PATEA BOROUGH AFFAIRS

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1933, Page 10

PATEA BOROUGH AFFAIRS

COUNCIL’S MONTHLY MEETING. PRESENTS FROM NGARAURU. The monthly meeting of the Patea Borough Council was attended by the Mayor (Mr. F. Ramsbottom) and Crs. C. R. Honeyfield, A. T. Christensen, F. Naismith, T. J. Scott, F. McKenna and J. I Haworth. In reference to conversion of the coun- | cil’s loans, the Public Trustee wrote ; stressing the need for a sinking fund. The town clerk (Mr. L. W. Austin) explained that it had been suggested that 31 new debentures would be issued, instead of the 311 at present. Authority for the conversion of the loan had been applied for. Permission was granted to the engineer (Mr. J. O. Cunningham) to attend the conference of the Electric Supply Authority Engineers’ Association to be held at Wellington on September 25 and 26. In stating that the matter would be brought before the counties’ conference, the Manakau County Council wrote thanking the council for its support in the matter of the payment of rates on Crown lands. The question would be fully discussed at the conference on September 26. The letter further stated that of the local bodies written to by the Manakau Council, 25 per cent, had replied giving amounts of rates owing on Crown lands, and these amounted to £151,600. Repairs to the roof of the Town Hall were discussed, the Mayor pointing out the leaks that had appeared recently. It was stated that the sea air caused fairly quick deterioration of iron roofs, and it was agreed repairs should be done immediately. The engineer was complimented on the manner in which he had cleared the borough yard and had the sheds erected. It was decided to-ask for a guarantee for the growth of trees planted in the drive at the cemetery. The streets supervisor, Cr. Naismith, reported that the trench and fencing were ready for the planting of the trees. After perusing quotations from several firms, the council decided to hold over, the matter of covering the floor of the supper room in an endeavour to deaden the sound for those working downstairs.

Upon being told that the council paid the librarian’s salary from the. rents received from the old library building, Cr. McKenna said he thought there should be more knowledge of the administration of library matters by the council.. Four councillors were appointed to the library committee, but at present there were only three, these not having been elected by the present council. Cr. Haworth was elected as the fourth. Cr. Scott agreed with Cr. McKenna that some knowledge of the working of the committee should be held by the council, even if only a report was submitted on financial questions.. Cr. Christensen, chairman of the committee, said there were 3500 ; books on the library shelves, and the annual subscription was 10s a year, the lowest library subscription in the Dominion. No action was taken.

Unemployment matters were discussed. The clerk reported that the five shillings unemployment levy for each unemployed man was being paid by funds from the Mayor’s relief fund, in addition to seeds being procured for those men wishing to cultivate their gardens. A list had been obtained of seeds wanted by the men, but some of their requirements were too large. One had asked for 31b. of pea seeds, another for a hundred of potatoes and a hundredweight of manure, while still another had included 17 varieties of vegetable seeds' on his list. Recollections of the unveiling of the memorial to Turi were brought to the councillors’ minds by the presence of the picture, “The Arrival of Turi at Patea,” presented to the council oh behalf of the Rauru tribe by Rima Whakarua. The picture was hung in a prominent position in the council chambers. Discussion took place, on where to hang to the best advantage the collection of beautiful mats, spears and paddles presented with the picture. Unique perhaps in the Dominion, the council chambers now present an interesting view. Photographs of pioneer Mayors of Patea hang side by side with these relics of Maori tradition and life, and tend to emphasise the tie between pakeha and Maori. A letter of thanks from the council is to be sent to Rima Whakarua for his tribe’s valued and beautiful gift.

HAWERA DISTRICT NOTES. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETS. A full attendance of members of the Mokoia School Committee was presided over by Mr. W. J. Marsh on Monday evening. The teacher, Mr. H. S. Kibblewhite, reported that the roll number was 37, and the average attendance for the month 35.1. Visits had been paid to the school by Messrs. T. J. Griffin and *G. x’ascoe, and both reported very favourably. Sickness had been responsible for the term examinations being held a little later than usual. The committee’s efforts with regard to the installation of electricity in the school and schoolhouse had at last been rewarded, and both buildings were now reticulated.

HAWERA OPERA HOUSE.

JOAN CRAWFORD FILM TO-NIGHT. “To-day We Live,” one of the most eagerly-awaited films,- will be shown at ' the Hawera Opera House finally to- ; night. It is an extremely interesting picture in that it is a representation of war- ' time England from' an American point of view. It is interpreted by a distinguished cast of American actors, who, with one exception, represent English characters. Joan Crawford, brilliant actress of “Grand Hotel,” Gary Cooper, Robert Young and Franchot Tone have the principal roles. Concerning their performances in the film, a critic wrote: “ ‘To-day We Live’ is an achievement in film-making, because in essentials it is taken from a gripping story of England’s youth treating death with laughing defiance. Franchot Tone is spendid as the commander of a speedboat which is - hurled through the seas to deal torpedo destruction to German ships. This sequence is absolutely magnificent, filling the spectators with excited admiration. Robert Young gives a sterling portrait as the second in command, but Tone is simply grand.” Gary Cooper is equally good as a young American who joins the Royal Air Force, while other well-known players in the i cast are Louise Closser Hale and Roscoe ' Karns. Seats may be reserved at Miss ] Blake’s.