AWAKING COUNTY COUNCIL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 561, 23 April 1913, Page 2

AWAKING COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Council was held at Waitanguru last Saturday, when there were present—Crs Leech (chairman), Boddy, Kelly. Old, Patterson and Thorns. Correspondence from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, asking assistance from the Awakino County Council towards the maintaining of the Waikato-Thames Valley-King Country court at the Auckland exhibition. —On the motion of Crs Patterson, and Boddy it was decided in view of the recent formation of the council not to financially support the proposal Applications from two gentlemen was read aeking for appointment of engineer to county.—As no applications were advertised for, the letterß were received.

A circular letter was read from the Woodville Borough Council containing the following resolution: "That in the opinion of this council, the Government should impose a moderate tax on motor car and motor cycles; that the proceeds of such tax be handed over to and expended by the local bodies in maintaining and improving the roads affected by motor traffic, a special board being set up to allocate the dis tribution of the proceeds of such tax, a higher tax being imposed on cars for hire."—On the motion of Crs Kelly and Patterson, it was resloved to support proposal with exception of portion relating to special board as it was contended that a less expensive way of allocating could be found. A petition was presented to the council by settlers on the Mahoenui Marokopa road in Awakino County, asking council to take necessary steps to raise a loan to form, metal and cul vert about four and a half miles of the Mahoenui-Marokopa road from section 16, block 6, to section 3, block 11, Maungamangero survey district, the work to be done conjointly with the Waitomo County Council.—On the motion of Crs Boddy and Thorns, the petition was received and the acting clerk was instructed to refer the matter to county solicitors and secure necessary information to properly carry out wishes of petitioners. Crs Boddy and Old reported to council the interview with the bank manager, Te Kuiti, concerning bank overdraft, which was successfully arranged.—On the motion of Crs Leech and Patterson, Crs Boddy and Old were thanked for their efforts in successfully arranging business entrusted to them.

Applications were received from several gentlemen for the position of county clerk, and after a very exhaustive analysis of various applicants., it was resolved that the application of Mr H. J. Mujsen, Te Kuiti, at a salary of £75 per annum be favourably received, and on being put to the council Mr Mussen was appointed county clerk, starting his duties on May 17tb, 1913, at next council meeting.

Notice of motion was given by Cr Leech as follows:--"That the resolution carried at the first council meet ing, striking a general rate of id in the £ on the unimproved value, be rescinded."

I On the motion of Crß Boddy and Kelly, the actingrderk was instructed to take a referendum of ratepayers on the following questions:—(l) Are you in favour of working the Awakino County as a whole; (2) are you in favour of dividing the county with the object of merging into adjoining coun ties; (3) in the event of a majority of the ratepayers deciding to divide the county, which county do you prefer to join.? The acting clerk was instructed to is3ue voting papers and envelopes, addressed close envelope and the paper to reach Te Kuiti not later than Thursday, May 15th, 1913. On the motion of Crs Patterson and Thorns it was resolved "That the council strongly support the petition forwarded by the settlers, urging upon the Government the forming and widening of the Mangakokuhu and Pomerangi roads; and that the acting clerk forward a copy of the resolution to the Minister of Public Works." On the motion of Crs Leech and Boddy, it was resolved that "any two councillors and treasurer sign all chequeß and documents on behalf of county." On motion of Crs Ls«ch and Boddy, it was resolved that the councillors be allowed travelling expenses when attending council meetings at the rate of Is per mile, mileage to count both ways.

The decision of the ratepayers of the Awakino County will be looked for with interest by the whole of the settlers of the King Country, in view of the fact that the referendum will be taken on three questions, and there is no second opinion about the importance of the questions submitted. That the ratepayers in the whole of the county will be affected by the ultimate decision must cause them to consider the questions very carefully and fully, and that the whole of the King Country will be affected justifies the interest created in the result of the vote If the

ratepayers decide against the county aa now existant the Kawhia, Waitomo and Clifton Counties will pronably be increased in area and importance. The advisability of settling the question from the outset of the life of the county must appeal to all, hence the importance of every ratepayer bestirring himself and interesting his neigh bour on all questions submitted. Until the present feeling of uncertainty is removed the council is not jusified in committing the county to any definite programme,and when the decision is arrived at (should the majority be in favour of maintaining the present boundaries) great opportunities offer for doing good work by the council. That two counties can work together for the good of settlers on their borders ib shown by the petition presented to the Awakino County Council by settlers wishing for a special loan and a3king work to be carried out by the Waitomo County. The three questions which are to be submitted are included in the report of the council meeting, and the ratepayers will have

ballot papers posted them. The importance of the question is such that a recorl vote should result. The council reasonably expects that the ratepayers will take sufficient interest in the whole question to record their vote, and post same in stamped envelope enclosed to them by first mail to the acting clerk, Te Kuiti.