WAIMATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19394, 19 January 1933, Page 14

WAIMATE

ELECTRICAL STORM. A most severe electrical disturbance passed over Waimate at about 5.30 yesterday morning, when forked lightning was vividly apparent and heavy thunder peals occurred. The lightning struck a tree near Racecourse Road and splintered it from top to bottom, and several telephone and lighting fuses were blown. Shortly after the commencement of the storm heavy rain began to fall, 40 points being registered in Waimate and 77 points at Waihao Downs. The heavy downpour had the effect of doing considerable damage to grain crops throughout the district. BOROUGH COUNCIL. A meeting of the Waimate Borough Council was held on Tuesday night. Present—The Mayor (Mr G. Dash), and Councillors W. G. Paul, S. I. Fitch, R. H. White, C. T. Hodges, G. F. Richardson, J. i. Hay, A. J. Hoskins, A. W. Good and T. Twomey. Letters were received from Messrs G. Manchester and W. Geddes tendering thanks for motions of sympathy. A copy of the treasurer’s statement of the South Canterbury Hospital Board was received. On the motion of Councillor Fitch, it was decided that the Mayor be asked to represent the Council at the New Zealand Municipal Association’s conference at Rotorua. The Municipal Association advised that, under Section 5, sub-section 2 of the Local Authorities’ Sinking Funds Act, 1932, it is provided that the Public Trustee may specially invest instalments of sinking funds received by him after October 1, 1932, in Government securities upon the issue of an Order - in-Council authorising special investments.—Referred to the Finance Committee. It was decided, at the request of the Waimate School Committee, to declare February 9th a whole holiday for the annual school excursion to Timaru. The annual donation of £2O was passed to the Waimate Public Library. On the motion of the Mayor, it was decided to support and give all possible publicity to the South Island Tourist League. The reports of the borough foreman and the borough gardener were adopted, several Councillors expressing high appreciation of the work done by the gardener at Victoria Park. Water Committee’s Report. The Water Committee reported that the supply of water at the headworks had kept up well during the present summer, but now that dry weather had apparently commenced the drawoff from the main was fairly considerable, thus reducing the pressure. The hot days experienced during last week had resulted in the use of hoses for gardens, and the Committee had decided that the restrictions used in the latter part of last summer should again come into force on the 23rd inst. The wards would be the same as previously, and in order that residents might be thoroughly acquainted with the position notices would be served on burgesses. The Committee had gone into the matter of water charges and water rates, but after careful considera-' tion advised that it was not in a position to recommend any alteration in the present scale of charges and water rates. Councillor Hodges said that he thought that more equitable charges should be made for water used for sanitary purposes. People not using the sewerage were only paying 5/- per year for water, and those using water for sewerage had to pay an additional 4/7. He felt inclined to move that the report be referred back for reconsideration. In his opinion the charge for sewerage water was too much. The Mayor: “It works out at about Id per week.” Councillor Paul said that the Water Committee members were of the opinion that the water was too cheap. Personally he was of the opinion that there was no injustice in the additional charge of 4/7 for sewerage water. Councillor Hodges said he thought there was an injustice, as the water charge was doubled. The profits from water should be used to reduce sewerage charges and not for constructional work. The Council received about £6OO from outsiders and £SOO from ratepayers for water, and this amount should help the average charges. The Mayor said that Waimate saved the profits from water to pay for improvements to the water supply. He did not see why the Council should use the profits to reduce sewerage charges, and borrow money to improve the water service. The report was adopted. Finance Committee’s Report. The Finance Committee reported as follows:—“The application from the taxi proprietors for a reduction in their annual charge of £1 each for the taxi stand in Steward Street has been considered, but as this fee used to be £5, your Committee cannot recommend a reduction on the charge of £1 per annum. A circular from the Kaiapoi Borough Council in regard to interest rates had been dealt with, and it is recommended that the Council should strongly support the Kaiapoi Council’s proposals. The Committee have gone into the question of evolving a system whereby rates would be payable by instalments at regular intervals, and recommend that the clerk be instructed to receive payments of rates in sums of not less than £l. Several applications for refund of half rates on unoccupied properties have been dealt with, but as none of these have complied with legal requirements the applications cannot be granted and applicants have been advised accordingly.” Regarding the taxi stand, it was decided to make no reduction in the charge. It was also resolved to support the Kaiapoi Council’s proposals in regard to interest rates. With reference to Councillor Hodges’ proposal for a new system of levying rates quarterly, the Mayor said should such be carried out the Council would be unable, under the statutory law, to impose the ten per cent, penalty. The Mayor said that this year the ratepayers were refraining from paying their rates until the time for the imposition for the 10 per cent, penalty. The Council was much behind in the rate payments this year, but other payments were well up. The Council at this time last year had collected about £IOOO more than was the case this year. Councillor Hodges said that he did not see why the law could not bo S 'red and the rates collected in a much better manner. The Mayor said the legislation would have to be altered, and he invited Councillor Hodges to move a resolution to that effect. Councillor Hodges moved a motion to the effect that this matter be represented to the forthcoming Municipal Conference as a matter of urgency, urging that legislation be brought about to enable rates to be collected by instalments. Councillor Good seconded the motion. ]

which was carried unanimously. The Finance Committee's report was adopted. General Business. Councillor Paul said the Swimming Club had requested small alterations at the baths. The high dive needed repair, and the spring board wanted widening. The Club also asked for an extension of the hours.—The requests were acceded to. Councillor Good brought under notice the slippery nature of the floor of the paddling pool at Victoria Park. At the request of Councillor Twomey, it was decided to make repairs to the asphalt footpath in Lower High Street. On the motion of Councillor Hodges, it was decided that the Council, at the next meeting, consider the matter of a readjustment of sanitary charges. He said a list of suggested charges had been given to members, and the Council should consider thern clause by clause with a view to making some alteration in the charges. A motion resolving to withdraw from membership of the South Canterbury Employers’ Federation was rescinded, and it was decided to subscribe to the Association.

Councillor Hodges reported that a complaint had been made of an offensive smell coming from the convenience in Grigson Street. He understood it was a public convenience, but was privately owned. He thought it might be advisable to pilt in a flushing apparatus. The Mayor said the convenience was kept wonderfully clean and was well looked after.

The clerk reported that the convenience was flushed every morning, but arrangements had now been made to have it flushed in the afternoon also. It was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of Councillor Hodgen and the Mayor.

It was decided to serve notices on owners of business premises considered to be a danger to the public to have their buildings inspected and put in order. This decision was arrived at owing to it being reported that in some cases the mortar had perished, and could be easily scraped with a knife. It was also decided to advise the property owners that their premises would shortly be inspected by an outside building inspector on behalf of the Council. Accounts amounting to £1742/3/6 (and Drainage Extension Loan Accounts totalling £11,5/-) were passed for payment.

Messrs A. Lyall and J. A. Wright wish to notify the general public that they are taking over Mr J. O'Brien’s butchery business, Waimate, as from January Ist. By cleanliness and strict attention to the customers’ requirements they trust to receive a fair share of public support-