OTAKI NEWS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 January 1929, Page 6

OTAKI NEWS.

• CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Otaki Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday night, the President, Mr. A. E. Wallingto'n, presiding. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Bailey and' Pole. The question of bubble fountains for the town was again discussed, a letter from the Borough Council stating it regretted that it could do nothing in the matter. In support of this Cr. McGill said that the Council had considered the proposition, but on account of lack of finances wsu unablo to assist the Chamber. It had also been thought that there was more urgent work required, such as conveniences at the beaches, roads, etc. Cr. McGill also stated that the cost of a bubble fountain would be from £9 to £lO, and that later on the Council might be able to do something. The Council, in general, regretted its inabilitv to assist.

Mr." Looser regretted that the cil could not assist, and asked if some:: thing could not be done to improve the borough section opposite the Bank of Australasia. He thought that if the fence was removed and the place converted into lawns it would prove attractive.

Cr. McGill promised to place this matter before his Council at its next meeting. Mr. J. S. Pole wrote stating that the estimated cost of laying concrete path* in the Rest Resort grounds would be £23 10s.

Cr. MeG-ill thought that the Cham' ber should urgo the Rest Resort Committee to do improvement and act in accordance with an agreement made some time ago. "It was agreed, he stated, that as soon as the debt on the ground was liquidated the Rest Resort Committee would get to work and do improvement. This was about five months ago yet nothing had been done. He moved that the Committee bo written to and asked to proceed with the work, adding that the Chamber had liquidated the debt. He would like to see paths laid down, garden plots made, and thought, perhaps, one of the Council 'a employees could devote an hour or two each week to keep it tidy. It was pointed out that members of the Chamber had been appointed to work in conjunction with the Committee but that, as far as the Chamber luit-w, no meeting had been held.

An amendment was moved that the secretary write to the Rest Resort Committee and advise that the grounds be handed over to the Council and that the Council strike a small maintenance rate.

There were objections by some members to an extra rate, it being pointed out that rates at present were quite high enough, and after discussion this part of the amendment was deleted. The amendment wast carried. It was stated that the Rest Resort Committee was against handing the property over to the Council, and it was doubtful if they would do so. Failing to hand over the area it was 'thought that it was time the Committee did some work. Nothing had been done for months and the place was an eyesore. The President reported that he, with others, had interviewed the Hon. Mr. 'Staliworthy and Dr. Vialintinc relative to the. Otaki hospital, a report of which had been published. Arrangements, he considered, were satisfactory, although it had been understood that a medical practitioner was to be appointed. No. appointment would, however, be made.

It was decided to make application for a light at the post office that would reflect on the clock. At present it was impossible to seo the time at night on account of shadows. It was stated that the time-piece was not reliable, and that according to it bus-drivers to k'M'p watch for a month and if unsatisfactory to give the matter further consideration.

The matter of publishing a booklet "with photographs was left to the committee. Mr. Bruce Knox was added to those already appointed. The question of collecting rubbish was discussed and Mr. McGill promised to bring this matter before the Council. OTAKI COURT. QUARTERLY RETURNS. During the quarter ended December

,'; Ist Ihe returns of <the Otaki Court wore: —

Number oi' sittings presided over by the B.M. —3 civil, 3 criminal; presided over by J'.'sP., nil and 12 respectively.

Number of civil cases heard l»v s.M. 4, by J.'sP., 4. Amount .sued for £759 12s 4d. Number of plaints entered-- W. Number of distress warrants issued—3.

Number of judgment sunnm-nses is sued —(>. Number of warrants of committal is sued —7. Number of summonses served our side one mile —31. Number of summonses served with in one mile —25.

Number of warrants executed by bailiffs —13.

Civil summonses sewed by registereel post —9. Criminal: Males 38, females nil. Civil fees paid in stamps —£53 15s. Criminal fees paid in stamps —£10 16s 6d. Fines paid in stamps —£30 17s. Licensing fee paid in stamps —£.10 16s. Total, £lO6 4s 6d. PAEKAKARIKI HILL. REMARKS BY MR. FIELD, M.P. Some interesting remarks in regard to new roads in the vicinity of Paekakariki, Paraparaumu, Pukerua, and Pliriimerton, were made by Mr. W. 11. Field, M.P., on the occasion of the official turning on of the Paraparaumu water supply on Saturday afternoon. Had the Reform Government been returned to power, said Mr. Field, he felt sure that the long-looked-i'or bridge across the Paremata Harbour close to the railway bridge would have been commenced in the near future. A bridge across the Paremata Harbour would shorten the distance from Paremata to Plimnierton from the nine miles .to a mile and a quarter, a saving of seven and threVquarter miles. -The continuation of the road now in course of construction from Plimnierton and Pukerua Bay and thence'to connect with the present main road by way of the beach at Paekakariki would short*en the distance between Paekakariki and Pukerua by something like four miles, and would entail a climb at Pukerua of about 200 feet as compared with the present Paekakariki Hill road, which rises nearly 900 feet. This would be a second main road, which would still bo largely used. PERSONAL.

Mr. Neville Clarke, chemist, late of Otaki, has commenced business in' Wellington. Dr. and Mrs. Sinclair and family, of Taihape, are on holiday at Paraparaumu.

Mrs. J. H. Whyte and family, of Paimerston North, are on a holiday visil to Paraparaumu. Miss Margaret Bendall, of Palmerston North, has returned after spending a holiday at Paraparaumu. Mrs. Sydney Freeman, of Palmerston North, has gone to Paraparaumu for a few days and is staying with Mrs. Brooker. Mr. and Dr. Atmore returned, to Otaki on Saturday aftor a very enjoyable holiday in the Auckland district.

Foreman A. E. Twist was on Monday night appointed to represent the local Fire Brigade at .the conference to bo held at Hokitika next month. Mr. A. L. Moore, late of Otaki, has acquired a farm at Taihape and enters into possession in the course of a wo.?k or so.

Mr. X. M. Thomson returned to Otaki on Monday. During his holiday Mr. Thomson made an ascent of Mt. Cook.

The death has oecurrsd of Mrs. Clapcott, .sister to Mrs. Herbert Bright, of Otaki. Deceased, who had intended spending a holiday in the Wairarapa, was seized with a sudden illness and expired. The late Mrs. Ckipcott was well-known and greatly respected.