THAMES COUNTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4672, 10 March 1924, Page 4

THAMES COUNTY.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. The monthly meeting ot the Thames County Council was held on Thursday last .there being present Crs. 11. Gowc (chairman), A. Alley, G. 11. A. Cribb, J. McCormick, W. Cox, W. J. McMahon, H. Cory-Wright, and W Bi unton. Messrs T. G. McElroy (clerk) and M. T. E. Hooley (engineer) were also present. Or. H. Cory-Wright, the newlyelected member for Tairua RMiug, took his seat for the first time, and was heartily welcomed by the chairman) and Cr. McCormick. Cr. Cory-Wright returned thanks and said that his only regret was that lv> was taking the place of sueb an excellent man as Mr E. Niccol. FERRY PLANT. The clerk of the Hobson Cotui'.y Counci' wrote advising that the steamer and punts comprising the Mititai ferry were the property of the contractor, who may be disposed to sell when the Wairoa bridge was opened in about six months’ time. SALEYARDS. The Inspector of Health, Thames, wrote reporting that the Hikutaia saleyards were in a very filthy condition. He recommended that the owners be made to clean them up before granting the renewal of the reggistration. ' TAPU FLATS. Mi- T. W. Rhodes, M.P., forwarded a letter received from the Hon. Minister of Lands in connection with the question of acquiring an acre of native land at Tapu Flat for a recreation reserve. It was stated that the prohibition against private alienation of the blocks would expire on March 21, 1924. The Native Department was now asking what action should be taken, thus it was desirable tp know whether the local authorities interested had reached a decision in the matter. Cr. McMahon said that the rate payers of the Hastings riding were prepared to pay a special rate if the council would acquire the land. The committee was prepared to hand over the money in hand. Cr. Cribb said that it seemed that the borough should take up the matter. It would he of more benefit to the town than to the county. The chairman said that unless Something were done at once the land might pass into private ownership. There was not time to consult the Borough. There was a chance of getting a £ for £ Government subsidy. The balance would have to be raised by a special loan. It was decided that the council take the necessary steps to acquire the land as a public park, and that the Government be asked to renew the restrictions. Messrs Lowe and McMahon were apopinted to negotiate 'with the Thames Borough and the Hon. Minister. MINE RENT.

Mr N. A. Palmer wrote on behalf of Mr J. McCormick advising that the sum of £25 was paid into the Warden’s Court, Waihi, about October, 1922 in respect to two 100 acre quartz claims It lias been learned that through a mistake in the Wardens office the money was credited to the Ohinemuri County instead of Thames. It was suggested that the council take steps to secure payment. It was decided to take the steps suggested and to ask that a list of the properties from which mining rent was due be supplied annually. CHANGE OF RIDING. Mr John Buchanan, Hikutaia, wrote asking that the three sections belonging to Messrs L. and W. Buchanan and himself in the Tairua riding be put into the Hikutaia riding. He stated that of the £9O spent by the Whangamata Settlers’ Association they contributed £3O in rates, yet rarely had anything been spent for their benefit. Being on the western edge of the Tairua riding, their outlet was Hikutaia. Cr Alley askotl if this could be done.

The chairman thought that perhaps it could' by getting an OrcUr-in-Coun-cil.

Cr. McMahon said it would cosl more than the rates received, ami moved that the letter be forwarded to the Settlers; Association.

MATATOKI DRAINAGE.

Messrs Clark and Twohill waited upon tlio Council with reference to the railway outlet drain at Matatoki. They wished to know what tile proposed area was, anil what rate was required. It was asked that the area be defined, and that the rate Shoull be struck to cover the cost of the work. Also that tenders be called. The chairman remarked that tenders for numerous contracts had bee i called, but no- one. seemed to wane work. The matter had been before the Council many times. The Railway Department had been asked tc share the cost of the work, but so far the Council had not received a reply. When the settlers knew what th? work would cost the Council coul.l strike a rate.

Cr. McCormick said that advisory committees had been set up but were not doing their work. The committee for the riding should be called together to settle what work should be done.

It a,s resolved that, the riding members, engineer, and allvisory committee should meet the settlers, and that the engineer should prepare estimates for the railway and centre drains for presentation at the meeting, wheji the whole system would be discussed. The meeting was fixed for Tuesday evening, in the Matatohi Hall. TENDERS. The tender of £lO3 from Mr R. W. Smith for the delivery of metal for Warahoe West Road, and that of Messrs McCleaver and Clark for the Puriri-Neavesville deviation,. £227, were accepted. ACCOUNTS. Accounts totalling £660 13s 6d in the County Fund account, £358 19s 3d on Roads Loan accounts,, and £37 3a ,Sd or. the Matatoki Quarry Loan account were passed for payment.