Oroua County

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 18, 22 January 1937, Page 3

Oroua County

MONTHLY MEETING OF COUNCIL. Tho monthly meeting of the Oroua County Council was held yesterday. Present wero councillors A. Campbell (in the chair), T. Green, W. McLennan, B. McLeod, W. Grecnhow, A. B. Shannon. The district engineer forwarded approval of the council’s acceptance of J. C. Reynold’s tender for sealing three miles of No. 54 main highway. Tho solicitors for Mr J. H. Laing, of Makino, complained of pollution in a drain constructed by tho council some time ago through their client’s property. Offensive matter, it was claimed, was being deposited in Mr Laing’s property, endangering tho health of his family and menacing his livestock. The council was asked to take immediate steps to control the nuisance. Tho letter was referred to the health inspector for a report. It was explained that the council was not responsible for the pollution of the drain. 9 The Feilding Borough Council advised that preliminary survey work in connection with renewal of the Kiwitea bridge was completed, but before preparation of plans was proceeded with, approval of the existing allocation was sought from contributing authorities. The Oroua County Council’s share is £750. The Main Highways Board is to provide £6OOO of the estimated £9OOO, local bodies between them contributing the balance.

The chairman commented that it was rather strange the Oroua County should have to contribute one quarter of the local bodies cost, but no doubt tho allocation was in order. Mr Harding said ho did not know what span the new bridge would be, but thought it would be shorter than the present one. The allocation was approved, councillors agreeing that there was nothing to quibble about in the division proposed. The Kairanga County Council forwarder a statement of heavy traffic fees collected during the quarter ending December 31, with a cheque for £242 6s lid as the Oroua County’s share. The council agreed to the appointment of Mr R. J. Managh as a member of the Halcombe Cemetery Board in place of Mr W. A. Keith, resigned. Mr W. Davies, of Halcombe, advised that a recreation committee was being formed with a view to making improvements to the Halcombe reserve, and asked permission to sell the old buildings on the reserve, placing the proceeds towards the cost of a new one. Cr. McLennan reported that at a meeting of the district committee the previous evening, it was stated that £SO was in hand towards the cost of the new building, which was expected to be in the vicinity of £BO. If sanction were given to the removal of the old building, there was little doubt that the money derived would be put back into the reserve. The necessary authority was given. Taonui Crossing. The Manawatu County Council forwarded a copy of tho traffic inspector's suggestions for improvements to the Taonui railway crossing. He suggested that a board with red reflectors be placed at the turn on either side of the railway. The engineer was asked to confer with Mr Berry (traffic inspector) concerning the crossing. The Clerk of Awards forwarded a copy of awards relating to county general employees and drivers, and also proposals for clerical workers and engine drivers.—Received. Mr L. J. Thompson asked that claims under liens on the H. M. Downs estate be waived.—This course was agreed to. Half Holiday. No action was taken regarding the fixing of a half-holiday within the county. Councillors reported tiiat there was some variance in the practice among county storekeepers at present. The district engineer advised that the Main Highways Board was taking over control of No. 58 main highway as from January 1. So far, reported the engineer, the board had not requested the use of the council’s road plant. Mr R. L. Harding submitted the following report:— Eastern Riding: The unsettled weather conditions have made it neces sary for the present to delay any attempt to complete the sealing of PoJiangina road. About one mile of second coat work has been undertaken but the result has not been satisfactory. With the method of sealing which the Main Higways Board now requires us to adopt it is essential that the day following the application of second coat work should be warm and free from rain, otherwise the take of stone chips will not comply with the specification. As a result of the continued wet weather and the heavy holiday traffic all unsealed main roads have suffered considerably but this is being rectified as quickly as possible and with frequent use of the grader all gravel surfaces should very soon be back to normal. Improvements are now being effected to a corner on Taonui road north near Mr Corby’s property. This corner is deceptive and badly shaped and has recently been the scene of three minor motor accidents. It is proposed to widen the curve on the inside and build up the correct super-elevation. Western Riding: Preparation work on Makino road has been recommenced but delay has been caused by wet weather making the river at Menzies’ bridge crushing plant unworkable. Work at Short’s pit has also been delayed for the same reason. One mile of first coat work has been completed on this road and the second mile should bo ready for similar treatment about the end of next week. Repairs are now being effected to the sealed surface on Kimboiton road and it has been considered advisable to apply a light surface coating to a short length near the lower end. Some repairs have been

carried out on tho Feilding-Halcombe road and for this purposo a fine pit gravel has been used with good results. The graders have been working continuously in an endeavour to counteract the damage to gravel surfaces caused by the heavy traffic during the prolonged spell of wet weather. Treasurer’s Report. Rates outstanding, previous three years to 31/3/36, Natives £154 0s 2d; Crown, £123; European, £417 10s Od: total, £994 10s Bd. European arrears collected, £290 3s sd, total outstanding at date, £704 7s 3d. Amount of rates levied for current year, £11,5536 10s sd, collected to date £6274 10s 2d, outstanding, £5262 0s 3d. Riding Accounts. Expenditure on maintenance (western riding) £1196 11s 8d; presented for payment £39 12s 2d; expenditure on maintenance (eastern riding) £IOSB 7s; presented for payment, £llO 9s 7d, Bank Balance. General account dr., £1492 13s 6J. A lodgment yesterday reduced the debit to £1025.