IT HAPPENED IN THE COUNTY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 11, 15 May 1939, Page 2

IT HAPPENED IN THE COUNTY

CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REVIEW* UPKEEP OF ROADS "Although difficult conditions have obtained : n the past year it has been found possible to cai-ry out the necessary programme of the Council without undue calls upon the ratepayers, and the ready response which the rate demands produced - show that one find all realise that modern facilities in the way of roads and other conveniences have got to lie paid for-," said the Mr J • G. Cliff McCulloch, in his annual report to 'the Whakatane County Conn cij at a special meeting on Friday. In this connection it may be pointed out that the gross expenditure of your council has risen to a sum of £60,456 which explains the necessity of an annual charge upon the ratepayers which would appear in the light of past years to be a high one. Towards this amount the subscription of the ratepayers has amounted to £25 f 548 while the contribution of the general public by way of petrol levy £4907 and Government subsidies £15464 together with .revenue from, licenses and "other sources completes the total, so that ratepayers mustrealise that the whole of the burden of county costs is not thrust upon their shoulders, although your council is of the opinion that in view of the improved standard of road maintenance and the decreased cost to road users it is only right and proper that road risers should pay an increased proportion of costs, and has pressed continuously for a higher sub scription from them to the extent of £1 for £1 costs on all county roads instead of the present basis of £3 tor £1 on those roads gaaetted within the county as highways. Hospital Levy In the matter of hospital levy this council has grave concern and is alarmed at the increasing annual charges in this respect and one over which it has no control. In the past ; 3'ear the county ratepayers' contribution has risen from £3665 to i'4.V2S I with the prospect of still further | rises in the years to come. This con a, cil's policy has been to press for a further substantial contribution from the national funds so as to distribute the burden more equitablv upon all those who use the hospital*. Noxious Weeds The noxious weeds menace has been one which has given the council very serious thought and the assistance rendered by the Government in this matter has produced most valuable results. Subsidised eradication of ragwort and blackberry habeen of very great benefit a nd towards this result the council has benefitted from Government subsidy to the extent of £4804. and an area of 13 n 277. acres hag been treated. Native Rates The native rating question is one which still presents great difficulties and applies in marked degree to this county. This council appreciates that in years past 'the involved ownership of native lands made rate collection an extremely difficult one but it considers that whenever the titles are individualised and the lands are producing, the Maori landowner should bear the burden of county rates equally with the Pakeha. The question of permanent surfacing on county roads is one to which this council has given much thought and realising the heavy cost involved, it desires to be quite satisfied of the urgency and necessity before embarking on any scheme which though it realises the desirability must consider the ability of the ratepayers to meet the cost. Town Planning Town planning has entered into the activities of the council and in this respect it has been thought Tit to bring the townships of Edgecum. be, Ohope and the environs of the Whakatane Paper Mills under the provisions of the Act. This it in considered will not impose any irksome restrictions whatever upon those intending to build within these aieas but merely make for moreordes'.v lay out and attractive surroundings in these increasingly popular portions of the county.

Landing Field The matter of providing a suitable landing ground for aeroplanes within the precincts of Whakatane rr.'.s been under the consideration of the Borough and County Council in conjunct tion with the Public Works Uopavtmcnt. So far no finality has been reached but it is hoped in the near future to select a site which will place Whakatane within the scope of the East Coast air service. Centennial Plans Centennial celebrations in the forthcoming year have called for a substantial contribution and for this purpose the council has seen fit to vote £625 on dressing sheds at Ohope (including the cost of land £250) to the Centennial Park at Whakatane £250 and £125 towards the National Centennial Exhibition. Appreciation The works carried out by the engineer's staff are of a very comprehensive nature and I have pleasure in quoting details from his report which show the magnitude of hi s department's activities. To these two gentlemen I convey my grateful appreciation of their services and to one and all of the county staff I say that I am glad to have had the privilege of steering the ship (through the last year with a good and faithful crew. T) you, gentlemen, of the council, I express my thanks for the way in which you have administered the county's affairs and the careful attention you have' given to all matters affecting the welfare of the ratepayers and staff. CENTENNIAL INTEREST o EIGHTY YEAR OLD WHALEBOAT The gift to the Devonport Naval Base by the family of the late Mr John Mcintosh of Pukenui of a whaleboat at least eighty years old may serve as a reminder to members of the public that the Centennial offers a unique occasion for similar generosity. An appeal has already been made for ships' figureheads for the collection at the Naval Base ? but without much result. Members of the public can be of the greatest help in making a success of the Centennial if they can bring themselves to give to the New Zealand people any old costumes or ships' figure-* heads they may possess. A parallel appeal for original manuscript material to be lent or given, to the National Historical Committee in furtherance of it s work of completing, so far as is humanly possible, the historical records of New Zealand, has already met with a gratifying response and undoubtedly will meet with more.