GERALDINE RESIDENTS DEFY COUNCIL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21557, 20 January 1940, Page 3

GERALDINE RESIDENTS DEFY COUNCIL

Recent Water Shortage Prosecutions In Future The lack of consideration shown by some residents who used their garden hoses during the recent water shortage emergency in Geraldine was discussed at the monthly meetng of the Geraldine Borough Council on Thursday evening. There were a number of residents who defied the Council and the water inspector had taken their names, said Cr. Z. O. Sherratt (chairman of the water committee). He thought an example should be made of people who defied the Council in the future because a shortage of water would be a very serious matter if a fire occurred. The Mayor (Mr D. C. McKechnie) said that many people had complained to him that their neighbours used the hose while they observed the rule and saw their gardens ruined. It was only natural, he said, that such persons should be irritated, and steps should be taken to bring those who used their hoses into line in future cases of emergency. It was agreed that in any future case of emergency the Town Clerk (Mr C. L. Kirby) should write to offenders warning them of prosecution if they did not desist Immediately. The danger of fire during the present dry weather and the need for residents to exercise care was stressed by Superintendent C. C. Knight in a letter to the Council. Extreme care would need to be taken in regard to fires during the dry period said Mr Knight. He had made a practice of inspecting the town late at night and from time to time a number of rubbish fires were left burning. In many cases these would constitute a fire hazard if a slight wind developed. To reduce the possibility of loss to tnemselves and others, people should be asked to extinguish all fires before going to bed. said Mr Knight. Councillors expressed gareement with the superintendent and it was agreed that the town clerk should write to persons owning sections with long grass asking them to cut it to remove the fire danger. Mr Knight also asked if the Council would carry out the preparation work to the fire brigade training ground near the fire station. Cr. P. H. Davis (chairman of the works committee) said that the work was on the programme and would be attended to as soon as possible. A debit balance at the bank of £1912/10/- as compared with a debit of £2320/13/- at the corresponding period last year (an improvement of £4OB/3/-) was reported by Cr. H. Russell (chairman of the finance committee). Mr A. N. Blakiston was appointed borough solicitor. Improving the Footpaths The formation of footpaths and the filling of dips in the sides of Cox Street would be considered by the works committee as soon as the contractor completed the sealing work in about four weeks time, Cr. P. H. Davis (chairman of the works committee) reported. A new footpath had been formed in Peel Street, and this would make an excellent job when finished. The possible co-operation of residents in improving the footpaths in various parts of the town was mentioned by the mayor. It was possible, he said, that residents in North and South Terraces would keep their footpaths mown if they were first put in order by the Council. There were offers by residents in other parts of the borough to provide the cost of tar if the footpaths on their frontages were sealed by the Council. Councillors agreed that any step in this direction would be a good one. ! Damage to the head works of the j water supply race caused considerable concern when there was a fresh in the river during the holiday period, reported Cr. Z. O. Sherratt (chairman of the water committee). It had caused a good deal of extra work for the staff and himself. The meeting was attended by the Mayor (Mr D. C. McKechnie) and Crs. H. Russell, P. H. Davis, H. W. Williamson, E. N. J. Hannah and Z. O. Sherratt. CHILDRENS PLAYGROUND POPULAR The many children who were obtaining pleasure from the playground in the Geraldine Domain, which was given by the Geraldine Toe H, were mentioned by members at the monthly meeting of the Geraldine Domain Board. The chairman (Mr D. C. McKechnie) presided. That some of the older children were inclined to take charge to the disadvantage of the younger children was mentioned, -nd it was agreed u> give the domain staff authority to keep a watchful eye on this matter. Complimentary reference to the fine appearance of the domain and the good display of flowers at present was made by Mr H. W. Williamson and it was agreed to write to the staff expressing appreciation of their keen interest. PERSONAL Mrs E. Waller, Raukapuka, Geraldine, has left to spend a holiday in North Canterbury. Mr T. Hutchin-. Bay of Islands, is on a holiday visit to Geraldine. “BLUEBEARD'S EIGHTH WIFE ” Set against the sophisticated background of Europe’s most famous pleasure spots, “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife” tells the story of a resourceful maiden who tames a man who turns in his wives as casually as his sport roadsters. She meets him on the Riviera, snubs him in Prague, loses him in Vienna, makes him jealous in Paris and finally puts him in a straitjacket—in a lunatic asylum. Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper are starred in the picture, which will be screened at the Geraldine Municipal Theatre to-night at 8.15. The supports include the opening of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition. The Geraldine Tennis Club will hold a grand Centennial Ball on February 1 in the Geraldine Town Hall. The Woodbury and District Countrr Fair will hold their annual carnival on Easter Saturday, March 23 in the Woodbury Domain. A grand ball will be held at night.