HUNTLY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume XV, 17 April 1931, Page 2

HUNTLY BOROUGH COUNCIL

FORTNIGHTLY MEETING. The fortnightly meeting; of the Huntly Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday evening, there being present the Mayor (Mr. W. C. E. George), and uhe following councillors:—L. Kosoof, T. Hall, W. Parkes, T. Chisholm, H. J. R. Sheeran, and C. Hay-Chapman, town clerk. Leave of absence was granted to Councillor J. C. Harrison, who was not present owing to illness. Metalling of Onslow 5 Street Extension. A letter was received from F. Healey asking the Council to extend the metalling in Onslow Street, from the school frontage to his property. A great deal of discussion ensued as to the dedication of this road, and the Council decided to defer the matter until more particulars were available. Meantime, the Clerk was instructed to investigate the matter and report at a later date. Quotation for Sanitary Pans. Amos Dobson & Son, plumbers, submitted quotations for sanitary pans as follows:—22 gauge. 9/3, 24 gauge, 10/3, plus freight. It was decided that enquiries be made with reference to the gauge of the iron, and the matter was held over to be dealt with at the next meeting. Traffic Control. A circular letter was received from the Waikato County Council in connection with the proposed grouping system of traffic control. The method of dealing with the services of a traffic inspector in the different areas was being arranged in groups. In the 2 per cent group, a traffic inspector would be available for two nights in the week, and in the 4 per cent group, for one night only. The Huntly borough’s allocation of cost for maintaining his services would be £4B per year, in the 4 per cent group. It was considered necessary for the borough to have the supervision of a traffic inspector for two nights per week (Fridays and Saturdays). It was decided that the mayor and clerk interview Inspector McGuire for extra supervision of local traffic and assistance with drivers’ licenses, and see what terms he could arrange. The terms of the circular letter were ac cepted in connection with grouping arrangements on the 4 per cent basis, which would operate as from the Ist April. Earthquake Funds. A letter was received in connection with the moneys subscribed for the earthquake sufferers in the Hawke’s Bay district, which the council now had in hand. It was decided to pay the funds into the Central Committee at Napier, not to the Public Trustee, as the money had been given by the people on the conditions that it be paid direct. A stipulation was to be made that the money be divided pro rata between the three towns affected. Traffic Inspector’s Report. The Traffic Inspector’s report was dealt with, in which he wished to warn pedestrians against the use of the road in the northern part of the town. A footpath had been farmed as far as the cemetery, and as some motorists were inclined to make a speed track of the good road through the town, all pedestrians were advised to use the footpath. Waikato Hospital Board. The secretary forwarded the statistical returns for the Waikato Hospital Board, in which it was stated that the cost per bed was £152. This was considered the lowest for any hospital. The Mayor stated that more direct representation should be made on the Hospital Board for those who support it. “The whole principle was wrong,’’ he said, “and there was no direct representation on the Board.*’ Huntly’s allocation for the year was £230. The council resolved that the Clerk write to the secretary of the Hospital Board} requesting full particulars as to obtaining more direct representation. Use of Recreation Ground. The Rugby Football Club requested the use of the Recreation Ground on alternate Saturdays during the football season and a further use of the ground for training purposes. It was resolved that the various football clubs meet the Works Committee and discuss the matter. Rating Act. The Inglewood Borough Council forwarded a letter to the borough council dealing with a claim they had made for the payment of rates on a property which was mortgaged t< the Crown and a subsequent action they had brought before the Supreme Court. The case was a precedent, which they desired to bring before the notice of local bodies, arid a decision was given in their favour, but they had to bear the legal costs of £4OO. They asked the Huntly Borough Council to contribute £1 Is towards defraying the cost. It was resolved that the amount be forwarded in accordance with the letter. Building Permits. The following applications were received and approved:—Frederick Kay, additions, Hakanoa Street; Frank Healey, washhouse, Onslow Street; E. Smith, additions, Onslow Street; E. C. Knight, dwelling, Great South Road.

Unemployment. It was decided to find a further fortnight’s work for unemployed men in the town and that they be given the usual number of days, i. 0., miners, two for married men and one for single men, at the rate of 14 - and 12/- per day. Footpath. It was decided to repair the footpath in front of Mrs. Davies’ property to Mr. T. Russell’s, in Hakanoa Street. Refuse Collection. It * was resolved that the Works Committee go into the matter of refuse collection and a report be made at the next meeting of the Board. Noxious Weeds. It was brought to the council’s notice that noxious weeds were allowed to grow around certain property in the main street. The Clerk was instructed to deal with this matter. Water Supply. A lengthy discussion ensued as to whether the council considered the time opportune to proceed with the proposed water supply scheme. The question was a very important one, but the prevailing depression might be a serious set-back. The councillors agreed that the cost to each ratepayer would not be great and considered that the scheme should be advanced. It was decided that the Clerk arrange a suitable date for the Mayor and Councillors to inspect the Hamilton water supply, and that a special meeting be called later to discuss the water supply scheme. Anzac Service. It was resolved that a committee be set up to confer with the Rev. C. J. Bush-King with reference to making arrangements for the service on Anzac Day. Footpath Roller. Quotations were received from Messrs. H. Beaney & Sons and John Burns & Co. Ltd., for a footpath roller. Several prices were submitted and the Clerk was instructed to inquire into the matter.