RAETIHI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 19, 23 January 1935, Page 3

RAETIHI

BOROUGH COUNCIL. At the monthly meeting of the Borough Council there were present: The Mayor (Mr. W. Harris), Urs. \V. 11. Sandford, A. H. Willoughby, R. J. Mosen, W. J. Feltham, .1. H. Stanley, C. D. Lynch, L. J. Vile, and J. R. Ciochetto. An apology was received from Cr. Waring. Mr. A. K. Robertshaw, headmaster of the Raetihi School, and Mrs. A. W. Ashwell, waited on the council ami asked for some relief from the water charge of .£l7 10s. Mr. Robertshaw sai<l that the money received by way of capitation from the Education Board was £llO. In normal years the expenditure was: Cleaning of school ami outbuildings, £57 firewood, £3O; stationery, £l5; repairs, £5; electric current, £1 10s; an amount of £lO9 2s, so the council could see how difficult it was to pay the £l7 10s for water consumed. This year the finances of the school had greatly benefited on account of there being no firewood to

purchase, as the clearing and stumping of the school grounds by unemployed labour had provided the necessary wood without cost. Next year and the. following years, however, the firewood would have to be paid for. The only way it would then be possible for the amount to he provid ♦ for the water would he by special efforts in the way of getting up concerts and other functions by the children and The Mayor said there seemed little chance nf the council doing anything during the present financial year bv way of a grant or in any other way. :v. their finance was restricted. Tf it wore decided to make a grant it could only come from unauthorised expenditure and nothing was available from this source. Tt was decided fin write to the committee on these lines and suggest that they approach the board to put in a separate system of supply to the school. The Raetihi Volunteer Fire Brigade wrote that a married brigadesman had notified his willingness to occupy the living rooms at the fire station. There was also an application for th” nremises from a married man who was not a member of the brigade. The council decided that it was most desirous that the promises should be occu pied as «oon as possible.

Weekly Haif-holiday. The council held a special meeting to fix the half-holiday for the year. A petition was received from the business people asking that Wednesday be the day, and it was carried on the motion of Crs. Vile and Lynch, that this be the day fixed in accordance with the provisions of the S*ops and Offices Act. A letter was read from the audit inspector, together with the council’s reply, and it was decided to adjourn the present meeting until to-morrow (Thursday) to go into the matter of office management. The Public Works Department wrote outlining certain requirements in the way of alterations to electrical lines and services to consumers. The Finance Committee decided that support be given to remit regarding allocation of petroleum tax. Accounts amounting to £214 5s 7d were passed for. payment. Tt was decided that a slab of concrete be placed under the copper in Queen Street, and that telephone No. 116, be discontinued. The ranger reported that one head of stock had been found straying and several unregistered dogs destroyed. Tt was decided to re-appoint the ranger on the same terms and conditions as last year. Office Cleaning.—lt was decided to arrange for the cleaning of the offices, the matter to be left in the hands of the Finance Committee with power to act. Holidays.—Tt was decided to observe an office holiday on January 22 (Anniversary Day) and a half-holiday today (Wednesday), for the Waimarino A. and P. Association Show.