FOXTON

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7142, 13 February 1930, Page 9

FOXTON

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS From Our Own Correspondent. The monthly meeting of tho Foxton Borough Council "was held on Monday evening, when there wore prosent the Mayor, (Mr. M. E. Perreau) and Councillors F. Lucinsky, R. Rangiheuea, C. Rand, D. R. Barron, A. R. Crowe, John Ross, R. J. Thompson, S. E. Cowley and F. Robinson.

The gas works manager (Mr. C. MacLean) reported that he had attended to two blocked services whilst the balance of his timo had been devoted 4k. the requirements of consumers and in attending the works. The plant, generally speaking, was in good ofder. The poundkeeper (Mr. W. D. Neville) reported that during the month 28 head of stock had been impounded and Bs. in driving fees colected. He drew attention to the fact that the Council’s horse had several times recently been found wandering round the streets, having got loose from Victoria park where it had boon kept grazing. It was pointod out that motorists using the park for camping purposes frequently left the gate open. It was decided, on the suggestion of Councillor Robinson to lend the horse to the Maoris on tho other side of the river where there was plenty of good grazing, on the understanding that the animal was well cared for.

Tho waterworks foreman (Mr. W. D. Neville) reported that 2,100,000 gallons of water had been pumped into tho reservoir, the maximum current used for the purpose being 30 amps. He drew the council’s attention to the fact that about only one tenth of the dogs in the borough had been registered and that he intended, during the coming month, to prosecuto all owners of dogs not registered and also those peroSns who had ignored instructions for the removal of noxious weeds. The road foreman (Mr. A. G. Huntley) stated that the staff had been employed in mixing asphalt in the yard, patching ruts and grading Duncan, Hall and Whyte streets, Avenue and Sandon roads, erecting a fence at the end of the culvert in Johnston street, and widening the bitumen surface at the junction of Park and Victoria streots. They had also done some asphalting on the footpath in Purcell street and on the path and in the yard of the Town hall cottage. General maintenance work had also been carried out.

Speeding Menace. In dealing with the inspector’s report, Councillor Barron complained of tho lack of attention given by the traffic inspector to the dangerous intersection of Park and Robinson streets. Ho thought it was time some action was taken against some of the motorists who dashed through this roadway at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. He was convinced that one of these days there would be a terriiic smash at the corner mentioned. As he understood the speed limit at all intersections was 15 miles per hour, he thought tho law in this respect should be strictly enforced within the- bor- , though. Tho Mayor said that most of the offenders in the locality concerned were visitors proceeding to the beach and he thought it would be unwise to have Foxton made unpopular for motorists by making it known that the traffic inspector was waiting for them every time they passed through the borough. At the same time, if the speeding were becoming a menace, steps should be taken to remedy the matter. Councillor Barron mentioned that one of the worst offenders at the present time was a local resident and ho certainly thought it was the duty of the inspector to watch this comer. One or two prosecutions would no doubt have the effect of stopping the evil.

After further discussion, it was decided to instruct the inspector to pay special attention to this corner in future. Councillor Lucinsky complained very strongly of the disg." ‘ceful conduct of several local vouth-t who ate in the habit of using several of the borough streets for the purpose of motor cycle racing during tho evening hours. In view of the number of little children playing on tho streets during the fine weather, he considered the acts of these irresponsibles were nothing less than criminal and the council was lacking in its duty in not making an example of those concerned. The Mayor said he was in full agreement with what the previous speaker had said. The offenders should be. prosecuted and ho asked any Councillors who observed these happenings in the future to immediately Ting the inspector so that ho could catch them in the act. All the reports were adopted. The Wellington Automobile Association wrote in reply to the council s letter complaining that the notice boards erected by the association for the purpose of warning motorists concerned the condition of the Whirolcino road in flood time, were not giving reliable information. The letter stated that the Palmerston North Association had recently been given control of an area, which included Foxton and that the subject of the Council’s complaint had been forwarded to that body, which would no doubt see that the matter received proper . attention m the future.—-Received.

Report on Gas. Works. The Palmerston North Borough Council wrote in reply to the request for the services of a gas works engineer in submitting a report on the condition of the Foxton gas works. The letter stated that it had no objection to Mr. Day making an investigation in his own time and on whatever terms might be mutually agreed upon. The Mayor said that personally he could not understand why the council should go to the expense of having a comprehensive. Teport made on the works at the present time. They were not contemplating heavy expense in regard to new work and when Mr. Day had subsequently visited the works, this fact had been made known to him. He understood that what the council required wa3 more or less of an inspection on the general working condition of the plant, which it was felt was necessary, in fairness to the new manager. He reported having had a long talk on the subject with Mr. Day, who was quite prepared to furnish such a report for the sum of £lO. Mr. Perreau wished to correct a,report which had been circulated to the effect that tho

