TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 301, 20 December 1937, Page 10

TAIHAPE

BOROUGH AFFAIRS The monthly meeting of the Taihape Borough Council was held on Friday evening, when the Mayor (Mr L. B. 11. de Lautour) presided over an attendance consisting of Crs. E. Loader, G. Wilsher, A. M. Ryan, G. N. Mac Diarmid, P. Kearins, 11. Bo water and E. Robinson. The town clerk (Mr E. J. Price), the borough foreman (Mr J. M. Scott), the electrical engineer (Mr S. Ewart), and the borough caretaker (Mr E. A. Abbott) were also in attendance. The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants wrote regarding the proposed new footpath from the Goldfinch Street intersection to the railway “farm." The town clerk reported that the Highways Board would favourably consider the matter. Cr. Ryan: If the Highways Board is prepared to help the council wc should proceed with the proposal. In answer to a question, the borough foreman estimated that it would cost £240 to construct the footpath. Cr. Loader thought that provision should be made !n next year’s estimates for the work, provided that the Main Highways Board gave a subsidy of £1 for £l. Cr. Ryan moved that the A.S.R.S. be asked to approach Mr Ormond Wilson, M.P., and state that the council was prepared to construct the footpath in question provided the Main Highways Board granted a subsidy of £3 for £l. Cr. Ryan thought that a £1 for £1 subsidy was not sufficient. The Mayor seconded the motion, which was carried. Resignation of Town Clerk Mr E. J. Price tendered his resignation as town clerk to the Taihape Borough Council and thanked the council for its loyal support durng hi; term of office. Mr Price intimated that he wished to be relieved of his duties about January 7. The Mayor pointed out that Mr Price had been one of the most capable town clerks Taihape had ever possessed and his place would be hard to fill. Mr Price had always been courteous, helpful and efficient, and was at al! times only too pleased to help any member of the borough staff. He was capable of holding a better position than that offered al Taihape and well deserved his appointment as town clerk to the Takapuna Borough Council. The speaker and everybody connected with the Taihape Borough would be very sorry to lose Mr Price’s services. Cr. Loader moved that Mr Price’s resignation be accepted with great regret and that the council place on record its high appreciation of his services during the past nine years. Cr. Robinson seconded the motion, which was carried.

Cr. Kearins congratulated Mr Price on his elevation and hoped that Mr Price would one day be town clerk of Auckland. The speaker added that he had nothing but respect for Mr Price. Cr. Wilsher endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers and said that everybody appreciated Mr Price's work. Cr. Mac Diarmid, in adding his tribute to the town clerk, remarked that Mr Price had proved himself an exceedingly capable, hard-working and tactful town clerk. Cr. Ryan declared that the council would go a long way before getting a better town clerk than Mr Price, and expressed the opinion that Mr Price would rise to Su higher position than town clerk of Takapuna. Mr Price returned thanks for the good wishes and expressions of esteem and said that he felt that he was doing the right thing in accepting a higher position, not only for hiir<Kl p . but in the interests of his large family. (Laughter). He had always received the utmost courtesy from the council and staff and he and his wife and family had enjoyed every minute of their, stay in Taihape. Change-over to A.C. Current The council adopted the recommendation of the electrical engineer that a change-over from D.C. to A.C. current be effected in certain areas of the borough at an estimated cost of £2251. The suggested amalgamation of electrical supply with the Power Board was declined. In answer to a question, the town clerk announced that the total revenue from electricity this financial year was £5400 to date, with every prospect of a further £6OO accruing before March 31, 1938. Cr. Ryan pointed out that in a few years’ time there would be a transmission line from Arapuni passing through Taihape and the town would then be able to get its power from the Government. If the council was compelled to sell its plant the Government would have to tak(j it at valuation. General Cr. Kearins’ suggestion that a “Welcome to Taihape" sign be erected at both ends of the borough was not adopted. It was decided to experiment with an oil spray on a section of one of the streets with a view to combating the dust nuisance. The following two recommendations of the Electricity Committee Averc adopted:— That in future all motors of small horse-power installed be of universal type, otherwise the council refuse to connect to the supply unless the consumer agrees in writing to change to A.C. when required at his own cost. That in future all agents of appliances such as washing machines, ironers, refrigerators, etc., obtain a permit prior to selling such machines for use in the borough. Mr B. C. Marchioni was appointed camp custodian for one month from December 20. The request of the swimming club to have six pine trees at the east end of the baths removed in order that swimmers might benefit from the early morning sun, was granted. PERSONAL On Friday afternoon, the borough staff took tha opportunity of presenting the town clerk (Mr E. J. Price) with a chiming clock as a mark of esteem and appreciation of the assistance which ' Mr Price had always given so willingly to fellow members of the staff. The presentation was made on behalf of the staff by Mr F. C. Vincent, who referred to the harmonious relations existing between Mr Price and the staff, and paid a tribute to the town clerk’s tact, courtesy and charm of manner, and his