COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15003, 27 May 1912, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from oun owx

HAMILTON.

MEETING OF BOBOUGH COUNCIL. At a meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council a deputation from the 'Businessmen's league was received in reference to * tie better lighting of' Victoria-street, which, after the closing hour of the shops, is almost in darkness. It was pointed , out that lack of material . had partly . hindered this work, but it would occupy . the attention of the Council in the near future. The Waikato A. and P. Association wrote forwarding an objection to the show grounds being included in the borough, through the proposed amalgamation with Claudelands, The Mayor said he favoured granting a rebate on the : ratea that would be obtained from the show grounds, as they could __ not be recognised as ordinary commercial property. The grounds were used for recreation purposes. The show was certainly of great benefit to the town, and while the land was not. used for commercial purposes he considered a reduction in the rates should be allowed. The Council could only, however, grant a rebate from year to year, and could give no guarantee for the action of future councils in the matter. A committee was set up to re- . port on the matter. A report from the building inspector was received, in which the Council was notified that certain premises were not adequately provided with safety appliances in case of fire. It was decided td give the delinquents notice to make the necessary additions, , failing which legal steps will be taken to compel them to do so. The Council's co-operation was asked by the Gisborne Borough Council in endeavouring to bring about an increase in the license fees of hotels by petitioning Parliament. The lis gasworks report from the manager, recommending certain additions, was re- : ferred to the Gasworks Committee. Mr. ■l ? ow was appointed deputy-Mayor for the ensuing year. The following committees were appointed:—Legal and Finance: /The Mayor and Messrs. Fow and Tidd Works : Messrs. Tristram, Booth, McKinnon, and another; Gas and Waterworks : Messrs. Barton, Koche, and Hammond.. On the motion of the Mayor, it was decided to employ a permanent engineer, instead of one giving attention on oafy two days in the week. The engineer's report was adopted. A lengthy report, submitted by Mr. W. F. Butler, borough engineer, was laid on the table. It involved an expenditure of over £30,000, and included procuring a steam road roller, concrete kerbing, channelling, and tarring and sanding various footpaths, wood'paving Victoria-street, stormwater surfaeo drainage, sanitation of saleyards, street alterations and deviations, swimming baths, and destructor. The resolutions passed by the conference on Garden Place were approved by the Council. Fourteen building permits (£2278) were issued during the past fortnight. The Minister for Railways (Hon. A. M. Myers) has notified the Chamber of Commerce that ho is making inquiries as to the long delay in the carriage of stock and the Chamber's request for the running of stock trains between Frankton • and Auckland.

TE AROHA. BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING. At a meeting of the Borough Council, the question of erecting a Municipal Town Hail was discussed. The proposal Wei with favour generally, but it was thought truth it would bo well to defer action, until it was known whether a local syndicate intended to erect a substantial hall. Meantime the Council has elected * committee to obtain particulars regarding the' Municipal Hall. A meeting of tho committee of To Aroha Rod and Gun Club was held last night. It was arranged to hold an open shooting carnival on June o. A number of trophies have- been received, and these will be competed for.