HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 12 November 1919, Page 3

HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL

Hydro-Electric Works Road. At Hie Horowhenua Courjty"CoUiicil meeting on Saturday a letter was read from G. P. Anderson (engineer) suggesting proposrds in connection with the read to the hydro-electric works at Shannon as follows: The Public Works Department to maintain the road during the progress of the works and carry out the necessary improvements; the Council to contribute to the maintenance oT the hill road-(£100 per annum) and the flat road (£SO per annum); the Council to provide culvert pipes necessary to renew old box culverts. A number of. permanent improvements would bo made io the hill road, which would bo an asset to the Council after complot ion of the works. He suggested the ilat road remain under the legal control of the Council, but the Public Works Department take complete control of the hill road during the currency of the works. The Council went into committee to discuss a few matters, after which the Chairman informed Mr Anderson that the Council was not prepared to accept his figures. The road cost the Council £BO per annum, and was willing to allow £IOO.

Mr Anderson said the league agreed to carry the heavy end of the burden, but recognised the maintenance would be a big item. The league was-making considerable improvements, including a permanent bridge, which it would not ask the Council to assist with. He thought if he was allowed £l3O for the read it would not be excessive, but still ho was willing to meet the Council. He, however, naked thaj culverts be granted, and if the Council agreed to this Ire would agree to the Council's proposal otherwise, tho whole to be subject to the approval of the UnderSecretary. The Chairman said the league had met tho Council fairly and openly, and he agreed that the culverts should be given and thaf'the league have control of the hill Toads. This was agreed to, also that the agreement date from October Ist. The Ranger. The ranger (Mr Watson) reported that during the month he had impounded 106 head of stock, while ten offe-tf-der.s were to come before the Court. The. number was large, because it included a herd of 45 in one mob owned by one man. Mr Wat.-on said if the Council so desired he would in future attend meetings.—This step was deemed advisable-by the Council. Cr. Harkncss said of recent date tho roads in His district were clear of stock. while Cr. Coley said offenders were numerous at Te Horo after 6 p.m.—Mr Watson said he had visited Te Horo 17 times during the month, and further had been about on Sundays, when he should have been at church. The Chairman said that persons offending repeatedly should be summoned. Mr Watson said before going before u magistrate he had to be in a position to prove his case. He treated all the same. If anything he had been too lenient. Several councillors spoke of the activities of the ranger and said no doubt he was doing his best. It was decided not to impound stock in the Tokomaru and Wirok«r6 Riding? between 6 n.m. and 5 p.m. after the 13th inst. till further notice, while in tho Otaki Riding the same resolution was passed, with the exception of hours, which are to be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Recent Counties' Conference.

At Saturday's meeting of the Horowhenua County Council, Cr. G. A. Monk (chairman) stated that he attended the recent conference at Wellington, when a great accumulation of work, due io the war. was gone through. One remit carried was to the effect that local bodies should ask for 10s in the £ on all rates collected, while the president reported on the Victorian road system. which was mandatory. The county, it appeared, was divided into shire?, and tho league stated how roads in various parts should be constructed. It was also stated that there was not a third of the motor traffic on the roads there compared with Now Zealand. The conference considered the system, and thought it advisable that local bodies should still have control of the roads, and it was agreed that what tvas wonted was monetary assistance from the Government. it was also suggested that an advisory board be set up—onemember to be appointed by local bodies. The duties of the board were i to be advisory and not mandatory. One of the men on the board would be an engineer, who would declare what ; would be the main roads, while the I board as a whole would be in a position Ito know how best to do the road.-. To

finance the scheme it was decided to ask the GoFernment to lend money at a low rate of interest.

Touching on motor taxation, Cr. Mock said £ suggestion had been made that a duty be placed on tyres, wfiich would produce over £160,000 a year. The suggestion was adopted by t£? conference.

Another' interesting remit was the aceidenf insurance and fidelity guarantee, and in connection with this it was decided to ?et up a committee.

He was now pleased to see another important remit —thai" or collection of Native dftg tax —had passed Parliament. Mr Monk concluded fcp stating that the conference was doing g<x»4 work;

Cr. Harkness, lis passing a vote of thanks to Cr. Monk, said it was clearly demonstrated that lie had taken an in-tclUge'ttt-'-interest in the procec-Ssngs. He considered the reports of end! conferences pi g!*si value..

Or. Byiier. in adding a word ot praise, asked if tar-senlej roads were going te prove of a lasting character. After conversation .with an engineer he had his doabis f "'es it was belie'. 2d. the no.-

iderneath portion would rot and then give way. Cr. Monk said the conference was confident that tar-sealed roads were an absolute success. The main thing was., to see that the outer skin was kept intact.