City Affairs

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 69, 23 March 1937, Page 5

City Affairs

Council Has Further Request For Tar-sealing SEEKING ENLIGHTENMENT ON TRAFFIC PROBLEM. Present at last evening’s meeting of the Palmerston North City Council were the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mantford)), Cre. R. L. Aitchison, W. B. Cameron, J. T. J. Heatley, J. J. Stevenson, W. Mouldey, A. A. Langley, G. Tremaine and J. Hodgens, M.P. Smoke Nuisance. Recently tht council received a petition asking for action to abate the smoke nuisance from Messrs Cook and Bons chimneys. The matter was referred to the city solicitors who advised last evening that it was possible, but by no means likely, that a prosecution under the by-laws would be successful but they would not advise the council to take action as any proceedings would obviously be strenuously fought to a finish. The petitioners had their remedy at common law against Wm. Cook and Sons, Ltd. Further, proceedings could be successfully taken by the Department of Health under the Health Act, 1920. On the facts as understood, the smoke emitted at times from the chimueys constituted a nuisance as defined by the Act. Sealing of Streets. Petitions for the tar-sealing of Park road (Fitzherbert avenue to Victoria avenue), Bryant street, Pirie street, and Oxford street, were referred to the estimates for the coming financial year. The engineer reported that he would be bringing down a schedule of all the untarred streets of the city for the council’s information. Poles at Comers. The Terrace End Progressive Association wrote stating that it had drawn the attention of the Post and Telegraph Deparment to the fact that the telephone pole at the corner of Main and Ruahine streets was a menace to traffic owing to it standing out from the footpath and that the department was prepared to consider its removal upon receipt of an undertaking on the part of the applicant to meet the cost entailed —lt was decided that the traffic manager report on the number of poles in the city placed similarly to the pole in question, and on receipt of such report the matter be further considered. Control of Drain. The Manawatu A. and P. Association inquired whether it was intended to carry out any improvements to the Kawau drain which runs through portion of its property situated in Featherstone street.—lt was decided that the association be advised that authority had not yet been given by Parliament for the council to exercise the exclusive care and control of the drain. In the Air. The Palmerston North Golf Club wrote pointing out that objectionable odour is frequently caused by the burning of inflammable rubbish at the council’s depot adjoining the Park road links and requesting abatement of the nuisance.—lt was decided that the ciuo be advised that the direction of the wind will be taken into consideration in regulating the practice of burning rubbish in future. Motors and Pedestrians. The Commissioner of Transport advised that it had been decided that, for the present, the inspection of motor vehicles for warrants of fitness is to be undertaken by city authorities and apI proved garages, but that at the end of I two years all city authorities having j the necessary personnel and equipment, | would be appointed the sole authorities j to issue warrants of fitness in their respective districts.—lt was decided that the communication be received and the matter be referred to tho chairman and traffic manager to report thereon. Speed Limits. i The Commissioner of Transport wrote .advising that he was prepared to recommend that the Minister should approve the speed limit of 15 miles per hour through the Esplanade drive but requested further information regarding the access road to the Milson airport.—lt was decided that the communication be received and that the department be advised that the access road over which the limit of 15 m.p.h. is desired is that within the airport property of which the council is to complete the purchase shortly, and that the need for such restriction will be enhanced as a result of the proposed extension of the existing air service to Auckland and the growth of a number of air taxi services which are shortly to be inaugurated.

The Automobile Association (Alanawatu) wrote stating that at intersections, motorists were required under traffic regulation 14, clause 7, to give way to pedestrians who are using an authorised crossing.—lt was decided that the council communicate with the Commissioner of Transport seeking a ruling with regard to the provisions of clause 7, and that it be pointed out that there are places in the city where, owing to tho irregularity of pedestrian traffic, the appointment of a permanent pointsman would not be warranted but the continuous stream of pedestrians at certain hours would make It impossible for motor traffic to move over the intersection if the provisions of this regulation wero strictly adhered to. General.

The Electric Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities’ Association wrote advising that it was proposed to form an industrial union of employers in the industry, and forwarding an enrolment form for execution. It was decided that same be received and that the Association be advised that as the council is negotiating an agreement with the whole of its employees, it regrets being unable to entertain the proposal to join .the associa-