HIKURANGI TOWN BOARD

Northern Advocate, 5 June 1920, Page 3

HIKURANGI TOWN BOARD

.MONTHLY MEETING

The usual monthly meeting , of tho Hikurangi Town Board Commissioners was held at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday last. Present: Comrs. E. Swarm (presiding in absence of' chairman), R CheiTie, F. Mcßeth, and K. MacBeth.

Vote of Condolence. —Before proceeding with the business Comr. K. Maeßeth moved that*the -board extend its sympathy to Mrs Swarm and family in their recent bereavement. The motion was carried in silence, members of the board standing. Comu\ Swarm acknowledged the board's sympathy. Telephone Facilities. —The Secretary of General Post Office, iti reply to ihe board's request for improved telephone facilities between Hikurangi and Kawakawa. stated that to provide direct communication would necessitate erection of another circuit, which was not warranted by the numibev of toll calls between the two places. However a metallic circuit between Kawakawa and Whangarei had 'been commenced, and when completed the delays in communications from Hikurangi would Ibe decreased. —'Received.

Weather Bureau. —The secretary of the Postal Department, hi reply to the iboard's request for the establishment of a weather bureau at Hiku rangi, stated that the Director of the Meteorological Office stated that arrangements had been made to carry out the board's request.—Received. Hikurangi-Whakapara Road.—The district engineer of the P.W. Department wrote approving the acceptance of C. J. Lowrey's tender for formation and'metalling works at £1146 14s lid. The (board's engineer, who was present, recommended the suspension of works until the fine weather set in; in the .meantime that temporary improvements 'be effected to permit of daily traffic being carried on without inconvenience to the public. The board agreed to the engineer's recommendations. Hikurangi Bridge.—The county clerk, in reply to the board's application for assistance in the erection of a reinforced concrete ibridge over the stream in King street, stated that the 'County Council had decided to make a grant of £200 towards such service.—lt was agreed to,receive the grant and to take steps to secure further financial assistance to enable the (board to 'carry out completion of the Ibridge. Land Drainage Act.—Mr A. McLeod called attention to pollution of stream through his farm from the effects of the board's workmen excavating in the quarry. The. apollution would cause harmful effects to his stock. • There was also silt overflowing on his paddocks. Mr J. McKenie also wrote complaining of recent rains, washing up large quantities of

earth and stone from the 'board's quarry "which resulted in injuring his property.—On the motion of Comr. i< , . Mcßeth, seconded by Comr. Cherrie it was resolved that Messrs MacLeod and McKenzie be asked to meet the works committee and point out the alleged inconveience and damages said to exist from the working of the Iboard's quarry. Water Supply,.—Mrs W. R. Dunn, in reply to the board's communication regarding payment of water for pelton wheel power, asked to let the matter stand over for a time until the question of a tenant taking her billiard saloon and premises was dealt with.—tit was agreed that the board's claim for water would have to foe met by someone. Disposal of Old Roads.—The Valuation Department furnished a special valuation report in connection with closed roads in Hikurangi.—On the motion of Comr. seconded by Comr. iC'herrie, it was resolved that the two portions of closed roads be offered to the owners of the adjoining properties at the value placed on them by the department, purchasers to defray legal cost of conveyance; failing acceptance, the properties be put up to public auction in terms of the Municipal Corporations Act. 'Stripping Quarry.—C. J. Lowrey forwarded a claim for £51 14s with respect ito wages in stripping the board's quarry.—The engineer reported that the contract did not permit extras for stripping or opening the quarry.—After discussion it was resolved that the question of payment for stripping the quariy Ibe held over until the contract was completed, and should there be any surplus metal left which had 'been stripped the iboard will consider the question of some allowance being made for such service.

New Assessment. —It was resolved that the Valuation Department be asked to make a new valuation of the town district, and that the department be supplied with a plan showing the various sub-divisions of the properties. Accident Insurance. —It was resolved to take out an insurance risk to cover accident or loss in connection with the board's horses employed in sanitary and other works of the town.

Consolidating (Banking Business. — It was resolved that the various bank 9 be approached with a view to establishing a permanent daily banking service in the township, and that business people and residents of the town be asked to co-operate with the board in supporting one ibank only. It was pointed out that the present banking service of two hours weekly was insufficient ' for Hikurangi and surrounding districts.

Sanitary Contractor. —It,was reported that the sanitary contractor, who was incapacitated from his duties through an acdident, was making good progress in the district hospital. —ilt was resolved to forward a claim for his wages to the Insurance Department.—lt was further resolved that t<he supervisors arrange for the carrying on of the service during the absence of Mr Martin. Building Permits. —Building permits were granted to Messrs J. Henderson and J. Little in terms o)f the board's iby-laws. Waterworks Engineer.—The water works engineer reported that he had disposed of 280 feet of spare piping to Mr A. iMclnnes at eightpence per foot. —It was agreed to dispose of the balance of ipipes in hand not required for water service at the same rate. Railway Station Improvements.— Comr. Swarm reported that she had seen the Railway Department's engineer, whilst in Auckland, with regard to shifting *he railway station platform. The engineer had promised to view the proposal favourably. Fire Brigade.—A deputation from the iHikurangi Fire Brigade waited on the /board urging it to take the necessary steps to raise a loan for the purpose of providing a motor reel and equipments for the brigade. The brigade also pointed out that they were not sufficiently compensated for services rendered in extinguishing a fire on the old.sawdust iheap on Mr Carter's property during the (Christmas holidays.—After discussion it was suggested that a detailed account ibe furnished to the owner of the property where the outbreak of fire took place, and that the board provide legal assistance to secure compensation for the valuable service rendered by the brigade. With regard to raising a loan, it was agreed to consider tJhe question along with other loans required for public services, and that the same tbe placed, if possible, before the ratepayers on the same date on which the forthcoming elections take place.

'George Street Contract.—Mr G. Ross waited 'On the board asking for a settlement of his contract on George street. —The board asked him to send in his claim in writing in order to enable the same to be dealt with at the board's next meeting.

Accounts.—On the motion of the chairman, seconded Iby Comr. F. McBeth, it was resolved that the accounts as submitted be passed for payment, amounting to £'98 7s 9d.