HAVELOCK TOWN BOARD.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 86, 13 April 1917, Page 6

HAVELOCK TOWN BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday, the following members attending: Messrs W. H. Smith (chairman)/ W. BL Buckman, W. EL Marriott, B. H. Smith, and W. H. Orsman, Mr P. J. ,O'l>onoghue wrote for permission to erect" a pelfcon wheel at in© Post Office Hotel with the object of driving- a dynamo for electric lighting purposes. The chairman expressed doubt as to wheifeer sufiicient water power was available. The secretary pointed oat that by increasing the volume of water in the dam at a small expenditure there woiiid be a corresponding in. the pressure. In his opinion if the dam wall were raised five feet sufficient power would bo available to light the town with electricity. The increasing difficulty of securing-supplied of carbide ahead of requirements might soon > cause the Board to consider other I

means of lighting the" town. After some (UsctiSsion Mr Orsman moved that Mr O'Donoghue's application be granted on the understanding that if the power was found to be insufficient to keep all pelton wheels going, the Board reserves the right to make whatever restrictions, in the use of water that might be necessary. The motion was carried. i On the motion of Mr Orsmarrit was also resolved that, owing to the increasing scarcity of carbide ; the Board keep in view the desirability of installing electric light for Havelock. A letter from the Acetylene Gas Company stated that only a few drums from an early shipment could be supplied, and that no assurance could be given of future supplies. The Pelorus Road Board wrote asking "the Town Board to share in the i cost of repairs to Twidle's gravel road in the Pelorus Valley, which i suffered flood damage. After some ' discussion the Board decided to hold the matter over until a legal opinion

be detained from the Board's solicitor. '

The secretary read a legal opinion re the Board's'liability for flood damage at the culvert outlet under Girling's buildings. The letter stated that unless negligence were proved against the Board, no claim from private owner of property could be considered after twelve months from completion of work. The Board, after a somewhat lengthy discussion, decided to inspect the ends of the culvert- at an early date. Mr Cr. Pope tendered his resignation as foreman of the Board's works and custodian of the Town Hall. Mr E. H. Smith moved that the resignation be accepted with regret, and that a letter of appreciation of his services be sent to Mr Pope. The chairman and other members expressed their personal regret at Mr Pope's decision to sever his connection with the Board, and paid a tribute to the obliging and efficient manner in which he had always carried out his duties.

! The secretary .reported that he had been unable to secure the suitable labor he had expected to carry out the asphalting operations authorised, but- hoped.to get the work done before the end of the present month. The inspector was instructed to.procure a few loads of metal for repairs to the Mudflat road. The chairman stated that he had secured a subsidy of £11 for the library, a proportion of which, it is expressly stated, should be spent in books of a permanent value to the library. Mr Marriott moved a hearty vote; of thanks to the chairman for his continued interest in the welfare^ of the library, .and for acting as librarian without payment. In respect to an abnormal register of a month's supply of gas, attributed by the consumer to a defect in the meter, it was decided to make a reasonable concession.

Accounts amounting to £52 were passed for payment. —Guardian.