COUNTY COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 30, 6 May 1938, Page 3

COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING

PRESENTATION TO CHAIRMAN

The last monthly meeting of the Opotiki County Council for the term was held in the County Chambers this morning. Present: Mr J. H. Reid (chairman), Councillors G. p. Powell, G. Neilson, W. G, Butler, W. A. Gault, lA. E. Martin, V. E. Wilson, G. F. Joblin, G. S. Moody, A. E. Blake, and Mr J. T. Merry (county clerk) and Mr W. W. Upton (county engineer). Before business commenced, Mr Reid asked the clerk to eplain the position which arose owing to the fact that new members had been declared elected. Mr Merry said that a clause in the Act stated that a councillor ceased to hold office the day his successor was declared' elected. Both the chairman, Mr. Reid, and Cr Powell were affected by. this and n 0 longer lie Id office. Presentation to Chairman. Mr Gault then took the opportunity of expressing appreciation of. the work carried out during the past 13 or 14 years by the retiring chairman, who had acted with dignity, civility and tact, giving every member a chance to air liis opinions. Most cordial relations always existed between the retiring chairman and councillors. . Mr Reid had a wide knowledge of the needs of the district and made an ideal chairman, in spite of had roads over which he had to travel ho had performed his duties as no other member could have done. -Mir Gault concluded his remarks by stating that Mr Reid’s abilities outside the county were also recognised. The council was very proud to have such a chairman, and members of the staff and the councillors had all joined together to present a small gift to Mr Reid as a token of respect and appreciation ■for his services. M(r Gault then presented Mr Reid with a handsome case of pipes and a tobacco pouch. In conclusion Mr Gault also paid a tribute to the work of Or Powell who is also retiring. Mr G. S. Moody endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker, thanking Mr Reid for liis assistance to the Borough Council.

Several other councillors >lso expressed regret at Air lleid’s retirement from the council, while Air Alerrv and Air Upton spoke on behalf of the staff, referring to tlio happy relations which always existed between the chairman and members oi the staff.

In reply, Air lleid said that it had always been his object during the whole of his term of office to make things run as comfortably and smoothly as possible. He had always tried to assist the county as a whole, for then lie knew liis riding could not "be left behind. He had always tried to listen to both sides of an argument, and the difl'ernces which cropped up in the council did not affect bis friendship outside. 'The speaker had never •met a finer lot of men during the 20odd years in office. With regard to the staff, he had found' it better to pull together with them, and a little tact had helped them over many difficulties. In conclusion Air Reid said he had the satisfaction of knowing lie had done his best, and lie appreciated the gesture —which had come as a complete surprise—not so much, for the value of the gift but because of the kindly thoughts which lay behind-. Meeting Continued. Air Gault was then voted to. the chair for the meeting. The minutes of the previous monthly meeting and also of the special meeting wore, read and confirmed. ATr Gault extended a welcome to Ur Blake. It was resolved to place on record appreciation of the services of Alessrs lleid, Powell, J.’H. AA r . Neilsen and J. Edwards, who do not seek re-elec-tion. Outgoing correspondence was read and approved., Inward Correspondence. A letter was received from the District Trustee requesting, repairs to a read leading to Air J. Irvine’s, property. The matter was referred to the engineer.

Air A. C. Neill, Otara, wrote re dif-

Acuity experienced in fording the river. Referred to engineer for a report. Air O. Reeve, Oliiwa, wrote re bad ruts in his access road. The engineer was instructed to attend to the matter.

Mr C. Robinson, Nukuhou North, asked for portion of his road to bo .metalled. Left in engineer’s hands. Air H. Goldsbury, wrote re the difficulty experienced in crossing a strip of road near Mr Duncan Kerr’s house on the Coast read. Lorries and service ears were becoming stuck on ,that portion of the road which was impassable. Mr Blake said that the road was impassable through a filling having been put in. Mr Upton was asked to see'the overseer of the P.W.D. Mr A. W. Turner wrote enclosing a disc and license asking for a refund as the truck had uot been used. It was decided to make the refund. Messrs Black Bros, wrote requesting that tlie 10 per cent, penalty be waived and explaining the circumstances. The request was granted. The Main Highways Board requested that several portions of ,<;oads be retained as parking areas Mr Reid said l that the Coast road was about the only one suitable for this and suggested that the idea be forwarded to the P. W.D.

The engineer’s report was read and approved. River Erosion. —-The matter was referred to the engineer and councillors to visit the scene and to confer with the Borough Council.

Members’ Business Air Martin referred to the fact that only a, small amount of metal had been put on Ml' Lon. Looney’s road. The engineer said that more would be put on when the weather improved. Accounts amounting to £1242 os lid were passed for payment. Mr Reid congratulated the ohl members who were returned unopposed, and extended his best wishes to those who have to face the poll.