COUNTY WORKS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5411, 15 April 1929, Page 1

COUNTY WORKS.

HAUItAKI PLAINS OPERATIONS. REPORTS FOR THE MONTH. The foliowing reports from its officials were, received by the Hauraki Plains County Council at its monthly meeting on Thursday :— J Engineering. The engineer, Mr F. Basham, reported as follows :— “Main Highways.—The tractorgrader is now at work again, and is doing good work. Highways generally are in fair order. I propose submitting estimates for next year’s work at next meeting of the council. A great improvement is being effected on the Pipiroa section by the haunching of .metal with clay obtained from the Hauraki West Drainage Board.” Cr. Reid commented on the good work being done by the power grader. “Ngarua-Kaihere.—Good progress has been made with the metalling of the portion of road between the Ngarua bridge and Hill’s contract. The, first 6-inch coat should be completed this week. “Kaikahu Road.—Another eight scowloads of metal should complete metalling on this road. “Ngataipua Road. —The first coat of six inches is completed, and another four scowloads of metal should complete the second coat. “Patetonga Metalling.—Mr Plummer is making good progress with the delivery of 300 yards of gravel along. Top Road. Tenders were called for the supply of 150 yards of gravel on Tramway Road. Mr Plummer was the only tenderer, at 7s, and this was accepted. Mr Hill’s tender of 5s for the supply of 360 yards of gravel on Mangawhero Road was accepted. “Pipiroa Ferry.—l am now satisfied that the present engine is not strong enough for the work, and I propose installing the old engine out of the old Ford truck in its place. The old truck is worn out, but the engine is in fair order, and quite suitable for the proposed work. The body of the truck could be put on to the Chevrolet chassis, and would make a good light truck for carting supplies of oil, etc., to graders and ferries. The ferries would have to be closed foi two or three days. “Hopai oad. —An endeavour is being made to metal twenty chains or this road giving access to Mr Neate’s property. Wet weather 4 will, of course, prevent further work.” The treasurer,-Mr E. A. Mahoney, reported as follows :— “The statement of accounts for the month of March is superseded by the annual balance-sheet. This is now prepared, but through pressure of other business I have not been able

to have it completed. The council’s finances are in a highly satisfactory condition, and full information will be available at the annual meeting next month. » In view of the«next ordinary meeting of the council falling on the day after the cotinty elections, I would recommend that the meeting be held after the annual meeting on May 22, and that the treasurer be authorised to pay necessary accounts. “With the chairman’s sanction I have renewed the council’s typewriter at a nett cost of £24. The old machine has been in constant use for three years.” It was agreed to hold the next meeting after the statutory meeting on May 22. Car Allowance. The chairman and clerk reported having gone carefully into the cost to the county for the last eight years for purchase, repairs, and running costs of the engineer’s car. They recommended that the engineer be allowed the sum of £l5O per annum, payable monthly, for the repairs and depreciation on his own car, the fuel and oil for same to be supplied by the council. This arrangement, if carried into effect would be a very satisfactory one from the council’s point of view. The report was adopted, and the agreement will take effect as from March 1.