BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18834, 24 March 1931, Page 12

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

ORDINARY MEETING. An ordinary meeting of the Tlmam Borough Council was held last night. Present —The Mayor (Mr W. Angland), and Councillors J. Todd, A. Kennedy, F. B. Hawkey, M. H. Richards, W. H. Hunt, J. R. Hart, G Benstead, and T. W. Satterthwaite. An apology for absence was received from Councillor F. Chittock. Motions of Sympathy. The Mayor moved a vote of sympathy with the relatives and friends of the late Mr W. D. Revell, whose death occurred through an unfortunate accident on Monday last. He had known Mr Revell for the last twenty-seven years, and he was a most courteous man, possessing great ability—a worthy and esteemed citizen. During the years in which he had known him, Mr Revell had at all times, when required, assisted in any good cause which would be for the better management and advancement of the town. Mr Revell was a member of several Clubs, Committees and Associations, and he referred more particularly to the Caroline Bay Association in which he took the leading part for many years. Whilst president and a member of that Association Mr Revell brought to bear his matured knowledge of business, his leadership of men, planning of operations and wise counsel as to how the proceeds of the Bay Association should be spent for the improvement of Caroline Bay which was now a great attraction to Visitors and a good asset, to Timaru. “Now that he has gone from us and his assistance will be no more, yet the good work which he has done will be a good incentive to other citizens to carry on,” said Mr Angland. The Mayor made reference also to the death of Mr Walter Panton, stating that Mr Panton was a great citizen and was closely connected with some of the important works of the Timaru .Borough Council. Mr Panton was the Council’s architect for the new Borough Council buildings and the library building, and several other important works for the Council. The late Mr Panton was of great assistance to the several Councils as his advice on many important matters was of great value. It was to be regretted that they have lost two of their valuable citizens within the last few weeks whom they could ill-afford to lose, and who would be hard to replace. Motions of sympathy with the relatives of deceased were carried in silence. Omnibus and Electricity Committee. The Omnibus and Electric Power and Light Committee reported as follows: Electricity Consumers* Accounts—The engineer’s suggested methods of handling electricity consumers’ accounts, and the purchase of an addressograph machine, were recommended for adoption. Reticulatlop Alteration, Timaru Government Sub-station Site—Report of the electrical engineer was considered, and his recommendation as to the removal of the line at an estimated cost of £lßl/10/- was recommended for adoption. Omnibus Accident—The omnibus engineer reported as follows:—“I have to report that on Thursday, 26th ult., at 9.55 when the Leyland bus was being reversed out of the garage the back of It collided with the rear of a Ford car standing on the opposite side of the street. Mr George Lamborn was filling the radiator of the Ford at the time and received injuries necessitating medical attention. To minimise the risk of accident at night I propose to have a powerful light erected outside the garage which will be used when buses are leaving the garage.” Consideration of Oil Tenders—These tenders were re-considered and it was resolved to recommend that the previous recommendation of the omnibus engineer be adopted. Petrol Recommended that the engineer’s recommendation that tenders be invited for three months supply of petrol be adopted. Omnibus Service—The engineer recommended, “That on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, unless wet or a large attendance at amusements, the second bus to Highfield be discontinued. By placing the Leyland bus on Highfleld and using a twenty seater on North Street, ample accommodation will be provided for ordinary purposes and will effect a slight saving in wages and running costs.”—Resolved to recommend that the engineer’s recommendation be adopted. Proposed Omnibus and Tram Conference—Letter from the Town Clerk, New Plymouth.—Received. Clause 5 of report of white lines, etc.—Resolved that this work could be given to a suitable unemployed man. Vehicular traffic to and from the Bay—The Traffic Inspector reported as follows:—“Now that the new road to the Bay is completed I strongly recommend that the entrance through the old viaduct be closed to all vehicular traffic and that a gap rail be erected, enabling pedestrians only to use the viaduct as an entrance to the Bay.” This was postponed for further consideration. Dangerous Comer.—The Inspector reported:—“l wish to draw the attention of the Council to the dangerous corner at Stafford and Sarah Streets owing to the position of telegraph pole on the comer making it difficult for vehicular traffic to keep to the correct side of the road when proceeding into Sarah Street. I would suggset that this comer be rounded off and the telegraph pole removed to another position. This would enable the traffic to round the comer with more ease and safety. Complaints have been received by me re this dangerous corner and accidents have occurred on this intersection.”—Resolved to recommend that the Inspectors’ report be adopted. Referring to the purchase of an addressograph, Councillor Satterthj waite said that he did not agree that : the machine should be purchased ! without calling for tenders. Councillor Richards: “Would we get it any cheaper by calling tenders?” The Mayor: “I don’t think so, Councillor Benstead?” Councillor Richards: “Not Benstead.” Councillor Kennedy said that if the machine were purchased, would the staff be lessened at all? Councillor Hart said that the meter readers had been over-worked for years. It had come to a time when such a machine was necessary. Councillor Kennedy considered that if the addressograph was purchased the cost should obviate the cost of some high-paid official. It had been said that the Council buildings were over-run with staff. Councillor Benstead suggested that the matter should be deferred pending the meeting in regard to administrative costs. It was decided to call tenders for the machine. Speaking in regard to the purchase ; of oils, Councillor Hawkey considered j that local agents should be given prej ference if possible. I Councillor Kennedy spoke in supj port of this. Councillor Hart said that the oils ;iad been recommended by the engineer, who had based his opinions on results. It was agreed to refer the matter

