HAURAKI PLAINS COUNTY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4722, 9 July 1924, Page 3

HAURAKI PLAINS COUNTY

meeting of council. The Hauraki Plains County Council met on Tuesday last in the new county chambers, Ngatea, Cr. J. C. Milleri presiding over the following: Crs. C. W. Harris, W. G. Hayward, W. Madgwick, J. H. Nicholson, H. Hare, T. McLoughlin, F. J. Mayn, and C. W. (Parfitt. The clerk, Mr E. Walton, and the engineer, Mr J. Higgins, were also present. A MANGATARATA COMPLAINT. Mr H. Whittaker waited upon the Council and desired to know how the general maintenance work done round Mangatarata had been paid for. in leply the engineer said that it had been paid for out of thirds. The work on certain bridges had been paid for by a Government grant for flood damage. Mr Whittaker said that had the bridge work been paid for out of thirds the settlers would have had cause to object, as no thirds were collected from the adjacent property. He then made a complaint regarding a council employee. The chairman intimated that the Council had decided not to take notice of any complaints Unless they Were -n writing, and this Mr Whittaker agreed to do in time for the next meeting. PIAKO ROAD. Arising out of the engineer’s report Cr. Hayward asked how soon Piako Road would be completed. The engineer replied that he had left instructions to have it rolled when weather permitted, and in the meantime the surfaceman was raking in the ruts and spreading metal in the holes. CARTER’S ROAD. Complaints were voiced by Cr. Madgwick with regard to the size of the metal sent to the Turua-Netherton road at Carter’s Corner. The engineer explained that the jaws of the crusher had become worn, but had now been replaced and metal of the proper size was coming forward. Cr. Madgwick said that no matter how worn the crusher jaws were, metal could be crushed small. He was of the opinion that the contractor had ouened up the jaws to get a big output The engineer said he had spbken to the contractor on the matter. • NGATEA BRIDGE. Cr. Harris asked hpw ! the money for the recesses on the Ngatea bridge would be found. The chairman said that it would be the same old milking cow. On Cr. Parfitt’s motion the matter was deferred indefinitely, or until the Lands Department’s proposals in regard to the widening of the river were known. HIKUTAIA QUARRY. - Cr. Madgwick urged that now was the time to reconstruct the Hikutaia quarry plant. Screens were an. absolute necessity. The engineer said that the erection of the new plant would not interfere with the present crusher if placd on the p’oposed site, but many factors had tc be taken into consideration. Under the circumstances it might be advisable to utilise the present site. He would prefer to see the new engineer handle the matter, as he was the man who would have-to work the plant. - In reply to the chairman the engineer said that the work would probably take three mouths, and would run into nearly £3OOO. It was decided that the engineer prepare an estimate for equipping the quarry, and that a committee, comprising the chairmart and Crs. Madg- . wick, Hayward, and Nicholson, be.em--1 (iwered to act in the matter. KIRIKIRI BRIDGE. The Minister for. Public Works wrote in reply to the Council’s inquiry as to what steps could be taken * to expedite the construction of the Kirikiri bridge, advising that the department was not yet in a position to commence the construction. It was necessary to have test piles driven, and it was intended to employ on that work the men and plant engaged on the construction of the Kauaeranga bridge. The . plans of the Kirikiri bridge were'not ye.t quite complete, but.wcrk was proceeding, and as soon its the department was in a position to commence the wprk no unnecessary delay would occur. PROPOSED ROAD. Mr W. E. G. Willy, Piako Road, Turua, wrote stating that he had heard that a proposal would shortly be brought before the Council to construct a road from the Piako Road corner to the river, through what is known as the shellbank property. He wished to ask the Council to safeguard the interests of the, Piako Road settlers, and suggested the need for enlarging the present drain to at least 20ft. The proposed formation would therefore, have to be kept io the extreme southern side of the road so as not to, endanger the banks of the proposed drain. He would be glad of the Council’s assurance that its requirements would not conflict with the drainage, proposal, and pointed out that steps were being taken to form a drainage board, but in all probaoility this would not eventuate until after the specification for the road were'drawn up. The chairman moved that the matter receive favourable consideration when application was received from the settlers for the dedication of the road.—Carried. ‘ NETHERTON ROAD. Eight settlers of Netherton wrote drawing attention to the wet state of School Road and asking for a culvert to be put through, the road opposite the school reserve as soon as possible. Air G. A. Fisher wrote offering to place the culvert in position if the necessary material was supplied. Referred to the engineer for a report. FINANCING HIGHWAYS. The Horowhenua County Council

