BOROUGH AFFAIRS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20446, 17 June 1936, Page 11

BOROUGH AFFAIRS

WAIMATE COUNCIL MEETS

WELCOME TO TWO NEW MEMBERS

The Waimate Borough Council met last evening. Present, the Mayor (Mr Geo. Dash), Crs. W. G. Paul, G. R. Watters, J. Atwill, J. T. Hay, R. H. White. Messrs A. Sawell and P. Berry, the only candidates for the vacancies occasioned by the resignations of Crs. A. Bringans and S. G. Reid, were duly sworn in as councillors. The Mayor extended a cordial welcome to the new councillors, each J of whom suitably replied. Revaluation of Borough The Valuation Department advised that a revision of values in the borough as at March 31, 1937, had been ordered. The work was being put in hand immediately and it was hoped to have the work completed by that date. The Mayor said that the last valuation of the borough was made in 1913 when the valuation was set at £394,075. I The valuation had since been adjusted I yearly and at March 31 last was £558,315. He assumed that this valui ation would be considerably reduced I and this would assist the council In ' payment of harbour and hospital board rates. , The letter was received. Correspondence The South Canterbury Highways Traffic Group forwarded the annual report and balance-sheet adopted at the annual meeting of the group and drew particular attention to portion of the Traffic Inspector’s report dealing with road classification. The group, it was pointed out, desired that no new heavy motor vehicles be granted heavy traffic licenses for loads in excess of 6 tons on two axle vehicles and 10 tons on multi-axle vehicles.—Received. The secretary of the South Canterbury Highways Traffic Group wrote stating that consideration had been given to the offer of the Main Highways Board to employ Mr Ashwell at a salary not less than he is receiving at present, and to take over the groups’ plant at a valuation to be agreed upon. The group had decided to continue on 1 the present basis until legislation re--1 quired that traffic inspection ’should be taken over by the Highways Board. In reply to a letter conveying this decision the Highways Board had written stating that the conditions of transfer outlined might not remain open definitely, and it was not to be assumed that the same terms would be submitted in future. The chair nan of the group now wished to ascertain if members wished to reconsider their decision and hand over control to the Highways Board. The Mayor ::Jd that he favoured handing control over the Highways Board and that this course would soon be in force by legislation. However, the council had taken little part ip the affairs of the group and he suggested that a reply be sent that the council was prepared to concur with the views of the majority. The Mayor’s suggestion was approved. The Lyttelton Harbour Board forwarded a circular outlining a proposal for the formation of a South Island of New Zealand Travel Association “on the lines of the Australian National Travel Association to foster, develop and maintain the tourist and travel business, attractions and amenities of the South Island. A draft constitution was also enclosed.—The circular was handed to the general committee for a report. Mr D. H. Arbuckle, Waituna, applied tor a permit to trap opossums in the borough area at Kelcy’s Bush. The town clerk (Mr B. S. Runciman) said that the Waimate Acclimatisation Society had an open season for opossums. The Mayor: Do we get anything out of It? Why not? On the motion of Cr. Atwill it was decided to grant the permit at a fee of £2/2/-. Employees’ Union. The Napier Borough Council wrote stating that at the request of its outside staff it was taking steps to further the formation of a Local Body Employees’ Union throughout New Zealand. At present borough employees were governed by approximately 10 unions. The matter had been referred to the Municipal Association and the Waimate Council was asked to support the scheme. The Mayor said he was strongly in favour of the proposal. They would be governed by new legislation which compelled all workmen to become members of a Union. Municipal workers did many kinds of work and if they had belonged to different unions there would be a top-heavy organisation and tangled awards. It was better to have one union and 1 -e award. Electric power boards were also moving for a single inion for clerical workers. He suggested that the Council endorse the appeal. The Mayor’s suggestion was approved. Gardener’s Report. The borough gardener (Mr A. White' reported that the rock garden had received a thorough overhaul and winter cultivation was being continued. A total of 1050 wallflower had ceen planted out, 400 for town plots. Other subjects planted were 100 carnations, 175 sweet william and 685 Illium regal!. Excavations for another rose bed had been made on the rase lawn. The extension of the lawn on the south side of the cherry walk had been commenced, and this would be planted with trees and shrubs,—Approved. The Works Committee was instructed to inspect a footpath in Opie Street where, according to Cr. Atwill, heavy grass was growing. New Committees. The following committees were appointed:— Finance: Crs. Fitch, Hay, Paul, Wat ters and White. Works: The Mayor, Crs. Atwill, Twomey and Berry. Water: Crs. Paul, Twomey and White. Sanitary: Crs. White, Hall ari Twomey. Reserves and Beautifying: Crs. Hay Atwill, Berry and Sawell. General: Crs. Watters, Fitch and Sawell. Library: Crs. Fitch, Sawell and Paul. Parks (Domain Board): Messrs Atwill, Berry, Hay and Watters. The first named is in each case chairman of the committee with the Mayor a member ex-officio.