BOROUGH AFFAIRS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 58, Issue 4194, 9 June 1939, Page 5

BOROUGH AFFAIRS

MEETING OF COUNCIL. GENERAL BUSINESS. The Deputy Mayor, Cr J. C. Montefiore, presided at the fortnightly meeting of the Te Awamutu Borough Council on Thursday evening, and also present were Crs C. J. Spiers, W. J. North, A. C. Brookes, J. Sterritt. L. S. Armstrong and A. Rowan. The town cleik, Mr D. Bockett, and engineer, Mr R. P. Worley, were in attendance. Mr G. A. Gibbs, surveyor, submitted plan of subdivision of part lot 1 of allotment 136 (Donald Macdonald estate), and stated it is proposed to reduce the southern boundary of Raikes’ Avenue to meet the common boundary of lots 1 and 5 as shown on the enclosed plan. This line will'cut off an area of approximately 21 acres, which is to be purchased by Mr Montefiore, the owner of the adjacent sections 2 and 8. The plan should be referred to the Works Committee and the engineer for a report, said Cr Brookes. The chairman: That means a delay for a month or six weeks. And the Centennial Committee is probably going to buy about thirty acres near by. Cr Brookes: Then the application should have been lodged in proper time. It is not fair to rush it on to us. He added that the extension of Raikes’ Avenue was a matter for the future, but it really should be part and parcel of the subdivision. Cr Spiers held similar views, and moved that the plan be referred back. The engineer said that would not be compulsory. He could say the plan complied with all requirements. Cr Brookes commented that the streets had a habit of getting done without waiting for authority, and he did not want that to happen in the present case. The engineer quoted the law and regular practice respecting subdivisions. Cr Brookes considered the one complete scheme should be tabled. Cr Sterritt mentioned the position relating to the centennial park or reserve, and the chairman said that that was indefinite at present. The committee was to hold a public meet-, ing before next Council meeting, and its intentions may be delayed if the plan tabled was not approved at once. Cr Brookes’ motion to refer the plan and application to the Works Committee and engineer for a report was carried. The secretary, Chamber of Commerce, wrote asking to be informed what progress had been made with the suggested provision of a new street to connect Alexandra and Mahoe Streets, and with town planning in general. Cr Brookes: Tell them nothing has been done for lack of funds. The town clerk told of the visit to Te Awamutu of Mr J. W. Mawson, when the attendance to meet him was very small, indicating lack of interest. 1 It was stated that the new street and right-of-way may cost some £3OOO oi’ £4OOO. The Council had no funds and no prospect of being able to finance it. A councillor: There may be, if. the Council could raise a streets loan. The Under Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, advised receipt of intimation that Messrs W. J. North and C. J. Spiers had been appointed Borough Council representatives on the Te Awamutu Fire Board. —Received. The Takapuna town clerk forwarded copy of a resolution passed by his council protesting against the unjust burden of hospital taxation. —Unanimous support was accorded. Mrs Swarbrick, president of the local branch of the Plunket Society, forwarded copy of the national appeal to provide a suitable memorial to the late Sir Truby King, and added: “If the Council as a whole cannot see its way towards making a donation, perhaps individual councillors might care to contribute.”—lt was agreed to contribute £5 ss. Mr G. J. Park, hon. secretary and treasurer of the Crippled Children’s Society, forwarded the annual report and statement of accounts for the Auckland branch, and urged the appointment of a selected local committee in an advisory capacity.—£l Is was voted to the funds. Mr Ira J. Bridger, organising director for the N.Z. Red Cross Society, telegraphed from Auckland suggesting June 23rd for a public meeting in Te Awamutu. —Referred to the town clerk to arrange a suitable date. The secretary, District High School Committee, asked the Council to have that portion of Alexandra Street adjoining the new school asphalted on both sides to the kerb, thus making the road safe and dry for the children.— 1 The Deputy Mayor said that it was really a matter for the Main Highways Board, and the request is to go forward. The Automobile Association, Auckland, advised that the sign posting patrol will shortly be visiting Te Awamutu to erect signs outside the new Intermediate School. —The Association is to be thanked for its prompt service. Messrs R. B. Seabrook, Ltd., asked that a “no parking” sign be placed in front of their Alexandra Street business premises, adding: “At the present time, particularly on sale days, it is often impossible for us to drive cars into our front entrance. On Cr Brookes’ motion, the application was declined, and the traffic inspector will be instructed to deal with vehicles obstructing the entrance. Cr Spiers reported that the committee set up to recommend location of additional street lights in the residential area had chosen 30 sites. The work would go on without avoidable delay—Approved. Cr Spiers referred to Selwyn Park motorists’ camping area, and -said some of the “semi-permanents” had left, having obtained houses, but he regretted to find that their habitations were re-inhabited. This should be forbidden. To a question, the town clerk said the weekly charge was 7s 6d. The caretaker had been quite successful in his collections. Cr Spiers’ recommendation that the caretaker be asked to dismantle any habitations when vacated, was agreed to.

Cr Armstrong referred to the need for improving the building by-laws to ensure that plumbing requirements were adequate for the greater water pressure. He suggested that he be authorised to confer with the health inspector, with a view to recommendations being placed before the Council. He urged avoidance of delay, as the improved water pressure was causing trouble in several homes. — Cr Spiers supported, and the Council agreed. Cr Armstrong urged that those controlling the private right-of-way, off Bank Street and along a boundary of the school ground, should be required to improve it. The overhanging trees made the path wet and dirty all the year round. Cr North said he would not like any of the trees interfered with. He thought a few minutes’ work with a spade would rectify the trouble. Cr Spiers said the roadway was dangerous and improvement was very desirable. The trees in Victoria Park were the cause of the trouble. Cr Rowan: I propose that Cr Spiers be instructed to take an axe and cut them down! Cr North: That is vandalism! Cr Spiers preferred to have the matter dealt with by the Works Committee.