PUBLIC CONVENIENCES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144145, 15 July 1913, Page 6

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES.

A VEXED QUESTION. AGAIN BEFORE THE COUNCIL. At tho Borough Council meeting on Monday night there was a further discussion with reference to tho proposal to erect public conveniences in Brougham Street, and as on former occasions tho argument went to show that tiie council is very divided on the question, not only of site, but also as to whether they aro actually required at tho present time. The question was introduced by Councillor Collis, who, in accordance with notice of motion, moved: “That the resolution passed by tho council on September U, 11)12, authorising tho construction of public conveniences in Brougham Street bo and tho same is hereby rescinded.” In support of his motion Councillor Collis emphasised the fact that at a previous meeting of tho council tho Mayor himself ha<l suggested another site to that which had already been agreed upon and'that in •itself was sufficient ground for reconsidering die whole question. Tlie Mayor: Yes, but I have changed my mind again since then. Councillor Collis: Then that is a double reason, your Worship, why tin) question should be re-opened and reconsidered.

Councillor Manuix seconded tho motion..

The Mayor explained that when at a previous meeting ho had suggested that the site of the conveniences might bo in the centre of Brougram Street ho was under the impression that the 1 street was 39 feet wide, hut now ho found that it was only 33 feet. Therefore lie was satisfied now that the street was not wide enough for the conveniences to he constructed in the centre of the roadway and had therefore gone hack to the original site adopted,, viz., the side of the footpath. Councillor Maunder suggested that Councillor Collis add to his motion the following words: “And that the matter be referred back to tho Works Committee for further consideration.” Councillor J. Clarke considered Councillor Collis should have brought forward some stronger argument in favour of 4us_motion, and an alternative proposition. Councillor Collis said ho had always been and was still of tho opinion that tho septiv tank site was the best for theso conveniences. It was central, and convenient, and would not bo a source of annoyance to anyone. It had on several occasions, he continued, been stated that the conveniences were required not so much for the townspeople as tho country people coming into town.

Tho Mayor said it had never been tho intention of the council to provide a structure merely for the convenience of country people who visited tho town, principally on Saturdays. Councillor Collis said it had been stated at a former meeting of the council that the convenience was principally for tho use of the country 'people. Councillor Clai’ko remarked that in this connection his definition of country people would also include those people residing in the suburbs of tho borough.

Councillor Ambury supported the motion, and advocated a site in King Street at tho roar of tho Theatre Royal. The,Mayor remarked' that these sites mentioned wore considered and ho asked that a report of tho engineer, dated January, 1911, bo read. The report expx-essed the engineer’s opinion tlxat tho most suitable site was in Brougham Street on tho eastern side.

Councillor Ambury pointed out that at that timp the main sewer in King Sti’cet had I not been laid, and asked the engineer if ho considered the site to bo obtained in tlxat locality was not quite as central and convenient as tlxo Brougham Street one. The engineer replied in the negative, but said it would cost no more.

Councillor Kibby contended that tho town was large enough for public conveniences, and that being so they should bo erected, and, in a conspicuous place, too. At the game time he was not desirous of injuring anyone. Councillor Hcaly stressed the urgency of providing conveniences, and said the town was very much behind tho times. Tho conveniences at the rear of tho Town Hail were not fit for a Maori pah. Tho now conveniences should bo put along tho line of the greatest traffic. Councillor Wilson said tho town was not big enough to go in for public conveniences on tho linos proposed, and further tho council had to watch very carefnlfy at tho present time the state of its finances. Tho Mayor: This work is provided for in the estimates. Councillor Wilson: You provide for tho actual cost of the building but not for anybody to look after it. The Mayor: Wo anticipate that tho revenue will provide for that. Councillor Wilson: Thou I am afraid you will be very much disappointed. I oppose this expenditure because I do not think that it is warranted, and in the present state of our finances we had better leave thv money free for other urgent works. Councillor Johnstone agreed entirely with what Councillor Wilson had said. People would not use these places if they could avoid it, and the consequence was they must not expect much revenue from it. With regard to Councillor Healy’s remark about the town being behind tho times in tliis respect, ho challenged him to mention a town of the size of New Plymouth that had such conveniences as proposed. In any case the thing they should aim at iu a thing of this kind was privacy, but to put it in a narrow street would bo preposterous.

Councillor Hoaly thought there was no doubt about tho revenue. Councillor Collis said thoro had boon no arguments brought forward that should prevent tho resolution being rescinded. Ho contended that tho site ho had mentioned was a (better ono than that agreed upon. The notice of motion was lost, a show of hands showing tho voting to bo as follows: —Ayes; Councillors Johnstone, Collis, Ambury, Maiinix, Tabor and Wilson. Noes: Tho Mayor, Councillors Kibby, Jackson, Hoaly, J. Clarke, A. Clark and (Maunder.

Councillor Hoaly desired to move that the work Ik> proceeded with at once, hut Councillor Wilson rose to n point of order, Which was upheld, and tho discussion then ended.