WAITARA NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1926, Page 10

WAITARA NEWS.

BOROUGH COUNCIL AFFAIRS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Waitara, Sept. 10. The monthly- meeting of the aitara Borough ‘Council was lield on Wednesday evening, Hie Worship the Mayor presiding, Apologies were received for the absence of Crs. Wakely- and George. Mr. C. F. Dowsett notified the council that the specifications for tar grouting the main read had been prepared and tenders for the work could he gone on with. He also stated the Clifton CountyCouncil had granted him permission to supervise the work. The Mayor said that the sub-commit-tee had not met yet, but would do so as soon as possible and tenders would be called. Six-£lOOO debentures for the tar-seal-ing loan was received from the. Public Trustee for signature. Thy Mayor and clerk were authorised to sign and affix the council's seal. The Department, of Internal Affairs, acknowledging the councils letter regarding river erosion, stated that- the matter had been passed on to the Public Works Department as it did not come under their jurisdiction. The municipal association’s solicitor advised that under the Municipal Corporations Act, the council might construct and maintain, within or without the borough, any works necessary to prevent danger from floods of rivers or streams, or from encroachment by the sea. He considered the council’s ease mentioned came within the Act and that by giving the power to do the work, the Aet also, by necessary inference, gives power to spend money thereon. The fact of the. river being a tidal one, the solicitor stated, made no difference. If, on the other hand, the protection was desired the harbour, then the work might be undertaken by the harbour board at its expense. In the alternative the council could apply to the Government for a grant for the work. Fending advice from other sources, no action was taken in the mar-rer. It was decided to write to the AuditorGeneral for permission to expend the proceeds of the sale of a portion of West Quay as was considered advisable by the council. The Railway- Department wrote accepting the council’s offer of half cost (£l6) towards draining the cattle yards at the station, Mr. W. Draper asked the council if they would consider the disposal of the trees on the Recreation Ground. If so he would be prepared to purchase.—The matter was held over until a full meeting of the council. It was decided to support the Stratford Progress League in the matter of a combined deputation to wait on the Prime Minister with a view of urging that a considerable sum be placed on the 10*27 Estimates for the StratfordMain Trunk railway. It was decided that the trees in Broadway, receive attention and that the matter be left in the foreman’s hands. The policy- of the council in carting its own stone from the beach was discussed. Cr. Hine considered at Ils per yard it would be cheaper to procure metal from the contractors. The cost of keeping one horse was very high and could be very well disposed of.—The matter was left in the hands of the Mayor to interview the foreman. Overdue accounts were left in the Mayor’s and clerks hands to take action if necessary, Cr. Taylor considered that the revaluation of the borough should be expedited. It was 15 years since it was done and he considered the council was losing £lO9O per year in revenue owing to a number of properties being underrated. He moved that the Valuer-Gen-eral be asked to have the borough revalued as soon as possible. Cr. Hine did not agree with Cr. Taylor and said it was ridiculous to state that the council was losing £lOO9 a year. If the borough was re-valued there would be a bigger outcry than at pre-, sent. Ur. Taylor’s motion was seconded and carried. Tiie electrical engineer reported that the plant was operating satisfactorily. He gave a resume of installation and applications for lighting in hand. He could not recommend a street light in Cracroft Street as this would be too costly, but suggested the erection of white railings at the danger spot, which would give a reflection from tiie nearest street lamp. Cr. Spurdie stated it was found that the cost would be £l5 and the position would not warrant the expense. He also stated that the electric light committee could not recommend the purchase of a lorry for the engineer on account of expense. The report was adopted. The borough overseer reported that five mains had been repaired and two water services laid. Fire plugs had been inspected and two new indicators had been removed by- some wanton person. Two building permits were issued and six drivers’ licenses had been granted. Two speed limit boards had been erected at the borough boundaries. It was decided to instruct the inspector to take , action against offenders who do not observe the law in regard to silent policemen. The matter of repairs to the borough pound was’ left to-the works committee. GENERAL ITEMS. At the Red Cross meeting on Wednesday- evening Dr. E. S. Fossey was the recipient of a travelling rug with a monogram a, 5 a token of appreciation for the services he had rendered to the society-. The Rev. G. ”H. Gavin made the presentation on behalf of those present, Dr. Fossey- suitably replying. The final game of the season in connection with the North Taranaki Card Association was held at Lepperton on Thursday evening when'Waitara defeated Tikorangi by 26 game* to 25. The Waitara team have gone through without a loss and have annexed the shield. At the invitation of the Lepperton chib a social was afterwards held. Mr. Mellin, president of the association, presiding. During the evening the president handed the shield to Mr. F. Patten, the captain of tiie Waitara team.-Supper was provided and an enjoyable evening wa« spent in song and story, the accompaniments being played liv Mr. W. Ackland.