CHAIRMAN REVIEWS PROGRESS

Lake County Mail, Issue 23, 29 October 1947, Page 1

CHAIRMAN REVIEWS PROGRESS

Lake County Council’s Final Meeting for Term

A comprehensive review of the activities of the council during’ the past three and one-half years which it has held office was presented by the chairman, Mr D. H. Cockburn, to the final meeting of the council which was held on October 25.

Three members of the council, Crs D. K. Knowles (Greenstone Riding), James Reid and Leo Lee (Arrowtown Riding), resigned and were replaced by Crs T. E. Bryant, W. H. Thompson and D. R. Rowe, respectively. Changes had also taken place in the administrative staff. Mr H. A. Vezey, having succeeded Mr K. A. Ballinger as engineer. Messrs P. McGettigan and J. E. Reid acted as inspectors for short periods in betweeen. In the office, Miss J. Y. Inder had taken the place vacated by her sister, Miss M. Inder. WORKS In general, the main highways and roads had been maintained at a higher standard, mainly through the use of improved plant. Limitation of suitable labour and execessive cost of plant and shortage of materials had restricted recontruction improvements. The council, however, hopes to make progress with some bridge work and minor Jobs at an early date. BRIDGING UNDER LOAN PROPOSAL Scott’s Creek bridge on the KinloehRouteburn road has been built; £2OO has been jraid toward the cost of the dual purpose bridge over the Mataura River at Garston; a temporary structure over Jackhall’s Creek had been provided as a means of relief. No tenders had been received for Cardrona and Long Gully bridges. Plans for an early commencement of the reconstruction and sealing of Ardmore street. Wanaka. are at present with the Public Works Department. Owing to rising costs it will be necessary to take a poll of ratepayers for a further loan to make possible the completion of the bridging and Ardmore street proposals. It was thought the incoming council and the

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ratepayers will persist in finding ways and means of having these works completed.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS During the council’s term the following jobs have been completed: Kinloehroad (£75 total), Priory road, Glenorchy (£750), Cattle Flat-Mount Aspiring road (£390), school bus route, Garstou (£480). The widening of Glendhu Bluffs, Wanaka, is under way. PLANT The Wivwu-U \v.\s disposed of owe wsed truck and tiio A.C. dozer and replaced them with new machines. A further new truck and a motor rock drill have also been acquired. Increased efficiency is secured through new plant. Further outlay can be seen in the future as mechanical methods arc indispensable to further efficiency. The matter of running repairs is of extreme importance and the council is deeply appreciative of the members of the staff who give particular care and attention to their machines. FINANCE The council lias been obliged to increase the rates owing to conditions forced upon it and the finance accounts have been kept sound. The recent wage increases and concessions alone to their minimum staff means £340 per year. Countless other costs have gone up in proportion. It is not possible at present to set aside extensive reserves for further plant renewals. The council is still pressing the Government for financial relief on the grounds of low capital valuation and high costs as a. result of remoteness and additional costs involved due to such a circumstance. REVALUATION OF COUNTY As a result of a revaluation, the capital value has risen 23 per cent, and the rate burden is more equitably distributed. The overall rate in the £ has, as a result, boon reduced, and slightly more revenue is coming in. Some ratepayers are paying more and some (high country runs in particular) are paying less.