COUNTY COUNCIL

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 54, 8 July 1938, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL

monthly meeting The monthly meeting of the Opotiki County Council was held in the County Chambers this morning. Present: Mr W. A. Gault (chairman), and Councillors G. Neilson, W. A. Butler, S. Maxwell, T. Burke, C. Black, J. McDonnell, G. S. Moody, It. A. Hedley, C. W. Fainveatlxer, A. E. Blake, and Mr J. T. Merry (county clerk), and Mi>W. W. Upton (county engineer). The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and outward correspondence read and approved. Inward Correspondence. License Fees. —Hon. ,E. Semple, Minister for Transport, in reply to the council’s representations concerning heavy traffic license fees payable by farmers’ trucks, said that no decision had yet been reached. Culvert.—ilr W. L. Wagner wrote stating that two culverts.'facing bis property at Oliiwa were not allowing outlet drains to function, and asking that the levels be lowered. He offered the assistance of two men. The matter was left to the engineer. Bank Overdraft.—ln reply to the council’s inquiry from the Local Bodies’ Loans Board regarding the raising of a loan to payi off the bank overdraft, the Board stated that it did not know of any means whereby that could be done. Insurance Claim. —Messrs Potts and Hodgson wrote in connection with a recent claim, Cooper v. Council, as the result of an accident. The letter stated that the insurance company holding the policy denied responsibility for the claim as the brakes of the truck were not in good order. The total judgment was for £B7, and assuming the findings of tlie court were wrong, the company would be liable for only £47, representing the loss of the cattle, and not for the butterfat lost. The company offered £25 as a gesture of goodwill, and the solicitors advised acceptance. The council decided to act on this advice. Hikutaia Domain Access. —Mr N. Potts, on behalf of the Hikutaia Domain Board, wrote requesting the grading and ' metalling of about 10

chains to give access to the Domain. Mr Gault said that the domain was very pretty and the hoard had no funds except from public subscription. Members spoke.highly of Mr Potts’ work. It- was -resolved that the request be approved. Kutarevo Store.—ill- 1). C. Forbes. Kutarere, wrote stating that ho had moved his store and post office to Donovan’s store, and asked for metal in front- of the store.. Left to ongin-

Wharf Administration. —The Borough Council wrote stating that as the County Council has no adverse criticism re the administration of the wharf, it should not press for representation, but if representation was desired it was suggested that representatives meet the Borough Council at its next meeting. Cr Moody said lie understood that representation was not now desired as cool storage would shortly be supplied. Air Merry said that it was net a question of cool storage but the council considered it should have representation. Mr ]\lootly said that the -Minister had suggested that a harbour board be the correct course. Mv Merry said that this -would cost thousands and ruin both councils. He then outlined past activities concerning money being granted from the wharf account for borough use and quoted this as a reason why the county should he represented. After further discussion a deputation, consisting "of Mr Gault. Ci's Neilson, Butler, -Maxwell and Air Merry, was appointed to wait on the Borough Council.

Bridge Approach. —Air A. Gordon on behalf of the Upper Otara Settlers’ Association wrote stating thattiie settlers were now free to commence work on the bridge approach. As no mentary authority lias yet been received from • the district engineer it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the engineer. Centennial Exhibition. —The Now Zealand Centennial Exhibition Committee wrote asking council to contribute £69 in two instalments for the 1939-40 Exhibition. It was unanimously decided to, make no contribution.

Bridge Approach.—Mr V. Wilson waited on the council asking that, in considering the estimates the council ask for a free grant for a bridge giving access to Air H. B. Wilson’s pro-

perty. it was decided to put forwaiu. an application.

Rates Struck Off. —lA Gisborne solicitor wrote stating that an amount or £62 for rates had been discharged b.v the court under the Alortgageos’ Relief Act. A motion was passed authorising the amount to be written off.

Whinray Park.—A letter of objection to the closing of a. road to- Whinray Park was received by the council. It was decided to write to the department- stating that the council objects to tlie closing of the read. Slaughterhouse Licenses, it was resolved to approve the re-issue of licenses to various butchers. , Rates to be Struck. The finance committee in -its report' stated that it was sorry to have to recommend increases in rates. Various ridings had slipped hack considerably. The committee recommended'' the following increases:—Oliiwa id, Waiotalii id. Waioeka- id. Upper V’aiceka to remain the same, Otara fid, -Coast Id. An increase to Id was also recommended' to be made to the Hospital rate. Last year the account slippd hack £505. The total general rate recommended was Oliiwa 4fjd, Waiotahi 4d. Waioeka 2-j-d, Upper Waioeka 8-id, Otara . 7id, Coast Bid.

Cr Hedley said that the council should have the assurance of the Hospital Board that it was molci/g every .endeavour to collect accounts. Cr. Alaxwell said the board was doing its best-. The council resolved to asl> ' the board to do- its best to collect all fees. Cr Alaxwell said that the biggest burden was tlie “birds of passage.” ■*-

Air A Terry said that a greater amount- than previously was collected last year.

Transport.—Referring to the engineer’s report, the chairman said that bigger leads than permitted were being carried by trucks. It was decided to proceed against carriers for overloading and evasion.