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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

The Borough Of Mataura

The Borough Of Mataura contains an area of 530 acres, and in 1904 the annual rateable value of the town was £6,285. The municipality was constituted in 1895, and had been a town district for thirteen years. The gross amount of revenue on general account for the year ending the 31st of March, 1904, was £1,688, which included a debit balance of £298. Mataura is lighted by seven electric are lamps, and the energy is supplied by the local freezing works. There is ample drainage into the Mataura river. The streets are well laid out, and a good deal of asphalt has been placed on the footpaths. There are thirteen miles of roads in the borough; the main portions of which are metalled, and the remainder formed, The Borough Council's chamber in Denby Street is a brick and concrete building, plastered throughout; it is known as Coronation Hall, and has offices for the Council and the Public Library and reading-room. The bridge, which connects the two sides of the river included in the borough, was erected about 1880 by the Southland County Council, which still contributes towards its maintenance, but the principal burden of the cost is borne by the Borough Council. On the east side of the river about a mile from the post office, lies the local cemetery, which is under the control of the council. The Waimumu tail race, which is also under the control of the council, joins the Mataura river about a mile below the centre of the town, and forms the south and west boundary of the borough. The loans of the borough consist of £600, borrowed for the erection of Coronation Hall, and subsidised with £200 from the Government; also £400 for drainage works; £300 for electric light supply and installation; and £200 for footpaths. The council intends to instal electric light in the borough, including fittings and metres, and the charge for energy will be under contract with the local freezing company. Members of the Council for 1904–5: Mr John Lowden (Mayor), and Messrs E. Balneaves, H Cameron. W. Coster, W. Gardiner, J. Heslen, John Lowden. junior, A. Murley, C. P. Sleeman, and H. Walton, councillors. Mr J. C. McDonald is Engineer, and Mr J. C. Macgregor, Town Clerk.