RECENT LEGISLATION SEEN AS EXTRA WORK FOR LOCAL BODIES

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 November 1947, Page 3

RECENT LEGISLATION SEEN AS EXTRA WORK FOR LOCAL BODIES

Some of the problems likely to be met by the council during its new term of office and the extra administrative responsibilities thrust upon it in the face of recent Government legislation, were epitomised by the reliving deputy-mayor. Mr. K. A. Williams, at the installation ceieniony of the mayor and councillors at the Marton Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday night.

After congratulating councillors on their return to office, Mr. Williams said many problems would face the incoming council. Water supply was one service where ratepayers were expecting an improvement, and the increased load on the borough sewerage system was another big problem which would need to receive consideration.

Fortunately Marton’s public debt was rapidly disappearing and when the council found it necessary to raise more money to carry out works the rating burden would not be so difficult as in other less fortunate boroughs, said Mr. Williams. A tendency was becoming apparent for the Government to call on local

bodies to administer certain Acts, thus creating extra responsibility for the local body, said Mr. Williams, and he cited as examples the Milk Act and the legislation regarding tenancy cf vacant houses. It. was a matter on which local bodies would have to keep a wary eye. for if the Government found it could saddle local bodi < with the carrying out. of legislation they might become quasi-Government departments. JUBILEE OF THE BOROUGH IN TWO YEARS’ TIME. A hint that suitable celebrations of the borough’s 70th jubilee would be observed in 1949 was given by the Mayor, Mr. F. Purnell, after he had been installed intd office by the exdeputy mayor, Mr. K. A. Williams, at a special ceremony on Wednez V > night in Marton. After he had been invested with the Mayoral chain, Mr. Purnell said he noted that it had been presented to the Marton Borough Council in 1929 by the business and pre i -.sional men of Marton on the occasion of the 50th jubilee of the borough as a token of appreciation of the valuable services rendered by the mayors during the past 50 years. In two years’ time, said Mr. Purnell, the 70th anniversary of the constitution of the. borough would be observed and he asked councillors to bear in mind any suitable celebrations contemplated. Mr Purnell who was again reelected mayor unopposed, has held office since 1921.

In September, 1879. the town of Marton , which had for some time existed as a Town Board District, having a population of over 500 inhabitants, assumed the dignity of a borough. Tutaenui was the name originally given to the township, which has during the course of the last 68 years, grown into the present, modern centre, later called Marton, after the birthplace in Yorkshire, England, of Captain Cook. There have been 15 mayors serving in Marton. The first, was the late Mr. F. Beaven (1879-1880), and thert followed the ( late Messrs. J. Harris (1880-81), R. E. Beckett (1881-84, 1889-1901, 1909-1913), L. Jones (18841886), E. Snellgrove (1886-1889, 189192), S. Skerman, 1899-91, 1892-93. 1903-06, 1907-08) J. J. McDonald 1893-966. 1901-03), D. C. Tennent (1896-97), E. H. Humphrey (1897-98). J. F. Sicelv (1906-1907). J. McEldowney (1908-09), J. H. Miles (1913-15), F. V. Wilson (1915-1919), W. C. Kensington (1919-21), and the present Mayor, Mr. F. Purnell, who was appointed in 1921.

SUCCESS OF FIRE BRIGADE CARNIVAL DOUBTED.

The carnival being organised by the Marton Fire Brigade early next year to raise funds for the purchase of a new fire engine and equipment —the target is £3ooo—was briefly discussed at Wednesday night’s meeting of the Marton Borough Council, following a letter from the Superintendent, Mr. G. W. Grey, on the j. iect. Some councillors doubted whether the carnival would be a success and felt that the public should not be asked to support another carnival so soon after two similar efforts this year. Cr. A. S. Todd asked what authority had the fire brigade to call on the public for money for a new engine and station. He thought %.ch matters were the council responsibility. There was no legal objection, said the Mayor, Mr. F. Purnell, who added that the members of the brigade were very enthusiastic If the brigade wanted to do something in addition to what was provided by the council it should be supported. "I think the idea is commendable and we should get behind the brigade,” said Cr. T. E. Barton. "It would be a pity to see them; knocked on the head," added Cr. E. C. Fogelberg. "We have a very enthusiastic brigade.’’ The public's reaction to another carnival so soon was raised by Cr. K. H. Fowler, although he wished to commend the spirit of the brigade. No motion was passed but the Mayor asked as many councillors as possible to attend the meeting to discuss carnival plans. TO-MORROW’S BOWLS. The second round of the full rink* bowling competition is the programme arranged by the Marton Bowling Club. The first round was played a fortnight ago. With fine, warm weather prevailing over the past 10 days, the greens are expected to play very fast to-morrow. SECOND SERIES CRICKET MATCHES TO CONCLUDE TO-MORROW Better scoring is expected when the second series of cricket matches commenced in Rangitikei last week, will be concluded to-morrow. Brilliant Weather has been experienced during the past week and outfields should he faster. A vast improvement in their fielding, particularly in catching, will be needed by Marton, last year’s champions, if they wish to dispose of Hunterville cheaply in the second innings. Marton are four runs behind on the first innings and at stumps last week Hunterville, in their second knock, had scored 58 runs for the loss oi three wickets. At present Hunterville are placed in a handy position for a win. A super effort will be needed on the part of Junction to avert an outright loss against Old Boys. Dismissing Junction for 83, Old Boys replied with 205, leaving the former 123 runs behind on Ihe first innings. At Ohakca, The visiting High School

team will have to struggle hard to notch a win. Low scoring rnarked this game last week, when Unakea made 78, and School replied with only 51. Ohakea in the second innings have lost three wickets for 73, giving them a lead of 100 runs with seven wickets in hand.

RETIRING REPUTY-MAYOR RECEIVES PRESENTATION

Recognition of the sterling services rendered to the Borough of Marton as a councillor over a period of 17s years was the presentation of a fountain pen to the retiring deputyMayor, Mr. K. A. Williams. a_t the first meeting of the new council on Wednesday night. Cr. Williams was also the recipient of a printed copy of a resolution, extolling his services, passed at a previous meeting of the council Making the presentation, the Mayor, Mr. F. Purnell, said that excouncill Williams had been quiet but effective in his work on the council. The council and particularly the finance committee, would greatly’ miss his services. As a token of appreciation and goodwill, Mr. Purnell said he had great pleasure in presenting Mr Williams with a small gift. “I am pleased to know that my services have been appreciated.’’ said' Mr. Williams in acknowledging the gift. He valued the friendship and goodwill of councillors and looked hack on his term on the council as a very pleasant experience and an opportunity to advance his knowledge of local body affairs. COMING ATTRACTIONS. To-day (Friday): Final showing at Civic Theatre, "Don't Fence Me In,” with Roy Rogers, music, riding, spectacular action, and the associate feaime, "Trouble Chasers,” with Billy Gilbert To-morrow <Saturday): Dunce in Marton Victoty Hall. Turakina Tennis Club's dance in Ttirtkina Hall; bus from Marton. Sunday, November 30: South Makirikiri Pony Club rally on Mr. F. McLean’s property, commencing at 11