REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 31 May 1943, Page 6

REEFTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). REEFTON, May 29. Mr, and Mrs. Robinson of Palmerston North are on a visit to Reetton as the guests of Mrs. C. Cleaver. Mrs. Geo Ward has received word of the' death of Mr. W. Watson at Frankton Junction. Mr. Watson was a former resident of Black’s Point. Miss'E. Wicken has left on return to Dunedin; to resume her studies at the Otago University. The 500 tournament conducted by the Fire Brigade on Thursday evening was largely attended. Miss Meibom won the ladies’ prize and Mr. Chambers the gents’. Mrs. Hardy won the chocolates. At the annual meeting of the Council the Countv Clerk (Mr. W. B. Auld) presided. Cr. W. Hempseed was elected. Cr. J. Coghlan nominated Cr. W. Hempseed for the position. of chairman. This was seconded by Cr. O’Regan. Cr, T. Watson nominated Cr. W. J. Duff as chairman. Cr. Duff declined nomination. Cr. Archer nominated Cr. T. R. Watson, Cr. Watson declined. Cr. Hempseed was duly elected chairman and returned his thanks. The retiring chairman offered congratulations to the newly elected chairman. He wished him a successful term of office. The retiring chairman reported on his attendance at Wellington as a member of a deputation from the Nelson and West Coast League of Local Bodies. Several Ministers had met the deputation which had received a sympathetic hearing. In particular the question of river protection and improvement at Maruia Hot Springs had been stressed, and improvements to the baths were also asked for. Cr. Clayton moved and Cr. O’Regan seconded that the chairman be thanked for his attendance with the deputation at Wellington, and for his report on the Maruia Springs. Much good should accrue to the area from the work of the League. Cr. Blackadder considered that the provision of building sites at the Springs area should not be lost sight of. The place was ideal for a holiday and a splendid holiday ground for all could be provided. They should endeavour to cater not only for invalids but realize that all people could find relaxation there. Prior to vacating the chair, the retiring chairman' reviewed the Council’s work for the year. He considered that a successful year had been enjoyed in spite of difficulties. A credit balance of some £2400 on the year’s work was shown. County roads were in good order and had been kept up to standard and plant had been cared for. He thanked the staff for loyal work in the year. He would like to see the matter of compensation with the Grey River Dredging Cov settled. This had been held up for some time. Cr. Blackadder complemented the chairman on his year’s work. Much of 4he success of the year was due to the interest! and zeal of the chairman, he said. Crs. Clayton, Blackadder, Mirfin, Duff, Watson, O’Regan, and Coghlan offered the new chairman good wishes. The monthly meeting of the Inangahua County Council was held on Thursday. Present: Councillors F. W. Archer (chairman). T. Watson, B Mirfin, J. Coghlan, W. Hempseed, W. Duff, J. O’Regan, W. Clayton, and W. Blackadder. Letters were received as follows: From L. E. Morgan, L. Patterson and Son, and the Public Trustee, notifying changes in ownership in properties. From the Medical Officer of Health, forwarding an analysis made of the water from the Reefton supply. From the Prime Minister acknowledging receipt of a letter on the National Savings scheme. From the District Engineer. Public Works Department, re a grader for disposal. It was decided to inspect the machine with a view to purchasing it. From Hon J. O’Brien, forwarding a letter from the Minister of Railways re the time table of the rail car. From L. E. Morgan forwarding an opinion on the question of rating from street lighting. From Hon. P. C. Webb on the matter of an advance for the erection of houses in the district. It was resolved that the Reefton House Committee be supplied with a copy of this letter. Frm the Under' Secretary, Department 'of Internal Affairs, re an Order in Council for drainange and sanitation in Reefon. From the Under Secretary, re mining rentals of J. J. Morris, saying that the same will be treated as irrecoverable during time he was on active service. From the secretary, N.Z. Counties Association, on sundry subjects. From the secretary, Municipal Association, re Rehabilitation Committees. It was resolved that the County chairman be the Council’s representative. From Hon Secretary, Plunket Societv. asking for a donation towards its fund. It. was resolved that a grant off £lO be made. From Guinness and Kitchingham, re water rent o na property in Buller Road. From Hon J. O’Brien, forwarding a letter from the Minister of Public Works, advising that no funds were available for the construction of Betts Suspension Bridge. It was resolved that the Foreman inspect the ropes and report on the same. From Wild and Robertson re ropes for the above bridge. From R C. Gibbs asking that attention be given to the road; serving settlers on the west bank of the Maruia Valley. Cr. Blackadder moved that the road be given attention. This was seconded bv Cr. O’Regan and carried. From general manager. Grey River Dredging Coy, re road leading to Mr, O’Mallev’s property at Ikamatua. It was resolved that a conv of the letter be sent to Mr, O’Malley. From M. Waddell Reefton, asking. for employment for his horse and lorry. From Hon. J. O’Brien, re river flooding at Cronadun, From J. Bolitho, asking that repairs be made to the bridge at Black’s Point. Cr. Watson moved and Cr. Coghlan seconde that the Foreman attend to the matI ter. From the District Highways Council asking for annual returns. The chairman. Cr Clayton, and Cr. Archer were appointed to consider returns. , From the Snowy River Dredging Coy, re agreement and bond for the Council. Resolved that the bond be approved and signed by the Council. The reports of Foreman. the Traffic Inspector, and Health Inspector were read and adopted. Cr. Archer moved and Cr. Coghland seconded that steps be taken to provide oilskins for County workmen. Cr. Duff moved and Cr. Archer seconded that the attention of the Railways. Department be drawn to the approach road to the Reetton Station. Cr. Archer moved and Cr. Coghland seconded that the Council ask the Mines Department for a grant of £3OO, £ for £, for the re-conditioning of Boatman’s Short Track Road’. It was resolved that the Railway Department be asked to widen the road at Inangahua Junction Station. Mr. C. Haldane, County Foreman, asked that the position concerning thd rate of wages paid to County employees. He pointed out that men on the Council under Scheme 13 were paid lOd per day more than the regular Countv workmen. This caused dissatisfaction among the men. Cr. Archer held that the men should be paid at the same rate as Scheme 13 men. He moved that the labourers employed

regularly by the Council be paid 22s per day. Cr. O’Regan seconded this motion. As an amendment Cr. Watson moved that the regular labourers be paid £1 Is 4d per day, the same as Scheme 13 men. This was carried. Mr. Haldane tendered his resignation as County Foreman, to take effect from the next meeting. He did! not wish to carry on. Cr. Blackadder moved and Cr. Watson seconded that applications be invited for the position of County Engineer. Cr. Archer said that the Council should employ an engineer clerk. Tne County clerk (Mr. Auld) said he would also tender his resignation. He felt that he was standing in the Council's light. Cr. Clayton opposed the appointment of an engineer. The motion that the Council call applica-tic-ns for an engineer was carried, the salary to be £6OO per year. Cr. Blackadder moved and Cr. Watson seconded. that applications be invited for a County Foreman at £7 10s per week. This was., carried. An .application from Mr. Greig for the position of sexton was received. The sexton, Mr. F. E. Lawry, having left the Council, it was resolved that arrangements, re the new sexton be left in the hands of the Foreman, Mr. C. Haldane. Prior to commencing the business of the meeting, it was resolved that the sjonpathy of the Council be extended to the relatives of tße late Private Pascoe of Waiuta, the first man from that district to be killed in action, to the relatives ot the late Mrs. G. Wells, and to the relatives of the late James Noble or Rei;fton.>