wrote with reference to the financing of main highways, stating that the whole scheme appeared to be one of national importance and it was felt that local authorities should obtain the necessary funds on the most favourable terms and without competing with one another on the money market. With this object in view all county councils were asked to cooperate and ask the Government co raise a loan for the purpose of lending to local bodies interested in the construction of roads under the Main Highways Act. —Agreed to. MAUKORO CANAL ROAD. The Under-Secretary for Lands wrote on June 24, 1924, stating that the Hon. Minister for Lands had received the Council’s letters of March 22 and June .15 on the subject of the Maukoro canal road, but was not in a position to reply definitely. He hoped to be able to do so within a week. Cr. Harris said that the road was never in such a state as at present. Something would have to be done as soon as possible, and he moved that the Council again make, representations to the Lands Department impressing the urgency of the matter.— Carried. Cr. Harris moved that the deputation take the matter up when in Wellington.—Carried. DAMAGE TO FLOOD-GATE. The Lands Drainage Engineer, Kerepeehi, forwarded an account for £74 3s lid, being the cost of carrying out temporary repairs to the Orongo ferry flood-gate, which was recently damaged by a county punt loaded with metal. The estimated cost of permanent repairs was £l5O. The chairman remarked that a punt had certainly broken the floodgate, but the Council was charged with replacing thfe bank which had been washed away in just the same manner as at other flood-gates. The engineer was instructed to deal with the matter. SANITARY INSPECTOR. The Medical Officer of Health wrote asking that the Council formally appoint Mr B. A. Franklin as its sanitary inspector, if not already done, so that he would be placed in a legal position in regard to dealing with the Council’s work.—Agreed to. KEREPEEHI POUND SITE. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote stating that the Council’s request to set aside section 4, Block VII. Kerepeehi township, as a pound site had been noted and the njitter was receiving attention. LOCAL BODY LOANS. The .Waitomo County Council forwarded a copy of a resolution urging that the Government take into consideration the need for amending the existing legislation so as to enable local bodies to obtain loans from the State Advances Office for the purpose of main highways and other development work. It was stated .that the present limit from this source was £5OOO a year, and money could not always be obtained from other lending institutions when required. Unless greater sums could be obtained no comprehensive and progressive schemes could be entered upon without the objectionable and expensive method of doing the wbrk in small sections being employed. Cr. Parfitt moved that the representations be endorsed.—Carried. TURUA ROAD LOANS. The manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Thames wrote advising that it was difficult to place the debentures for the Turua-Orongo Road loan of £4520 and the Turua District Roads loan of £7750. A buyer had not yet been found, as the usual channels were not at present available owing to the large number of local body loans recently floated or now being offered to the public. If the Council was prepared to pay 6 per cent, and to spend a little money in advertising he was of the opinion that the loans could be placed within reasonable time. The bank would let the Council have overdraft accommodation to a reasonable amount in the meantime if required against hypothecation of debentures. Cr. Madgwick moved that - this course be adopted;—Carried. BITUMEN WORK. The chairman of the No. 2 District Council wrote forwarding an instruction from the Main Highways Board to the effect that in connection with bitumen work the Board had decided to make it a condition of approval of expenditure of the Board’s contributions that any .such work be carried out under the supervision of experienced men. ' NETHERTON ROADS LOAN. The Public Trustee forwarded draft resolution to be passed, signed, and sealed in connection with the Council’s loan of £3400. CONFIDENCE IN ENGINEER. The secretary of the Patetonga Ratepayers’ Association wrote forwarding a resolution expressing the association’s confidence in the abilities of Mr Higgins and the way he had carried out his duties. General regret that the county would shortly be losing the services of such an efficient servant was expressed. EMPLOYEE’S DWELLING. Mr R. Shaw, Ngatea, wrote asking if the Council would grant him the use of the old office as a residence for his wife and family. He suggested that it be placed alongside his present shanty.