HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 12 April 1920, Page 3

HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL

j MONTHLY MEETING. The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Council was held at Levin on Saturday. Present: Crs. G. A. Monk (chairman), P. J. Ryder, P. Coley, J. R. Whyto, H. Barber, Jas. McLeavcy, S. A. Broadbclt. Apologies for absence were received from Crs. W. J. Bryant and C. I. Harkness. Correspondence, Correspondence was read and dealt I with as under: — | From John Faith (Te Horo) enclosing a form signed by all the shop- , | keepers of Xe Horo desiring a change j i of the weekly half-holiday from Wed- j 1 nesday to (Saturday.—The Clerk stated in reply that he saw no difficulty in ! respect to closing on Saturday, and I said there was a proviso in the Act that in the event of any other than Saturday being appointed as the statutory closing day any occupier shall be. entitled to close his shop on Saturday in lieu thereof on giving notice to the inspector of his desire to do so. — Clerk's action confirmed. From Palmerston North Borough Council stating it was considered desirable to have suitable cards printed to commemorate the visit of His Koyal Highness the Prince of Wales, and it J was proposed to distribute same among J the children. If the Horowhenua Coun- j cil was willing it was hoped that a re- J ply would be sent as to the number of " cards desired. . It was also asked that V

he Council help defray the cost of

printing.—The Chairman stated he had no recommendation to make, and it

was agreed to take no action. From J. L. Nash (Tokomaru Valley) making application to lease a portion of the county reserve. From S. H. Roberts (Tokomaru Valley) making a similar application, but for a a.iioreut portion.-—Cr. Whyto said this was the first intimation he knew of a reserve, but would make inquiries. -Held over for Cr. Whyte to inquire into.

From D. T. Dilkcs (Palmorston North), stating he and others were considering the advisability of taking up Government sections back in the ranges seven miles from Tokomaru. At present Ihcre was no road on one side, and they asked assistance, and to what extent. They were unable to unance the road.—Cr. Whyte said he did not know the section referred to, but on onO route it would bo impossible to make a road.—Decided to point out that the Council knew of no place in the locality for a suitable road.

From R. J. Port (Waikanae), complaining of a piece of vandalism, a fine bluegum having been cut down near his place, which he had planted many years ago. He asked that the Council lake action in the matter. —Tho Chairman stated the act was a wretched one, as the trees had been planted by permission of the old Te Horo Boad Board. The tree was no detriment to the road, and the Council had given no authority for it to be cut. Hfc proposed that the Council ask Mr Port to take charge of the trees aud to ask Mr Dun-

can wdio gave him permission to cut the tree. There was now a belt of trees nno it was a pity to see them destroy-

ed. It was purely a piece of vandal

ism and these acts should be stopped. From Ohau branch of N.Z. Farmers' Union, asking if it was not practicable that county roadmen should not remove noxious weeds from the roadside, if not to see that adjoining owners were made to do so.

Resolved, on the Chairman's suggestion, that the letter bo sent to tue Department. From Palnierston JN T oJth Hospital Board enclosing a statement made pursuant to section 8 of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1913, of tht! proposed appointment of the estimated expenditure among the local authorities. —Received, A Waihoanga Request. N. Jepson, W. Evans. W. F. Russling. E. H. Crampton, R. J. Manson. and W. "L. Jepson wrote asking for repairs to be effected to the footbridge over Mill stream on tlie road to "The Forks." The bridge was the only weans of crossing the stream. Cr. Colcy would explain the position, as he passed tiirough frequently. Cr. Coley said the bridge had been erected about three years ago for two or three residents, but several now used it. although it was unsafe. Timber was handy, and the roadmen could do the work at very little expense. He hoped the Council would grant the request. The whole work could be done for a few pounds. The Chairman said the roadmen had plenty to do, and he would like to see the settlers do it at a price. He proposed the matter be left to Cr. Coley to get a price for the work from settlers. —Agreed to. Road Exemption. From Kirk and Harper (Otaki) relative to Lupin road. Otaki. Mr Siaveley was dividing his property for the purpose of sale, and asked that the road be exempted from being made the full width.—Granted. Culvert Waatsd. E. H. Letts (Otaki Railway) wrote requesting that a culvert be inserted opposite Ms property before the winter set in. He had already made three applications, but had rtp desire to make an annual one. He thought, perhaps. las former request had been mislaid or overlooked.—Cr. Ryder said he understood the matter had been done, and could not understand how it was overlooked. He considered the culvert should be put in. The Clerk pointed out .that Lett had .paid no rates. He said no previous letters had been received. Oa Cr. Ryder's suggestion it was decided to insert a culvert. Te Mamtao Eoad. Gerald Anderson (Otaki Railway) wrote stating that as winter was approaching the success to sections alosg

