WAITOMO COUNTY COUNCIL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 483, 17 July 1912, Page 5

WAITOMO COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Waitomo County Council was held on Monday evening at Te Kuiti. There were present Crs Scholes (chairman), Hoffman, Smyth, Berry, Were and Gregg. Leave of absence was granted to Crs O'Dwyer and Johnston.

Taking a Road.—S. W. Fitzherbert wrote enclosing an indemnity from Mr T. Barker for surveying a road to Rangitoto-Tuhua 681 2B No. 4.—On the motion of Crs Smyth and Hoffman it was resolved that the application to have a warrant issued be granted on the usual conditions. A Honikiwi Contract.—Mr Cameron waited on the Council and requested that the portion of the road already completed should be taken over. This season had been very unfavourable and he requested the favourable consideration of the Council.—The chairman stated the engineer had reported against the road being taken over. The quantity of metal was said to be under the required amount. Mr Cameron said special precautions were taken to have the full amount put on and the spreader always had a block to work by.

Cr Gregg said he thought the metal had been put down but had worn to the sides. When the road was finished there was a camber on the road, but it had been worn flat. The chairman said the work had to be passed by the engineer before it could be taken over, but the Council was prepared to pay up to 75 per cent. With respect to the extras, it was decided on the motion of Crs Berry and Were that the matter be left in the hands of the councillor for the riding and the overseer, with power to arrange the matter. Mangapohue Road.—The clerk of the Kawhia County Council wrote stating that the Kawhia' Council intended requesting; the Public Works Department to place sufficient money on the Estimates to open the road for vehicular traffic, and asking the Waitomo Council to co-operate with them,—Resolved that the request be acceded to.

Thirds. The Receiver of Land Revenue wrote stating he had placed to the credit of the Council the sum of £7OO 7s 6d for thirds.—Received. Waiwhakaata Road. The UnderSecretary for Public Works wrote regarding the expenditure of a grant of £IOO on the road.—Resolved that the work be done providing the money is made available.

Valuation Rolls. The officer in charge wrote forwarding the special rolls for the Awakino - Waitomo special rating area, the Kio Kio special area, and the Mangarapa special area. —Received. Te Ahuroa Road. The Commissioner for Crown Lands wrote respecting the road. —The chairman reported that he had seen the commissioner, and Mr Skeet had promised to carry out the Council's recommendation as soon as a surveyor was available. An Appreciation.—Mr T. Burd, who has been removed from Hamilton to Tauranga as resident road engineer wrote expressing his appreciation of the courtesy extended to him at all times by the chairman and members of the Council.—The clerk was in structed to reply to Mr Burd in suitable terms.

Back Blocks Association.—Replies in response to the circular issued by the Waitomo County Council Were received from the following:—Whangamomona County Council, Manunui Town Board, Kaitieke County Council and Kawhia County Council. The local bodies were all in cordial sympathy with the movement. —Received. Ministerial Visit. The Hon. W. Fraser telegraphed in response to the County's invitation that he proposed visiting Te Kuiti for dne day.—The chairman, Cr Berry and the clerk were appointed to carry out arrangements in connection with the proposed visit.

A Roadless Ratepayer.— Mr Macquarrie wrote on behalf of Mr Wrightson, of Puketutu, stating that there were no roads in his district and objecting to pay rates. —Received. Hangatiki-Waitumo-Ruakura Loan. —The Advances Department telegraphed that the loan had been finally approved. —Received. Arapae Road.—J. Smith wrote with respect to clearing slips on the Arapae road.—Held over for the consideration of the engineer. Mangaotaki Reserve.—J. Lindsay and Sons wrote to the effect that the settlers wished to have the bridge reserve utilised as a night paddock for stock, and intended asking for authority to fence it for that purpose.—Received.

Tumutumu Road.—A. B. McNair wrote stating he had started hia contract and wished to know if the 14 chains extra shown on the plan but not included in the contract was to be undertaken.—The clerk was instructed to reply that no funds available for the extra work. A Drainage Scheme. —C. J. Riddle wrote respecting a proposed drainage scheme along the Huioteko and Mangawhero streams, and requesting information regarding the raising of a special loan. It was stated there was a considerable amount of untenanted Crown land in the proposed area which would be benefitted by the work and it was intended to apply for a Government subsidy for tne work.—On the motion of Crs Smyth and Hoffman the request was acceded to, and the clerk was instructed to take the necessary steps. Taking a Road.—H. W. Battley wrote, on behalf of the aettlera regarding the taking of a road at Pio Pio to tap the Mangaotaki road, and stating the settlers were willing to pay half the cost, providing the amount did not include cost of land taken, and that the road was put in such a position that it could be graded later.—Held over for the consideration of the councillor for the riding. General Rate.—The chairman gave notice to move at next meeting that a general rate of f d and a hospital rate of Id be struck over the ratable property in for- the ensuing year. . :-,.,

Engineer.—The conditions for the appointment of an engineer were confirmed.

Special Loan. —The necessary resolutions in furtherance of a proposed loan of £ISOO for forming culverting and metalling the Waiteti road and striking a special rate of ljd was passed. Similar resolutions were passed in respect to Pungarehu road and the Mangarapa road. Quarry Reserve. —It was resolved that the council's solicitors be instructed to take steps to acquire a quarry reserve.

Aria Loan.—Cr Smyth wished to know if anything was proposed in connection with the Aria loan. He suggested that a site be fixed for the crusher, and the quarrying should be let. —It was decided that the overseer should be instructed to arrange for a start being made and report. Otorohanga - Kihikihi Road. —Cr Gregg drew attention to the fact that the Otorohanga-Kihikihi road had been cut up by the contractor for the Otorohanga streets in carting metal over the road, and several bad holes were left in the road in consequence. —On the motion of Crs Gregg and Hoffman the clerk was instructed to write to the Otorohanga Town Council requesting that tne road should be put in order, failing which the County Council would do the work and charge same to the Town Council in accordance with section 150 of the Public Works Act.