HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 10 November 1919, Page 3

HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL.

'\ MONTHLY MEETING. f The ordinary; monthly, meeting of {he above wao held at Levin on SaturdayPresent: Crs. G. A- Mank (chairman), F. Goley, F. J. Byder, S. A. Broadbelt, C. I. Harkness, J. R. Whyte, H. Barber, yt. J. Bryant. Correspondence. Correspondence was read and dealt .with' as follows: — From S. Bowker (Levin), asking when the proposed new drain was to be made past his property.—Decided to call for tenders and have the work done as soon as possible. From Commissioner of Crown Lands asking for full amount for compensation in connection with land taken at •'The Heights," Shannon, and objecting to a deduction of £BS 10a 4d.—Be- (

ceived. From A. Houghton (Manakau), asking that the road overseer request tho ),. person who deposited a portion of his effects on the bank of the creek opposite his road fence to return the same within tho boundary of his own property. Tho effects consisted of a conglomerate mass, of twisted wire and netting, with sundry ancient buckets and oil cases, etc. The original possessor might have been a near relative of tho Ancient Druids, said the writer, but their latest owner should be able to augment tho value of his freehold, cither by digging them in-as fertilisers ' or stationing them within his homestead entrance, where, if not admired, Ithey would at least be known a.nd read of by all men.—Engineer to make enquiries with a view of having tho rubbish removed. From L. Barker (Waihoanga) proiesting against his section being included in the Taungata special rating district, as the proposed road would bo of no benefit, but would increase the rates to an absurd figure—Cr. Coley offered to consult Mr Barker\on tho matter, and it was therefore left to him to attend to. Or Coley said Mr Barker was the only man who derived bcaefit from the bridge. From W. S. Park, enclosing proclamation taking land through tho section Horowhcnua 118 for signature by the Council.—To be completed. From Minister of Public Works stating tho application for £llOO to repair roads damaged during the railway "cut" would receive attention. From W. H. Field, M.P., stating the collection of Native dog tax would bo left, in f to local bodies, a matter ho had been aiming at for years.—Re. ceived, tho Chairman romarking that it was only a correct thing for local bodies to have the collection of the tax. , Tasman Road. j

A" letter was read from the Otaki Town Board asking that the Council improve the condition of Tasman Koad. Cr. Ryder said blinding was necessary, but the expense already incurred on the road had been great, and more had been spont on it in proportion to other roads. The Engineer said it was a pity tho application had not been made befOTB the roller had left the district; if tho roller had gone over it it would have been all right. The chairman pointed out that the road was the outlet to the beach, and even if Mr Brown had benefitted, as suggested, the Council should do some--thing. ■ Cr. Coley agreed, pointing out that he had received many complaints about its disgraceful condition. Cr. Eyder said if the road was to bo blinded it would entail much expense, as the material would have to be carted a long way (Te Manuao). It was finally agreed thafrthe matter bo left in the hands of Cr. Ryder and tho engineer to attend to. Gorge Boad Extension. t

Fiora Arthur Seed stating he thought a straight-out grant would be available to complete the Otaki Gorge road as far as the swing bridge., as this would open up other properties, besides advaneiug Maymorn and Kay's. If the grant was available his idea would be to form a special rating area of the Maymorn property and Snow's to continue the road from the swing bridge to the Mayaorn boundary, and failing the grant to include in the loan a sufficient amount to form the road to the swing bridge. If the Council's engineer did not feel disposed to view the locality someone else, he considered, should bo Sngaged. Or. Coley said he was quite wSlmg to assist Mr Seed, but he objected to allowing complications to arise through him joining deputations, ""^ The Engineer did not favour the work, and said the country did not warrant it, further that the road would always be blocked. ' Or. Coley said the Council • might assist Mr Seed, if he desired, to get a subsidy; from the Government. The letter was treated as received. Subsidy for Baths.

