MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 73, 14 March 1918, Page 4

MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

SVSomithSy §V2eetsrag. The monthly meeting of the Matamata County council was held on Friday, the members present being Crs. J. W. Anderson, (chairman) and 0. A. Stopford (Patetere); J. Pohlen and E. C. Banks (Matamata); F. C. Barnett and W. Carr-Rollett (Putaruru); R. Kirlcby (Maungatautiri); and A. Potts (Taotaoroa). SUGGESTED FREIGHT REDUCTION. In reply to a letter forwarded by the council since last meeting, the Hon W. H. Herries, Minister for Railways, replied as follows. “ I beg to acknowledge the recipt of your letter of the Bth instant, endorsing the resolution passed by the Kairanga County council, urging that the Government reduce the railway freights to local bodies on cement, tar and bitumen for use in road making, bridges etc., to the same rate ns coal, or at least to one half of the present tariff.” The general manager with inference to the same matter expressed his regret, “ that after giving the matter full consideration no reductions could be made, in view of the great necessity of conserving the revenue of tho department in order to assist in meeting the present abnormal expenditure on account of the war.” SAMOA. The Auckland City Council’s resolution, urging on the New Zealand representatives to the Imperial conference the necessity of strenuously advocating the retention of the portions of the Samoan group taken from Germany, was supported by the unanimous vote of the council. TURANGA-O-MOANA BRIDGE. The Hungahunga Drainage board wrote thanking the council for the prompt manner in which it had lowered the culvert and provided a temporary bridge on the above mentioned road, where the board’s outlet crosses. A COMPLAINT. G. T. Norris, Taotoaroa, complained of the manner in which the county employees leave settlers entrances after conducting road works. Pie asked that more foresight and judgment be used in the future, as at present one work had been left in a position which would “break kingbolts of buggies, and motor car bolts too.” —The letter was received. Cr Stopford said that complaints had also been made to him in the connection indicated by the writer of the letter. He thought the county men should provide entrances. It was explained that nearly all local bodies refused to undertake making private entrances, aud that there was a minute to that effect on the council’s book. No action was taken, with the exception that in the case of a small job, the county workmen use their discretion. OMAHINE BRIDGE.

A long discussion took place in connection with tenders received for the Otnahine bridge. These were above the engineer’s estimate.

Cr Stopford questioned the suitability of the proposed bridge and the site. He said he doubted if it provide convenience when most wanted —in flood time. He suggested that the settlers be interviewed on the matter, one tender- to be held over in the meantime. The suggestion was adopted. PUTARURU ROADS. Arising out of the engineer’s reporter. Rollett drew attention to a portion of a road near Mr Slade-Gully’s property, which required forming, He also stated that the road should be properly opened up, in preference to metalling works being carried out in other parts. He thought it was a mistaken policy R> make roads, in the parts Kvhere the settlement had taken place, in their entirity, but rather would he see settlement attracted to other districts, by the provision of some sort of roads. He thought the money should be expended on a basis of the rate collected. Cr Barnett said the new country referred to by Cr Rollett had only been rated for three years, and thus had not paid the cost of the roads where the settlement is established. Cr Rollett now maintained that the rates should be expended in the new area. Referring to the metalling complained of by ' Cr Rollett, said Cr Barnett, it was absolutely necessary. Last year a long deviation had to be made by settlers, because they could not negotiate the road. He was convinced that the whole riding was getting fairly dealt with, and quoted various works which had been carried out to benefit the new area in the riding. He would invite the chairman and engineer to accompany the riding members on a tour over the roads of the riding. He did not think it fair for the council to throw the

whole onus on to the two riding members who were at friendly variance.

Cr Rollett said that the figures as he had got them were Ihe rates from the old area amounted to £7BO, whereas those from the new area were from £I,OOO to £1,200. “He was prepared to bet Mr Barnett a new suit of clothes that not £2OO of the amount mentioned had been expended in the new area.” After more discussion the chairman said it would appear that there was a difference of opinion between the members, and the matter would bo better placed in other’s hands to report.

It was decided that the chairman and engineer inspect the roads in question. MANGAWHERO ROADS.

Cr Banks said that complaints were being made that sufficient rates were not being expended on the roads at Mangawhero. Cr Pohlen thought the settlers in that locality had not much to complain of. They had roads which compared well with those in other parts of the riding. He pointed out that thore must be a bit of give and take in various parts. Bridges bad to be built at great expense, and really bad roads needed sanding. The revenue was such that only a little could be done at a time. Personally he would like to see more metal put down, but as stated in the engineer’s report the season was unsuitable. He would also point out that there were 90 miles of road to be maintained in the riding, the half mile referred to would cost £4OO to metal, and the rates from the riding amounted to about to £1,600. On Crs Pohlen and Banks’ motion it was decided to attend to the hill portions of the main road with clay and sand.

Cr Banks also asked for a return of the receipts and expenditure at Mangawhero for the past two years, to be given at next meeting. THE COUNTY OFFICE. Cr Stopford gave notice of motion “That the Cambridge office of the county at Cambridge be closed, six months after peace is declared, and that the banking account be transferred to Matamata.” TECHNICAL SCHOOL. It was decided on the motion of Cr Banks that the donation promised towards the proposed Matamata Technical school should be £lO 10s, apportioned as follows: —Matamata riding£s ss, Patetere £3 3s, Putaruru £2 2s. TENDERS. J. Middleton’s tender of 3s lOd per yard was accepted for sanding work at Omahine. The same contractor was also the lowest tenderer for sanding works on the Tirau-Matamata, Hinuera Valley and Cambridge roads, but the matter of acceptance was left in the hands of the chairman and engineer. ACCOUNTS. Accounts were passed for payment as follows Wages and general £614 8s 7d ; hospital rate £l3B 12s 4d; contracts, £6Ol 9s 4d ; interest £6B 9s sd; total £1422 19s Bd.