clarkson also moved that the inspector’s action in this matter be referred to a committee consisting of the whole council. If he had acted on other occasions as he did in the present case there was no knowing what justice or injustice had been done as al consequence of his actions.

Cr. Duff seconded the motion put forward. He had been opposed to the motion of condemnation, as he considered that the council should have some recognised method of procedure under such circumstances, so as to prevent the issue of hasty orders. Each case should be considered on its merits. The resolution was carried.