Woodville Borough Council

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 222, 18 September 1943, Page 3

Woodville Borough Council

The monthly meeting of the Borough Council was held on Wednesday evening, the Alayor presiding over the following members: Crs. A. Olsen, H. Galbraith, N. Fawcett, J. Horne, T. Smith, B. Goodman and G. Whillans. In the absence of Air. D. Keay (town clerk), who is indisposed, Cr. Olsen read the correspondence. The main business was a discussion of the desirability ol increasing the size of the water pipeline and effecting repairs to the filter bed and weir. In regard to the weir, the Mayor urged that tho spillway be run out to even more than the 18 feet suggested in the engineer’s report, as boulders came down heavily in flood time and if the weir was too steop, crashed down on to the concrete with terrific force. The necessity of a trestle bridge over tho stream where the line crossed it was also brought forward by the Mayor who pointed at that as the line was at present lying in the water of the stream, it. received a hard hammering by boulders especially when the stream was running high. A foot-cross-ing could also be included in the bridge and then both pipe and pedestrians would be safe from the highest floods. Councillors agreed that such a bridge would be of: great benefit. That the filter bed would have to be repaired at once was the unanimous decision of all members as at present tho water was going practically straight through ana not being filtered as it should be. When the question of the new pipeline was; brought forward, a long discussion ensued as to the best size to put down. Estimated costs of 8, 9 and 10-inch pipes were given and some members were of the ojiinion that 8-inch pipes would be large enough. Air. Galbraith said 10-inch ones would be much better and the Alavor was also of that opinion. This size was finally agreed upon. Cr. Galbraith said the time had come for the town clerk to make inquiries about raising the necessary loan, mentioning that it would be necessary to go to the ratepayers for their approval. The Alayor suggested trying to increase the loan with a view to building two houses on the State pattern. Whatever the result of the projected loan, it was decided that the repairs to the filter beu would have to be done immediately but it would bo much more satisfactory to get repairs and replacements done together. A letter was read from the Progress League asking the borough to donate a site for a maternity hospital if the Dannevirke Hospital Board decides to build. A suggested site on Atkinson Street was not considered suitable by councillors who were sympathetic over the request and were willing to cooperate. On the motion of the Mayor, it was decided to leave the matter in abeyance until the hospital board has had a further discussion.

The Progress League also suggested again putting seats outside the old Examiner office and one by the Post Office. Cr. Faucett said that it was a golden opportunity to make a public amenity of the Examiner plot, but Cr. Galbraith pointed out that it was not permissable for the borough to spend money on private property even to clean it up for such a worthy object. On the motion of Crs. Galbraith and the Mayor it was agreed to lend the seats provided the section was cleaned. Crs. J. Horne and B. Goodman moved that a seat be also loaned temporarily for the sug-

gested Post Office site. Support was given to the idea of erecting a shelter over the seat against tho weather, pro l vidiug of course that Government approval could be obtained. The Friends to Sailors wrote for permission to hold a Street and Shop Day to raise funds to erect in Wellington a

suitable hostel for sailors. This granted at a date to be arranged.

The next letter was from the Crippled Children Society asking for a donation to help to build accommodation for crippled children in Palmerston North. Crs. Faucett and Whillans moved a grant of £5 ss. An amendment to hold the matter over until the next meeting was defeated, his Worship declining to use his casting vote on such an issue.

A request from the New Zealand Railways for a new connection near the goods shed was referred to the Works and Finance Committee to report.

Crs. Galbraith and Smith moved that the Works Committee make a full survey of all footpaths in the borough with a view to getting them into good order. Cr. Goodman urged that a programme of new path construction be drawn up. It was revealed that the path being done in McLean Street would not be touched beyond the first corner as the road level may be altered later on.

In reply to a letter from the borough regarding a supply of warm pyjamas for returned soldiers, the Prime Minister stated that the matter had been referred to the Minister of Supply who had passed on the information that more pyjamas were soon being made available.

Cr. Smith brought forward the question of the cleaning of the septic tanks and in reply the Mayor stated that at present the tanks were working 100 pei cent., but that they should be done, ana a contractor had already put in a price for the job by the hour, which was not considered satisfactory. After some discussion it was suggested that his i Worship approach the contractor with a' view to getting a proper quote. This 1 Air. Forbes agreed to do.

Reports were read from the gasworks manager, ranger, works foreman and town clerk, and adopted after some comment of the 3000 cubic feet of gas J missing over the month. It is liopeu that a test meter now being used will trace some of the leakages.