local gas works was nothing more than a scrap heap. This was not so and while tho plant was getting old, yet Mr. Day had assured him that the general lay-out of tho works was quite good and the condition of tho plant was not so bad as had been stated. In fact, it should give satisfaction for several years yet to come, without great cost. He had no doubt that Mr. Pay’s Teport, if furnished, would prove to be very helpful in tho future, when it finally had to be decided what was going to bo done with the works. However it rested vrith the councillors. He would like them to intimate whether they wished to have the report furnished or not. Mr. Day fully understood the council’s position in the matter and would not mind whether they now asked for the report or not. There was no doubt that the question of new retorts would have to be seriously considered at no distant date and Mr. Day would be quite prepared to give recommendations to tho council from time to time.

“There is no doubt,’’ said tho Mayor, “that Mr. Day is a very competent gas engineer and could probably be retained in the capacity of consulting engineer to the council at a small annual cost.’’ Councillor Barron remarked that it was for that reason that he first brought up the matter. If new work was likely to be necessary during the coming year, then provision for same should bo placed on the estimates. After further discussion it was resolved to ask Mr. Day to go ahead with the work of preparing tho report, after consideration of which, the matter will be further discussed. Revaluation of Borough.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, wrote acknowledging receipt of the council’s complaint concerning the delay in commencing the work of revaluing tho borough, and stating that the Valuer-Genoral had informed him that the work was now proceeding and that it was hoped to have it completed before tho work of striking next year’s rates was commenced. —Received. The bank wrote advising that the interest rate as from February 1, would be 7 per cent., and that this rate would bo charged on the council’s overdraft as from that date. —Received. A letter from the Public Works Department drew attention to the fact that all claims for expenditure incurred during the year ended March 31 next, should be lodged with the department at the earliest opportunity so that payments may be expedited and made before the end of the financial year.—Received. The Kairanga County Council wrote forwarding a chequo for £lB Ss Gd being Foxton’s share of heavy traffic fees collected during three months ended December 31.—Received. Roads and Footpaths.

Consideration was given of the estimates covering the maintenance of roads and footpaths for 1930-31. A comprehensive schedule of work as prepared by the road foreman and the Town clerk was placed before the meeting and evoked a long discussion. The total cost of the proposed works was £IG42 2s Bd.

The Mayor stated that all the work recommended on the schedule was. considered by the foreman to be necessary and he understood that Mr. Huntly had kept the requirements down as low as he considered advisable, but nevertheless, the amount involved showed a very large increase on previous years estimates. Last year, the amount earmarked for roads and footpaths was £9OO and while he was very loth to cut out work which was reckoned to be necessary, yet he would be even more sorry to see an increase in the rates which would inevitably be the ease if all the proposed work was to be gone on with. In fact, it would mean an increase of 1-id. in the £ at least. He was certainly not in favour of any increased rates and while he had no doubt that there would be squeals in many directions, yet the council simply had to keep its expenditure within its income. They were already faced with a serious position caused by unpaid rates and the maintenance costs for the present year had so far exceeded the estimates by a substantial amount and this in spite of the fact that there were two more months of the financial year yet to run, The time had come when they must call a halt and councillors had to make up their minds whether to iucrease the rates or cut down the work.

“There is no doubt,’’ said the Mayor, “that serious consideration will have to be given to the question of raising another loan for a permanent loading scheme. I am not recommending it at the present time, he added, “but I wish to sound a note of warning. At tho present time much money is being spent on metal which is simply being swept off the roads by motor traffic almost as soon as it is laid down. Permanently scaled roads are the only solution of this problem. Ratepayers had to remember that Foxton was only a small town, yet it possessed all the conveniences of a city and they must therefore expect to pay comparatively heavy rates. This however, was no excuse for spending money when they could not afford it and the cost of road work must be cut down for the present at least. During the lengthy discussion which ensued Councillor Cowley said that there was not the slightest doubt that Foxton's rates would continue to rise yearly until the council decided on some large scheme to tar-seal all borough roads. Finally, after considering each thoroughfare on its merits and making drastic reductions in the proposed work on some of the main streets, the estimates were brought down by nearly £7OO to £974 17s Sd. It was then resolved to approve of the amended estimates and to make the necessary appropriation for the work. Accounts amounting to £IB6B Gs 7d were passed for payment.

