MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 68, 7 February 1918, Page 2

MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

February Meeting. The monthly meeting of the Matamata County council was held at Tirau on Tuesday, the members present being Crs. J. W. Anderson (chairman), C. A. Stopford (Patetere), J. E. C. Banks (Matamata), F. C. Barnett and W. Carr-Rollett (Putaruru), R. Kirkby (Maungatautiri) and A. Potts (Taotaoroa). ROAD-MAKING MATERIAL. The Kairanga County council forwarded the following resolution, which it asked the Matamata council to endorse : —“ That in the opinion of this council, on account of the bad state of the roads throughout New Zealand, and the ever-increasing traffic, the Government be asked to reduce railway freights on cement, tar and bitumen to local bodies for use in road-making, bridges, etc., to the same rate as coal, or at least to one-half of the present tariff. The council in so moving admits that now is perhaps not the right time to ask for concessions, but considers the making of permanent roads would be a national benefit, and would in time mean a great reduction of the ever-increasing loam demands and the continual applications for subsidies or grants. Therefore it would ask the Government to give this their fullest consideration. ’* Cr. Banks stated that he was in favor of the resolution because the councils throughout the county would soon have to face the question of laying down concrete roads, and would require cheaper material. Cr. Rollett thought the Government should take over main roads. It was unanimously decided to support the resolution. AN OKAUIA MATTER. W. Graveson, Okauia, wrote as follows: —“ I regret that I have to again write with reference to the Waiteariki bridge. Is there any likelihood of the bridge being proceeded with soon ? It is now almost four years since I have held this property, and I have been retarded all the time for want of suitable access. I sincerely trust the council will do their best to have the work done as soon as possible.” The engineer repeated the statement that the Public Works Department had lost the first set of plans, and had secured from him a second set. He expected word any day. THE KAIMAI TRACK. Writing with reference to improvements to the Kaimai road Mr G. W. Yercoe (Farmers’ Auctioneering Co., Ltd.) wrote stating that when recently on a holiday at Tauranga he had been approached by some of the leading farmers in the Te Puke district, who pointed out that if the road was put in repair for motor traffic it would enable them to attend the sales at Matamata and Tirau, and get home again the same night, as the distance from Te Puke to Matamata and Tirau is approximately only fifty-three miles. He concluded, “ I would like to point out that Te Puke and surrounding districts are essentially fattening districts, and it would be of great benefit to all concerned if we had outside buyers able to regularly attend these sales.” Decided to reply that the matter was receiving attention. HORAHORA LOAN. The State Advances office notified the council that the Horahora loan of £2,500 had been entertained by the board, and the Governor-general-in-councii has given his consent. MAMAKU-ROTORUA BOUNDARY. The Rotorua County council wrote the council, with regard to the proposed alteration of the western boundary, that owing to the war and other conditions this matter might be left to a more opportune time when the support of the Matamata council was solicited.—" Received. WAITOA CREEK, WAHAROA. The drainage engineer (Mr W. R. Johnson) wrote stating that this work was nearing completion. RATES REMITTED. At the request of Cr. Barnett the Taupo Totara Timber Coy., Ltd., wrote stating that the rates amounting to £315 was excessive, as the company had not a wheel on the county’s roads, and believes the council takes the stand that owing to the value of the line being fixed by the valuergeneral the council had no power to alter the rates.. They would suggest there was one way a small portion of relief could be granted to the company by remitting the rates, £lB4 7s 6d, on the new portion of the county for the year April Ist, 1916, to March 31st, 1917. Due notice of this amount was not served, and the writers were of opinion that this amount could not be legally

recovered. The company would be exceedingly sorry to go to law or do anything tending to destroy the friendly relations existing between the couneil and the company, and trusted that the council would give this point favorable consideration. Cr Barnett fully explained the matter, and it was decided to remit the rates. PUTARURU ROADS. The question of urgent work to various roads in the Putaruru riding was entered into by Crs. Rollett and Barnett. After many comments on the position by the two councillors mentioned, and others, it was decided to leave the whole matter in the engineer’s hands. MATAMATA ROADS. On the motion of Cr. E. C. Banks it was decided that the engineer prepare a report, for submission to next meeting, on the condition of the Matamata metalled roads. STRAYING HORSES. Cr Pohlen referred to complaints made by settlers re straying horses in his riding and asked if anything could be done towards appointing another ranger. Members considered it would be extremely difficult to obtain the services of anyone, and no action was taken meanwhile. DOG TAX COLLECTOR. Mr J. Tyson, Waharoa, was appointed dog tax collector on terms of Is Id for cattle and sheep dogs and 2s 6d for sporting and other dogs. DOC COLLARS. The tender of F. G. Reid, Petone, was accepted for the supply of dog collars, the tender to be altered to provide for stamped collars. PAYMENTS. The following accounts were passed for payment: —-Contract and wages accounts £644 7s, loan and grant accounts £586 3s 9d, interest account £lOl 13s 6d, hospital rate account £l3B 12s 4d.