Opunake Town Board.

Opunake Times, Volume XXV, Issue 947, 8 February 1907, Page 3

Opunake Town Board.

The ordinary meeting of the Board was held last evening. Present : Messrs W. C. Dudley (chairman), 0. A. Trotter, E. O'Meara, G. T, Yardley and D. Ross. DEPUTATION. The Chairman stated one day last week he happened to be down the Ihaia-road and noticed that Higgins' oontract was done in an irregul.v sort of way and not up to specifications. J He asked the foreman if the job was Batisfaotorily done and he said it was not. Mr O'Brien said it was not up to specifications and in reply to the chairman said he bad not paused tbe work. Mr Higgins interviewed bim about getting tbe cheque for the work as it had been passed. The chairman told him that he bad not been given authority to issue the cheqne and the contractor threatened to take proceedings. He put tbe question to the contractor : Have you made a job of it ? and tbe reply was: It is not a job, but if he got another £5 he could make a job of it. It was decided to call in the contractor before the Board. Mr Higgins stated he wanted a little fair play. Last Friday week he had spoken to the clerk about getting his cheque for the contract work done on the Ihaia road. He called for his cheque and was told it was not signed and when he called again the clerk informed him that the Board complained about the work. During this delay there had been some heavy traffic on the road which did not do the work any good. Mr O'Brien then wanted bim to grade a footpath which was not in the specifications. He had now been on the work too long and was told by Mr O'Brien that if the foreman was satisfied with the job he would be. In reply to tbe question if he had been led to believe tbe work bad been passed, the contractor said it had been passed and was told that he could take home bis tools.

Mr Higgins was questioned as to the work and the passing of it by the Board's officials.

Seeing that there was some misapprehension Mr Eoss moved That the matter of Higgins' contract be left to the Chairman, Mr Yardley and the clerk and that the work be carried out according to specifications. Seconded by Mr Yardley and carried. The two members of the Board, the clerk, foreman, and contractor to meet on the works (this Friday morning) and have the work completed satisfactorily, RESIGNATION. M. Dillon forwarded resignation of poundkeeper and ranger unless the Board can see their way to make a reasonable reduction, seeing that nothing is brought to the pound from outside the district. Left over until this morning to enable committee to see agreements. LIGHTING. The 20th Century Gas Coy. forwarded a rough estimate based on a sketoh plan submitted by the clerk. The cost would be £1,850 to £2,000 for plant and installation. The first , sum would cover lighting street lamps and business places; the second sum would include the addition of light for private houses and cooking purposes. The company had installed a private plant on a miniature scale (suitable for Opnnake) for Mr T. Bryant, of Jobnsville, and he estimated the cost from 6d to 9d per light per week. The power of the street lights would be from 50 to 100 candle power. Homes and Allen forwardiug copy of gas generating plant. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Eoss, the clerk was instructed to write to the 20th Century Coy. if they were prepared to light the town and on what terms.— Carried. Mr Trotter raised the question of a combined scheme of water, drainage and light, utilising the water power. Discussion for a short while ensued on the subject. The opinioa was expressed that it was up to the Board lo make a more in the matter and bring the question before the ratepayers for assent or dissent. REQUISITION. _lt was resolved that the Board invite the Minister of Lands (the Hon. McNab) to give an address in Opunake on the Land Bill proposals. FORMATION. Eesolved that the foreman be empowered to engage horse and cart to do formation work on lower Longfollow road. BATHING SHED. Messrs O'Meara and Trotter were appointed a committee to accept tenders for bathing shed per conditions to be drawn up by clerk. Also, to select and make inquiries as to site. RATES AND RENTS. All outstanding rates to be sued for. One absent lessee to be sued forthwith for rent in arrears. FINANCIAL. The credit balance was read as £l4B 3s sd, out of which has to be deducted pay-sheet accounts and contracts let, leaving a balance of £B2 in hand. ACCOUNTS. The ordinary pay-sheet accounts were passed for payment. ' m The Domain Board met and decided 4o call tenders for lease of section fallen in, and the foreman was instructed to tighten wires round the oval on the Domain.