COUNTY COUNCILS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18423, 2 July 1925, Page 7

COUNTY COUNCILS.

GREY. (special to "the peess.") GREYMOTJTH, July 1. The monthly meeting of the Grey County" Council was held to-day. Present: Crs. J. W. Hannan (chairman), H. G. Carter, P. Donnellan, D. Baybutt, J. Greanly, A. Blair, J. Ryall A. Robinson, and J. P. Irvine. A letter was received from the Minister of Public Works advising that he would give tin request for a bridge over Moonlight Creek careful consideration. The Minister advised regarding the Palmer's to Mamia road that the full amount of the vote had been expended. He was unable to see his wav to authorise the expenditure of £IOOO on "the Kotuku-Bell Hill road, but authority for £530 was being issued to the resident engineers, who would commence operations at an early date. . A letter was received on behalf of Bell Hill residents asking that the completion of the Haupiri Junction-Bell Hill road be expedited. A letter was received from the Tawera County Council regarding the West Coast road between Canterbury and Westland, asking that the Council support the request that it be declared a main highway. It was resolved to comply with the request. A letter from the Buller Progress League asked that members of the Council be appointed to join a deputation to Wellington in connexion with the West Coast road. The deputation would leave next week. Cr. J. Ryall, member for the Cobden Riding, was appointed. The Minister of Mines advised that a report was being obtained on the GreenstoneBlaekwater road. A request was received from the chairman of the Licensing Committee, Hokitika, that the license fee in respect of several accommodation houses in the district be increased. No action was. taken. The Health Department wrote requesting that requisitions .bo served on owners and occupiers of several residences at Blackball, with the condition of which the health inspector was dissatisfied. Tho clerk stated that the requisitions had been sent, and he read a letter typical of a number received from those upon whom notices had been served, protesting that nothing could be done owing to the housing shortage. He expressed tho opinion that the Government and the mining company should take energetic measures to provide the residents with decent dwellings. Ogilvic and Company were given permission to lay a tramline across Marsden-Maori Creek road. It was resolved to support the representations of the Runanga Borough Council in favour of pensions for victims of infantile paralysis. A letter was received from the Punakaiki branch' of the Farmers' Union requesting the Council to take over control of Canoe Creek bridge. The matter was referred to the engineer, who undertook to ascertain the legal position. • The matter of insuring workmen s cottages and the procuring of land for a roadman's cottage at Inchbonnie was referred to the engineer. A letter was received from the Main Highwavs Board suggesting that because of the increase in the revenue of the local bodies, the Council's contribution towards the maintenance of the main highway should be increased. The reply sent by the engineer refuting the statement that the Council's revenue was increasing was approved, and the matter was left in his hands. Cr. Rvall was requested to interview the Minister" of Mines with reference to a grant to repair damage to the Marsdeu. road caused by the Hokonui Sluicing Company. The clerk read correspondence with reference to a water supply for Blackball. A conference had been held between the Council and a deputation of Blackball residents. The Blackball Coal Company pffered £IOO per annum for the work, but considered that its property should not be specially rated. Cr. .Irvine said the'offer was of- no use, and what was wanted was a lump sum towards the total cost, «£SOOO. It was resolved to define a special rating area, prepare ft roll, and- fake a poll of the ratepayers if there was no objection from the company, whose property would be included in. the area. In the case of an objection, the Magistrate will be asked to determine'whether the company may justly be rated for the project.