UPPER HUTT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Upper Hutt Weekly Review, Volume I, Issue 10, 21 February 1936, Page 4

UPPER HUTT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

COMPLAINTS OF STOCK ON MAIN ROADPRINCES STREET TO BE TARSEALED. The fortnightly meeting of the Upper Hutt Borough Council was held on Monday evening last, when the Mayor presided. There was also present the Deputy Mayor (P. Keys), and Councillors Guthrie, Greig, Blewman, Purvis, Howell, Baskett and Sutherland. It was moved by the Mayor, and seconded by Councillor Keys, that a letter of thanks and appreciation be sent to the Wellington Racing Club for their concession to the Borough in granting - them permission for pumping water from their property. On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Howell, it was decided to grant the usual amount of ,£2/2/- as a donation to the Local Bodies' Picnic. Councillor Blewman, referring to the droving of stock on the Main Road, said that a lady had complained that stock being driven past her home had entered her garden. Her protest to the drover had been met with abusive language. Councillor Guthrie moved, seconded by Councillor Howell, that drovers be instructed to use the stock routes, and the inspector's attention be drawn to the breach of the by-laws, such action as necessary to be taken in future when a breach is committed. COMMITTEE REPORTS. Councillor Purvis, Chairman of the Works Committee, in his report, urged that a more progressive policy be entered upon in regard to the footpaths and streets of the Borough, and recommended that it be placed on the estimates with a view to purchasing a tar-sealing plant for street work. His committee reported that angle iron had been procured to strengthen the shutters in the refreshment stall at Maidstone Park, this work having been carried out under Mr. Dalton, the park keeper. Councillor Blewman seconded the chairman's motion which, when put to the Council, was carried. Councillor Baskett asked if the committee had done anything in the way of assisting the residents at Silverstream in the matter of flood waters, stating that it went through the properties of four houses in one particular portion of that district. The Mayor explained that a drain had become blocked on private property and that a remedy had been effected. At this juncture the Mayor remarked that owing to no provision being made on the order paper the matter could not be dealt with. Councillor Greig asked why the order paper did not contain the word "Questions" in accordance with the Standing Orders ! it would then be permissible for any Councillor to ask questions that were not of a contentious nature. "I would like to know what the questions are likely to be," said the Mayor. "A considerable amount of time will be wasted if Councillors bring up matters which have not been considered by others." Councillor Blewman moved, seconded by Councillor Baskett, that the matter of drainage in the Silverstream area be left to the Works Committee and the inspector, with power to act. Councillor Howell stated that this matter of drainage in Silverstream had been brought before the Council some while ago. He said that the septic tanks of 18 houses ran into one drain, and left a horrible

smell. "It's a disgrace," he declared. Councillor Keys (Deputy Mayor) reported tliat the Reserves Committee had gone fully into the matter of the purchase of Maidstone Park and also the swimming' pool, but in view of the re-valuation of the Borough, which is now in operation, the committee had come to the conclusion that it was not an opportune time for purchasing same. Councillor Blewman: Is there not some arrangements at the present time whereby the ratepayers can purchase the Park ? Councillor Purvis: As one of the Reserves Committee I can certainly state that the committee had fully discussed the matter, and they had taken into consideration the bearing it may have on the re-valuation. We are trying to do our best for the ratepayers and the owner of the property. After further discussion Councillor Keys moved the adoption of the report, and this was seconded by Councillor Greig. Councillor Sutherland asked the Mayor if something could be done to get into touch with the Railway Department to see if they would make the fare from Wellington to Upper Hutt on Wednesdays the same as it is from TJpper Hutt to the city, the reason being that it would mean business for the district. It seemed very unfair he thought that people who wanted to come to Maidstone Park and perhaps spend a few shillings in the district were eharg-ed a shilling more than the local people. The Mayor replied that it was in conformity with the railway policy all over the country. Fares were cheaper from the country to the metroplitan areas. Councillor Guthrie stated that the Council should endeavour to s-et a cheaner fare in the workers* tickets, which, to his mind, was far more important. Councillor Baskett was of the opinion that a better Sunday service was required from this end, as at the present time the last train to leave Wellington was at 2 p.m., and it did not give the residents the opportunity of visiting the hospital. Notice of Motion.—Councillor Keys brought forward a notice of motion, which was as follows: "That with a view to commencing a progressive policy of permanentsealing the foothpaths and streets of the Borough, the bitumen sealing be started at an early date on Princes Street, which street beingthe main approach to the business area, and one of the most used in the Borousrh, and of only a short length- will enable the Council to ascertain at a minimum cost to the ratepayers, if, when framing the estimates for the new year, provision can be made for a reasonably progressive programme of bitumen sealing 1 ." After explaining the reason why he thought it was of paramount importance, the Mayor stated that it was a step forward in the right direction, and it would give the Council some idea of the cost of permanent sealing in other parts. Councillor Howell supported the motion and suggested that the other street leading from the station be also included. Councillor Sutherland suggested that the dump at the railway station be filled in, but the Mayor pointed out that it was not rateable property and did not come under the Council, but the suggestion would not be lost sight of. All the Councillors present expressed their approval of the scheme. Councillor Keys, in replaying, thanked the Councillors for their support and stated that he would like to see it pushed ahead before the winter set in.