33 YEARS AGO.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5496, 4 November 1929, Page 4

33 YEARS AGO.

(From the “Ohinemuri Gazette” of November 4, 1896.) OHINEMURI COUNTY COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Ohinemuri County Council was held on Thursday last, the sth inst. Present: Crs. Barry (chairman), Nash, Bowler, Cassrels, Edwards, McGruer, Thorp, Nicholls, and E. M. Corbett. In reply to Cr. McGruer it was stated that the credit balance at this date of the council was £2200. Engineer’s Report. The engineer reported as follows : “Powder Magazine.—l have not called tenders for the enlargement of this, as it was filled with explosives, and therefore dangerous for workmen to interfere with. I would recommend that arrangements be made for the temporary storage of the explosives, and that the enlarging of the building be done by day work, so that no time may be lost and unnecessary danger avoided.

“Explosives.—As it is the custom to convey very large quantities of dynamite, etc., from the steamer or barges to the magazine in ordinary trucks and waggons through the town, I would strongly recommend that special provision should be adopted for having this work done by a conveyance with copper fittings, and also covered in, so that the minimum of danger may be obtained. “Magazine, Cemetery, and Pound.— Now that it is decided to remove the pound to a position near the magazine and cemetery, I would suggest that one man be appointed to the charge of these three, and that such person be one that can fake complete charge of the whole and keep the necessary books in connection with it. “Paeroa-Hikutaia Road.—l would recommend that the unmetalled portions of this road be now properly formed in preparation to receive the metal which has been broken for it, and thus have the whole length from Hikutaia to Paeroa metalled.

“Hikutaia Quarry.—There is nothing in the Act to enable special quarry sites to be pegged out. I therefore laid the matter before the chief surveyor, and he tells me that if the land is Crown land and a proper plan is sent in the Land Board will be asked to reserve the required area. “Karangahake.—The question of water supply, upon which I was to have given my opinion and assistance at Karangahake, I have been compelled to defer until after this meeting, when I will be glad to go into the matter with Cr. Nash and others.” In the matter of the Karangahake watei - supply, and also the Waihi water supply scheme, Cr. Nash urged the great need for a water supply for Karangahake, and moved : “That in order to expedite the work the council give the engineer assistance and authorise him to employ a competent engineer to help him.”

Cr. McGruer seconded Cr. Nash’s motion, as he thought the townships of Karangahake and Waihi were in as much need of water, if not more, than Paeroa.

Cr. Nash withdrew his motion in favour of one by Cr. Cassrels, seconded 'by Cr. McGruer, “That the engineer report on the two water schemes at the next meeting.” Public Library.

Cr. Edwards moved : “That the county allotment on \ Belmont Road adjoining the stable be placed at the disposal of the. Public Library Committee, so that the library be removed fi cm its present inconvenient position.”

Cr. Cassrels objected to the ground being given for any such purpose, and thought that the public library being now on Government ground, they were at no expense and need not be moved.

Cr. Edwards amended his motion to the effect that the Library Committee be informed that they could have the use of the allotment adjoining the stable, 27ft frontage, for the public library buildings subject to three years* notice of removal. Electric Lighting. An application was received for the right to carry wires across the streets in Paeroa for the purpose of electric lighting. This was unanimously agreed to. (We understand that Mr C. B. Gentil was the applicant.) Karangahake Footpaths. It was arranged that Cr. McGruer meet the county engineer and confer with him where the £l5O allocated for the Karangahake footpaths should be expended. Asphalting. A petition from property holders in Paeroa for assistance towards asphalting the footpaths in front of their properties was read, and was deferred. until the next meetting. General Rate. A general rate of five farthing's was struck, as adverted. Roads. A sum of - £2O was voted for the Waitoa roads for expenditure during the summer term. At the suggestion of Cr. Nash it was decided to make a recommendation to the incoming County Council to look after the Karangahake bridge, and prevent excessive loads being taken over it, and also butchers’ boys and others galloping over it. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr. Corbett, and seconded by Cr. McGruer, to expend £2O ont he road between Marototo and the Golden Cross mine. It was resolved to expend £2O on the Kaimanawa Road. WHANGAMATA NOTES. People in this district were pleased to observe, through the daily press, that Warden H. E. Kenny submitted a plan of a township to be laid out in Whangamata to the Thames County Council. In the absence of the plan it is difficult for the Thames people here to learn the exact location of the prospective township. It is to be hoped, however, that the site has been chosen in a central and convenient place.