Meeting of Borough Council

Northland Age, Volume XVI, Issue 22, 13 December 1946, Page 2

Meeting of Borough Council

Cr. F. Weber presided at Wednesday evening’s monthly meeting of the Kaitaia Borough Council. An apology was received from the Mayor, Mr. J. T. B. Taaffe, while the deputy-Mayor, Cr. Marsh, has been granted three months’ leave of absence. A letter was received from the Waipoua State Forest Preservation Committee requesting the Council to support the setting aside of a certain portion of the Waipoua Forest as a National Reserve. Read in conjunction, was a letter from the Women’s Division of the Federated Farmers, requesting support for the conservation of the forest. At a recent meeting of the Northland Chambers of Commerce, two hours were spent discussing that same question, said Cr. L. G. Thompson. Different opinions given by experts on both sides was the source of the trouble. As laymen, Cr. Thompson felt that the Borough Council could not side with any party. Cr. Weber agreed that experts had given two conflicting reports. “Sentiment aside,” said Cr. Thompson, “I would rather see half-dead kauris in badly needed houses, than in the bush.” It was decided to receive the circular. In his report, the Borough foreman, Mr. H. R. Watts, stated that weather conditions were still against his men. “Whether or not the new road into Sunray Park motor camp is ready by Christmas, depends on the weather,” said Mr. Watts. Water had been laid on to the camp while the conveniences j are in position. It was hoped to have j the Borough side roads graded and ; all streets cleaned up by Christmas he j added. Councillors fixed the motor camp fees at 2/- a night or 10/- a week. The January meeting was fixed for Wednesday, January 15. Accounts totalling £176 0/5 were passed for payment. General Cr. C. B. McKinnon requested the Council to lay water into the A. and P. ground. The Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade had been granted the use of the ground, he said, and a supply of water w’ould be necessary. In the future it was hoped to include Fire Brigade competitions and displays in the show, he added. Councillors raised no objection to this scheme but it will be necessary to await the arrival of suitable materials. With Saturday closing now in force, said Cr. P. G. Quilter, it was time that the Borough possessed a central sports ground. It was absolutely necessary, he added. “We will have to pay for it, but a certain revenue will be received from the sports.” At

present Kaitaia had no central ground. The Town Planning Committee hoped to submit their report by the next Council meeting, stated Cr. Thompson. This report incorporated suggestions for the sports ground scheme, he added. Cr. Quilter felt that the lead should come from the Borough Council, but he did not appear to be receiving any support. All the Council were whole-hearted-ly in support of a central ground, said Cr. Weber, but they did not wish to cut across the work of the Town Planning Committee. The question was left over until next meeting.

Girls Cricket During the weekend a large number of girls attended a practice at the No. 2 A. and P. Ground. Several of the senior cricketers were present to give words of advice and to take a share of the umpiring, as the girls were divided into two teams and a match was played. The form shown by these girls continues to improve and they are sure of giving an excellent account of themselves if ever an outside match is arranged.