MOSGIEL BOROUGH COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23004, 6 October 1936, Page 6

MOSGIEL BOROUGH COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Mosgiel Borough Council held last night was presided over by the Mayor (Mr A. F. Quelch) and Crs W. P. Hartstonge, G. A. Smith, R. Smeaton, J. F. Frew, E. J. Wilson, and A. Steven. MOSGIEL SWIMMING BATHS The Mayor tabled the following minute in connection with the proposed swimming baths:— " In reference to the following resolution carried at a meeting of the council on June 1 last—'That the council allocates the sum of £SOO for the provision of public baths in Mosgiel providing that the balance of the money necessary is raised by the Baths Committee. In the event of the balance required approximately £750 not being in hand within four months from date, the council reserves the right to withdraw this allocation. Notwithstanding the fact that the public will be providing a certain proportion of the money necessary to construct the baths, it must be distinctly understood that the baths at all times remain the sole property of the council, and that the donors have no beneficial interest therein,' I have to report that I presided over a meeting of the Baths Committee and those interested in this project. The results attained by the various collectors in actual money received and promises made, were of a' very encouraging nature, and with further assistance promised the committees unanimously decided on the construction of the baths. The meeting also resolved that a club to be called the Taieri Swimming Club be formed, and that the club be incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act. A special committee was appointed to draw up the rules in connection with the incorporation of the club. It is now necessary for the council to give its decision on the matter." The necessary motion, authorising the payment of the £SOO mentioned was passed. CORRESPONDENCE The Rev, E. T. Cox, J. J. Marlow, and J. Bennetts forwarded a circular letter appealing to the council to organise locally, according to the community of interest, celebrations for the New Zealand centenary.—Received. The commissioner of transport submitted draft regulations for the council's comment, to be sent in by October 7. Any suggestions received would be given careful attention.—Referred to the General Committee, with power to act. The Director-general of Health thanked the council for the help extended in the Health Stamp Campaign. —Received. The secretary of the Municipal Association of New Zealand notified that the next Municipal Conference had, bfien fixed for Timaru on March 9, 1937. A request was made for remits. —The matter was referred to the General Committee. The secretary of the Otago Labour Day Association notified the requirements for the picnic to be held on the Recreation Ground on Labour Day.— Noted. Mr A. Chadwick applied for permission to erect a petrol pump at his premises in Gordon road.—Granted on the usual conditions. The Taieri County Council wrote detailing conditions under which the trimming of willows on the Silverstream were carried out.—Received. The secretary of the Taieri Cricket Club wrote thanking the council for the favourable terms on which the cricket ground had been granted this year; also for the help rendered by the staff in preparation of, and maintaining this area.—Received. DEPUTATION Mr James Brown, High street, waited on the council to discuss his application for a sewerage connection. He said he had received a letter from the council asking him to contribute onethird of the cost of approximately £IBO. Mr Brown maintained that £6O, plus the usual connection fee of £6, was excessive, considering that he had paid rates on the drainage loans (which had reticulated the centre ot the town) for over 30 years, and had received nothing in return. Those who resided in the reticulated area were called on to pay only the connection fee of £5 or £6, yet he was asked to contribute another £6o.—The Mayor and Cr Harlstonue explained

the position and the rule on which the council worked of asking those who desired a connection in the area not yet reticulated to pay one-third. It was unfortunate that Mr Brown's residence was so far from the sewer. —Mr Brown replied that it might be the council's rule, but it was not a just one. He complained that the street in front of his place received poor attention, yet the council could give grants for substantial amounts to the proposed baths, band, etc. Pressed to state what he would contribute if the council would do the work, he replied about £lO. This being considered insufficient, the matter of a storm water channel only was mentioned, Mr Brown said if this were granted he would put in a septic tank of his own. Eventually the matter was referred to the Works Committee to look into the matter of a storm water drain. REPORTS The Finance Committee reported as follows: Financial Position.—The committee has had before it the town clerk's report comparing the total receipts and payments for the first six months of the current financial year with the estimates. The financial position of the council is considered by the committee to be satisfactory. The committee has also had the town clerk's report setting out the receipts totalling £SBB 16s 7d, and payments totalling £365' 16s, for the period August 24. 1936, to September 23, 1936. Health Stamp Campaign.—The committee has had before it a letter from the Director-general of the Health Stamp Campaign asking the council to contribute again to the funds being raised to provide health camps for children during school vacations. It has been decided to purchase health stamps to the value of £2 when these are available. Outstanding Rates.—The borough solicitor has reported the issue of summonses in connection with a number of cases of outstanding rates, and the committee has instructed that further summonses be issued in other cases. Otago Expansion League.—The committee has received an application from the Otago Expansion League for a contribution to the league's funds, and it has been decided to make a grant of £2 2s. Accounts.—The committee has examined and passed for payment accounts totalling £787 15s lid, as per list No. 409. The report was adopted. The Works Committee reported as follows: Work Carried Out Since Last Meeting.—Septic tanks: Both receiving and settling tanks were desludged and cleaned during a fresh in the stream. All channels have received attention and outlets kept clear. The motor and pumps were overhauled by the engineer and found to be in an unsatisfactory condition. Tenders were called for the work of repairing and were duly carried out. The plant is now in food working order. Water supply: 'he intakes at Whare Flat have received close attention, especially during a fresh in the stream. All the air and scour valves on the pineline have been gone over. The dead ends of mains were run off as usual. Four stopcocks and three services were repaired and a new service put in to property in Tay street. Two extraordinary services—Wingatui—were disconnected from main, the owners not requiring them. Drainage.—Three drains to sewer were tested and inspected. Maintenance.—The grader was out on Bush, Gladstone, and Gordon roads. Water tables in High and Irvine streets were regraded and cleaned to the surface water from low-lying ground. Ashes were spread on newly-formed paths in Ayr street and Forfar street and path ploughed and formed in Victoria street and is now ready for ashes. A subsidence on the roadside in Factory road was dug up and refilled with spaulls. A level crossing was laid to property in Irvine street. The potholes on streets have received attention with gravel from the dump and gravel is being carted under contract to the following streets:—Ayr, Lanark, and Forfar. Bush road was surfaced and potholes filled. Men under .No. 5 scheme were employed cleaning the banks of the Silverstream and new path formation. The General Committee reported as follows: Ranger.—The committee has had before it the report of the ranger for the month of September. The ranger reported that since the council's instructions regarding the prosecuting of owners of wandering stock one cow

had been discovered by him on the roadside. The committee has instructed that the owner of the cow be prosecuted under the - borough bylaws. Street Sale.—The committee has granted an application by the Taieri sub-branch of the Plunket Society for permission to have a street sale of cakes and produce. The Reserves Committee reported as follows: Recreation Ground,—The committee has considered an application by the Taieri Football Club for a reduction in the rental charge for the use of the recreation ground during the football season, but it has been decided that no reduction can be made. Picnic on Labour Day.—The Otago Labour Day Association has been granted the use of the recreation ground for their picnic on Labour Day tm the same terms and conditions as applied last year.