City Administration

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 62, 15 March 1938, Page 2

City Administration

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL The Palmerston North City Council met last night, the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Mansford) presiding. Also present were Crs. W. B. Tennent, W. Mouldey, A. A. Langley, J. Hodgens, M.P., J. 3. Stevenson, J. T. J. lieatley, G. Tremaine, W, B. Cameron and R. L. C. Aitchison. A communication from the St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas requesting an increase in the annual subsidy for 1938, was referred to the estimates. Petitions from ratepayers requesting the tar-sealing of tlxe roadways in South street, Dahlia street and Rangitane street are to be considered, whan the ensuing year’s estimates are being dealt with. With reference to communications from the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce in regard to the subdivision of existing blocks of land in the city, it was resolved that jthe chamber be requested to submit further information as soon as possible concerning the proposed road off Rangitikei street, and it be suggested that the chamber obtain the approval of the Native Trustee in connection therewith. The principal, Massey Agricultural College, wrote inquiring if it would be possible to secure the loan of a gas cooker required in connection with a short course in domestic science for country girls at the college during the first three weeks of November next. It was decided that the request .bo agreed to and that no charge be made for the hire of the appliance. The abattoir manager (Mr. A. M. Spilman) presented the following report for February:—Stock slaughtered: Cows 313, heifers 44, bullocks 34, calves 41, ewes 565, wethers 763, lambs 204, pigs 50. Stock condemned: Cows 3, sheep 4, pigs 1 (this is the smallest number of condemned stock for one month for many years). Fees received: £285 14s 6d.

The gas manager (Mr. J. Learinonth) reported an increase of 176,000 cubic feet in the gas made during February. One hundred per cent of N.Z. coal had been used. During the month the department installed eight cookers, four gas coppers, one water heater, three gas fires and three new services. The total number of consumers was now 5517. The gas manager was authorised to procure ten chains of four-inch main and to lay same in Ake Ake street. Electricity Department The electrical engineer (Mr. J. W. Muir) reported that the following work was carried out by the lines department during February:—Meters tested 79, meters installed 68, services run 10. The inspector made inspections of and passed 75 jobs during the month, including 49 extensions, making the total number of consumers 6338. The total connected load, including street lights, was now 25,775 k.w. Units purchased during February showed an increase of 11 per cent, on those for the corresponding month of 1937.

During the month the overhead liucs and services had been overhauled and tightened up in Argyle avenue, Matino, Miro, Havill and Beresford streets and Rangitikei street between Featherstone street and Boundary road. Where necessary, service wires were renewed in these streets.

The laying of the 3300-volt underground feeder from tho Main street sub-station to Taonui, Grey and King streets had been completed and the lengths of cable had been jointed together, with the exception of the T joint at te corner of Rangitikei and Cuba streets. The 3300-volt switchgear for these two cables had not as yet come to hand, but should be delivered early in April. The installation of the starting gear for using No. 5 alternator as a synchronous condenser had been completed and put into service. This starting gear on the trial runs given, operated successfully. City Engineer’s Report The city engineer (Mr. J. R. Hughes) reported on the work done during February as follows: Street maintenance: The following streets have been topdressed with tar and chips:—Main street east (south side, Victoria avenue to Albert street), Amesbury street, Cook street (Main street to Cuba street). Several old tree stumps, in varying stages of decay, have been removed from the roadway, at points where there were pronounced depressions in Fitzherbert avenue, and the holes re-filled with metal. The edges of the sealed roadway have been patched, and minor depressions built up with a coat of tar and chips. Special works: Vivian street has been lightly scarified, metalled and rolled in readiness for sealing. Park road from Batt street to Fitzherbert avenue, and Albert street from a point 15 chains beyond Jhaka street to the entrance to Manawatu golf li u ks has received the first coat of tar and chips.

Footpath maintenance: The following footpaths have been re-formed, metalled and topdressed with tar and chips:—Haydon street (south side), Keith street (east side), Rata street (north side). The weeds growing on footpaths in the Takaro area have been treated with weed killer and the channels re-cleaned. Stormwater: The Foxton line drain and the Botanical road drain, including the outlet through the golf links to the Manawatu river, have been cleaned out. The old sewer in Fitzherbert avenue at the terrace watercourse crossing collapsed and repairs wore effected by renewing three 12-inch pipes.

Kerbing and channelling: The construction of concrete kerb and channelling, formation and metalling of footway in College street from Cook street to the West End school has been completed. Waterworks: During the month 13 new services have been installed, three services replaced, and 20 services overhauled and repaired. Good progress has been made in laying the four-inch diameter concrete water main along McKenzie road from Milson line to the aerodrome. To date 29 chains of pipes

have been laid, of which 2o chains have been tested under pressure. Lifting cast-iron mains: The work of lifting the old nine-inch and 10-in«h cast-iron mains at Fitzherbert has been completed, the trenches re-filled, and within the next few days all pipes will be delivered to the depot, where they are being cleaned preparatory to being concrete lined.