PALMERSTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 106, 8 May 1907, Page 5

PALMERSTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The above met last evening, Mr R, Essex (Mayor) presiding. Present—Crs. Nash, Clausen, Matheson, Holben, Luxford, Armstrong, Stubbs and Haydon. Before commencing, the Mayor wished to thank the councillors who turned out on Thursday during the floods. They, no doubt, considered it a duty to the ratepayers, and he felt very thankful for their action, and was sure that it would be appreciated. It enabled them to sec the town under such conditions, the like of which he hoped would never occur again. It would be necessary to take steps to have Manawatu Drainage Board give attention to the Mangaone, which spread out over the surroundings during the flood and might at any time prove dangerous to streets. He trusted the matter would have their serious consideration at an early date. In committee meetings matters were fully threshed out, and he hoped councillors would not indulge in too long debates, so he would ask them to make their addresses as short and as near to the point as possible. He had intervieved the editorß of the local papers and they had promised to devote more space to municipal affairs. He did not think it would be possible to get through the long order paper, so they would have to meet again next Thursday night.

Cr Luxford drew attention to the fact that protection works at the eastern side of the Fitzherbert bridge which had been authorised three years ago, and which were approved by the Kairanga Counoil, had not been carried out. He considered it was shameful neglect and the Engineer should be asked to proceed with the works at once.

The Mayor replied that some three years a;o next Augusta committee was set up to meet the Kairanga Council. He did not know why the work had not been done, but he promised to have an investigation made and full details available so that the matter could come up for consideration at the next meeting.

PUBLIC WORKS,

The Public Works Committee recommended that the Council decline to adopt any other course than that followed by the late Council under the advice of the Borough Solicitor in respect to obligation to Permain and Gilchrist, re a reduction in their account.

That the Mayor attend as delegate to Executive of the Municipal Association.

That the Engineer report upon request of residents of Keeling-street, asking that the street be constructed.

That the Hospital be granted 60 loads of metal.

That the Council approve of Engineer's plan and estimate of cost of bridge at Tiritea.

Followng is the substance of the report of the Engineer, Mr Jickell Keeling street is six chains long and joins a cul-de-sac, having its approach from Botanical road between College road and Ferguson street. To form and metal the roadway and footpaths in similar manner to Summerhays street and construct a pipe culvert in the water table at its junction with Botanical road will cost JJ3O.

The kerbing on both sidos of Broad street is irregular in alignment, and generally has a cant or lean towards the water table, the latter being from three to five inches below the bottom of the kerbs. The worst portion is between Duke street and Victoria street on northwest side, whilst there are several other places on both sides where repairs are required. The surface of footway on north-west side requires to be repaired by having the depressions and holes made good with fine asphalt, whilst on the south-east side about a third of path between Victoria street and Terrace street requires to be top dressed. At the time of my visit water from the Flour Mill was flowing into the watertables, filling them for a considerable distance on both sides of street. As to the cost of concrete kerbing and channelling, 1 estimate this would amount to £5 5s per chain for a 12in x sin herb and channel 2ft wide, whilst the length of the street (both sides) is 136 chains. Generally speaking the kerbing could be made to serve for 3 or 4 years more, and without being a very great eyesore, for an expenditure of £12 to £14 1, but if the Council deems fit it would be desirable to replace the worst portion (between Duke-street and Vic-toria-street) of the kerb and channel with concrete.

As to Roy-street, he submitted the resolution passed on sth June, 1906: " That the Council defer the work asked for until the completion of the contemplated improyement to Kawau drain, and notify applicants to this effect." Mr Smith having resigned the position of Borough Foreman, the Engineer had in the meantime availed himself of the assistance of Mr Gardes, and awaits instructions from Council.

He did not anticipate that there will be any tenders for repairs to protection works, as there were no contractors in attendance at the site on Monday last,

