KOWAI.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14843, 8 December 1913, Page 5

KOWAI.

The Ashley County Council mot at Loburn on Thursday. Present—Messrs "W. Mackintosh (in the chair), Ensor, Hiatt, and Philpott. Mr Mackintosh, who had been absent from the statutory meeting, thanked members for reelecting him to the position of chairman. In remarking on the chairman's generous use of his time and substance for the good of the county, members expressed the opinion that actual expenses on county business, incurred by members of the Council, should be refunded. Mr Forbes, M.P., forwarded the Public Works Estimates for the coming yeaT. It was decided to protest against the proposal of £175 (£1 for £2) for Olviiku protective works, and no further grant for the county. It was decided to again bring before the Government the urgent need of a new Okuku bridge, of sustantial assistance for Dobson's road, and a request for a decision on the Surveyor-General's report on the county requirements. Tho Council was in accord with the New Zealand Counties Association's letter recommending tho ro-valuatidn of paetoral runs along with the adjacent freeholds, and also in recommending that the Railway Department should be responsible for improvements at level crossings A petition for road repairs was received from electors residing on the Lobarn-Kowai road, and it was agreed to make a commencement as coon as possible. In reply to Mr Walter Berry, it was resolved that the ranger should occasionally go round the roads of the Aft. Thomas Riding, and that somo clearing should bo done at the Beep Creek cutting. The clerk was instructed to write to certain owners in the riding who were allowing stock to be at large too frequently. The clerk was also instructed to look into a easo op roadside ploughing without permission or payment of deposit, to explain tho Council's position to the defaulter and to report at next meeting. It was resolved that ton per cent, be added to unpaid rates on February first next.

At a meeting of the Kowai Council Messrs Hale, McLean, Rowe, and Hanna wore present. Mr W. H. Hale was unanimously re-elected chairman for tjbe current year. The CouncH solicitors, Messrs Helmoro ana van Asch, forwarded transfers to be signed by Messrs Maxwell, and Greney of several road divisions. It was "decided to offer the closed road at the ram paddock to the adjoining owner, Mr Boyce, at a price to bo fixed. Several minor works were ordered to be effected, including repairs to the North,road, tho painting and tarring of bridges, and the renewal of the Balcairn culvert. Tho surveyor reported ihe completion of the Stony creek traffic bridge and approaches.