MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2842, 5 February 1925, Page 3

MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Manawatu County Council was held at Sandon on Tuesday, when Sir James Wilson occupied the chair. Other members present were Crs. H. H. Hunt, W. Boyce, and W. E. Barber.

With regard to the Council’s protest against the annual renewal of registration plates on motor-vehi-cles, the Minister of Internal Affairs wrote stating that the question was under the consideration of the Government. In reply to the Council’s inquiry as to whether motor lorries fitted up as char-a-pancs, service cars, or taxis were within the scope of the regulations relative to the use of motor lorries, the writer stated that he had referred the question to the Minister of Public Works. A copy of the motor regulations dealing with the licensing of motor drivers was enclosed by the Minister of Internal Affairs. The traffic manager pointed out that it was better to have different coloured plates each year so that inspectors could determine whether the ear was registered for the year without having to stop it and make enquiries from the driver. The Department of Public Works wrote in reference to the road between Awahuri and Feilding, stating that it did not possess a plan of the boundaries between the Feilding Borough and Manawatu County as agreed upon. The road in question, being under the control of the Borough was apparently not a main highway. It was presumed by the writer that the Borough had in the past received an annual subsidy from the County towards the cost of the road and the Main Highways Act had had no effect on the matter. He would suggest that a sketch showing the exact position of the Rout!) St. bridge with regard to the boundaries be forwarded to him and lie would get a legal opinion on the matter.

The chairman reported that the South St. bridge had now been completed and was open. An application had been made for the consent to raising a loan of £SOO to pay the Council’s share of the cost. The Rongotea Town Board wrote requesting a conference of the members of the Board and Manawatu County Council to discuss matters concerning the Board’s finance with the Council. A request was also made that the fees collected by the Council for motor drivers’ licenses in Ilk' Rongotea Town District be handed over to the Town Board. It was decided that Mr Drew (the County Clerk) confer with the writers.

That the tram service to Fox ton be made a, bi-weekly one and that more time he allowed passengers in Foxton, was the request of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce. It was decided to inform the writers of the Council’s present position regard ing the fares collected and also about the time allowed passengers at Foxton.

The District Engineer forwarded a quarterly report of the Inspector in reference to the Council’s tram line. The report stated that the whole main siding from end to end is now iu 401 b. rails. Some of these were fairly well worn-out and ready for renewal. There are several bad rails in the crossings and siding of the Sandon yard while the gauge and cant at the Sandon curve is very irregular and requires attention. There were also some loose fishplates on the. 40-lb iron rails south of the township. Weeds were bad throughout, especially at the Himatangi curve. The crusher had been altered and the road and side clearance along the river was satisfactory. The matter was left in the hands of the engineer to attend to. The Tramway manager (Mr A. K. Drew) reported that the chief items of traffic were minerals and manure 133| tons, merchandise etc. 47|- tons, stock 50 trucks, metal 310 yards. Fares amounted to £7 1/1. The accounts showed a credit balance of £2 15/7 for the month’s working. It was decided that tenders be colled for supplying and delivering 350 cubic yards of metal on the Whirokino Road. Cr. Barber and the engineer were authorised to deal with the tenders. Accounts amounting to £1,900 14s were passed for payment. A request that tile Tangimoaua Domaiu Board prepare its annual report and that copies he forwarded to the district audit-inspector and Minister of Lands was received from the Depart, of Lands and Survey. It was decided to draw up u report and forward copies as requested.