TE AWAMUTU TOWN BOARD.

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 323, 16 June 1914, Page 4

TE AWAMUTU TOWN BOARD.

The regular meeting of the above Board took place at the Board's offices on Friday last, there being present: Messrs A.S. Wallace (chairman), W. Taylor, S. Mathews, J. B. Teasdale and Dr Reekie.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed and the outward correspondence read and approved.

DRAINAGE. Mr Taylor reported that the work of piping the main drain through Mr Rickit's property had been let to Mr F. Ticklepenny. LEVELS. Mr D. Donaldson wrote with reference to the footpath levels near the Golden Boot Buildings. He understood that the path was to be lowered about nine inches, and he entered a strong protest against this. He had made every enquiry before the buildings were erected, and had taken the levels from a peg at that time near the boundary. Mr W. J. Dil waited upon the Board and explained the position more fully. —It was resolved that no action be taken until the engineer had been consulted and asked whether he had supplied any levels to Mr Donaldson. ALBERT PARK. A deputation from the local sporting bodies, consisting of Messrs M. C. Lawson, E. Moeller, Hamilton Allen and E. Potts, waited upon the Board in respect to proposals for the permanent improvement of Albert Park for general recreation purposes. — The delegates had a short conference with the Board and briefly explained the clubs' proposals. The chairman (Mr A. S. Wallace) reported that Mr H. Munro Wilson, engineer, had kindly consented to take out approximate levels, and to provide an estimate of the cost of having the grounds made reasonably level. As the whole question hinged upon the levelling of the park, and as it was impossible for very much to be done in the wav of the planting of a shelter belt, which the clubs offered to do, before the grounds were made reasonably level, it was not possible for much consideration to be given the proposals until Mr Wilson furnished his report. The Board would go thoroughly into the matter and advise the deputation of the result immediately Mi Wilson supplied the required information.

TRADE CIRCULARS. That Te Awamutu is attracting the attention of commercial men I throughout the Dominion was evidenced by the unusually large number of trade circulars and other correspondence received supplying all information about the respective qualities of road making and other material suitable for the carrying out of public works. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS' ASSOCIATION. The Board decided to enrol as members of the aboye organisation, which has, as its main object, the promotion of all matters that lead to the sound administration of local affairs. COLLEGE STREET PATH. Mr R. Dawson wrote asking that a footpath be formed along the western side of College Street. —Decided to reply stating that the formation of this path had already been authorised, and the work will be carried out as soon as possible. FIRE BRIGADE. Mr W. J. Bickerstaff wrote stating that owing to pressure of private business he had been unable to supply the information promised for that meeting. —No action to be taken until Mr Osberg had inspected the material on the Board's behalf, and until the necessary information is furnished. PERMIT. Application for building permit was made by Mr A. Robinson. — Clerk to reply stating that plans must be submitted and approved before permit can be issued. WATERWORKS REPORT. The foreman of works (Mr A. Wilkins) reported as follows on 6th inst.:—l have to infornvyou that progress for the past fortnight has been very slow owing to adverse weather conditions. At noon on 6th inst., I sent the water through the eight inch main down to Battson and Prescott's contract end, but serious defects developed owing to slorenly supervision, and the pipes would not fill. In one instance I found that a joint had absolutely no lead in it, merely yarn, and this in spite of the fact that the joint should have been handled by three different men including the foreman. I put a gang on and effected repairs by noon on loth, and the main is now full and under its. maximum pressure ready to take on to Te Awamutu when Battson's contract is completed. APPLICATIONS. A large number of applica-} tions for water supply service 1

and for entrances to properties were received. —It was decided that in making connections to the water mains the applications will be filled in the order of their reception. . BANK STREET PATH.

Mr Thos. Spear wrote asking that a footpath be formed along the south side of Bank Street. It was proposed by the chairman and seconded by Mr Mathews that the path be formed to a spot opposite the park gates. The clerk was directed to obtain prices for doing the work, and Mr Mathews undertook necessary supervision. WATER RESERVES.

