BOROUGH OF PATEA

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1934, Page 10

BOROUGH OF PATEA

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER VISIT. NO ALTERATION POSSIBLE. Advice was received at the Patea Borough Council’s monthly meeting last night that as the Taranaki itinerary of the Duke of Gloucester had already received Royal approval no departure could be made from it and no stay at Patea could therefore be made. Special arrangements for transport to the nearest centre were being made to permit children and others to see the Duke. The health inspector asked that the borough engineer, Mr. Cunningham, be permitted to make a house-to-house inspection and submit a report on the fittings. The request was complied with. Advice was received from the Public Works engineer at Stratford, Mr. P. Keller, that the Main Highways Board would be visiting Patea shortly, when matters needing consideration could be submitted by the council.—A deputation consisting of the Mayor and Crs. Naismith and Christensen will meet the Highways Board when it is hoped an opportunity to discuss Beach Road will be given.

An inspection of premises storing explosive and dangerous goods had been generally satisfactory, it was reported. The Mayor of Temuka, Mr. A. W. Buzan, wrote expressing regret that insufficient support had compelled him to drop the proposal to hold a conference of local body representatives at Wellington to discuss unemployment matters.

The secretary of the business men’s committee wrote asking permission to hold a Christmas carnival and open-air pantomime in the main street on Christmas Eve, and further that the water tower be illuminated. A grant towards the expenses of the carnival from the council was solicited. The engineer stated that last year much of the illumination was made possible by the use of borrowed material, which could not be repeated. The engineer was instructed to do his best with material available. Mr. G. Hurst submitted a list of signatures from beach residents whose premises would be wired if an extension line was erected to supply power from the council’s mains.—lt was decided to build the extension line and reticulate the beach area, the residents being required to have their premises ready for supply as soon as the line is completed. The secretary of the Patea Women’s Institute advised that the institute desired to stress the urgent need for a rest room at Patea and assuring the council of the hearty co-operation of the Patea, Kakaramea and Opaku Women’s Institutes and the Alton-Kakaramea branch of the W.D.F.U.—The Mayor and councillors Christensen and McKenna were authorised to represent the council and meet representatives of the organisations named.

It was decided to congratulate Mr. W. Amon regarding his new appointment and to express regret at his departure. Satisfaction was expressed with regard to the council’s financial position when the second quarterly statement was tabled.

The building inspector (Mr’. C. J. Gardiner) submitted plans of two new shops it being decided that full specifications should be prepared and tabled at the next meeting of the council. Cr. F. Naismith, streets supervisor, reported that in Dorset Street and the main street pot holes were tar-sealed. Leicester Street was patched with pit metal and Beach Road water-tabled and patched. In Rutland Street the hedge at the edmer had been cut back. Stumps at the reserve were being shifted as requested. The engineer, Mr. J. O. Cunningham, reporting on the electricity, water and drainage departments for October, stated that at the hydro station the new screens were installed during the month without emptying the dam, but a raft had to be constructed to do this. The new tunnel entrance was completed, and all woodwork painted. The Diesel set was not run other than to ensure of everything being in good order. The supply from the bulk source was continuous with one exception. The f jures for the month, with those for the same month last year in parentheses, were:—Hydro, 15,966 (12,120); Diesel, nil (nil); bulk, 28,358 (26,037); total, 44,324 (38,157); increase, 6167 units. The units sold as shown by meter books showed an increase to date of 16.5 per cent. Two additional lighting points and three additional heating points were added to the system, and one ice-cream machine installed. Twenty street brackets were removed and reconditioned brackets erected. Complaints of radio interference had, in the past, been traced to probable faults in this direction. Two additional heating meters were installed. Approximately 1,370,600 gallons of waterwere pumped for a consumption of 3916 units, compared with 1,023,000 gallons and 3412 units for the same month last year, an increase of 504 units and 347,600 gallons.