back to the Committee for a second time. Councillor Hart objected, stating that the Committee had already considered the matter once. The report, as amended, was adopted. Town Planning Committee. The report of the Town Planning Committee was:— Application from the Atlantic Union Oil Coy., to erect a sign on E. O. Henshaw’s property, Waimataitai:—Resolved that this matter be left to Councillors Benstead and Hart to report to the Council. Sub-division, Part Lot 1 d.p., 5856 Chaucer Street and Otipua Road—The Borough Engineer reported:—“This plan complies with the requirements of the by-law and of the Act in all respects. Chaucer Street being less than 66 feet wide the frontage of the land to that street is set back approximately 8 feet, and I recommend that the plan be approved.”—Resolved to recommend that the subdivision be approved. It was decided not to allow the Atlantic Union Oil Co.’s sign to be erected at Waimataitai. The report, as amended, was adopted. General Committee. Matters dealt with by the General Committee were reported on as follow: — Beverley Road and Perry Street—A deputation waited on the Committee, the spokesmen being Messrs Oxford and Morton in regard to the changing of the name of Perry Street. It was resolved to recommend that the suggestion of the deputation be given effect to, and that Perry Street should revert to being part of Beverley Road and the extension of Beverley Road should be named Beverley Road West, and that the previous resolution, naming part of the road Perry Street be rescinded. Proposed Aerodrome—The following letter was received from the Director of Air Services, dated 27th February, 1931:—“I inspected the grounds at Washdyke and Otipua on Thursday last. The former is obviously the better ground and could be licensed as a Class 2 Aerodrome after a certain amount of levelling had been carried out. At present there are one or two hollows which are a bit too deep for safe landing. The situation of Washdyke is eminently suitable. As regards Otipua, It appears to me that the cost of the work involved in preparing this ground for use as an aerodrome would be prohibitive. The high ground to the north and south will interfere with flying to such an extent that the ground could never be considered suitable for use as an aerodrome. Light aircraft would have no difficulty in making use of this ground, but I presume that it is intended to have an airport suitable for all types, and, for this purpose, I recommend Washdyke or some place other than Otipua.” Water Reticulation for Fire Fighting—The Town Clerk reported:—“On 29th January I brought this matter before the committee stating that in order that the preliminary advertising may be carried out a decision is required as to the term of the loan and whether it is proposed to pay out of the loan the cost of raising it. As regards the term a 10 years’ loan at 53 per cent interest would cost in interest and sinking fund about £940 a year; a 20 year loan would cost about £7OO a year. It is suggested that the cost of raising the loan should be added to the loan; but not the first year’s interest and sinking fund. The Committee referred the matter to the Borough Engineer to report ho wmuch of the estimated £7OBI was required for labour and how much for pipes. The Borough engineer reported that 25 per cent of the work represents labour. The Council adopted the Committee’s recommendation that the report be received. Instructions are now required as to whether the Council’s decision that the question of raising a loan be decided by poll at the municipal elections is to be not acted upon—if so, the decision requires to be rescinded. If a poll is to be taken the preliminary advertising must be forthwith put in hand, and for this purpose a decision arrived at as to the term of the loan etc.” Resolved to recommend that the previous resolution be adhered to and the matter placed before the electors—the term of the loan to be 10 years; the cost of raising the loan to be added to the loan. Letter was considered from Shillitos Limited offering a further 12 ton of Knight-Bevan’s Cement in casks similar to that previously purchased by the Council at the same price, viz., £5/17/6 per ton delivered. Resolved to recommend that the letter be received. Caroline Bay Tearooms—The question of the lease was referred to the Finance Committee to report. Couch for Rest Room—Councillor Benstead handed in a letter from the hon. secretary of the Timaru Women Citizen’s Association forwarding £1 donation towards the cost of a couch for the Ladies’ Rest Room, there being a present no couch in the room. The Town Clerk was authorised to procure a couch at an estimated cost of £3/10/-, and that the Women Citizen’s Association be thanked for the donation. Question of Caretaker of Bathing Sheds—The attendance at the bathing facilities having now fallen off very considerably it was resolved that Mrs Blunt's services be terminated and that Mr Blunt be retained until after the Easter holidays at the ordinary wage rate. Finance Committee. Following is the report of the Finance Committee:— Street Day Collection—Consideration was given to the matter of allocation of days for the forthcoming financial year and it was resolved that the Returned Soldiers’ Association application for a street day on the 24th April should be granted and that the allocation of other days be left to the incoming Council. Daylight Saving—Letter was received from Town Clerk, Nelson, asking that Council support the representations it is making to the Minister for Internal Affairs that daylight saving be continued through the year. Resolved to recommend that the Council does not support the representation but recommends the Government to extend summertime one month. Aero Club expenses, visit of Oscar Garden—Letter was received from secretary, Aero Club, stating that dinner to Oscar Garden resulted in a deficit of £4/13/5, representing nine free tickets, viz.: Mr Garden, Captain Haigh, four press reporters, and three entertainers, and asking if the Council will bear the expense as they have no funds. Resolved to recommend that the Council do not undertake the expenditure. Remission of Rates—Several applications were considered from people In poor circumstances for remission of the 10 per cent penalty incurred through their not paying their rates by due date.—Resolved to hold over consideration of these until the result of the Government's action in ascertained. Caroline Bay Tearooms—The Town Clerk reported that the Council having decided to leave to the next Council the question of erecting new tearooms a decision is required as to what arrangements shall be made, if any, with the present lessee at the expirationon the 30th April,