Rugby. The Foxton Rugby Football Club held its annual meeting on Monday evening, when there was a good attendance of members. Mr. D. Christie occupied the chair in the absence of the president for whom he apologised. An apology for unavoidable absence was also received from Mr. Fred Robinson. In his opening remarks the chairman said it was very gratifying to see such a large number present, which he felt was an indication of enthusiastic, progress for the coming season. The balance sheet, which was adopted, disclosed a credit balance of £.l 17s 3d.. It was remarked by the chairman that the

club had gone back financially during the past two seasons. Two years ago tho books disclosed a credit balance of £BO and although the public was not called upon by way of any special effort during tho past year, ho felt that something in the nature of a Shop Day would be necessary during the coming season to enable the club to liquidate certain liabilities. The club had bedn fortunate last year, in that one of its delegates had placed his car at the disposal of tho other delegates thus saving the club travelling expenses. He mentioned that the thanks of tho club wero due to Messrs Fred Robinson, C. Procter and others for the several improvements effected in Easton park. During the past season, one representative game had been played locally, that of Bush versus Horowhenua. The club was indebted to the. Foxton Borough Council for the free use of the cubicles at tho baths for dressing purposes. In the championship fixtures, both the senior and junior teams had been runners-up while the seniors had been successful in winning tho McLennan cup. In conclusion, the chairman wished the club every success in the coming season.

An election of officers for the ensuing year was then held and resulted as foliows:—Patron, Mr. J. Linklater M.P.; president, Mr. Fred Robinson; vice-presidents, Messrs Francis Robinson, J. K. Hornblow and 11. Hutchins; committee, Messrs D. Christie, C. Procter, A. and B. Walls, G. Alexander, J. Newton, W. Neville, L. McCartliy and W. Broad; hon. secretary, Mr. K. Hirini; auditor, Mr. J. Christie; delegates to union, Messrs F. Robinson, L. McCarthy, D. Christie and A. Walls; club referees, Messrs W. Neville and H. Taylor. Annual subscriptions for senior and junior players wore fixed at 5s and for thirds 2s Gd.

Authority to jointly operate on the bank account was granted to the president and secretary. It was decided to endeavour to make the same arrangements for grounds and practice shed as last year. A particularly fine medal, donated to the club for the most improved player during the coming season by Mr. Harry Bradcoclc, was exhibited at. the meeting and it was unanimously resolved to forward a hearty vote of thanks to the donor for his thoughtful gift. Tennis. Played in ideal weather on the local courts on Saturday, the inter-club match between Shannon and Foxton was won by tho former club by 108 games to 89. Most of the games proved to bo of a very interesting nature and everybody spent a thoroughly enjoyable time. The following are details of the play:— Men’s singles: C. Procter (F.) 9 beat Batt (S.) 6, L. C. Bryant (F.) 9 beat Goodwin (S.) 7, F. Cowley (F.) 9 beat Pope (S.) 5; Dr. Miller (S.) 9 beat B. Johnston (F.) 1, Neilson (S.) 9 beat A. B. McCorkindale (F.) G, Robinson (S.) 9 beat B. Chrystall (F.) 7. Ladies’ singles: Mrs. Moynihan (S.) 7 beat Miss M. Stevenson (F.) 5, Mrs. Miller (S.) 7 beat Miss M. Denton (F.) 1, Miss E. Bindon (F.) 7 beat Mrs. Pope (S.) 4, Mrs. Mark (S.) 7 beat Miss C. Walsh (F.) 5, Miss Brown (S.) 7 beat Miss L. Thompson (F.) 3, Miss Robinson (S.) 7 beat Mrs. L. C. Bryant (F.) 3. Ladies’ doubles: Mcsdames Moynihan and Miller (S.) beat Misses Stevenson and Denton (F.) 2, Mesdamcs Pope and Mark (S.) 7 beat Misses Bindon and Walsh (F.) 2, Misses Brown and Robinson (S.) 7 beat Miss Thompson and Mrs. Bryant (F.) 5. Men’s doubles: Procter and Bryant (F.) 9 heat Batt and Goodwin (S.) 3, Pope and Dr. Miller (S.) 9 beat Cowley and Johnston (F.) 6, Neilson and Robinson (S.) 9 beat McCorkindale and Chrystall (F.) 7.

At a suitable juncture Mr. Fred Robinson presented to Miss Joan Mason, the cup which he had donated for the champion junior girl player and the club president, Mr. L. C. Bryant, presented Mrs. C. Procter’s trophy to Miss Connie Robinson, runner-up. During the afternoon, tea was served by the lady members of the local club. Personal. Mrs. W. H. Walton, of the vicarage, has taken a flat in Wellington where she will resido for six months owing to health reasons. Mrs. E. Healey, of Sydney, and late of Foxton, is at present spending a few days locally as the. guest of Mrs. M. E. Perreau, prior to returning to Australia. Shipping. The m.v. Foxton arrived in port yesterday morning with cargo from Wellington and Lyttelton, and sailed in the evening again for Lyttelton direct. Ibis vessel is expected to arrive in Foxton from the south on her next trip, about the week-end.