RIVERTON BOROUGH

Southland Times, Issue 20949, 5 December 1929, Page 13

RIVERTON BOROUGH

MONTHLY MEETING OF COUNCIL. (From Our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the Riverton Borough Council on Monday evening was attended by the Mayor (Dr N. G. Trotter), Councillors J. O. Hymera, R. J. Walker, G. L. Dickson, J. A. Martin and A. E. Willett. Correspondence.

The Department of Health, Dunedin, drew attention to the present state of the cemetery, and suggested the placing at a convenient place a board for the mixing of concrete; also that a quantity of sand and gravel be removed from the footpaths. The clerk stated that the Cemetery Committee had complied with the requests of the Department. The same Department wrote in regard to the public conveniences in the borough, and asked that certain improvements be effected, failing which the Department would bring the matter before the Board of Health. A further communication commented on Shrewsbury street, South Riverton, and the absence of a proper drainage system. As the residences were close together the letter stated that better arrangements were necessary. The Department trusted the council would carefully consider the question, and added that a comprehensive drainage system should be adopted in South Riverton. Councillor Walker said the letter was not very clear. As far as he could ascertain the conveniences were in good order and the contractor kept them clean. The Department evidently wanted more up-to-date ones erected. . Councillor Martin moved that the Sanitary Committee be empowered to do what was necessary as regards the conveniences, and the Department be informed that the drainage in Shrewsbury street would receive attention when money was available. Mrs W. Smyth and Mr A. Mills asked for permission to remove the pinus insignus trees growing near the properties, South Riverton, as they blocked the view and shut out the sun. —Left to Property Committee.

Mr Irwin Cloughley, South Riverton, asked for the right to graze sheep on the recreation ground, and offered 10/- for the privilege.—Agreed. Mr F. J. Ashley, secretary Riverton Regatta Committee, asked for the use of the wharf on Boxing Day. He also asked the council to prohibit the parking of the cars on same day along Bay Road and from bridge up to Aparima Hotel.—lt was resolved to grant the requests, and the inspector was instructed to have notices placed in places mentioned warning motorists accordingly. Mr J. C. Templeton forwarded a lengthy communication with regard to access to his properties in South Riverton. Cr. Willett said to carry out what the writer suggested would mean a considerable outlay, and at present the council was not in a position to do so. Both streets lead to a dead end. He advocated deferring consideration in the meantime. Cr. Dickson stated that work should be carried out on one of the streets if funds would not permit improving the two—John and George streets. The distance was about seven chains. Cr. Martin said an effort should be made to effect some improvement; if both roads wpuld bo too costly to form and repair, then why not turn their attention to the one which would benefit the greater number of ratepayers ? It was eventually decided that the Works Committee visit the locality and bring forward a report. The secretary, Southland Electric Power Board, wrote in reply to the council’s letter regarding the appointment of a local representative to collect the rates, and stated that nothing could be done in the meantime, but further consideration would be given to the request early in the year. The board also wrote with reference to 10 per cent, charge on overdue rates. The Public Trust Office advised that the necessary transfer had been completed regarding the Harbour Board’s property, and everything was now in order. The Southland Employers’ Association asked the council to forward £3 3/-, being their share of costs in a recent dispute.— Left to the clerk. , Other Business. Cr. Willett, as representative on Southland League, reported as to what had been done at the meeting recently held at Queenstown, and he was thanked for his interesting report. On behalf of the Works Committee Cr. Willett stated that general surfacing work had been carried out during the past month. The protective fence on the hill, South Riverton, had been completed, and a good, job had been made. The top rail, however, required painting and he asked that this be done to preserve the wood. Herbert street had been graded, and when gravelled it should be in good order for some time to come. The committee had not yet commenced improving Joyce’s road, North Riverton, but a start would be made early in the year. The surfaceman from now on would be engaged on the main thoroughfares, and a general clean up would be made before the holidays.—The report was adopted. Cr. Hymers drew attention to the present condition of the wharf. Repairs were necessary, he said, and if no funds were available it would be advisable to close it and post notices warning the public that it was unsafe. The Regatta Club might assist them if it were approached. The piles appeared to be in good condition, but the beams were completely done. If they intended doing anything in the way of repairs, a start would have to be made almost immediately; if not he advised closing it altogether so as to guard against accidents. Cr. Martin said he had made a visit of inspection, and from the estimates he had gathered the work of repairing would cost approximately £lB. He had been given to understand that the expenditure of the sum- mentioned would be sufficient for what was required, and no further outlay would be necessary for a year or so. In reply to a question the club stated that the wharf was erected in 1881; the beams were gone, and the council’s funds at present would not permit of anything in the way of heavy expenditure. It was decided on the motion of Crs. Hymers and Walker to leave the question of repairs to the Harbour Committee with power to act, cost of same not to exceed.£lB. Cr. Hymers said the wire baskets for the holding of surplus papers, etc., had arrived some time back, and were still in the storeroom. He moved that they be placed in different parts of the town before the holidays commenced.—Carried. . A Deputation. Mr James Reed waited on the council and asked it to favourably consider his request for 'improving the road running past his property at the southern end of Milton street, South Riverton. He stated that he had leased his property, and as there were three families living in the vicinity with children going to school, he hoped some formation and gravelling work would be carried out so that they could get over the road dry footed during the wet weather. The whole cost, of the work should be about £2O. As regards the other portion of the street on the northern end, it had been formed and a certain amount of metal placed thereon. It required gravelling and the council had promised to do this long ago, but the promise had not yet been fulfilled. Cr. Willett said he would promise, on behalf of the Works Committee, to place seven or eight yards of gravel on the part recently formed, but as regards the other work asked for by Mr Reed, they could not do anything at present.