WAITEMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 16 July 1913, Page 2

WAITEMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Last Friday s meeting of ihe Waiteniata County Council was attended by Crs A. Cochrane (chairman), A. M. Lang-, W. McOathie, J. McLeod, W. Kerr-Taylor, J. O'Neill, F. Poynton, F* Dye, J. Greenwood, H. Adams and E. Day. Among the coriespondence dealt with was the following :— Among the business dealt with, the following was of chief concern to tlie northern portion of the county :— Kaukapakapa Kates. Mr J. S. King (Wainui), gave notice of his intention to attend as a deputation to protest against the reduction of the general rate in Kaukapakapa riding, but did not appear. O Dye said he had consulted his ratepayers in this matter and they were unanimously of the opinion that the valuation was excessive and that he should not keep the rate at fd. The valuations had beeu raised from £64549 to £150075 and although he had reduced the amount of rate there was still an increase in the rates to be collected. The man who had been paying £10 under the old valuation with a rat** would now have to pay £1 6 with a rate under the new valuation. The Council decided that the rates as agreed on at last meeting be con-» firmed. Ktjaietj Riding. W. F, Best and others asked that the Kurreu-Harkin's point road be completed as soon as possible.— Engineer to attend to same. An application by John Bonaldsou aud others for a direct road to Kumeu station from Pomona, and offering to contribute, was deferred until the applicants put up the money. John Hand askei for a sheep proof fence to be erected on the boundaries of Helensville-Ohirangi road as agreed on with the Council.—Cr Taylor said the matter would be attended to. Auckland Harbor Board asked that the approaches to wharf at Eiverbead be completed.—On Cr Taylor's motion the Engineer was instructed to get the work done. The application of Carl and Kent, solicitors, for approval of road at Kumeu through Deacon's property was referred to the Engineer and riding member. —Cr Taylor explained that the road involved a level crossing and had to be arranged through the Council, but the applicants would have to pay all costs. Wainui Biding. The Engineer reported that he had land off a road from Wainui to iJairy Plat aud had got excellent grades right through. He felt sure at some future date it would be the main trunk road through the county. The proposed road would cut through some properties for which the owners would be entitled to compensation, but the road would also be a big improvement to the same properties.—Or Poynton said the Engineer phouid be complimented in regard to this road, which was much needed. W. E. John's application for lease of part of Wade Domain for a tennis couit was deferred to next meeting. An offer by 0. H. Soloman to withdraw his objection to road deviation, through his land for £5 and the old roTd was left with, the Engineer and riding member to deal with. Waitakeret Hiding. A deputation of Taupaki ratepayers asked for the metalling of several portions of road in their district. Referred to Engineer and riding member. P. Boucher presented a petition for a new road between Taupaki and Kumeu, for which the settleis would give land. He said the road wou I.] be easily made, and that Mr G Coates M.P., thought there would be no difficulty in gettiing a vote of £300 for making it.—Engineer to report on the matter as soon as possible. Gexeral. The Council decided to ask the Government to give the grants ap~ plied for preference which the Council considered most urgent. Cr Dye was given permission to'procure 1500 yards of scoria for his district, The Engineer was instructed to pre- • pare plans for the Great North road deviation at Swanson creek within the next two months. The Treastu er (C. A. Cawkwell) re* ported the bank overdraft as £3426 15s Id. The credit balances on loan accounts included Kumeu £469 Ms Mairetahi £457, Waitakerei £429. fortunately payment of interest on the general account was being saved by the transfer of loan monies,"' raised at 3£ per cent two years ago. He had not yet been able to get the valuation rolls. In his report the Engineer mentioned ;hat the Otohu block, near Albany, Had been thrown open for selection, and he thought the Council should protest against the lack of provision ±or roading. which may be left to the county to carry out. Or Day said the Government had done nothing to increase the value of this land, which 6 years ago could be purchased for about 10s per acre, but they now wanted £8 or £9 an acre for it. The Engineer said the Government had voted £8000 for opening up the Lxiverhead block, but for Otuhu had fi L Vot6d £ICO- He «°asidered ' mi Wa3 WHated t0 giv e bare access, Ihe Council decided to ask the Wemment to vote £2000 for road* ing the block.