MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 91, 18 July 1918, Page 1

MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

July Meeting. There were present on Friday Crs. J. W. Anderson (chairman) and C. A. Stopford (Patetere), J. Pohlen and E. C. Banks (Matamata), F. C. Barnefct (Putaruru), W. Kirkby (Maungatautari), and A. Potts (Taotaoroa). An apology was received from Cr. W. C. Rollett. CLOSING ROADS. The Public Works department forwarded copy of proclamation taking land for a road and closing a road through Blocks XII. and XVI. Maungatautari Survey district. Messrs Dallimore and Lewis notified that the legalisation of the new roads through Pottkaemper's property, Waotu north, and Kienle's section, Selwyn settlement, had been completed. SPECIAL AREA. The State Advances' office notified that the resolution making the special rate as security for loan of £2,500 for the Horahora special rating area has been gazetted. BACKWARD RATEPAYERS. Hon. W. H. Herries notified that he was communicating with the Minister for Internal Affairs re the resolution of the council that no ratepayer be allowed to vote unless he has first paid his rates. A letter was also received from the assistant" Under-Sec-retary for Internal Affairs, stating that the Minister had had legislation drafted on the line suggested for consideration at the sessions in 1916 and 1917, but on neither occasion had it been possible to proceed with the: matter. It would, however, be | brought on at the first favorable \ opportunity. OKOROIRE CROSSING. The N.Z. Railways department wrote re provision of a public crossing north of Okoroire to the effect that it would waive its objection to the conversion of the crossing, provided the private crossings few chains further on is closed. In the event of a public crossing being established the council would be required to bear the whole cost of the work, and to put in a bridge if necessary. The clerk stated that he had forwarded the letter on to Mr P. Gilchrist, solicitor. TAOTAOROA RATES. In response to a suggestion made by Cr. Potts it was decided that the proposed rate for the Taotaoroa riding be one penny instead of five farthings as proposed at the special meeting. The mover said that the settlers stated were being called upon to subscribe heavily to Red Cross funds, and would rather do this and help the soldiers than see their money used for road repairs meanwhile. In answer to a question the riding member stated that he was agreeable to rates being spent on the main road in preference to side roads. CONCRETE ROADS. I The N.Z. Dairy association forwarded a copy of a report submitted to the Piako County council dealing with concrete roads. —Deferred meanwhile. PUKETURUA TELEPHONE. Fred. C. Daniell, Hamilton, wrote asking council's permission to erect a telephone line from Puketurua township to the Waikato bridge. The application was granted. WAHAROA TOWNSHIP. James C. Smith, Waharoa, inquired if the Waharoa Domain board was within its rights in calling for tenders for the removal of road-line fences. He also asked if the council had given the board authority, and what was the procedure to follow in closing roads or streets. Councillors expressed a wish to hear both sides of the question, and it was decided that the riding me.iibers and engineer wait upon the Domain board and the settlers concerned, and report to the council.

MOTOR LICENSES. The Farmers' Co-operative Auctioneering company notified that as the number of licenses required for cars did not equal the number of local bodies in the district in which the company operates it could not comply with the request of each local body every year. It was resolved to apply to the other companies operating. A PUKETURUA ROAD. The application of H. G. McLisky, Puketurua for improvements to the road leading to his property was referred to the riding members and engineer, with power to act. THAT OKaUIA ROAD. ' J. Ernest Moore, wrote asking if anything more had been done with regard to his request for access to his property, at Okauia. Cr Pohlen said he had been prevented through bad weather from inspecting the property. However, it now seemed that the elements would have to be faced, and the engineer and himself would doubtless visit the locality before next meeting. It was resolved to reply accordingly. SLAUGHTERHOUSE LICENSES. It was decided to recommend the granting of slaughterhouse licenses to Messrs W. C. Vincent (Matamata), S. J. Bear (Tirau), R. Casey (Waharoa) and W. Yandle (Tirau). OMAHINE FLAT. C. C. Neal, Te Poi, wrote as follows:—I beg to draw your attention to the non-compliance of the travelling public with reference to keeping the road gates on the Omahine flat closed. This matter is especially serious at present, because my neighbours (who are unfenced) will be laying rabbit poison shortly, and, should my stock be allowed to stray, it may lead to fatal results. ■ I therefore request your hoard to appoint a ranger to catch delinquents occasionally on saledays; and I will guarantee the business will be a highly remunerative one. Cr. Stopford s.iid the people who left the gates opan were foolish, becaus3 if the track was closed settlers would have to traverse a further distance of up to two miles. It was decided that the riding members and engineer visit Mr Neal. PUTATURU TELEPHONE. Alfred Spain, to whom permission to erect a telephone had been given stating that property fences were considerably out of lino, and if he complied with the conditions his telephone posts would in places be out on the road. It was decided that the riding members and engineer review the position. ACCOUNTS. Accounts were passed for payment as follows : —General £792 13s, loans and grants, £B7 14s 2d, interest £9 16s 4d, on account hospital rate £163 8s Bd, total £1053 12s 2d.