PLAINS COUNTY WORKS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5376, 18 January 1929, Page 2

PLAINS COUNTY WORKS.

OPERATIONS DURING MONTH. ENGINEER’S REPORT. At yesterday’s meeting of the Hauraki Plains, county Council the following report by the engineer (Mr F. Basham) was read :— GENERAL MAINTENANCE. “During the holiday period! two tractors and two graders have been engaged on the Pokeno-Waihi main highway. The amount of traffic has been heavy, and the road is Showing signs of wear and in places is badly corrugated. It would appear, that our present method of . maintenance is beginning to fall below that required to cope jvith the ihceasing volume of traffic, and consideration should be given to .this matter before the road: gejts out of hand. The chairman observed that this was a warning to the new council, which would be elected; in May next. POKENO-THAMES HIGHWAY. “Although the traffic has been extra heavy, it would seem that the point has not yet been reached our present system is inadJequate, but there is not too much leeway. OPvONGO-NETHERTGN HIGHWAY. “The; surface on portions of this road is, very soft, and the question of providing fine chips for dressing should be considered. Certain work in this direction has been but it seems that much more will bef nec.essary. A final reply concerning the proposed new bridge; over Ansford’s extension drain has ; been received from the Main Highways Board. A width of 18ft between wheelguards is required. Amended plans have been prepared epbodyihg this with one or two minbr amendments, and will be forwarded to the Public Works Department in thq course of. a few days. Cr. Madgwick advocated payipg attention to the section between Carter’s corner, and the Wharepoa. corner by way of patching and extending the sealing out of rates. This was agreed to. NGATEA ROADS LOAN. “Metalling on Puhanga East Road is nearly completed. A start will next be made on Rawerawe Road. NGATAIPUA EAST LOAN. “The contractor commenced) delivery of metal on the 6th inst., and good progress is being made. COXHEAD’S FILLING. “The time is now opportune for reconstructing the stop-bank. Levels have been taken and all is in readiness for a start. I would recommend that the matter be left in the hands of the riding member and the engineer.—Agreed 'to. GENERAL. “One tractor and grader is wording in the Patetonga district.” TREASURER’S REPORT. The teais.ur.er, Mr E. A- Mahoney, reported as follows :— “Interest accounts are in a generally satisfactory position, and the end of. the year should show the county to be in a sound position financially. PENALTY ON RATES. “Notice has been given in the Thames, Star and Hauraki Plains Gazette th'at the penalty on 1928-29 rates accruds on February 28. In addition a notice will be despatched to each, ratepayer. I would respectfully suggest that councillors isjiould urge ratepayers in general to pay their rates as early as possible, as a considerable amount has in the past been lost- to the council owing to general rates not being paid in time t<> be eligible for, subsidy. PIPIROA FERRY. “Traffic during the holidays and again during 'the Thames races was successfully coped yrith by the fqrry. On these occasions an extra hand was put on at the ferry to collect- fares and the Inspector was in attendance to prevent congestion in traffic. DOG REGISTRATION. “It will be necessary for the c,ouncil at to-day’s meeting to fix the fee payable for registration this year. It is evident from past experience that collars can be .procured from the big houses in Auckland at a considerably Cheaper rate than it is to procure them locally. The gross difference amounts to approximately £6. I would ask the council’s guidance as to the procuring of these. AUCTIONEER’S LICENSES. “These after, March 31 next will be granted by a in accordance with the amended Act of 1928, and the fee considerably reduced. LAND LAWS AMENDMENT. “It will be gratifying to thq council to learn that the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1928, for action for arrears of rates on Crown leases under section 79 of the; Rating Act. This means that a lessee's interest in a Crown lease; may now be sold where there is default in payment of rates. This applies to ratqsaccruing after. April 1 next.”