—Referred to the inspector for a report and estimate of the cost. METALLING OF ROAD. Messrs M. E. Matthews and V. Young Netherton, wrote asking that a portion of Fisher’s Road be metalled as* soon as conditions were favourable. They pointed out that £7OO of the old Netherton Riding Roads loan had been allocated to the School, Fisher s, and Pekapeka roads, and asked that the balance be spent. They guaranteed that the fact of having a certain portion of the road metalled would not militate against them supporting a further loan to metal the whole of the roads in the area. Cr. Hare asked that the clerk supply the writers with the amount Of

money available for the road. He was in favour of the work being done, and to that end suggested that metal be dumped during the winter months. He moved that the clerk supply the information, and that the request be granted.—Carried. DAMAGE TO DRAIN. Cr. Madgwick reported on an inspection made of the drain near Carter's Corner about which the Hauraki Drainage Board had complained. The position was really serious, and something should be done. He moved that the Hauraki Drainage Board be informed that the drain Was under its control, and that in the present condition it endangered the road. He would not say which body was responsible, but. that was not the point. It was, who was to rectify the matter. Cr. Nicholson seconded, contending that no slips had occurred until, the drain was deepened. The engineer said that the road improvements could not he effected without removing the spoil. Cr. Hare said that the settlers had requested that the spoil be shifted over the road. Cr. Madgwick said that on the Gumtown road the spoil had been left on the drain bank, with the result that the drain had slipped. The motion was carried. CULVERT ACROSS ROAD. • Cr. Madgwick reported on a conference with members of the Drainage Board and the Lands Drainage ngineet concerning the culvert across the Turua-Netherton road at the Whaiepoa ferry corner. The Lands Drainage Engineer recommended that a 25ft concrete culvert 6ft by 6ft be const! noted. The cost would be £450, or if made of hardwood £350. The question was one of finance. Cr. Hayward stated that the money could not be found out of rates, Cr. Madgwick said that the settlers desired the work done and were prepared to pay. It did not matter whether the Council or the Drainage Board levied the'rates. In view of the present financial state of the County Council it was decided to let the matter He in abeyance. HORAHIA ROADING. Cr. Hayward suggested that steps be taken to raise part of the Horahia roading loan and make a start with Piako Road. The question was, whwe would the metal come from. Maukoro quarry would not be ready, and Kanaeranga metal might cost too much. Cr, Madgwick pointed out .that there was ample metal in Puriri Creek, and by installing another crusher an extra supply could be obtained. Two less punts would be required for this in comparison with the Kauaeranga Creek It was decided that the quarry committee go into the matter and report to tht Council. GENERAL BUSINESS. The special orders constituting the Hauraki Plains West Water Supply District were moved by Cr. Parfitt, seconded by Cr. Harris, and carried. Mr B. Williams, Kerepeehi, was granted a billiard room license and five butchers were granted renewals of slaughterhouse licenses. The formal resolution striking rates was carried on Cr. Mayn’s motion, seconded by Cr. Madgwick. For the purpose of repairing part of the Kerepeehi-Wharepoa road in the Turua riding it was decided that Kerepeehi riding provide the metal up to 60 yards, Turua riding provide half the cost of labour of spreading and carting, and Horahia and Ngatea ridings each provide onequarter of the cost of same, provided the wnole cost does not exceed £lOO. Cr. Parfitt presented a petition signed by about fifty ratepayers preying that the Lands Department open Hopai West Road through to Pouarua Road. He desired the Council to endorse the petition and forward it to the proper authorities.— Agreed to. Cr. Harris’ request that a portion of the Waitakaruru Steam road drain be cleaned was granted. The engineer was instructed to report on a culvert on the back Miranda road and to authorise Mr Stretton to do the work of lowering the level in terms of his offer. It was decided that on the approval of the engineer the alterations to the culvert at Young’s, on the TuruaNetherton road, be put in hand. It was resolved to use red metal, if possible, for patching the Kerepeehi riding roads.