OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20613, 11 October 1928, Page 3

OTAUTAU NOTES

TOWN BOARD. (From Our Correspondent.) The first meeting of the newly-elected Town Board, held on Monday evening, was attended by Messrs Chisholm, Chandler, Harrington, Fraser, Wesney and Brown. Nominations for the position of chairman were invited by the clerk, only one being received, that of Mr. W. J. Wesney (late chairman) he being unanimously re-ap-pointed. It was resolved to record a minute of appreciation of the services rendered the board by the retiring commissioners, Mrs Cuppies Messrs R. Scatter, F. H. Hill and M. C. Mclvor. Special mention was made by the clerk of the unique term of office of Mr. Scatter, who had first joined the board in 1896, and with the exception of four years, had been a member ever since. He had served the board well, and he would like to see some recognition from the ratepayers for his long and faithful services.

On behalf of the Works Committee, Mr. Wesney reported that Grey and Kendal streets had been gravelled and the timber for the King Street footbridges was on the ground. The Esplanade had been widened and the culvert extended, several residents having contributed to the cost of the latter work. —Approved. It was decided that the following recommendations made by the foreman be carried out: Concrete culverts to replace defective wooden one in main street, North Otautau, from the bridge to Laing’s and to put maintenance gravel on main street north. The following sub-committees were ap-. pointed: Works, Messrs Brown, Chisholm and Fraser; building, Messrs Fraser and Chisholm; hall, Messrs Wesney and Chandler; finance, all members present at any finance committee meeting; signing officers, the chairman, one member and the treasurer. Mr. Fraser was appointed acting chairman. The clerk was authorized to forward letters of thanks to those who contributed to the cost of the Esplanade culvert. In response to a request from Alex. Thompson and Son, regarding a camping ground for motorists and picnic parties, the clerk was directed to advise that the Recreation ground was available for that purpose. Mr. G. O. Cassels secretary, Wallace Hospital Board, advised that a new maternity annexe, at a cost of £2500 was being added to the hospital, and that no extra rate for payment of interest and sinking fund would be imposed.—Received. Mr. Cox, secretary of Otautau Dandies, asked the board to assist in connection with the concert in aid of scenery funds of the Town Hall.—Messrs Brown and Chandler were apopinted to assist in the ticket office. ■The request of J. King for a refund of proceeds of horse in the pound, amounting to £3 17/6, was granted. The following approved grants for street work were forwarded by the chairman of the Main Highways Board: Lieman Street £36 main street maintenance £l2B, and main street tar-sealing £375. The secretary of the Masonic Lodge was granted the use of some of the hall furniture for the annual Masonic ball. Mesdames Gutschlag and Powell asked for some improvements to crossings and water tables.—Foreman to attend to the matter. The County Engineer wrote complaining of the removal of pipes at Yellow Bluff without authority.—The chairman reported the foreman’s explanation, and the steps taken to prevent a repetition of the trouble. The following matters were referred to the Works Committee: —To confer with the contractor re cartage of gravel; to inspect Durham, Queen and Clithewe streets, to report to next meeting, with recommendations for improvements. The following was also referred to the same committee, with power to get the work done: Ellis. Street improvements; Devon Street drain; and deviation of Knutsford Street to King Street drain. Building permits were granted to M. O’Brien for a service station at corner of main and Alderly streets; and Furtune Bros, for bowling pavilion in Rye Street, and dwelling for A. A. Fisher at corner of Main and Durham streets. The application of G. and M. Stearne to effect some alterations to old Town Hall was referred to the Building Committee, with power to act. Band of Hope. The annual social and concert to mark the close of the 1928 season held on Friday evening, was a decided success. There was a large attendance and Mr. John Fisher officiated as chairman. The programme was well up to the standard of former years, and each performer met with a hearty reception. The Otautau school drum and fife band played some selections in front of the ball prior to the concert, and opened the concert programme with a popular selection. During the evening a spirited address was given to the girls and boys by Hon. W. F. Finlayson, this being greatly appreciated. Before supper Mr. Fisher moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Ireland for training the girls for the dances, Mr. Cox for providing the schoolboys’ items, Miss Panting, Mr. Hawthorne, Hon. Finlayson for his address, and the performers.