It was agreed that the incoming licensee should take over furniture and stock in trade at a valuation to an extent not exceeding £SOO and it had been intended that the lease of the new tearooms be offered for tender immediatly the new contract was let In order that there might be continuity in connection with the leasing and the stock in trade. Resolved that Mr Balkie be asked to submit an offer for the tearooms from the date of termination of his lease on 30th April until fresh tenders are called for the next season’s lease.

Borough Insurances —Resolved that tenders be called for Borough insurances for the forthcoming financial year.

Pay sheet and accounts—The following were recommended for payment:— District Fund Account, £25,162/15/7; electric power and light account, £7075/13/3; omnibus account, £2638/0/5. Loans: Caroline Bay Loan 1929 (£6500;, £IO9B/0/10; Waterworks Loan No. 6 (£3100), £7B/1/10; Redruth Drainage Loan 1929 (£4150), ss; Sanitation Loan 1930 (£1875), 7/6; Waimataitai Drainage Loan (£6000), £64/16/8. Referring to the proposed waterworks loan proposals, Councillor Satterthwaite considered that the time was not opportune to go ahead. Although the poll was to go before the ratepayers, he did not think they would entertain it, and the cost of holding the poll *rould be wasted. He moved that the clause be deleted, this being seconded by Councillor Hart. In reply to Councillor Richards, the Mayor said that the proposed drainage work would cost in the vicinity of £7500. If they could afford the work, there might be a possibility of securing the pipes from Nelson. The matter required careful investigation as there was no doubt, that in the areas mentioned the existing pipes had passed their period of usefulness. They should make sure of their grounds, and place the matter in a clear light before the ratepayers.

Councillor Benstead said that three or four years ago an amount was raised for the reticulation of several streets in the present schedule, but the money had been used in areas not included in the schedule at the time. Although he was not in favour of saddling the ratepayers with further expense at present, the matter of improved water supply would have to be faced sooner or later in the interests of public safety. Councillor Kennedy considered that persons living in the area were being penalised with an inadequate water supply. He thought the ratepayers should be given an opportunity of considering an important work. Councillor Hart was of opinion that more information should be secured by the Council. Councillor Benstead, as their representative on the Fire Board might be asked to have tests made by the Brigade so that the Council would be in possession of the true facts.

Councillor Benstead said that the Brigade superintendent had made frequent tests, and the supply was totally inadequate. Councillor Hawkey supported Councillor Kennedy in his request that the matter be placed in the hands of the ratepayers to decide.

Councillor Todd said that now they were on the eve of an election, the time was opportune for securing an expression of opinion from ratepayers. After further discussion, Councillor Satterthwaite’s motion was lost, only mover and seconder voting for it. The Mayor moved, and Councillor Todd seconded:—“That the Council make application to the Loans Board for authority to raise a loan of £4500 for water reticulation for fire fighting, for a term of 10 years at 53 per cent., to be repayable by a sinking fund sufficient to pay off the loan on maturity and secured by a special rate to be made for the purpose.” This was carried, Councillors Hart and Satterthwaite voting against. It was agreed, on the motion of the Mayor, to pay the account incurred by the Aero Club on the occasion of Mr Oscar Garden’s visit to Timaru Councillor Satterthwaite objected. The report, as amended, was adopted. “ Men Want Work.” “The unemployed want work,” said Councillor Satterthwaite, In moving—- “ That the engineer be instructed to put on a suitable number of unemployed on clearing up streets and footpaths in the outer area of the borough.” This was seconded by Councillor Benstead, and carried unanimously. Library Committee. The report of the Library Committee was as follows: - Libraries’ Association Conference— Letter received from the secretary, the Libraries’ Association thanking the Council for the invitation to the Association to hold the annual conference for 1932 at Timaru. ' Heating of the Library—Resolved that a meeting of the sub-committee be held at the conclusion of the next General Committee to go into the matter of heating the library.