During the heavy rains and flood of last week very considerable damage was done to the Council's works and property at Hokowhitu and the reserve between the bridge and the old racecourse. With regard to the former, it was unnecessary to describe the damage, and as to the latter he submitted reports of Mr Brough and Mr Cooksley, who were sent down to see if anything could be done, Mr Brough on the morning of flood and 3lr Cooksley on following day. At the second pipe bridge considerable scour occurred at the far end from town, leaving the old 7in main bare and unsupported, and endangering the piers of the pipe bridge, but fortunately the supply was not interfered with, and the Necessary repairs are now being effected. At the septic tanks during the flood the filters were submerged, and only one foot of the tank walls were visible, but no damage was done, and the protective works on the river bank did not suffer damage. Ho purposed calling tenders, returnable at next meeting, for construction of sewers in Church-street, Pitt-street, and Botanical Road, and also for small propagating house at Sports Ground. LIBRARY. At a committee meeting on 6th inst., Crs Haydon and Luxford were appointed a committee to purchase books. OPERA HOUSE. The custodian reported upon lighting improvements effected during last month. Reference was made to the dangerous state of the fire exits and it was recommended that they be attended to. The walls of dress circle require painting. Nothing had been done to protect the plush act drop from dust. RESERVES. The Chairman of Reserves Committee reported on having visited the Esplanade, The proposed drive is 90 chains in length by li chains widn. Tlie fence should be erected forthwith, and it is suggested that half a chain should be planted on the north side witli trees. Tenders should be called for glass house without delay. About three chains of willows should be planted in river bed, and those that have been uprooted removed. The cost will not exceed £2 10j. A 76ft drain is required at Esplanade to take water off paths to river. The use of a horse and dray should be given to caretaker for work in reserves. There are numerous

other works to be done, but these will be duly considered. The caretaker of the septic tank forwarded his resignation.

The Mayor said it would be a pity to lose such a capable man if his services could possibly be retained. He also mentioned how he was at his post in all weathers, and was thoroughly familiar with the construction and working of the tank. During the flood he was in charge of the tank two nights and two long days.

It was decided to retain his services at an increased salary, and assistance be given him to clean the outfall when necessary.

A plan of proposed bridge over Tiritea stream was received, and the settlers in the locality and representatives of Kai ranga Council asked that the borough contribute half the cost of bridge.

Or Stubbs said the bridge question required mature consideration. Mr Jickell did not agree with the plan, the spau being too short and other defects. He considered that the question should be submitted to the Works Committee to report, at the same time to consider a separate pipe bridge.—The suggestion was approved. The Minister of Lands wrote stating that as no land is under the control of the Lands Department near the Manawatu Paver, he cannot agree to request that the Government Engineer confer with the Council's Engineer re protection works at river-bank.

The Town Clerk was granted a few days holiday leave at his request. A request for 60 yards of metal from Hospital was granted.

The following motions were carried: —

That ilie Sanitary Inspector be instruct'"! i<- report as to the suitability or other I .' i->:- of the building used by the N.Z.and Mercantile Co. for salting hideK.

Tlifi' a committee be set up to approach the V. ini-tiM- in charge of Department, in conjur.'-iiui with the member for the district, i' i ' li'iciLVour to obtain some assistance, «.Mi by advice given by their surveyor ui financially in aid of effectively stopping Ilk- erosion of the bank by the Manav.;'i'.u River when in flood. The committee io consist of Crs Armstrong, Luxfcrd, I lay don, and the Mayor.

That the olt'er of J. Chambers for the 6-inch centrifugal pump be accepted.

That applications be called for the position of 1 trough foreman. The question of kerbing and channelling in Broad-street was referred to Works Committee, now that a report had been received from Engineer.

That Engineer be instructed to form road and footpath to relieve Boy-street of storm water in time of flood, cost not to exceed .f-SO, and that tenders be called.

Cr. HaydoiL moved that no further tenders be let for protection works to river until the ratepayers have been consulted, his reasons being that .£ISOO had already gono down the river. The Mayor said he differed with Cr. Haydon, and had he taken notice, he would have seen that the lagoon in Te Awe &we-street was full during the last flood. The water, had it gone over, would have done considerable damage to the Borough. Not only that, it would have been wired round the colony, and land would have gone down in value, and probably lives may have been lost. Cr. Luxfoid moved that immediate steps be taken to preserve that portion of protective works still standing, and the Engineer report upon advisability of putting in a groin. Cr. Holben said it was a great pity there were so many engineers on the job when the work was first undertaken. Had Mr Jickell's advice been taken, and a groin been put in at the top of the bend, a good deal of expense might have been saved. What was required was to tuxn the river. It will require thousands to protect the bank, but some good may be accomplished by turning the current. Cr Nash agreed with the Mayor, and said some action should be taken immediately. Cr Stubbs thought it was only reasonable that the matter should be submitted to the ratepayers. He did not agree with Cr Holben regarding his scheme. He would favour the Engineer bringing down a report. Cr Armstrong referred to works done to protect Awanuri bridge approach under similar conditions to Hokowhitu, which stood the test for years.

Cr Luxford's resolution was carried,

NOTICE OF MOTION.

By Cr Holden "That the Engineer be instructed to prepare plans and specifications for erection of single span bridge of concrete over Kawau creek in Feather-ston-strest West, the same to be included in this year's estimates." The Mayor: "That the resolution carried June 26th, 1906, that chairman or other members of Finance Committee have power to pass for payment wages and Balaries, be rescinded."