Borough Council

Hutt News, Volume 6, Issue 16, 14 September 1938, Page 5

Borough Council

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Bora: ' Council was held on Monday Present: The Mayor, Mr. J. W. Andrews, Councillors C. J. Ashton, W. C. Gregory.,, H. V. Horlor, W. A, F. Hall, A. Marshall, W. T. j; Morrison and J. Mitchell and J. K. F. Vogcl. Authority was given for interior renovations to the Dental and certain minor repairs in the Plunket Eoom. The Mayor' reported that he had authorised the affixing of the borough seal to a document of dedication of road required for widening in front of Griffins factory. It was decided not to accept the offer to lease for seven years with the right of purchase of a section of land at the corner of High Street and Brunswick Street. Council approved of the action of the Wellington City Council prohibiting the passage of stock over the Pipe Bridge between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Debentures Nos. 7,14, 15, 17 and 18 in the Grandstand Loan were drawn by ballot for redemption on Ist December. The Hon. W. Nash, in reply 'to council's letter drawing his attention to the shortage of playing fields in the borough,, wrote stating that he would discuss 'the matter with the Minister of Lands with a view to seeing what can be "lone in the matter. The Municipal Band was granted permission to hold a concert in King George Theatre on Sunday 27th November the profits to be the band room and instrument funds.

By resolution of council it was decided to serve notice on the owner of section at corner of Knight's Road and Cornwall Street to lower the hedge which obstructed the view of traffic. Seventy-three applications were received for the position of Traffic Inspector for the combined boroughs of Petone and Lower Hutt. Mr. Albert James Archer was appointed to the position at a salary of £312 per annum. Mr. Archer is at present on the staff of the Wellington City Council as a traffic inspector. He will be placed 011 the staff of the Hutt borough council Who will debit Petone borough with its share of the expenditure. Sir Alex. Aoberts was thanked for his donation of oaks from Windsor Park, England. These will be planted as occasion offers. The Works. Committee reported having received advice from the lowol Bipard of a reduction in the charges for street lighting from £3/10/- to £3/o/for a 100 C.P. lamp. This will result in the replacement of all M Watt lamps by Watt lamps, and the revised charge will result in a reduction of approximately £(50/-/- per annum on the existing charges. The alteration in the charges becomes effective 011 the Ist proximo. Rubbish Tip It was reported to the Works Committee that firms etc., are carting rubbish to the tip and leaving same to be spread and covered by the man in charge of the tip. It was decided that for rubbish other than that brought to the tip by fhe contractor, a charge of from 1/- to 5/- according to the quantity is to be made for dealing with same. Melting Railway Crossing It was decided 'to endeavour to ascertain from the Public Works Department what provisions, if any,, aTC being made, for ramps at the Melling crossing, the Department having been advised as to the River Board's intentions with regard to the new cut and the possible subsequent construction of 'a new bridge. Building Permits. During the month 32 building permits were issued valued at £15,520, corresponding with 34 last year valued £14,882. Cr. Morrison objected t.o 40ft front.ages being allowed in sub-divisions. was pointed out by the Mayor, w"ho agreed with the objection, that these arrangements had been made 10 jcars ago and there was no alternative but ■to allow them at present. Taxi Licenses Cr. Morrison drew attention to the system of issuing bus and taxi drivers licenses. He maintained that it was wrong when a licence had been issued 1 in Wellington or any other district and 'it was to be transferred to Lower Hutt i that time should be lost in requiring ; references, doctor's certificate etc. The Mayor pointed out that this was necessaTy under the law, and they could not take any risiks. Cr. Morrison contended that it was a hardship that, should not be necessary. The Town Clerk, Mr. Ivnox pointed out that'it invariably happens that drivers leave their application to the last minute. If he conies from a distant town it is necessary to make police enquiries and be quite satisfied there is nothing against him. When the matter could be expeditiously ddt with he did so with the minimum loss of time. Cr. Morrison strongly objected to the Town Clerk "putting it across" the driver. Cr. Marshall took exception to any councillor taking an officer 0 f the council to task when ho was doing his duty. The Mayor said he would like to have council officers backed up when they I are carrying out their duty. He did I not want any stigma on the borough. The responsibility of issuing licenses 1 is 011 the Town Clerk and the Inspector.