TE AROHA BOROUGH.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16711, 29 January 1926, Page 6

TE AROHA BOROUGH.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. ROUTINE BUSINESS. j At the monthly meeting of the Te Aroha Borough Council there were present the Mayor (Mr R. Coulter), and Crs. Ada Gordon, W. C. Kennedy, V. Hamilton. G. Hodge, S. Sellars, R. Woodroffc. S. Sellars and D. McMahon. The Minister for Lands wrote in regard to the question of setting aside certain areas of Crown lands for the use of the Te Aroha Borough Council. The land referred to is a block on the east side of the town, on which situated the municipal quarry. The land is sought in order to conserve the bush for protection of the watershed An area of 20 cares was also applied for on the river bank for the purpose of developing it into a public park. The Mayor said he had interviewed the Minister of Crown Lands in Auckland. He had invited the Commissioner of Lands to Te Aroha. It was practically assured that the Council's request would be acceded to, but there was just one or two technicalities to be cleared up. One was as to whether the land is useful for farming purposes. There was also another piece of land used as a swimming bath that might be vested in the borough. All that was asked was that the lands should be reserved for the people, for in years to come it might be used as a public domain and could be improved from time to time as opportunity offered.

It was agreed to invite the Commissioner to Te Aroha.

Traffic Bridge.

The Mayor said the chairman of the Piako County Council and Cr.' Kennedy had waited on the Works Committee and had discussed the matter of the new bridge., The meeting, was a very amicable one, the County Council deputation being only too anxious that the bridge should be built on the most economical lines.. It was pointed out that if the cost of the bridge was to be excessive the Piako County Council would be consulted.

Cr. Hedge said that Mr Walters had stated that the council was quite satisfied if the bridge did not exceed £16,000.

The Mayor said he was assured that there would be no difficulty between the local bodies interested over the management or construction of the bridge. Quarry Report. The quarry foreman, Mr Pilling, reported for the month as follows: Metai crushed, 966 yards; expenses, wages £165 5s 2d, power £l2 Is Bd, explosives, etc. £2; total £l9l 6s lOd, which worked out at a cost of 3s lid per yard. Seven men were engaged. Cr. McMahon took exception to an increase of staff without his knowledge. Cr. Hedge said that the increase was necessary on account of pressure of biisiness. The report was adopted. General. A communication Was received from the Prime Minister's Office asking for details of subscriptions towards a memorial to be erected in memory of the late Right Hon. W. F. Massey.— The clerk said that donations had been sent to >-r*>\. . Tho-Te Aroha Cricket Club made application for the use of Herries' Park for the summer months.—Permission granted.

The treasurer, Mr F. W. Wild, reported that the amount of cash to credit; £69 19s 9d; accounts to pass, district fund, £2890 17s lid; loan accounts, £1512 3s 2d.

Mr T.'C. May applied for lease of area on outskirts of borough for grazing purposes.—Granted. The Department of Agriculture wrote that a meat inspector would be appointed in connection with the local abattoirs.

The Public Trust Office reported that from January l, 1926, the interest allowed on local body sinking funds and superannuation funds will be increased by a-quarter per cent. The N.Z. Railways advised that it intended to clean up street fronting railway cottages, and instructions had been issued to make the. drainage sanitary.

The Post and Telegraph Department advised that a suitable cabinet must be provided for street telephone stands. The Te Aroha taxi telephone stand does net comply with- regulations. —The Mayor said it seemed hard for taxi owners to have to go to such a heavy expense. He moved that the matter be deferred.—Carried. The Council decided to inflict a penalty of 10 per cent, on overdue rates after February 15. The Mayor introduced the matter of having portion of the traffic bridgo redecked, and the foreman was instructed to attend same. On the motion of Cr. Sellars it was decided to ask Mr Bell, the owner of a section near the traffic bridge, to have the hedge cut down on the dangerous corners approaching the town. Cr. Sellars said the lime is not far distant when the Council would have lo buy some of these corner sections for the purpose of widening the streets.

Cr. Woodroffe referred to the need to cut the long grass in the back strdets. Cr. McMahon moved that two men be engaged to do the work. — Agreed 10. Cr. Hamilton moved that Longfellow Street be tarred this season. The foreman objected, on the ground that the money would be wasted, as the ground is not lit to carry the tar. The land would not be ready for tar till next season. —The motion was lost on the casting vote of the Mayor. It was agreed as an alternative to cover the path with chips. Messrs Jones and Adams were appointed engineers in connection with the new traffic bridge at Te Aroha.

A "Breeze."

At 10 o'clock a motion was lodged for an extension of time. Cr. McKibbin objected, which meant that according to the rules governing council debate no business can be proceeded witli after 10. unless by a majority vote of the Council. —Cr. McKibbin left the room.

The only matter to be dealt with was the passing of accounts. Cr. McKibbin was induced to return, lie said that he had been told to shut up and sit down, and he would not stand it.

The Mayor' said that he had not heard any such remark. The accounts were passed for payment.