MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2213, 9 December 1920, Page 3

MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

ANNUAL AND MONTHLY '^MEETINGS. The annual meeting of the Alanawatu County Council for the election of a chairman was held at Sanson on Tuesday. Present: Crs. Sir James Wilson, 11. H, Hunt, 11. .G. Hammond, Strode Fenny, H. .Eagan and Boyce. Cr. Hunt proposed that Sir James "Wilson he re-elected chairman. They were glad, he said, they could have him. All recognised his courtesy and attention to the business of the Council. Cr. Fenny seconded the motion. Sir James had made their, duties very light, and they hoped to have him as chairman for many years yet. The motion was carried. In returning thanks, Sir James Wilson said he considered it an honour to be on the Council. He had been described as a “courteous parochialist,” hut he considered local governing essential. Referring to the hydro-electricity scheme, the Council, lie thought, should have a license. If they were to stand idle they would not get it, but if they went on and were refused by the Government, they could explain to the ratepayers that they had done their host. Government control of road- haul been talked of for 20 years, and it would he some time yet before the roads were taken over, in the Chairman’s opinion. Included in the correspondence were the following letters: — Public Works Department, stating that £525 would he available for road formation on Fairfield Soldiers’ Settlement. The Commissioner of Crown Lands stated that sections in Tangimoana township could be offered for disposal when amended survey had been completed. R.S.A., stating there were 4,000 soldierswho wished to go on the land, and asked the Council to advisa if there were any suitable holdings in the district. Manawatu A. and F. Association asked (ho Council to appoint a delegate to a West Coast Commission to be set up to work in conjunction with the Forestry Department in proposed afforestation of sand clunks u*n Ibis coast. Rongotea Dairy Co. asked for improvements inMhe tramway service in relation to* Ihe railway service, also asking for a belter supply of (rucks.

Secretary Alakowhni Public Hull Committee, asking* permission to creel hall at Rongotea siding. Mr F. AVhihley asked permission lo erect flax tram line across county road near Shannon bridge. The following motions were carried: — "

Crs. Boyce —Hammond. —Thai (he clerk, interview the secretaries of dairy companies using the tramway with reference to a scheme for preventing the loss of butter and cheese.

Crs. Hammond —Boyce. —Tha!: the bridges on the Main Dram road ho proceeded as stum as possible.

Crs. Boyce —Fagan. —That Hie overseer he given permission to attend the annual conference of engineers at Christchurch. Crs Hunt —Fagan. —Thai the chairman represent the Council at the forestry meeting, failing him Air Fennv.

Os. Boyce—Hammond. — That notification be given to Mr A. S. Easton that it is the intention of tlujj Council, under the Public Works Act, to take four acres of his property at Glen Oroua for purposes of ro adman’s e o 11a ge.

Crs. Hammond—Fagan. — Thai the engineer visit Iloropito and gel all the information possible in regard to obtaining silver pine bush and sleepers, also to inspect bush .suitable fur obtaining timber for sleepers.

The Engineer reported as follows on the AWiihon Hiding:—The survey of Spring’s road is now completed. Temporary repairs have been made lu Whirokino road, and favoured with a spell of tine weather the road will be safe for light traffic only. TRAMWAY MANAGER’S REPORT. The accounts show a debit balance of £8 12s Id. The chief items of traffic were: —Merchandise 12-14 tons, manure 124 tons, minerals 149 tons, cheese and butter 288 tons, timber 32,000 feet. Pares amounted to £4 5s sd. Rolling Stock. —During the month repairs were effected to the locomotive “Manawalu,” and a new brick arch titled. The engine is doing good work at present. The “G” class locomotive has been dismantled, and the spring gear, axle boxes, etc., are being overhauled and refitted.’ The wheels of the .three metal waggons have-been returned from Easttown workshops, and the trucks are in use again. The wheels of the van have been inspected by the Railway Van .Inspector, and condemned. Permission has been reee,n ived to have the same relyred at Easttown workshops. -Butter and Cheese.—With reference to the shortage at Wellington of butter and cheese loaded on the tramline, I would suggest that consignors lock all trucks us soon as loaded,-mul that they make arrangements with the Railway Department for the porter in charge at Himatangi to have duplicate kejs to enable him to unlock trucks when-they are handed over.