CITY COUNCIL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 98, 25 March 1941, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL

REPORTS ON DEPARTMENTS. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North City Council was held last night, the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansrord) presiding. There were also present Crs. J. Hoagens, ALP., J. T. J. Heatley, A. Girgor, I). E. Smillie, H. E. Towiiebend, W. G. Black, VV. Alouldey, G. Tremaine and W. B. 1 Tun n cut. On the recommendation of the works committee, permission was granted the Returned Soldiers’ Association to conduct sales of poppies on April 18. Cr. G. Tremsiute and Mr B. G. Salmons were appointed the representatives of the Palmerston North-Kai-ranga suh-area on the Home Guard Area Committee. The district engineer of the Railway Department wrote in reference to an application by carriers for the provision, of access to the Square from the northern part of the goods yard and stating that the carriers considered that a 15ft gate would he suitable. The council is to reply that it is not in favour of the proposal. The electrical engineer (Mr J. W. Muir) reported that the total number of consumers was 6987. The increase in tho power used during the past month. as against that used in the corresponding period of last year, was 9.8 per cent. The report o( advanced proposals for tho reduction of the use of power in the city (action having already been taken in this direction). Transformers which wero being changed at the power station had involved less expense than was anticipated and a saving of £375 had been effected by tho use. of other types of material. The council recorded its appreciation of the saving effected. The gas manager (Mr J. LearmonCTTj reported that, as against the output for February, 1940, the output in February of this year was 711,000 cubic feet less and the gas made per ton of coal showed a corresponding decrease of 1400 cubic feel. The Newcastle coal used had decreased from 6 per cent, to 2 per cent. The lighting committee reported that ihe llopvvood Hardware Hoy.. Ltd,, suggested that the rates for commercial electric heating bo revised and it was decided to reply that, owing to the restriction on the use of power, no reduction could be made at present. . The traflic manager (Mr 11. J. Smith) in his report rt.atcd that tho number of passengers carried in the previous month showed an increase of 10,567 over the total of the corresponding month of last year. Tho increase in revenue was £135. Tho total route income to dato for Hi" year was £1776 greater than was the case over the same (icriod of last year. Tho council accepted a guarantee of £3O a month in revenue for the institution of a bus .service between the city and Muxsey College and is to provide the service. Tho Manawatu Racing Club sought Um running of buses between tlio city and tho old Awapuni railway station and the club is to be advised that it is not the policy of the council to run buses outside the city area. Tho librarian (Mr 11. Greenwood) reported that Iho total membership in February was 9427 as against 6884 in February, 1940. An average of 1040 books had been issued each day. Tho reserves committee reported that the Cricket Association had sought a reduction from £125 to £IOO as tho rental of grounds for the season. Tho town clerk was authorised lo confer with tho secretary of the association and report to l)ie next meeting of the committee. 'The Intermediate School Committee had applied for the use of a part of Iho cricket grounds for Iho hoys of the school and the council decided that the area at the rear of the Girls’ High School be granted at the pleasure of tho council.

The engineer (Mr J. R. Hughes) submitted a report on the general activities of his department during the month. The abattoir manager (Mr A. M. Spilrniin) reported that the stock slaughtered in February, consisted of 249 cows, 109 heifers, 84 bullocks, 59 calves, 475 ewes, 1421 wethers, 317 lambs, 508 pigs. Tho stock condemned w'oro 11 cows, 1 heifer, 1 calf, 7 sheep, 1 lamb, 11 pigs. The fees received totalled £430 Is 9d.