Kaitaia Town Board

Northland Age, Volume XII, Issue 45, 19 August 1943, Page 4

Kaitaia Town Board

Commissioners J. T. B. Taaffe (Chairman), P. G. Quilter, L. G. Thompson, M. Roughsedge and D. Archibald were present at the monthly meeting of the Kaitaia Town Board held on Monday. Hospital Levy.—ln reply to the recent resolution by the Town Board protesting against the increase in the Hospital levy on local bodies, and pointing out the difficulties which would be faced by the Board in meeting future hospital levies, a letter was received from the Minister of Health in which he stated that, in view of the position of Hospital Boards in North Auckland, it was possible that it will be necessary to examine the position more closely to see whether some

modification of the present system should be recommended for these Board’s districts. Rates for 1943-44 The hospital late for 1943-44 has been increased from 2.6 d. to 3.4 d. in the £ to meet the increase in the levy. Other rates will be the same as for last year. Church Road Bridge—As the original estimate of £750 from the P.W.D. for repairs to this bridge which would only keep it going for a few years was considered too high, and no in-

formation was yet to hand as to the i possibility of doing temporary work of a less extensive nature to it, the Board, in order to reduce the weight of vehicles, decided to suggest to the headmaster of the Kaitaia School that children be disembarked from buses while crossing the bridge. Meanwhile it is proposed to try and obtain authority to utilise timber from the disused bridge on Awanui Road to carry out repairs which will make the Church Road bridge safer for heavy traffic. State Houses.—Work is now proceeding on the nine uncompleted State houses, which may possibly be completed by the end of this month.

Health Inspector. Recommendations by the Health Inspector in regard to certain buildings in the town area evoked considerable discussion, and the Board was very concerned about the difficulty of getting certain improvements carried out, this being due in some cases to lack of skilled labour. In view of the lack of sufficient skilled plumbers for a considerable period, the Board decided to ask the Manpower authorities to recommend the release of Mr. R. R. Lewis for necessary work in this area. Camping in Town Area—When does a camper cease to be a camper and become a permanent resident? This matter is to be taken up with the A. & P. Society’s Camp Committee with a view to fixing a time limit. Members of the Board suggested that under present conditions individuals could camp on the A. & P. ground for an indefinite period without contributing towards the town rates, and a maximum period of three months was mentioned as a suitable limit. Control of Rats and Mosquitoes.— A communication from the Health Department suggested various methods of control, and the Board’s Secretary is to try and obtain supplies of barium carbonate for the manufacture of a simple type of rat poison. This is to be made available to ratepayers free of charge. Rehabilitation.—Cmr. L. G. Thompson is to be nominated as the Board’s representative on the local committee. Swing Bridge. Arrangements to obtain materials for replacement are in hand, and it is proposed to alter the position of the bridge when renewed in order to avoid interference with the tennis courts should they be altered at any future date.