THAMES COUNTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4388, 10 March 1922, Page 1

THAMES COUNTY.

THE COUNCIL MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Thames County Council was held at Thames on Wednesday, there being present: Crs. H. Lowe (chairman), A. Alley, P. Faithful, E. Niccol, Major G„ Blackett, J. McCormick, W. Brunton, R. Cox. PURIRI BRIDGE. A brief report on the Ngatea coni ference in reference to the Puriri bridge was submitted. Cr. Lowe emphasised that there had been no intention or attempt to prejudice the Kirikiri project. An agreement had been come to in respect to Puriri bridge, and, after the time for objection had lapsed, neither local body had a moral right to object, or break the agreement. His point in reference to Kirikiri was merely as an illustration that Kirikiri or anv other project was equally liable to be upset by a minority of objectors. Agreement’s oncei made should, as a matter of principle, be honourably kept. Cr. Faithful asked if the Puriri ratepayers would be liable for the cost of Kirikiri bridge. He hoped not, because Puriri might get its bridge later on.

The chairman did not give a definite reply. He thought the bridges should be at least county matters. He would not, personally, allow any small section of ratepayers t'o bear the whole burden for a bridge; such a course would be a grave injustice. The ratepayers could hot pay their rates at present. Mr Lowe enumerated existing rates .Pm'-iri area amounting t'o Is in the £ .on the unimproved value. Such rates amounted to a mortgage. It was obvious that no further imposition should be made. WHAREPOA FLOODING.' Messrs Bucktliought Bros, complained that the flood waters from the road drains backed up on their I property. This was partly caused by the laying deeper of the culvert, near Townsend’s. The result had been very detrimental to the crops, Cr. Brunton said he had been in the district for twenty years, and the land had always been subject to flooding. The only remedy was to go on with the drainage scheme, but the settlers seemed apathetic about it. . The Council agreed with Cr. Brunton’s view that there was no effective remedy apart from the proposed drainage scheme. HIKUTAIA RIDING. Foreman Hodges reported that, during the month there has been six yards of metal put on the Factory Road, and nine on Townsend’s; also six on South Read. .All the roads jri the ridiiig are in a very bad state, metal being required, and watertables and drains cleaned. The heavy rains and the "overflow from the creeks completely block the wafer courses, and these should be attended to before' winter. UNPAID RATES. The Council decided to take proceedings in respect to persons whose rates were 'overdue, unless satisfactory evidence was. forthcoming in writing showing reason for why pa? l . ment could not be made immediately.