KAITAIA

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1933, Page 8

KAITAIA

TOWN BOARD MEETING. ELECTRIC LIGHTING DISCUSSED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Tiie monthly meeting of the Kaitaia Town Board was held on Monday. Present: Messrs J. T. B. Taaffc (chairman), L. Peace, W. J.’E. Mayhill, D. Archibald, D. W. Rutledge and W. H. Atkins (clerk). A letter was received from Now Zealand Newspapers, Ltd., offering to sell the board, for the purposes of an electric lighting system, a Doisel engine and generator for £(>00 as it now

stands, or £GoD f.o.b. Auckland, Mr Archibald said lie had inspected the engine and it was a wonderful job, but the-cost placed it beyond the reach of Kaitaia.

Mr Mayhill asked if nothing could bo done to hurry on the introduction of electricity. Many people were got ting a little impatient at the delay. The chairman said he wanted the residents to have the greatest possible benefit from any.scheme that, might be adopted. They could apply to the Loans Board for permission to raise a loan, or they could let a private company come in.

Mr Mayhill questioned whether they should stand in the way of a private c 0111 pa n y ill defi nit e 1 y. The chairman said the board was prepared to consider any. scheme put forward by a private company. There were firms who wore prepared to come in any time the board pleased and provide a scheme, but if delav for .11’ months would menu benefits to the ratepayers for all time, it would be better to wait. There wore ratepayers who were so anxious to have electric light that they were prepared to pay a high price. He did not think they would be able to get electric power for the town cheaper than at the present time.

The clerk said that perhaps some firm would carry out a scheme, the board retaining the right to take it. over after a certain period has elapsed.

The chairman: “If a private company is allowed to carry out a scheme, the board will have to pay (3 per cent on the total sum invested.” ZVtr Peace: “The Loans Board would not allow us to raise money at a rate above 4 per cent. Could we not ask a firm for a price for such a plant as we require?” The chairman: “A firm would give us an estimate that would meet requirements going to the Loans Board. It might be interest to go to

one firm.” Mr Archibald suggested that tenders

be invited. The chairman said he was very dissatisfied with the slow rate of progress. It was decided to discuss the.matter further at the next meeting of the board. Removal of Poles, It was decided to enter into an agreement with the Post and Telegraph Department under which the cost of removing poles when necessary would be borne on a .10—10 basis by the department and the board. A. and P. Rates. 'Mr C. C. Mafthews, secretary to the A. and P. Association, writing with regard to a demand,for rates, asked that the amount be written off, or at least a portion.

-Mi‘ Police said that ordinarily lie would lie willing; to support a reduction in rates, hut 1 lie A. and P. Association had made a profit, and it also let its property at a charge.

The chairman said the hall was hir ed for different functions and the as

sociation, by holding one function, could clear sufficient to meet the whole of the rates. He had no intention of supporting a reduction. If the hall was not managed so as to show a profit, it was no concern of the board. The rates had been reduced, but no attempt had been made to meet them. Mr Archibald said the association’s balance sheet showed a profit, but a. special effort had been made throughout the year because of outstanding debts* Owing to the times, some, members had not ho able to pay their subscriptions this year. He had urged the

association to meet at least one year’s rates, and this had been agreed-upon, but there were no funds from which rates or anything else could bo paid at present, and he would suggest that the board hold the matter over in the meantime.

> Mr Rutledge said lie held strong views on the matter. A charge was made for the hall, 7/6 per hour being the fee for a meeting. He did not think the association, oven if given time, would be prepared to pay next year. If the hall was not revenue producing the association might be considered, but as matters stood lie was opposed to a reduction. The clerk said the amount owing was £lO, plus this year’s rates. Mr Rutledge moved and Mr Peace seconded, that the association be informed that the board could not see its way to make any reduction. j The motion was carried. Dealing with Gorsc. The clerk said that advice had been received that the Town Board had power itself to deal with any gorse growing in the town district, and it had been suggested by a departmental officer that the board support its own inspector. They might put the lineup ployed On some areas.

It was decided to serve notice on flic owners and to appoint the foreman as inspector. Plans of Buildings. Mr Archibald moved that plans and specifications for new buildings, or alterations or additions, be submitted to the board for approval. A motor garage had been erected, and- the owner did not have the courtesy to inform the board.. The chairman said they did not waul to go too far, but they had regulations at present, and all that was necessary was to draw public attention to them. It was decided to give public notice of the building by-laws. Library Books.

It was Intimated by the clerk that the books in thq library, having been removed to Mr Timbers ’ music shop, the services of the librarian had been dispensed' with.