ST. KILDA BOROUGH COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16963, 27 March 1917, Page 8

ST. KILDA BOROUGH COUNCIL

The ordinary meeting of tho St. Kilda Borough Council was held last night; present—the Mayor (Mr W. T. MTariane), and Crs Harris, Edgar, Dove, Kilpatrick, M'Oonnell, Campbell, and Scurr.

Mr W. G. Stewart wrote asking the council to complete repairs to Alfred street.— Referred to the Works Committee for report. A letter was received from tho Undersecretary of Internal Affairs enclosing particulars as to the celebrations of Anzae Dav on Monday, April _ 23.—1t was rcsolveH to celebrate the anniversary on Wednesdav, April 25, in common with the City Council and returned soldiers. Letters were received from soldiers on active service, thanking the council for Chi- : 'mas i i.t • received by them in the trenches.—Received.

The reports of the Works and Finance Committees were adopted. A deputation waited on the council regarding the re-valuation of properties in the borough.—Mr Aslin said that, under present conditions, many whose properties had increased in value, owing to the improvements carried out by the council since the valuation was taken, wero escaping with nitee which were ridiculously low, while others were being penalised owing to~-in-correct valuat.on. He cited cases in support of th.s, and hoped the council would be able to correct the present unfair conditions.—The Mayor said the council was anxious to adjust tho matter, but, if a revaluation were made, it would be five months before the new rate demands could be issued. This would discrganise the financial year.—Or Harris drew attention to the Rating Act, which requires that valuations must be made by March 31 preceding the year for wh "h the rates are struck. -The Mayor promised that the matter would reorive further artent-on, but, in view of tho Act, ho was afraid the council could do nothing for the present year.

Before the meeting adjourned tbe Mayor drew attention to the old trouble of false alarms of fire. He considered it a serious offence, and a despicable one. After somediscussion it was resolved to offer a standing reward of £5 for information leading to the conviction of persons wilfully causing fake alarms.—lt was decided to advertise this resolution in the press.