HAURAKI PLAINS COUNTY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5229, 20 January 1928, Page 3

HAURAKI PLAINS COUNTY

MEETING OF COUNCIL. Tlie Hauraki Plains County Council •met at Ngatea yesterday t the chairman (Cr. E. L. Walton) presiding over the following: Crs F. J. Mayn, A. L. Fisher, J. A. Reid ( Hi. H. Hicks, C. W. Parfitt, W. Madgwick, J. CMiller, C. W. Harris, the Clerk (Mr ' E.' A. Mahoney), and the Engineer (Mr F. Basham).

SECONDARY HIGHWAYS. The chairman reported on the recommendations made by the works committee to the council’s, represen-

tative on the District Highways Council relative to the roads to be dejnared secondary main highways as already published.

Cr. J. C. Miller, the representative, reported on the discussion! at the District Council. In addition to the Orongo-Netherton and Ngatea-Pate-tonga rpiads, the council had also agreed to recommend the Orchard East road from Parry’s corner to the Turua-Netherton Road corner. The distance recommended was 26 miles 70 chains, and the county had been very well treated in comparison with other counties. It was possible that the Ngatea-Patetonga road would not be made a secondary highway at the present time, as the council was getting better terms from the Public Works Department and the Lands Drainage Department. After the road had been metalled it would be a ■ highway without doubt, Kut it had to be remembered that the subsidiary highways did not receive assistance towards construction, but only towards maintenance. The council expressed satisfaction with the position and thanked Cr. Miller fior his efforts on its behalf. PIAKO RIVER WHARVES. ’ The chief drainage engineer, Department of Lands and Survey, wrote referring to the alterations suggested by the council in the draft agreement in connection with the proposed sale of. the .wharves. He was prepared to insert a clause authorising the coun- ■ cil to lease any of the wharves to the settlers, provided, of, course, that Mft® council undertook the responsibility of seeing that the wharves are maintained in good order. With regard to Johnstone’s wharf, which would be affected by the widening of the river, it had been found on a close examinnation that practically all. the piles were n a bad condition and should be renewed when alterations, were carried plat; The. least that could be done would be to remove the outer bay* artd construct a new approach 25ft long by 12ft wide along with four new piles at the berthage and new fender piles and bracing. The estimated cost of this work, .with minor repairs only, was £275.

The mattbr was referred to the chairman for a report. / PATETONGA LOAN. * On the motion of Cr. Mayn it was decided to again urge the Local Bodies Loans Board to expedite the sanction of the Patetonga roads loan. 'PATETONGA ROAD. It was. decided to approach tlie Public Works Department for a subsidy of £lOO for gravelling a section of the main road which had been* metalled but was rapidly breaking up. A little attention soon would save a lot of, money later on. NOXIOUS WEEDS. Cr. Hicks drew attention to the . spread of nloxious weeds in the district and to the fact - that these weeds were now seeding. He was of opinion that the council should get the Government inspector to act. The ’Speeds were not serious, but there Were isolated clumps that should be given attention. ' ' Crs. Madgwick and Miller supported, and pointed out the advisability of keeping clean areas cleail. -- It was decided to make representa.tions to the two Government inspectors. HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES. The Hamilton Borough Council advised that as one pr two of the local bodies in the No. 3 Heavy Traffic District had been unable to accept the present basis of allocation of heavy traffic fees for a further period the matter/would be referred to a magistrate. The,case had been fixed for January 16, but was adjplurned, TENDERS. J 'Six tenders Were received for the elivery of gravel on! to th'e KaihereTorehape road, and that of Messrs Galvin, Fisherj and Swindels, at 4fe 6d per cubic yard was accepted. DOG TAX. The council fixed the amoqnt of dog tax for the year 1928 at 2s 6d for working dogs and 10s for others, as in previous years. LEAVE FOR FERRYMAN. The ferryman at Nethertbn applied j fotr annual leave, mentioning that a suitable substitute was available. — Granted. . SEPTIC TANK. Miss Ely, Wimbledon House, Nga-i tea applied for permission to install a septic tank. was .granted subject to tfee approval of the Health Department’s inspector. EXTENDING WATER SUPPLY. Cr. Parfitt reported that nine settlers of Canal Road, Waitakaruru, .had agreed with’ the Water Commit'ee to purchase water from tihe Hauraki Plains West supply schemes, but they were unable at prdsent to finance the cost of tlie main along their road. It had therefore been suggested that the council advance the £4OO-odd necessary for twelve months against a

joint and several guarantee and oron the dairy company’s cheques. was agreed to subject to the approval, of the Audit Office.