Meeting of Borough Council

Northland Age, Volume 15, Issue 31, 9 May 1946, Page 1

Meeting of Borough Council

The regular monthly meeting of the Kaitaia Borough Council was held in Redan Chambers last night, the Mayor (Mr. J. T. B. 1 aftffel presiding over Crs. L. G. Thompson, B. McKinnon, W. Marsh, A. E. Foster, P. G. Quilter and F. Weber. The following matters were among the business dealt with : Hospital Levy Alarmed at the continually rising hospital levy, the Council had written to the Minister of Health in an endeavour to achieve some relief before striking this year’s rates. In reply, the Minister said he would be visiting the district shortly and would then, if time permitted, be pleased to receive a deputation from the Council. Considering the reply too vague 'in view of the urgency of the matter, a further letter is to be sent to the Minister. Main North Highway A letter from the acting-secretary of the Far North Representative Committee, reported on the results (or lack of results) so far achieved n obtaining an improved highway to Kaitaia. Pointing out that service buses were still being held up in exactly the same places as twenty years ago, the Mayor considered a strong move should be made to have the necessary improvements made NOW. Service buses arrived in Kaitaia any time between 8 p.m. and midnight ; how, asked Mr. Taaffe, could any district progress under such conditions. Deeming the prevention of flooding and continual hold-ups of bus services much too urgent to await any long-range highway planning, the Council decided to write to the ap- | propriate authority, l-equesting that immediate attention be given to those portions of the highway which are still subject to flooding and so seriously affecting transport to the North. New High School A letter from the Kaitaia District High School expressed concern at the dust nuisance along Redan Road near the new’ high school building, and asking if any action could be taken to have the road tar-sealed. The Council’s finances, unfortunately, would not permit consideration of L-ealing, though members could sympathise with the school’s problem. Foreman ! For some months the Council has been endeavouring to obtain a foreman, and though enquiries have been received from some well-recommend-cd men all have ended with the same question : “Is a house available?” As a foreman is urgently required, and as none seems procurable unless a house can be supplied—the Council is to build a house. A special meeting is to be held next Monday to consider a resolution to raise a loan for the purpose. Kerbing and Channelling Plans and specifications have been received from tire Public Works Department for the kerbing and channelling of Bank Street, President Street and Melba Street, so the Council is now in a position to call tenders for the work—when finances become available. Footpaths The tender of S. Gibb for the laying of a section of concrete footpath in front of Hammond’s pharmacy was accepted. Tangonge Road Formation of the Council’s section of Tangonge Road is to be proceeded with, to provide temporary access to new State houses. Road Metalling The Clerk was authorised to obtain sufficient metal to give roads in the Council area a coat of metal. MOVE TO FORM TABLE TENNIS CLUB It is some nine years since a Table Tennis Club existed in Kaitaia, and a step has now been taken to revive the sport. A meeting is to be held in the Library Rooms at 7.30 next Thursday night. In past years table tennis was handicapped through the shortage of equipment ; now that there is a plentiful supply of hats and balls, however, it is hoped that surrounding districts will also form Clubs and so create further interest. The question of tables and a hall will be discussed at the meeting. CATHOLIC DANCE Another of the popular and well attended dances organised by members of the Catholic Church, was held in the A. and T. Hall on Saturday night. Music was supplied by the Versatile orchestra, wdth Mr. Tom Ryan as a capable m.c. The winners of the two monte carlo dances were Mr. Marevich and Miss E. Serbin, and Mr. Jack Semenoff and Miss T. Blucher. Coconuts are produced by four-year-old trees but full production is about the tenth year.