The attention of the Board was directed to .the importance of urging that the Pirongia and Maungatautari mountains be reserved for water and scenic purposes. • . ■ The chairman reported his recent interview with the Commissioner of Crown Lands in this matter.

Mr Teasdale also reported having interviewed the Commissioner on behalf of the Waipa County Council. It was decided to write to* the Hon. Minister for Lands urging that suitable areas be reserved.

HOTEL LICENSES. The clerk reported that licenses had been issued, in accordance with the authority of the Licensing Bench, to the Commercial and Te Awamutu Hotels. LEVEL CROSSINGS. The long circular letter from the Railway Department, which is at present being placed before each local body was read. This circular deals particularly with the level crossing danger, and in addition to explaining the recent legislation which throws practically the whole responsibility of risk on to the owners of motor driven vehicles, the Railway Department offers a suggestion that notice boards be erected some distance from the crossing, which the local bodies are asked to keep in repair. Mr Mathews: This thing is very wrong. -The ratepayers' money is to be spent in repairing the Railway Department's property ! I shall certainly oppose it. Dr Reekie: The suggestion is obviously w rong in principle. If the railways were controlled by private enterprise, the position would very soon be reversed, and they would have to do more than erect and maintain-notice boards for the protection of the public from accident.

It was unanimously resolved to reply stating that the Board will accept no responsibility whatsoever for the maintenance of any notice boards within the Town District.

STABLES ON ROAD. Messrs Finlay Bros, wrote asking that a few loads of metal be put on the road near their stables. —Clerk reported that this had already been done. Mr Teasdale reported having interviewed the Commissioner of Crown Lands with respect to the proposed shifting back of the stables to the proper frontage. Further enquiries are to be made before decisive action taken. CLAIM. H. Rotheray. wrote asking that his claim for £lB 6s 6d, being proceeds derived from the sale of a horse at the Te Awamutu pound, be paid. It was resolved, in view of the fact that there are two claimants, to adhere to the former resolution, that payment will only be made in conformity to the Poundage Act.

ENTRANCES. The chairman was authorised to employ the necessary labour to provide entrances to the perties of Messrs Empson, Walker, and Mandenoon Frontier Road. TENDERS. Only one tender, that of Mr H. Prescott, was received for forme ing Young Street. This to be submitted to the Presbyterian Church authorities. SCHOOL FENCE. The Te Awamutu school committee wrote asking if the Board would pay half the cost of fencing the section between the local school and hall. The chairman and Mr Mathews to inspect. RIGHT OF WAY. A firm of solicitors, on behalf of Mr P. W. Peate, wrote forwarding copy of lease to Messrs Clark and McMillan, and asked that the Board give authority for the right of way stipulated in the lease. It was decided after some discussion that permission, subject to all classes of the by-laws, be granted. Messrs Taylor and Teasdale were deputed to inspect the drainage reserve adjoining this right of way, and authorised to have the drain opened up in a satisfactory manner. WORKROOM. • The turncock operator was' authorised to have the workshop at the saleyards floored and lined. FIRE REEL. The urgent importance of ob

tabling a fire reel was introduced by Dr Reekie, who urged that this matter be not delayed, so that as soon as the water supply is turned on in the town, every possible facility be given to fight any fires that may occur. The chairman and Mr Teasdale were authorised to purchase a fire reel to best advantage as soort as possible. FINANCES.

The clerk reported the followT ing balances at the Bank of New ▼ Zealand:—General account (Dr.) £228 I2s 9d, saleyards account (Cr.) £l7 2s Bd, waterworks account (Cr.) £2073 ios 9d. The following accounts were passed for payment:—W. G. Moon and Co. £l2 19s sd, Swinock and Palmer (subject to test) £8 is 6d. A. and T. Burt £lO Is, Rickit and Son £95 Iss Bd, railway freight £22 2s 3d, Battson and Prescott £63. *