Anywhere But the Squares

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 291, 9 December 1936, Page 2

Anywhere But the Squares

PETITION BEFORE COUNCIL At tho moeting of the Pahiatua Borough Council on Monday evening much discussion was put forward regarding tho public feeling of tho conveniences being erected in ono of tho Squares. A letter was placed before the council and read as under: — “Wo would respectfully ask the council if it will give those who are opposed to tho erection of public conveniences in one of the Main street squares tho opportunity to raise the money required to purchase a site in some other position adjacent the Main street. Tlio accompanying petition, which was presented to the medical officer of health, shows tho state of public feeling against despoiling our beautiful squares by such a building. We would ask that tho council delay proceeding with the erection until such time as the money is collected for the purchase of another site, which we feel suro can bo found in a very short time. Many people have already intimated their willingness to subscribe toward tho purchase of another site.’ 1 Signatures on the bottom of the lettei were those of W. Britland, Russ Merrie, B. H. Wills, Pringle’s, E. Mary DavidCrowe, Donald's garage, G. L. Chatwin and A. A. Vaughan. Close on 200 names were on tho petition to the Health Department and the objections noted were: (1) That penny in-the-slot conveniences cannot be satisfactory without a continuous attendant; (2) that the structure will bo detrimental to the beauty of the street; (3) that it will be objectionable to residents with upstair rooms overlooking tho structure and if tho conveniences are necessary another site should bo chosen.

In support of the request, the Mayor said ho knew there was a strong feeling in the town among those who were against the erection of the building in the town squares. Ho was also against it and was prepared to donate a substantial sum himself towards buying a site elsewhere.

The Mayor then moved that the matter of commencing work on the public conveniences be held over for a month to givo those against tho square site an opportunity of selecting another.

Cr. Hodd then seconded the Mayor’s motion, and said ho did not think it would be long before the money for the site was found.

■ After airing views the motion was put to the meeting and lost. The Mayor, calling for a division, the voting resulted:—For: Tho Mayor, Crs. Hodd, Judd and Murphy. Against: Crs. 'Siddeils, Carthew, Sutton, Moriarty, Watts and Brown.