PLAINS COUNTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5501, 15 November 1929, Page 4

PLAINS COUNTY.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. . ROUTINE BUSINESS. The Hauraki Plains County Council held its monthly meeting yesterday, Cr. C. W. Harris presiding over Messrs J. Motion, W. E. Hale, W. Madgwick, C. W. Parfitt, W. McDuff, J. A. Reid, A. S. Fisher, J. F. Mayn, the engineer (Mr F. Basham), and the clerk (Mr E. A. Mahoney). Puriri Hopper Site.

Mr G. W. Cribb, senr.; Puriri, wrote asking whether the agreement made with him in regard to the dumping of stones on his property bordering the Puriri creek had been forgotten. The last of the machinery had been removed, so it was presumed that the lease had been given up. It would cost £2O to remove the stones.

In reply to a question the engineer said he knew nothing of the matter as it had taken place years before he joined the council. Cr. Madgwick said that as far as he knew the lease had been terminated many years ago. The clerk was instructed to look into the nfatter and report to the council. Abatoir Site. The Nzatea branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union wrote stating that it considered the council’s previous letter an insufficient reply, and therefore was reluctantly compelled to ask again, “Where will the abattoir be built.” —Received. Model By-laws. The Counties’ Association advised that it proposed publishing a model set of by-laws should sufficient county councils desire it. It was agreed to enter the scheme . provided the cost did not exceed £lO. Blackberry at Turua. Mr H. K. Hill, Turua, wrote drawing attention to the unchecked growth of blackberry on native land adjoining his farm, and he asked that the council take action. It was decided to refer the matter to the Government noxious weeds inspector. Holiday Traffic. The Main Highways Board wrote pointing out the necessity of adequate maintenance of roads which carried heavy holiday traffic during the Christmas period and urging that surfacemen be kept employed at that time.

The engineer said the usual practice of employing the men between Christmas and New Year could be followed. Hopai West Road. The chief drainage engineer, Auckland, advised having conferred with the Commissioner of Crown Lands in regard to the Hopai West road, and the matter would be dealt with by the Land Board at its next meeting. Campbell’s Road. E. A. Campbell and H. McLean, Kopuarahi, wrote urging that some work be done on Campbell’s Road to enable it to be used for summer traffic. Cr. Hale said that the council had first to pay for the land, and then fence it, which would cost about £750 ; then spend £250 on the road before the free grant of £250 could be lifted. The riding could not afford this expenditure for a year or two, and the settlers understood the position. Gluepot Bend. The lands drainage engineer, Kerepeehi, forwarded details of the alternative schemes for improving Gluepot Bend, on the Kaihere-Patetonga road. The estimated cost of the deviation was £950 more than that for improving the existing road. It was decided to ask the /lands drainage engineer to meet the Ngatea and Patetonga riding members on the site to discuss the matter. Patetonga Reading. The chief drainage engineer wrote at length in regard to the Patetonga Riding roading scheme, pointing out that the Government’s metalling scheme to link up with the existing roads exceeded by half a mile the boundary of the area defined by the County Council when it took the loan poll. The council was therefore asked if it would agree to find the money for the additional half-mile at Kaihere. It was decided to ascertain the sum involved. Weeds in County Yard. Cr. McDuff drew attention to the growth of wild turnip in the yard at the back of the council office. It was a noxious weed. It was decided to have them eradicated. Bridge Rates. Cr. Motion moved, and Cr. Harris seconded, that the special rates for the Puke bridge and Orchard bridge be paid out of' the general account, subject to the approval of the Audit Office. After a brief discussion Cr. Motion agreed, on Cr. Madgwick’s suggestion, to give notice of motion on these lines. Tour of Province. The chairman mentioned that those councillors who had promised to convey members of the Auucl'Jand Chamber of Commerce’s provincial touring party in their cars over the county on Saturday should assemble at Pokeno at 9 a.m. The party would be given refreshments at Ngatea, and would quickly move on to Paeroa for lunch. Sale of Rails. The engineer recommended accepting an offer of purchase of the 15 tons of heavy tram-rails now stored at Hikutaia. Storage was being paid on the site, and there was very little demand for such heavy rails. The matter was left in the hands of a committee comprising the chairman, Cr. Madgwick, the engineer, and the clerk.