The Levin School Committee wrote asking for" a grant towards increased conveniences, dressing facilities, and conveniences,at the local baths.—Cr. Harkness spoke in support of a grant being made, maintaining that the whole of the children in the county would benefit, as it was proposed to further build up the High School. Cr. Broadbelt. endorsed the remarks, and said if the Council as a whole did sot help the riding would. Tbe Chairman pointed out that if the Council made a grant Otati and other sehoels *oulab& quite right to make similar Kgnestt; They had to take info-consideration that the Council's ; .nuances had-*n-pad,* and he believed the matter was one for the State. Cr. McLeavey ■paid the movement had hU sympathy, and should be encourag- > ed, but only by granting from the rid* ' Sag. Loeol" children rould patronise tbo baths frequently, '.but. boys .from Otaki end elsewhere 4ouii ■''only attend-beca-' i laaaaliy. He, moved that £ls fee '... Vi »"- • *iPV*v»Vi*^«vv>' ■ii' ■ ,'' >',•' _ '.■

granted from the funds of the Wirokino Biding. ..',"■* <■ ■'■'■' This was seconded by Cr. Bryant.

Cr. Harkness said-rather than let a grant from the Council lapse he would support Cr. McLeavey. Grant agreed to. Miscellaneous,

In answer to Cr. Broadbelt the engineer, said 13 yards of metal on the Foxton road cost 16s per load. Cf. Harkness considered the Council as a whole should visit the locality of the State Farm and consider the advisability of' opening up the present blind road. He also considered the Horowhenua Lake should be taken by the Crown aa a public recreation lake, and until this was done he did not 'favour a comprehensive loading scheme. It was decided that Cr. Whyte and the Engineer bo a committee to deal with improvements to the roadman's cottage at Tokomaru, with power to act.

It was decided- to exempt the road running through Takapau No. 3, north, through the. estate of the late John Davies, from rates, as it. was never likely to be used as a public road. It was agreed that moneys received from sales of county reserves be earmarked for building and repairing roadmen 's cottages.

Cr. Colcy said the Gorge road was in good order, but that there was a culvert on the Rahui road that needed urgent attention. He trusted no time would be lost in having it attonded to. —Left to the engineer, who promised to put in pipes as soon as. available.rr Cr. Colcy said he had been promised that the Wire on the. Taungata bridge would receive attention,.but that nothing had been done.—The Engineer said he had inspected the cables, and it was suggested by the Polic Works engineer that red lead should bo used. Cr. Coley drew attention to the bridge at the "Devil's Elbow," and said it needed repairs, further that Mr Judd had offered to do the work.—Referred to the engineer. \ Cr. Coley also drew, attention to an inconvenience at tho overbridge at Pahiko, and asked that the approaches te improved.—Agreed to. Cr. Colcy also made reference to the Boach Road at Te Horo, and trusted the r.ots would receive attention as soon as possible. —To be attended to. Tho same councillor also made refer- J ence to noxious weeds, and referred to the large amount of fox-glovo which flourished in the Gorge district; in fact, said Cr. Coley, there were only two farms that were not infested.. Ho thought something should be done tq prevent its spread. If not checked tho district would bo ruined. —No action taken, although the Council fully sympathised in tho matter. Cr. Coley asked for a turning place for motor cars near ''The Forks," stating-such would be of great benefit. A little gravel would alleviate the trouble. —To bo attended to.

In answer to a question relative to the improvement of the Mangaono road the engineer said ho had no ono to do the work. Cr. Coley said tho roadman would be finished his present job in a day or two and could go along. Cr. Byder asked that a fence be put up on the bank near the Otaki bridge to prevent stock from going along. Unless something '-4as dono cattle stood a big chance of going over the embankment. —To be attended to.

Cr. Byder stated he would like to know the amount of metal in the dumps on the main road, also the amount of metal put on tho Waitohu road, and who checked it. —The engineer said that Cootes checked the damps and Koinscn the other metal. Accounts. s Accounts amounting to £2562 8s 4d, including £9B 17s 4d for the Palmerston .North Hospital Board levy, were passed for payment. .