BOROUGH COUNCIL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20892, 23 November 1937, Page 9

BOROUGH COUNCIL

REPORT ON SUBDIVISION The Timaru Borough Council met last night. Present—The Mayor (Mr P. C. Vinnell), Crs. J. R. Hart, W. G. Tweedy, W. H. Hall, H. J. Mathers, A. G. Foster, F. B. Hawkey, M. H. Richards and A. S. Kinsman. Works Committee In a report to the Works Committee regarding the Woodlands Road-Otipua Road subdivision, the borough engineer (Mr T. O. Fox) stated that it would be remembered in the original plan of subdivision the Department showed a right-of-way 12 feet wide from Otipua Road to the blind end of the proposed new street. It was pointed out that the Council had no power in law to take over any such private way. The Director of Housing Construction suggested that the "difficulty could be well overcome by the provision of back sections with right-of-way frontages.” That could no doubt be done, one rear section having access to Otipua Road, the other having access to the proposed new road, both access ways being the same straight line. The difficulty that then arose was that each of the two owners of the rear sections would be responsible for the upkeep of their respective portions of the access way, and they would no doubt object to bearing the expense and, to some extent, losing their privacy if the public were to use the connecting link between Otipua Road and the proposed road. If the proposal were put into effect, the Council could not object to the plan of subdivision as it would be in accordance with their by-law and town planning scheme; but it would have to be made perfectly clear that the cost of upkeep of the right-of-way would be the responsibility of the two property owners, and the Council have power under the by-law to see that there is adequate maintenance. It was recommended that a copy of the report be sent to the Director of Housing. The report was adopted. Reserves Committee The Reserves Committee reported that a circular was received from the National Committee of Swimming and Life Saving, asking whether the baths could be opened free during the learn to swim week to be held in December.— Recommended that any genuine learners should be permitted the use of the baths free during that week; otherwise the baths should not be opened free, this being the decision given last year. The report was adopted. An application by the South Canterbury Swimming Centre for the use of the baths by clubs for one hour on one night a week after the usual closing Spurs for the teaching of swimming, was granted.