TROUBLE WITH DRAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1935, Page 16

TROUBLE WITH DRAIN

WAITARA COUNCIL DISCUSSION. COST OF TOWN BRIDGE REPAIRS. The efficiency of drains conveying surplus water from the vicinity of Nelson Park was the subject of considerable discussion at the monthly meeting of the Waitara Borough Council last night. Those present were the Mayor (Mr, J. Hine) and Councillors E. A. George, H. Wakely, L. H. Sampson, W. Middleton, T. Taylor and H. Spurdie. An inspection had been made of drains near Nelson Park following Mr. Kirby’s complaint, reported the works committee. The Mayor made a verbal report concerning tile position regarding the drainage in that locality. He considered the placing of six-incli pipes along the complete length of the drain would solve the difficulty and that the present pipes should be scoured by a jet of water. Formal notice will be given to the three property owners concerned to have their pipes cleared and made of a uniform size.

The Mayor also reported that notice had been served on another ratepayer to clear his drain and this had been done, but whether it was sufficiently clear was for the works committee to decide. If further clearing was necessary the council had power to ensure that it was done.

Five ratepayers or householders living in Blake Street between Cameron and High Streets, petitioned the council for a better road, the formation of a footpath and the moving of a street light to make it shine down Cameron Street as well as Blake Street. The requests were referred to the works committee and the electric light committee with power to act. Mr. P. Keller, district engineer of Public Works, advised that the estimated cost of lifting the town bridge and replacing the damaged pier, including supervision, was £3400, of which the council’s share would be £B5O. So far the work was being done for much less than the estimated cost and should no unforeseen contingencies arise it was expected the work would be completed well below the £3400 quoted. It was desired that the council should pay in either the whole of its estimated contribution or a reasonable amount, £4OO being suggested. It was decided to pay in £4OO. The organisers of' the Golden Treasure art union forwarded £4, the councils share of the profits, to be applied to the relief of distress. Mr. L. O. Hooker wrote urging support of the health stamp campaign to provide funds for health camps. * Was any balance-sheet received concerning the application of revenue from such campaigns, asked Cr. Middleton. The stamps were purchased through the post office, explained the clerk, Mr. A. J. It was decided to purchase health stamps during October and November. The council decided it could not accede to Mr. J. Barras’ request for employment. ■ - REQUEST FOR STREET LIGHT. Five residents of the district for a street light to be placed at the intersection. of Broadway and Cameron Street. There was no light nearby and'the fact that the unformed roadway was higher than the footpath in the vicinity made walking difficult, it was stated in support of the application. The matter was referred to the electric light committee. Mr. R. Rothery asked that the council staff should be instructed to asphalt for him a car-washing section when the tootpath in McLean Street was tar-sealed. He was prepared to pay for the work, he said. The question was referred to the works committee. : . The works committee recommended in its report that unemployed labour should be utilised in forming the footpath in High Street between Cracroft Street and Mould Street. The metal on the roadway to the Camp Reserve had been partly sealed to prevent scour. With regard to the request for the lowering of pipes through properties in Brookes Terrace, it was suggested that property owners should fill the low-lying places so that the council could deal with the surface water. Cinders would be placed on the path to Mr. L. Sampson's residence as soon as cinders were available, stated the report. It was recommended that no work should be done to the roadway to Mr. P. Taylor’s property until the weather improved.

The report was adopted. Councillor Taylor suggested that the section of High Street from Broadway west should be remetalled. Tire matter had already been discussed by the works committee, said the Mayor. After rain water was always lying in Parris Street near the corner of Cracroft Street, said Cr. Sampson. The matter would be put right by lowering pipes across the intersection. Tire question was referred to the works committee. Reports on routine work were received from the borough foreman, the waterworks overseer and the rangerand poundkeeper.