SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC

Taranaki Daily News, 15 September 1927, Page 7

SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC

WAITARA ROOMS DISCUSSED. QUESTION OF FIRE RISK. TVhen the minutes were read at the meeting of the Waitara Borough Council last night, Cr. Ewen took exception to the Mayor ruling his amendment out of order at the last meeting in connection with Herman’s room and also in accepting an amendment after he had spoken in reply. He also considered that under the Municipal Corporations Act, the amendment by Cr. Sampson was out of order insomuch as, being the agent who collected the rent for the. building, he was financially interested indirectly in the matter. Cr, Hine thought it was necessary for a councillor to be directly or indirectly interested in the ownership of the building. Cr. Ewen asked what the chairman’s ruling would be in the future in similar cases. The Mayor: I am going to use my own judgment. Cr. Ewen: I take it with all respect that you cannot use your own judgment.' It is a matter of the rules of debate throughout the British Empire and must be abided by. Cr. Brabant moved that the council proceed with the business aud deal with each matter as it arose. The minutes were then confirmed. Cr. Ewen asked what steps had been taken by the Mayor in regard to securing information as to similar rooms in New Plymouth. The chairman stated that he had done his best to make inquiries into the matter. He found that it was a fact that similar rooms were not. leased by the New' ' Plymouth Borough Council. He was given to understand that safety of the public should be the first ’ consideration and that the Fire Board should see to that. So far they had no aplication for a license before them in respect to the business, and until they had he did not see that they could take any action. He moved that the Fire Board be informed that as no application had been made for a license in respect to the room above Herman’s shop, the council was of opinion that the question of safety in case of fire was one for the Fire Board itself to deal with. Cr. Sampson: Am I liable to another £5O if I record the motion? Cr. Wakely seconded. f "CART BEGORE THE HORSE.” Cr. Ewen opposed the motion. He considered that were placing the cart before the horse. To say that they could do nothing because they had received no application for a license was to put the council in a ridiculous position. They knew that no rooms should be allowed to be let until a license was issued. It was the duty of the council to see that no rooms such as those were let until the owners had applied for and had received a license. The Mayor had rightly said that the safety of the public yas a matter for the Fire Board, but when the latter had reported the council had practically passed a vote of no-confidence in them. At the last meeting, Cr. Hine had cleverly hedged by saying that the room was not let for public purposes, but they had only to go there to see pamphlets regarding dancing classes, etc., while a mock court had been held there. It was common knowledge that the rooms were used for public purposes, and it was ridiculous to say the council aotild do nothing because they had no application before them. They might as well say that if the theatres did not apply they need not be licensed. Ho then moved m nn amendment that the owner of the building bo written to pointing out his liability, and that unless a license be obtained no further meetings might be held in the rooms. The Mayor said the Act said it was unlawful for the rooms to be used. Was the council to prosecute him? Cr. Ewens: The council should do its duty. The Mayor: I would rather see the matter amicably settled. Cr. Ewens; So would I, but I don’t want to see the owners dictate to the council. "SOMETHING BEHIND IT.” Cr. Hine said the"complaint about the rooms did not originate with the Fire Board or the Fire Brigade, but certain members of the council usurped their functions and brought the matter forward. Ito could not conceal from himself the fact that there was something behind this and the local bodies must be careful that they were not drawn into a feud by either party to it. They must be aware that there was an unfortunate feeling in Waitara to-dav.

Cr. Ewens: Does Cr. Hine connect me with any feud? I was the man who brought it, up, and I did so because I considered it my duty In the interests of the public. I considered the council’s duty should be to see that no rooms were let without being licensed, and they cannot be licensed without a report from tlie Fire Board. This was secured, but the council considered it was biassed. Cr. Brabant considered the council and Fire Board should pay attention to the theatres and public lialH. The amendment was not eeeonrtofl. Cr. Ewens: Are you going to sit down and let them defy you? Ths Mayor said he thought the matter could bo amicably settled. Cr. Spurdie said the Fire Brigade had not discussed the matter, but had merely obtained a report from the superintendent and forwarded It. If it were referred to the Fire Board they would meet with the superintendent and owner of the building and report to the council. Cr. Ewen held that the province of the council was not to decided whether the report of the Fire Board was right or wrong, but to act on itThe motion was then put and carried, Cr. Ewens asking that his vote be recorded against it.