MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2586, 29 May 1923, Page 2

MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

ANNUAL MEETING. SIR JAS. WILSON RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN. The annual meeting of the Manawatu County Council was held at Sandon on Saturday, there being present: Crs. Sir Jas. G. Wilson, H. H. Hunt, J. Boyce, W. E. Barber, H. J. Fagan, and W. S. Penny, Cr. McKelvie was granted leave of absence.

Sir Jas. Wilson was unanimously re-elected chairman. Tribute to the work done in the past by their chairman was paid by Crs. Hunt and Barber, the former alluding to Sir James’ lengthy term of office and the interest and practical endeavour which he had always displayed in Council affairs.

“This is your thirtieth year as a member of the Manawatu County Council, and it is a quarter of a century since you were first elected chairman,” remarked the clerk. Sir James replied, thanking the councillors for this evidence of their continued confidence in him. He paid tribute to the work of the council in the past, and stated that now —probably more than for some time —they had a great deal to do, but with their past experience they would surmount any difficulties ahead.

Included in the propositions before them were those of roading, bridges, and hydro-electric supply. The crushing plant, however, was now in good order and they had an inexhaustible supply of metal. The workmen’s cottages which the council had erected bad added a good deal to the appearance of the township of Sanson and in connection with the erection of further cottages they must consider whether it would not he advisable to build in brick or concrete. Under the heading of buildings they had also to bear in mind the necessity for further office accommodation. In conclusion he voiced the gratitude of the council to the stuff in whom they had absolute confidence. It was a matter for congratulation that the county funds were in a more satisfactory condition than they had been for some time. As for the Councillors’ expressed confidence in him, he was always pleased to do what he could in public matters. THE ESTIMATES. The principal business of the meeting was the consideration of the estimates, the following rates, which are the same as last year’s being approved:—Sandon, 1 l-Bd, £1,453 8s lid; Mt. Stewart, 1 3-8 d

£1,385 15s lOd; Waitohi, 1 l-Bd, £1,511 6s 3d; Rongotea, Id, £1,780 12s 8d; Carnarvon, 1 l-Bd, £1,751 9s 7d; Kawa Kawa, Ud, £2,236 16s 3d; Awahou, 1 3-Bd, £2,418 8s sd. The estimated amount of general expenditure for the current year, to be provided for out of rates and subsidy was £10,085 14s 9d. The following were extra items included in this amount for the current year:— Interest and sinking fund antecedent liability loan, £472 10s; office building, £300; motor car, £IBO, total £952 10s. The ridings were debited with the amount of general expenditure at the rate 10-26 d per £I,OOO of valuation. TREASURER’S REPORT. The treasurer’s report stated, inter alia, that for the year just ended the general and riding account showed a debit balance of £945 13s 7d, but amounts totalling £2,662 15s 3d for advances to loan account and amounts paid for work done for others and stock on band, were outstanding, so that the actual year’s operations showed a credit of £1,717 Is Bd. In addition, subsidy amounting to £625 was not received by the end of the year. The amount of the antecedent liability raised by way of loan bad been placed to the credit of the general account and the balance apportioned to the different ridings pro rata according to valuation. The riding accounts, therefore were in a healthy condition. Four of them showed credit balances totalling £1,891 15s 4d and three showed debits of £174 13s Bd. Last year the crashing plant had dealt with 3,265 cubic yards of metal at a cost of 4s 6id per yard, which was 3d less than what it cost two years ago. £3OO had been placed on the estimates for the purpose of alterations and additions to the offices as more accommodation was absolutely necessary.—The report was adopted.

THE TRAMWAY. The treasurer’s statement in connection with the tramway showed that the receipts were £3,423 18s 2d and expenditure £3,837 13s 3d, leaving a debit balance of £413 15s Id. It was estimated last year that the accounts would show a debit of £SOO. The intermittent steamer service to Foxton and the motor lorry competition had had a very detrimental effect on the tramway earnings, the receipts last year being the lowest for a number of years, stated the treasurer.

The completion of the relaying of the whole line with the 401 b. track would have a material effect on the cost of running and upkeep of the rolling stock, and it was estimated that a small debit balance would he shown for the ensuing year. GENERAL. It was decided that an architect should be engaged to draw up plans and specifications and provide an estimate for the erection in brick or concrete of additional workers’ cottages and an extension of the council offices. The next general meeting was set down for June 11. It was decided to make application for a grant of £I,OOO for the Whirokino road and £7OO for Fairfield soldier settlement road. A committee comprising the chairman and Crs Penny and Fagan was set up to deal with applications for timber cutting rights and the installation of a sawmill in connection with the Pokaka silver pine bush. The Rongotea Town Board was granted use of the grader free of charge, and the council further decided that an additional grader be purchased.