HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1927, Page 1

HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23rd. The Council met at 7.30 p.m. Present:—Messrs G. A. Perry (Alayor), E. AV. Heenan, T. W. Duff, W. Jeffries, A. R. Elcock, A. C. Armstrong, D. J. Evans, G. Heinz, J. King’, and Dr Teichelmann. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. TNAVARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Daily Telegraph Co., Napier, intimating that limited number of copies of evidence of experts given before Royal Commission on Napier Harbour Question were available at 2s per copy. —Received. From Hon. Secretary, Westland Com. petitions Society, thanking Council for permitting use of seats from Town Ha 11.—Recei veil.

From Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hokitika, referring to bis letter of 12th April last, and requesting that Council make a definite pronouncement:—(l) On question of motor boating on Lake Kanieri. (2) Whether it is advisable to allow boat sheds, which have been erected on shore of the lake near the intake to remain in their present position, or whether owners should be directed to remove them.—Received. The Alayor stated that the matter had been before the Council in April last and the letters received and sent out at that time were read for the information of the Council. Air Perry said the matter was one of importance to the town, but would be of increasing importance as the years went by. It was advisable to move in the matter now before there were many vested interests as later the question would be more difficui't. Ho moved that the Council take into consideration t-lio question of sheds and motor boats on the Lake as a danger to the Borough water supply and that the Commissioner of Crown Lands bo notified that the Council views with concern the increasing use of motor boats and the erection of slieds on the shores of thb lake. Ah King seconded the motion. He thought the time had arrived to proven i any possible pollution of the water supply of the town, by allowing motor boats on the Lake. Dr Teichelmann said lie did not agree with tbo necessity of removing the sheds, as they were near the outlet of the lake and were not a danger. AVitli regard to oil lie thought there was no possibility of oil getting into the intake. Certain measures must be taken to ensure the purity of tlio water of the hike. There was a. necessity lor seeing that no household refuse got into the lake. The danger from the boatsheds or boats was not of importance on the question of pollution. He thought that the shores of the lake should be regularly inspected to see that no dead cattle were allowed to Iny near the shores of the lake. Ho was averso to the taking away of the boatsheds near the outlet, as they did not constitute a danger. The danger of pollution from dead animals or household refuse was of more moment, and, would increase in the future. Air Evans agreed on the importance of the matter, more for tho future than tbo present. They also should consider tlie limiting of the number of motor boats allowed on tho Vake. Ho thought it. would be better to have a conference with the motor boat owners. Bathing in close proximity to the intake should be prohibited. He thought they should also confer with the Commissioner and those interested in motor boats and they could then come to an amicable settlement. He suggested the addition to the motion that a subcommittee bo set up to confer with tho Commissioner and the boat owners to decide wliat was necessary to conserve the purity of the water. Air Jeffries thought they should make every effort to preserve the purity of their water supply. Tie thought tho demand made by the Commissioner was

a good one. Their first care should be the purity of the water supply. It was not so much a question of to-day as that of the future. Mr Jeffries moved that the Alayor, Messrs Evans, I Duff, Jeffries and Dr Teiehelmann’ form the sub-committee and thought they should only meet the Commissioner. Ultimately after further discussion it was resolved to set up the sub-commit-tee nominated by Air Jeffries to meet next week and then to confer with the Commissioner of Crown Lands on the matter and to report to the Council 1 . From Mrs Elizabeth Cameron, Revell Street, applying to lease Borough reserve, No. 476, (formerly held by Croufsky) at an annual rental of £1 ss, plus rates. (Note: rental is £l. os p.a., and {rates are £1 13s 4d. —Received and agreed to. From Town Clerk, Kumara, thanking Council for information respecting installation of kerbside petrol pumps.—Received and supplied. From Victoria Insurance Company, advising that acting Town Clerk’s request to have his name included in Fidelity Guarantee Policy No. 2L59D while acting as Treasurer and Town Clerk had been approved, and that Insurance Company is to be advised immediately Air Andrewes resumes his duties.—Received.

Front the Secretary, Milk Unlimited. Auckland, intimating intention to form Dominion Organisation for the more liberal use of milk, and requesting the Council to assist by furnishing names and addresses of those persons who are mainly responsible for supply and distribution of fresh milk to tho inhabitants of the 80-rough. Received.

From New Zealand Glove Company, Christchurch, forwarding quotations for dog collars for 1928, and intimating that through substantial increase in price of leather, prices quoted may Jio increased by 20 to 25 per cent unless orders arc lodged early.—Received ; left to Town • Clerk to deal with.

From Evening Mail Office, Nelson, requesting names of Alayor, Councillors and Chief Officials for revision of almanac for AVcst Coast.—Received. From District Land Registrar, Hokitika. forwarding notices under Section 10 and 22 (5) of Land Transfer Act, 1924, respecting Municipal Reserves.—Received.

From J. C. Taylor, asking for permission to erect a- scaffolding and barricade during removal of burnt premises in Revel 1 Street.—Received; request granted. From Low Chong applying for water connection at rear of llevell Street. —- Received ; request granted at £1 per year.

From J. L. Fowler asking for permission to open up drain into Revel] Street.—Received; request granted. From AV. Folley and 15 others applying for a street light at corner of Park and Brittan Street.—Received ; referred to Public "Works Committee to arrange. Tbo Committee were also authorised to consider the question of providing extra lamps by reducing the voltage of tho lights, without increasing the expense. REPORTS. Accounts amounting to £265 13s 3d were passed for payment. Tlio Treasurer reported—Receipts £165 Is lOd, payments £265 13s 3d, bank debit balance £605 18s lOd, Toan account credit £47 11s 4d.—Received. WATER- SUPPLY.

Tho Mayor .stated that sufficient data had mow heoii obtained to enable the Subcommittee to meet and coiue to decison for report to the Council, lie had inspected tho Hau Han hill proposed supply, hut was of opinion it was not of practical use for tho present, at any rate. It. was the duty of the Council to make the water supply as jcfhcient as the funds would allow. Mr Jeffries asked that consideration ho given of the suggestion made by Mr Parry when a. member of tbc Council I'm- a high power reserve plyMr Evans .supported action.. .being

taken at jonce to ensure the safety and improvement of the water supply. It was resolved after further discussion that the sub-committee (Mayor, Messrs Elcock, Heinz, and Jeffries) meet on Tuesday evening to consider their report. The Council rose at 8.35 p.m.