PATEA BOROUGH COUNCIL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 343, 14 August 1930, Page 5

PATEA BOROUGH COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING HELD. The Borough Council met last Monday night, when those present were the Mayor (Mr F. Ramsbottom) and Councillors A. R. Honeyfield, H. T. Christensen, F. Naismith, T. Scott and C. H. Carey, with the engineer (Air J. Cunningham) and town clerk (Mr Ray) in attendance. The matter of the disposal of the old iron fence round the Memorial Building was reported on, it being decided to grant same to the Domain Baord. Several complimentary remarks were made concerning the neat brick fence surrounding the grounds of Hunter Shaw Memorial Building and the Town Hall, greatly improving the appearances of both.

The Public Works engineer stated that no definite information was so far available re the public works on Upper Waitotara Valley Road. In the matter of relief work for unemployed, ho stated that so far there was not one unemployed of Patea registered in any Government Labour Bureau.

A letter of appreciation from the Plunket Society was received, re reduction on electric power charges. An application was made for reduction of rent by Airs Blackburn on sections 4, 7,8, and 9, Block 38. It was left in the hands of Cr. Honeyfield to attend. Ajl invitation was received from the local Salvation Army captain to a lecture to be given by Lieut. Cunningham on the work in the Dutch East Indies. —The invitation was accepted with thanks, the Alayor stating that he would occupy the chair. It was decided that as many as possible attend. Electrical Installation. The electrical engineer submitted the following report, which was fully discussed:—

“Power stations.—Both plants have continued to run in a satisfactory manner with the exception of two interruptions in the supply at the Diesel station due to an obstruction in the fuel line; and since a thorough cleaning has been given to the above, we have had no further trouble. Both interruptions were of short duration, one of about five minutes and another momentary.

The hydro has generated 10,900 units for a running time of 402 hours while the Diesel has generated 22,606 units for a running time of 374 hours on a consumption of 1827 gallons of fuel, making a total of 33,506 units for both plants for the month compared with 29,952 units for July 1929 an increase of 3554 units.

I feel that the time has now arrived when we must be reluctantly compelled to refuse any further applications for ranges or water heaters until some arrangement has been made for a suitable supply of power. This restriction will, of course, only apply to the abovementioned load and will not affect lighting. Since my last report I attended the engineers’ conference in Wellington and I wish to .thank the Council for leave to attend the same as much useful knowledge was obtained.

Air Spry, Public Works Inspector, paid a visit of inspection on July 30, and no doubt in due course will notify us of any work to be done. “Lines.—During the month in addition to the usual maintenance, the following work has been carried out.

Ono 10 k.v.a. transformer has been erected, to give 230 volt supply to upper Egmont Street and one consumer has been changed over on this section. A pair of 230 volt mains have been erected down Victoria Street and one pole erected. One consumer is to be connected with these mains immediately. One new service was run and a temporary supply given to the Library building to supply the floor sander. The children’s ward at the hospital was also given a temporary supply for the same purpose and is now ready to be permanently connected. “Wiring.—The following work has been carried out by the wiring department, 25 lighting and four heating points have been renewed, six new lighting and five new heating points, one range, and one water heater have also been installed and connected to 230 volts, and in addition the new Courthouse was connected to the 230 volt mains.

“Water Department. Approximately 1,518,500 gallons of water were pumped for a consumption of 4839 units. The two bores when tested, gave the same flow as when last taken, namely, 80 gallons and 8 gallons per minute respectively. At the first opportunity it is intended to pump out the reservoir and remove the accumulation of sand.” Library Committee’s Thanks. A letter of appreciation was received from the Patea Library Committee, thanking the Council ‘for fits generous assistance in levelling the section and in erecting a most suitable brick fence. Its actions were greatly appreciated. It was decided to thank the committee for its appreciation. The committee reported on the decision arrived at with Mr Jackson in regard to brick fence. Their action was endorsed, and they were complimented on the result of their efforts.

Cr. Pettigrew referred to the attendance of two firemen at the Town Hall talkies on Saturday nights. The proprietor stated he was prepared to pay one, but he did not want a second fireman in attendance. The Fire Brigade stated that one fireman was not enough on a crowded night like Saturday. It was decided that Cr. Pettigrew meet the Brigade’s captain and the proprietor and endeavour to come to an agreement.

The Alayor reported on the matter of the re-building of a garage for Mrs G. Macken. He stated that it was proposed by Mr Veitch that the lease on the building be renewed for five years, in the meantime Air Macken reducing his debt to the Council by £ll, which would then be reduced to £ll from £35. This proposal was accepted and the extension of the lease for 5 years, was agreed to. The engineer was appointed general inspector to borough, thus giving him authority to act in accordance and connection with his work. Several accounts were written off the books. Rose Bushes Donated. The matter of a donation of three dozen rose bushes by Messrs Benefield Ltd., of Wanganui, was brought to the Council’s notice. These bushes are to be planted in the grounds of Memorial Building. The offer was accepted with thanks.

The tender for concrete paths to the Alemqrial Building by Mr Jackson was accepted. He was to be complimented on his good job of the brie? fence enclosing the grounds of Town Hall and Memorial Building. Accounts as read were passed for payment after which the Council tom.