TE AWAMUTU BOROUGH

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18344, 2 June 1931, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU BOROUGH

MEETING OF COUNCIL. GENERAL BUBINEBB. The fortnightly meeting of the Te Awamutu Borough Council was held last evening when the Mayor (Mr C. G. Downes) presided and there were also present Crs. G. Gifford, F. Gilbert, H. C. Rainey, W. J. North, W. C. Savill. G. A. Empson and G. Spinley. A deputation' from the Young Men’s Institute, consisting of Messrs J. Fleming (president) and J. Oliphant, S. S. Preston and C. A. Reilly, waited on the Council regarding the overdue rates on their property in Market Street. Mr Preston said‘the Institute was now a live body. During the season 1929-1930, they had had a surplus and had paid £25 off the amount owing; but last year they were not so successful, and had not been able to pay anything. If the council forced their hands, they would have to sed their property at a heavy sacrifice; but if they were allowed time to pay up the arrears, they would no doubt be able to realise at a price that will enable them to purchase land and very probably erect a building on It, out of the proceeds of the present. He suggested that the Council write off the present overdue rates and reveiw the question each year. The Mayor said the Finance Committee would go into the matter and report to the council. Works Committee’s Report. The committee recommend that a mud tank be placed at the intersection of Palmer and Herbert Street, and further,, that the open ditch at this place be also either piped or fenced in. Regarding the trafllc congestion in Sloane Street, it was resolved to recommend the council to apply the time limit to all vehicles coming to rest in that portion of Sloane Street. It was also decided to recommend the Council to declare, Pakura Street, Pirongla Road and Alexandra Street to the intersection of Tawhaio Street, also Tawhaio and Mangaplko Streets, stock roads for all cattle being driven from the direction of Frontier Road to the saleyards. It was decided to recommend the erection of another street lamp in Mandeno Street and also in Young Street. The question of stock routes caused some discussion as to the advisability of bringing stock over the railway crossing in Alexandra Street. - The Mayor said they could always change the direction of the stock route at any time. The report was adopted with the exception of the question referring to the street lights. The question of parking in Sloane Street was also discussed. The time limit is to be enforced. It was decided to again offer for lease by public auction some of the borough sections in Brady Street, the upset prices to be reduced. Goods on Footpath. Mr W. M. Miller wrote regarding the display of goods on the footpath.. He pointed out that since the council 'had put an embargo on this, the rule had been well observed; but he noticed now that one shop was doing quite lavishly, and apparently no action was being taken. The' matter had been referred to the shopkeeper and the practice was discontinued. The secretary of the Fire Brigade asked for permission for the Brigade to hold its annual bonfire on the Council’s property on November 5, and also asked for leave to carry two or three extension lights from the switchboard in the band room.—Application granted. Two ratepayers asked for assistance in putting in drainage under the Council’s scheme of assistance. They were agreeable if necessary to give the Council an order on part of the rent.'—Referred to Legal and Finance Committee. Another ratepayer asked the Council to have some of the pine trees at the southern end of Victoria Park topped.—Referred to Works Committee for a report. Hospital Levy. The Hamilton town clerk forwarded correspondence of the Waikato Hospital Board and asked the council's support of the protest they were making to the Minister of Health regarding any further reduction in their estimates. It was decided to ask the Department, and the Hospital Board what the effect would be on this council’s finances if the total deduction by the Government is made; and also to write to Mr Broadfoot, M.P., asking him to look into the matter