BOROUGH COUNCIL

Southland Times, Issue 20205, 16 June 1927, Page 8

BOROUGH COUNCIL

(Continued from yesterday’s issue.) OFFICIAL REPORT OF ACTIVITIES. PUBLIC BATHS, CONON STREET. Negotiations in connection with the acquisition of the site in Conon street having been concluded, the area on which it was proposed to erect the Baths was separately valued at £1,250 and the balance of the cost of the land viz., £1,228 was charged against the general account so that all the land between the building and Tay street, belongs to the general fund. It will be remembered than on election day, 1925, (April 29) the proposal to raise £3,500 for completing the Baths was rejected. In 1925, the architect was instructed to complete the plans and specifications as originally intended and to call tenders for the constructional work exclusive of drainage, tiles and mechanical equipment. ■ Eight tenders were received in May, 1926, ranging from £13,748 to £lB,OOO and were all declined as the lowest tender was higher than the funds available. The architect was then asked to submit an amended proposal so as to reduce the cost within the amount available. During July, 1926, power was given under the Relief of Unemployment Act, 1926, to raise a loan for that purpose by special order without taking a poll and it was immediately decided to include £2,000 in the loan schedule for excavation, drainage, laying of pool and general preparation of the Conon street site. A further sum of £1,500 having been donated by the Southland Rugby Football Union out of the profits of an art union towards the cost of completing the Baths, brought the total funds available up to £lB,OOO. It was then decided to carry out the work by day labour and Mr T. T. Clark was appointed to the position of builder. Work was commenced on August 23, 1926, and continued satisfactorily until the middle of April, 1927, when delay in delivering the roof iron work compelled its suspension in the meantime. Shortly afterwards, it was found upon going into the financial position, that when commitments were included, the funds would not be sufficient to complete the work, £2,000 more being required. GEORGETOWN RECREATION RESERVE. Two hundred and fifty-four pound was expended during the year on this playing area in levelling, draining and construction of tennis cqurts. ADDITIONAL DANGEROUS GOODS AREA. Under the authority of a Bill, an area south of Spey street and west of the Railway Reserve has been surveyed into twelve half-acre sections available as sites for dangerous goods stores. Particulars as to leasing can be obtained on application. The new street running south from Spey street through this area was named Mersey street. PETROL SUPPLY INSTALLATION FOR CORPORATION DEPARTMENTS. A “Milwaukee” plant was installed at the tramways yard, Leven street, at a cost of £llO, which supplies all corporation vehicles with petrol at a fractional profit over cost. MUNICIPAL THEATRE. For the first time since 1921, this department shows a deficit on the year’s working. The expenditure (£3,201) is apparently within the estimate (£3,353), but as the weather-proofing of the western wall was not done, for which £175 was provided, the estimate was in reality exceeded by £23. Reduction of revenue is the cause of the deficit being £360 short of what was expected, and £541 less than the previous year. This is partly due to the competition of new halls for dances, etc., and partly to fewer theatrical bookings. Various causes can be assigned for the latter. The outstanding one, is, without doubt, the lack of a more regular and frequent Melbourne-Bluff steamer service. The nettresult is that the year commenced with a credit balance of £443 and finished with a

Included in the visiting companies were:— English Futurists, Argyll and Sutherland Band, Miss Muriel Starr, Joseph Cunningham’s English Comedy Company, J. C. Williamson’s attractions being Aladdin Pantomime Company, Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and the Maurice Moscovitch

(To be continued daily.)

deficit of £172. Theatre. Visiting and local companies Pictures 1926-27 1925-26 .. 54 .. 259 81 232 Totals .. 313 313

Dramatic Company. Victoria Hall. 1926-27. 1925-26 Concerts, bazaars, dances, etc 33 59 Pictures 54 81 Totals 87 140