County Council Cuts Share of Royal Visit Cost

Grey River Argus, 8 October 1948, Page 2

County Council Cuts Share of Royal Visit Cost

Although allocated £2OO as its share of the cost of next year’s Royal visit to Greymouth the Grey County Council yesterday decided to give £lOO, and to reconsider the question of the remainder later.

Cr. J. Mulcare, who moved the motion, said that this was not the time to be spending money when thousands of people were starving in Europe. Cr T. G. Jamieson said any work done by the council workmen would oe paid out of the general fund and that the council would then be able to get some of its money back. Cr Mulcare said that the council had its trucks and if these were employed for gathering greenery for decorative work, the council would get some of the money expended. A letter was received from MA H. Seebeck and Miss I. Weenink, objecting to the proposal to alter the light at the west end of Warburton Street. Cr. Jamieson said that this was discussed at a recent meeting of the Ratepayers’ Association and the position of the light was agreed to. It was decided to support the Ratepayers’ Association in this matter. A letter was received from Mr J. R. Shepherd, of Hinton Road, protesting against the proposal to erect a light in the street as it would be just outside his bedroom window. It was decided to request the Grey Power Board to put a shield on the light when they installed it. It was resolved that £5 5s each be granted to tfie Runanga Fire Brigade and to the Westland District Progress League. It was decided to grant permission to Mr J. C. Hunt of Palmers Road, Maruia, to erect a small sawmill. . Because of the non availability of funds, it was decided to inform the section holders of Keith Road, Paroa| that their request for the completion of the road would be considered next year. The acting engineer, Mr H. Higgins, stated that a sum of £2OO was required to finish the road. 45-M.P.H. SPEED LIMIT

A letter was received from the Commissioner of Transport seeking the council opinion regarding a universal speed limit to operate outside built-up areas. Cr. W. Fisher said that he was very much in favour a speed limit as wherever there was an increase in speed the accident rate went up. Cr. R. Clarke advocated a speed limit as a means of keeping road ‘hogs’ under control. It was decided to inform the commissoiner that the council was in favour of a 45-m.p.h. limit. It was decided that, if possible, ways and means should be found for securing a pound and a pound-keep-er. Cr. Mulcare said that there had been two accidents because of the lack of a pound. Cr. J. Clayton said that the trouble was on the main highways and should be referred to 1 the Main Highways Board'.

Cr Jamieson said that wandering stock could be found on the county roads as well.

The engineer pointed out that the pound would have to possess suflicient water and feed for the stock and he did not know any areas in the country that would be suitable. Cr Mulcare said that the council should not be responsible for stock found on the main highway and said that the Main Highways Board should be approached on the matter. . Cr Fisher said that it was now not safe for farmers to take their cattle across roads, because of inconsiderate motorists, who, on several occasions, had run into valuable beasts. It was decided to communicate with the Commissioner of Transport for advice and financial assistance. The engineer was requested to inquire into the expenses of a pound-keeper and a pound.