OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18539, 27 April 1922, Page 9

OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

TAIEEI BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the Taicri branch of the Otago Expansion .League was held on Monday evening, Mr John Wright, deputy chairman, presiding. Iftere was a good attendance of members. A letter was read from the Mosgiel Borough Council' acknowledging receipt of the league’s letter of April 1, inviting the council to submit to the league certain information regarding (a) business premises inFactory road; and (b) Wingatui water supply, and in reply had to advise that the letter was placed before the councij at its meeting on the 3rd inst., when it was resolved that the letter be received.—A general discussion followed. It was considered that the council had “turned (hem down’’ in not supplying the information, and that the best reply that could be given was to strengthen up the members of the branch; also to form a ratepayers’' association, who would take up matters concerning the welfare of ratepayers. In connection with the item “a,” some difference of opinion was; expressed. Objection was taken to one shop being singled out, when there wore olhers nfc fault. But it was then explained that this one shop was referred to because the branch had understood that it was in Government hands, and that it should be put in a sanitary state before placing it in private hands. Beyond the pointing out of the need for an inspection of all buildings of the nature referred to by a sanitary inspector, it was decided to take no further action. The building complained of is to be partly renewed at an early date. —A member of committee moved that the council be asked to supply the copy of the last report by the sanitary inspector, brought forth the information that no monthly reports by a sanitary inspector were laid before the borough council; and all were agreed that a report similar to that laid before the Taieri County Council by the sanitary inspector for Taieri would a step in the right direction. The mover (Mr W aldie) then withdrew his motion that the report be asked for. Regarding item (b), the Wingatui water supply, sufficient notice had been taken of the complaint as to justify the . branch’s action in asking the council for the information which was now refused. The branch had had no actual figures, to go on; but felt that there had been so much criticism of the action of the borough council and inspector within the borough that the branch had been perfectly within its rights in making investigations. In answer to a question on this matter, the Chairman stated that the figures in possession of the committee had not been obtained from any of the councillors, specially wished to make this clear, as it had been circulated about the town that a councillor who had attended a meeting of the branch had given the information. No information of such a nature had ever been put before the meeting by any of the councillors. Mr moved “ That with the object of furthering our expressed resolutions, urgent necessity exists for closer, contact with the borough council this league re--solves to set up a ratepayers’ and amenities committee.”

The Chairman expressed the hope that there would be a, full attendance to discuss the matter, which was one of great importance. The branch passed a. vote of sympathy with Mr W. B. Steel (Otago Expansion League secretary) in his bereavement, caused through the death of his son. The secretary reported that residents of Thames street and Renton street were desirous that name plates be erected.—The secretary was instructed to make inquiries as to the possibility of having the signs placed on the electric poles, one of the streets being within the Taieri County—outside the borough boundary.