CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 30, 6 May 1938, Page 1

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

COUNTY WORKS REVIEWED The following report was presented, at the monthly meeting of the Opotiki County Council by the retiring chairman, Mr J. H. Reid : Gentlemen, —As this will probably be the last -occasion at which 1 will likely bo privileged to be present, it may be. interesting to councillors and ratepayers to account some of the major works that have been., undertaken by the present Council during the period of office now drawing to a close. The Matakeripu Bridge oil the Opo-tiki-Wliakatane State Highway jvas the first undertaking. It is a two-way reinforced- concrete structure costing with approaches some £I2OO. Raising and extending the Tutaetoko low-level bridge was found to be an essential work, as from experience low-level bridges have not. proved satisfactory in this county. Under the direction of county engineer and at a cost of £250 the bridge in question has now become a serviceable allweather bridge. Road improvements and a large reinforced concrete culvert near Mr Malcolm’s property followed, built by county workmen, cost £2OO, which cost was considerably below contractors’ tenders. Mill Stream Bridge and road deviation was undertaken to repla.ee an old and unsafe wooden structure. The hew bridge is also a two-way reinforced concrete structure costing with road approaches £llOO. This bridge and road deviation lias added considerably to. road safety in the locality. A very useful wooden bridge known as Holme’s Bridge serves rural settlement at Waiotalii. The construction .costs with road approaches being £420. 1 . During the period under review considerable sums have been expended in road improvements by way of straightening road bends, increasing the width of roads and improving the road surface, while a considerable amount of new metalling has been necessary.

Generally speaking there has been more road works of a permanent liarure undertaken in the County during the present term of the Council than for several years previously. In addition to the Council’s act'..:ties the Main Highways Board have declared 21 miles of the Waioeka-Nu-kuhou Road. State Highway, and so relieved the County of the burden o! contributing towards the upkeep ol this section. It is also very probable that the Main Highways’ Board will take over control of an additional 6b miles of the Main East Coast Road at an early date. The County will be required to make an annual contribution which appears to be advantageous to the County. In conclusion 1. would like to pay tribute to the valuable assistance rendered to me by this and previous Councils over which 1 have presided almost uninterruptedly during the past 14 years —1 could not wish for better fellows. A spirit of friendly co-operation between Councillors and myself has always existed. All have pulled together as one team lor the general good of the County and it lias been my great pleasure, to be associated with such a hue type of associates. It is with feelings ol sincere regret and sorrow that I have chosen to withdraw from the Council. Advancing years have very forcibly reminded me that the time has arrived when it is my duty, to make way tor younger and more virile Of course my interest will always be centred -in the activities of the Council with which I have been so closely associated and with such pleasant memories.