BOROUGH MATTERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16725, 28 April 1920, Page 5

BOROUGH MATTERS.

MEETING OF WORKS COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Works Committee of tho New Plymouth Borough Council was held on -Tuesday evening. Councillor W. ..A Collis (Deputy-Mayor) presiding in the unayoldahle absence through sickness of tho Mayor. There wore also present; Councillors .1. W. Harden, F...J. Hill, W. F. Short. . : \ SAXTON’S BUSH. Messrs. Si Percy Smith and W. H. Skinner wrote with reference to,-the proposed reservation tor public -purposes of part of the late Mr. Saxton's estate lately acquired by tho Crown for settlement ol returned soldiers. Having inspected .those parts proposed to be reserved and the surroundings they were of tho opinion that a better choice might bo made for the purpose of reserving tho native forest than tho suggestions outlined on the Government plan or scheme. At present the proposition was to reserve 1(1 acres along the course of the Huatoki River (both sides) and an'additional and separate area of five acres in the forest. Tho 16 acres is mostly open grass, fern and gorse, with a small clump of second growth bush very pretty in itself but ol very limited extent. This open part was well suited for subdividing into two or possibly throe small sections, and it could be occupied at once, fronting as it did a iormed road along which tho town water mains run. The five acres was all standing bush and separated from the 16 acres. It was bounded on three sides by forest-clad sections, the clearing and burning of winch would almost assuredly destroy tho forest in those fWo acres. What they suggested as an alternative was that the 16 acres be given up for settlement, tile five acres retained and an equivalent of tho 16 acres to be all forest bo added to it, thus making 21 acres of solid forest. By doing this a perfect piece of virgin, forest would be preserved for all. time with an avoidance -in a large, measure of tho clanger duo to tho clearing of the forest" sections involved in the present scheme. They felt sure that the Minister of Lands would offer no to tho exchange. This was positively the last opportunity of securing such a fine area of virgin forest land.practically within the borough boundaries and the opportunity must not be missed. Also immediate action was necessary or it might be too lato. The land; was about to be offered and once it was advertised tiro difficulties of amending the nresent scheme would bo exceedingly difficult. Messrs. H. Benton and G. W. Browne, representing the Vogel town Progressive Association and Messrs. J. H. Frethoy and N. Allen, representing the Frankley Road Settlers’ Association, interviewed the committeo in reference to this matter. A general discussion took place and eventually it was agreed that the two associations should convene a combined meeting to discuss tho matter and forward a resolution containing the opinion of the residents generally on the matter, when tho council will act on their behalf. DANGEROUS FOOTBRIDGE.

Mr. M. Jonos wrote drawing attention to tho necessity for repairs to the footbridge across tho Huatoki stream between Carrington Road and Brougham Street. ' The borough engineer wrote that the bridge had received' attention several times during tho last nine months. It was, ho said, nearly past useful service and should be replaced with a concrete culvert. Instructions had been issued to make it as safe as possible. APPLE DAY MART. The Pukekura Park Board was granted permission to erect stalls in Devon Street on Saturday, May 8, for Applo Day. SEA EROSION. Mr. Cook reported that repeated high seas and wind storms had again caused damage in the vicinity of the East End reserve, with tho result that tho band rotunda, was in jeopardy. Ho was taking steps lo protect this. Tho soa had made inroads to the west of the stand whore the swings wore ereced. He had submitted a proposal to Messrs. Biair Mason and Leo, who agreed that great advantage would accrue if a houldor bolster was laid along the toe of tho proto, Lion work, and also if tho outer row 01 boulders wu., hi ought .u

and laid at the rear of the inner row. It was • a difficult matter to estimate the cost, so many factors entering into the work.' hut ho did not think less than £4OO to £SOO would see it completed and with any severe storm it might be more. A committee consisting of Councillors Hill, Hayden and Parkin was appointed, to confer with the borough engineer in the matter. REDUCING THE COST Ob’ LIVING. The Gisborne. Borough Council ashed for support of the following- resolution: .That- flie, .Government bo written to asking them .to -have' the necessary legislation passed this coining session of Parliament giving municipal councils the poWer to deal in commercial enterprises for the purpose of allowing tho public to obtain goods at a reasonable price in order to reduce the cost of living. The letter was received.