BOROUGH OF WAITARA

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1928, Page 5

BOROUGH OF WAITARA

WORK OF ADMINISTRATION MONTHLY MEETING OF COUNCIL REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS. The monthly meeting of the Waitara Borough Council was held last night. There were present the Mayor (Mr. E. A. George), Councillors H. Spurdie, T. Taylor, L. H. Sampson, T. B. Ewens, J. Hine and H. Wakely. The Mayor welcomed Cr. Ewing back to the council table after his recent illness. The electrical engineer, Mr. G. Osweil Smith, reported that for the four weeks ending September 25 the electrical undertaking had operated satisfactory. As several stormy periods had been experienced, he considered they had been fairly fortunate; apart from one line coming down during the storm on the night of September 8 and several service wires being crossed, no trouble had been experienced, although there had been some narrow escapes due to the lines being struck by lightning. Four installations had been disconnected, while three had been re-connected, and four new connections added to the mains, one including a domestic range, during, the month, which had been an exceedingly busy one for that department. During the month of August, the units registered were 25,490, compared with 21,390 for August, 1927, and 17,200 for the corresponding month of 1926. A fair amount of trouble had been experienced with the street lights during the month, but he believed they were all in order at present. The engineer pointed ■ out that the engines and generators in the old power station were showing signs of neglect at present as the staff had been too busy to keep them cleaned lately. He would like to have the council’s opinion as to whether they were to be kept in order or whether they would eventually be broken. The road foreman reported that during the month the staff had been engaged metalling Cracroft Street between Parriss and McLean Streets. The overseer reported that he had inspected noxious weed areas, septic tanks and buildings. He had drawn attention to the drain from two buildings and this was receiving attention. The public health officer considered it was impossible to grant Mr. Kibby’s request for the installation of a septic tank in his business premises. The ranger reported he had impounded 28 cows and seven horses. ELECTDICAL SUPPLY SHOP. Cr. T. B. Ewens moved in accordance with notice of motion that the minute regarding the closing of the electric supply shop should be recommitted for further consideration. He said the .question of closing the shop, though referred to a full council, had been dealt with during his absence, and he as the councillor responsible for the establishment of the shop was very much interested. He held that the balance-sheet as submitted had shown a profit despite the fact that the shop had to carry £lOO of the engineer’s salary as well as charges that would have been incurred even if the shop were not established. lie .maintained that as long as the shop had not shown a loss it was good business to carry it on, as by the‘sale of necessaries the council encouraged the use of electricity, from which it made a profit. Closing the shop meant that the people of Waitara would have to go to New Plymouth for their electrical requirements and that meant encouraging them to go to New Plymouth to spend their money. The policy of the council should be to encourage people to shop in Waitara. Mr. Ewens held that the shop had justified its twelve months’ trial, and in the interests of ratepayers he appealed to councillors to reconsider the matter. He understood it was proposed to enlarge the office so as to accommodate the stock. The motion lapsed for want of a seconder.

The chairman stated that plans had been received for proposed alterations, but he considered they were too elaborate. Cr. Hine favoured reducing stocks and keeping only necessities. If consumers required any appliance the council could procure it for them. He affirmed that the shop had proved a loss. It was decided to store the’ stock in the office meanwhile. MAINTENANCE OF ROADS. The Main Highways Board forwarded a list of proposed subsidies, showing that the Waitara Borough Council was entitled to 30s for £1 subsidy on an expenditure of £612 in connection with the main highways, and of £6O in connection with the portion of the Tikorangi Road secondary highway within the borough. Estimates of proposed expenditure were requested. A draft resolution necessary to legalise the arrangement under which the Clifton County Council undertook to maintain a portion of Princess Street was forwarded. The resolution was passed. The Waitara Seaside Improvement and Surf-Bathing committee were granted the use of the borough chambers for their meetings in the meantime. The Mayor reported that the works committee had inspected the hillside on the north-easteru side of the bridge where there had been complaints of the danger from slips. To make a big batter would involve the removal of a tremendous quantity of earth, and the roots that were at present holding, the sides. The safer plan seemed to be to leave the cutting as it had stood for 20 years. Cr. Hine favoured putting in a crossing so residents could cross to the other side if they felt there was any danger. Cr. Ewens was of opinion that there was a considerable element of danger in leaving the hill as it was. After further discussion the matter was deferred till next meeting. The Under-Secretary of the Lands Department forwarded the report of the commission which had inquired into matters affecting the rating of farming lands within boroughs. Mr. C. E. Bellringer, M.P.. forwarded a Ministerial statement which promised that legislation on the subject would be introduced next session. Messrs. J C. Rolleston and C. E. Bellringer, M.’s.P., notified that the Minister for Public Works would not agree to add a clause to the Main Highways Amendment Bill so as to provide that local bodies which had bitumenised their roads before the provision of subsidies came into force should be reimbursed. Application by 11. Fletcher for a water connection to his seaside cottage situated within the borough was granted, the council agreeing to find two chains of pipe, the applirant to find rhe balance.