CENTRAL OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25017, 10 September 1942, Page 7

CENTRAL OTAGO

ALEXANDRA Borough Council.—The monthly meeting of the Alexandra Borough Council was presided over by the Mayor (Mr A. McKellar), and Crs R. S. Kinnaird, J. R. McKissock, T. E. Sunderland, G, R. Campbell, A. L. Hern, G. H. Fox, A. B. Armour, and E. Russell were also present. Mr McKellar referred to the death of the Duke of Kent, and a motion of sympathy with the Royal Family was carried. Sympathy was also expressed with the relatives of Messrs H. S. Wilson and J. C. Miller, who had been prominent citizens of the town, and with an employee of the council (Mr W. Tily), who had suffered a bereavement. —At the request of tire Otago Expansion League for a donation to its funds, it was decided to grant £1 Is.—Advice was received from Mr Bodkin intimating, in reply to representations made by the Mayor, that it was regretted that a military camp could not be established at Alexandra. The question of establishing a remedial camp in the district was. however, still under consideration.—The Christchurch Domain Board forwarded a selection of trees and shrubs for planting in the reserve.—T. G. Thow wrote complaining of the state of the Chatto Creek race and the small dam at the outlet, Cr Fox explained that the settlers had started clearing the race.— The question of allowing golf to be played on the recreation ground was discussed, and it. was decided to ascertain the council’s liability in the matter.—The Mayor referred to the splendid service rendered to the town by the brass band and the work of the bandmaster (Mr Bringans). who had been connected with the organisation for 42 years. He thought the council should do something to revive interest in the band, and it was agreed to go into the matter.—lt was reported that the trees in Centennial avenue required attention, and it was agreed that householders should be requested to attend to the trees in front of their residences.— Cr Armour mentioned that the railway buses had recently discontinued the practice of carrying letters for posting in Dunedin. Several business men had asked him to obtain the assistance of the council to have the service reinstated, or, as an alternative, that an official letter mail should be closed at the post office to connect with the mid-day bus. It was agreed to request the authorities to restore the service or provide some similar service.—The Conservator of Forests wrote giving a comprehensive report on the borough afforestation area and commending the council on the success of its venture. An inspection had also been made of the poplars in the recreation ground, and the report stated that all the trees were hollow-butted and likely to fall at any time. It was decided to have all the trees which were in a dangerous state removed at the earliest opportunity. QUEENSTOWN Borough Council.—The monthly meeting was held last week, when there were present the Mayor (Dr W. A. Anderson). Crs J. S. Royd. W. D. Thompson, and J. L. Lindsay. The council passed motions of sympathy with the Royal Family in the death of the Duke of Kent and with the Government auditor (Mr Dawson) in the death of his wife.—The Southland Hospital Board advised that the annual levy was £356 19s 7d.—'The Lake County Council wrote stating that the chairman and Cr Lee had been appointed to confer in regard to the purchase of the powder magazine in the gorge. It was decided to make an offer of half the cost of the magazine conditional on a satisfactory lease being obtained.—The acting officer of the Tourist Department advised thpt £ls had been approved for expenditure on the Ben Lomond track.—The Works Committee reported that 750 Douglas firs were planted on Arbor Day. National Day of Prayer.—ln response to the King’s request, the third anniversary of the outbreak of war was appropriatelyobserved in Queenstown by services in the various churches. A parade was held by the Home Guard, R.S.A.. Fire Brigade, borough councillors, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.

The Weather.—Warmer conditions are giving a great impetus to growth in field and garden. Spring bulbs are showing in several gardens, and the indications point to an earlier growth than usual.