THAMES NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19397, 4 August 1926, Page 8

THAMES NEWS.

MAIN STREET EXCAVATIONS. SHOPKEEPERS* DIFFICULTIES. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] .'■* THAMES. Tuesday. The Thames Borough Council met last evening,,, the Mayor, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, M.P., presiding. The newly-appointed Economies Committee recommended the dismissal of seven members of the outside staff. It was decided tb proceed with the Waiotahi quarry project, now estimated to cost £13,000. The borough engineer, Mr. J. W. Anderson, was authorised to prepare estimates for the expenditure of £6OOO pn streets and roads, this amount being already raised. , ' . Shopkeepers and men in Pollen Street are beginning to realise that the excavations to provide for an up-to-date sewerage system may seriously interfere with business. The Borough Council recently let contracts for pipe laying- under the pavements on both sides of Pollen Street, which is the main thoroughfare, and a number of the smaller shops may have to close down temporarily, as the flooring and, much spoil will have to be moved in order to complete the connection to the main drain. Fifty-two owners of occupiers of shops asked the Borough Council last evening to have the system altered to allow of the main pipe line being laid in a street behind Pollen Street. This would obviate the necessity of removing the Pollen Street pavement. The Mayor said the alteration would cost £6OO mor-s than the original scheme. This should not be a charge pn the council. Mr. Bush pointed out that the council would be saved money by the non-re-moval of the pavement. The council should pay a proportion of the amount. The proposal was acceptable to the Health Department and the engineer. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Bush, Enson and Patterson was appointed to meet the petitioners with an offer to pay a third of the cost, the business men to find the remainder. In view of the recent heavy rating increase for borough improvements, many of which are not nearly completed, it is expected that the offer will be unfavourably received in some quarters.