BOROUGH MATTERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16379, 4 March 1919, Page 6

BOROUGH MATTERS.

MEETING OP WORKS COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Works Committee of the New Plymouth Borough Council was held at the Municipal Offices on Tuesday evening, the Mayor (Mr. C. H. Burgess) presiding. There were also present: Councillors J. Clarke, J. W. Hayden, F. J. Hill, W. F. Short, W. A. Collis, R. J. Deare, G. W. Browne. The Minister of Public Health wrote acknowledging receipt of a letter with reference to “clean up” weeks, and stating that he had been very greatly impressed with the value of the work being done, and; would probably very shortly issue a circular to the local authorities of Now Zealand on the lines of the suggestions forwarded. It was decided to accede to the request of the Western Park Board and remit sanitation fees charged in connection with the conveniences at the park. Dean M'Kenna wrote that the committee of St. Joseph’s Church considered that the advice of the borough solicitors re liability for rates on stable, car house and motor garage would nullify the principle that a church was entitled to exemption from rates on whatever was “reasonably required” for the efficient working of the church. As was patent, the efficient working of a church postulated regular and systematic visitation of the flock by the pastor, and such visitation would be impossible without a. horse, gig and motor. Now, horse, gig and motor postulate stable, car shed and garage. Eliminate any or all of these and the efficient .working of the- church was rendered impracticable. They felt certain this aspect of the question had not received fuU consideration at the hands of the solicitors. Further, they declined to believe that the council would Tor a moment entertain the idea of putting an obstacle to the efficient working of the church, and they held that the Buildings' mentioned were part and parcel of the efficient working of the church. On these grounds they claimed exemption from rates. — In the discussion which ensued it transpired that one portion of the shed was being let as a garage, and the opinion was expressed, therefore, that the building could not bo exempted from rates. —lt was decided to reply to this effect. Ten ratepayers petitioned the council to fix a street light at the corner of Dartmoor Avenue and Webster Street. —The matter was referred to the Streets Sub-committee.