COUNTY COUNCIL

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 21, 8 April 1938, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETINGS . ' -r . s\,' * I ■•■ The monthly meeting of the Opotiki County Council was held in the council chambers this morning. Present: Cl’s. A. E. Martin (in the chair), G. Neilson, W.. G. Butler, E. A.’ Hedley, J. Edwards, G. S'. Moody, V. Wilson, W, A. G.ault, G. F- Powell, G. F. Joblin. The county clerk (Mr. J. T. Merry) and the county engineer (Mr. W. \V. ; Upton) were also in, ittendance. An apology for absence was received from the chairman, Mr. J. H. Reid. Outward correspondence was read and approved. A reply was received from Mr. J. Sloan, who was also ill attendance, in connection with the council’s request for a bond of £SO for the "Whitikau road. Mr ’Sloan stated that as the result of his activities the road bads improved considerably. Work to the value of £BO had been done to the road when he went there and over £IOO had been spent since by Mr Sloan in improving the road. When the position was explained Mr Sloan agreed to give the bond. A letter was received from the Hon. Jt. Semple re free grant on the Euatuna road, stating that the matter would be further gone into. The engineer was instructed to submit an estimate of the cost of the road. r l he work would probably be granted! providing the settlers provide a road line. Mr E. C. East, secretary of the Opotiki I Golf O ul) wrote asking for a crossing to the links gates on the hill as the crossing was being washed out in wet weather. It was decided to point out that if the request were granted hundreds of other requests would lie received. . The danger to residents living on the Hospital Hill was pointed out in a letter from Mr R. A. O’Sullivan who stated that the speed of cars between the borough boundary and the hospital was dangerous. There was no footpath and one child -had been run down. It was decided to apply'to have the area gazetted a populous one. A letter was received from the Public Works Department stating thiit the Huntress Greek drainage was receiving consideration. The Transport Department, Wellington, wrote requesting details concerning the numbers of drivers’ licenses issued. The department also stated that a police report concerning a motor accident on the East Coast main highway gave loose metal as the cause of the accident. The engineer was instructed to ask the police for particulars. The Whakatane County Council asked for figures of the road tally carried out. The chairman stated that the Minister had said that roads carrying over 280 vehicles daily were worth sealing. The main highway at Waiotahi carried over 300 and bad good claims. It was decided to apply to the authorities for information. The Cook County Council, wrote re native rates asking that unified efforts lie made to get orders enforced. Councillors were of tho opinion that the Native. Commission was dodging the issue. The clerk stated that it was impossible to get orders enforced and they were being met with every possible obstruction. The council decided to try to enforce charging orders. Mr. Merry said that a larger percentage of native rates had been paid this year. The New Zealand County County Industrialist Union wrote asking for returns showing the number of employees engaged and also' for the .annual subscription. It was decided to comply with these requests. Two requests that the 10 per cent, penalty on rates which were paid a day late be remitted were granted. The Opotiki Borough Council wrote re erosion of the Otar a. river below the mouth of the Tutaetoko stream. The Borough to the Government for in putting a cut through; river away from the main : £iig(U>/hskod the County Council to cost. Mr Upton said he didltot - think the cut would be a council was in favour of nut was not in favour of out. ’l’lie matter was red'erred'engineer for a report. The engineer’s reportand approved. , .Accounts amounting lid were passed for payment'lflftMtl®^ ins bShJB •