RIVERTON BOROUGH

Southland Times, Issue 20147, 6 April 1927, Page 11

RIVERTON BOROUGH

MONTHLY MEETING. (From Our Correspondent.) The usual monthly meeting, held on Monday evening, was attended by the Mayor (Dr N. G. Trotter), Crs. J. O. Hymers, James Prentice, A. E. Willett and J. A. Martin. CORRESPONDENCE. E. B. Gee, South Riverton, wrote complaining about the condition of what was known as the lower road. He asked that steps be taken to have it put in a better state. The potholes were dangerous, and should be patched up. His rates amounted to £2l 7/4, and he thought he was entitled to some consideration.—Left to Works Committee.

W. A. Brown wrote asking the Council to do some gravelling near his property, Helmville, South Riverton. —To be attended to. The Department of Lands and Survey, Invercargill, replied to the Council’s letter with reference to Church street, South Riverton, and informed the Council that the whole question seemed one for the owners of the property and the borough to definitely decide.—Received.

The Southland Motor Association, Invercargill, asked if there were any by-laws governing the traffic on the Aparima bridge; also if a motorist or driver of other vehicles was required to wait if a cyclist were crossing over.—The Clerk was instructed to supply the information asked for.

The Southland Power Board asked to be supplied with list of rates collected on the board’s behalf for year ended March 31. —To be attended to.

E. Turner, sanitary contractor, drew attention to the necessity for repairs to the plant. He also asked that the Council instal the electric light in his dwelling.—Held over.

The chairman of the District Highway Council informed the Council that the question of declaring the continuation of the Invercargill-Riverton road through the borough a main highway had been under consideration, and it had been decided to make a recommendation in that direction to the Main Highway Board. The length of the section should be measured, also the length of culverts, etc. —Received.

The Minister of Internal Affairs wrote with reference to the regulations under the Town Planning Act, setting out the procedure to be adopted in connection with the town-planning.—Received. The Chief Inspector of Explosives, Wellington, drew attention to the fact that dangerous goods’ licenses expired on March 31, and should be renewed immediately.— Received.

The Express Company, Dunedin, forwarded specifications of a motor fire engine, also the trailer-drawn fire engine.—Held over. Public Works Department, Wellington, forwarded a draft copy of consolidated and amended motor lorry regulations, which it is proposed to issue and come into force on April I.—Received. OTHER BUSINESS. Accounts amounting to £167 7/3 were passed for payment. On the motion of Cr. Martin, it was resolved that the trees which had been cut into firewood in the old railway reserve be removed before the holidays. The Mayor said that as this was the last meeting of the present Council, a review of the two years’ session would be of interest. The Council had done well, con-

sidering the limited funds at their disposal, which would not permit of any large expenditure, and he thought the policy they had followed was a sound one. The bridge had held them up, and until some finality was reached it would be unwise to launch out on any heavy expenditure. He fully recognised the importance of the streetwidening scheme in South Riverton, especially in the more dangerous localities, while their main highway in the borough could also be improved. The general rates reached £5OO, but when all working expenses were met, there was little left. A considerable amount had been spent on maintenance gravel, and results had proved the efficacy of the river bed gravel compared with that procurable on the sea beaches. At their last meeting they were overdrawn at the bank to the extent of £6OO odd, but now, he was pleased to be able to announce, that amount had been reduced to £lBl 18/-. With the £B5 due from the Highway Board, and rates and fees outstanding, the amount would be liquidated, so that they would be practically out of debt. Their position was

somewhat different to that of 1914, when their overdraft stood at £llOO. Referring to the way the work had been carried out in the borough, many complaints had been received, and no doubt the ratepayers had cause for this. It was said there had been too much spent on labour, and the work would be more satisfactorily carried out under the contract system. If such were the case the incoming councillors could consider the idea and give it a trial. In conclusion, he said, thanks were due to the councillors, who had loyally supported him. Certainly a few “ripples” had occurred, but

these were of a mild nature and were soon forgotten. If the ratepayers wished it he would again seek mayoral honours, and, if elected, would do what he could in the interests of the borough and town generally. Cr. Hymers said he had sat at the Council table for twelve years now, and he did not think he would seek re-election unless there was some likelihood of an improvement in the affairs of the borough. He strongly condemned the manner in which the borough work was performed. They had been paying out in wages too large a sum for the returns given, and it was scandalous the amount of ratepayers’ money that had been thrown

away. The streets were dirty and untidy, notwithstanding the money spent on them, and it was no wonder the ratepayers were complaining. He strongly advocated the contract system, which was cheaper and was in every way superior to the present method.

* Cr. Willett said he had often differed with councillors, and one or two of what the chafrman called “ripples” had occurred, but he (the speaker) had forgotten all about them when he left the Council table. He had been five years on the local body, and

during that time had done his best for the ratepayers and the borough as a whole. Referring to the criticisms of the Council, he

maintained the committee had done all possible to keep the borough in a good state of repair, and they could only spend the money available. The borough was a small one, and they had (to use an old expression) “to cut the coat according to the cloth.” The present system, he said, was entirely wrong,

and the borough work should be carried out by an expert.

Crs. Martin and Prentice briefly spoke, both stating that they were seeking reelection.