Te Manuao road would soon be very bad, and in view of this he asked what had been done relative to the recent petition. The Clerk stated the matter had been left to tho engineer to find out the legal position. I The--Chairman said the biggest ex- • pense would be the metalling, while Cr. j Ryder said by getting the metal from j the cutting it would serve a twofold purpose, including widening the road. It was decided to make provision in this year's estimates, and to have the work done as soon as possible. Immigration. A letter was received from Waipa County Council enclosing a resolution Prime Minister be urged to push forward a vigorous immigration policy to meet the very pressing need for moro workers in the interests of Dominion industries and production, and asking that the Council support it. —Tho Chairman considered that the country would be better with a bigger population, but on account of housing difficulty tho time was not opportune. j

Cr. Coley asked how,the old pioneers got on, and said they built for themselves. Several immigrants would be 1 sent to the country. The chairman said times had changed, while the resolution was one for the Government and not for local bodies.— No action taken. Mangaone Road. Cr. Coley drew attention 'to the Mangaone road, and said ratepayers were dissatisfied because there was no roadmen on, and because very little ;work was ever done there. He considered the ratepayers should be given attention.

i The Chairman said to appoint an extra roadman would cost £2oo per year, and the only way to overcome the difficulty would be to place it. in a man's length. He thought the readjustment of the roadmen would do good.—To be attended to. Tho Ranger. The ranger reported that during the month he had impounded IS head of stock, had laid three further informations, and sued five offenders at Otaki, j all of whom were fined. j

Crs. Ryder and Whyte said they had received no complaints, while Cr. Coley said with the exception of one man, who continually grazed a horse on tho Hautere Cross Toad, his riding was clear of stock.

The ranger said there was a Native woman at Otaki who refused to pay dog registration on a 10s dog, and he asked permission to sue.—Permission given.

The ranger said he had that day impounded 31 head of stock, aud in con seqneuce prosecutions would follow.

Deputation. A deputation waited on the Council relative to the unmetalled Kawiu road, Levin, and asked that it be improved, as soon as possible. Settlers desired to milE, and if left winter would delay the work.

The Chairman said the road would have to be engineered, and there were, as all knew, engineering difficulties. Logging was being done at present, and he hoped the plans were completed. The settlers could rest assured that tho Council would do its best and as quickly as possible. Tenders would bo" called for the work as soon as plans were to hand. He hoped settlers would assist by tendoriug. as labour was scarce. The Clerk said the levels were taken and he understood the plans were almost complete.

Miscellaneous. Cr. Coley asked that the track from Booth's to Waihoanga should be cleared. At present it was overgrown with tutu, and children traversing through it to school got wet. —To be attended to. Cr. Broadbelt complained that the Oturoa metalling coutract had not been done, and thought in fine weather should be given preference to borough work. —Decided to interview tho contractor on the matter.

Cr, Broadbclt said as one of a deputation he had been unable to view tho Koputaroa stream, but considered if cleared good work would be accomplished. Mr Howard, a contractor cm the Gladstone road, waited on the Council and

asked for £3OO assistance in forming a road to the baekbloeks. If the Council did this he would find £2OO and keep four miles of road in order for all time. He had 3000 acres of bush and logs were to be brought into Levin for milling purpose?. He was also prepared to do necessary bridging.—The chairman considered the offer a good one, and agreed to give the matter favourable attention.

Cr. Ryder considered that unless protective work was done at the shannon bridge one end would be carried away during the coming winter. Cr. Whyre said he understood the river was righting itself on account of work done by the Manawatu Council. —No action taken.

The Chairman said he had made arrangements with Mr Catley to look after contract works during the illne?3 of the engineer.—Action endorsed. It was decided that Cr. Barber be authorised to have certain drain work undertaken in the Tokomaru Riding, viz.. Hyde's drain. Buckley road, and Tippler's drain. Kara road. Accounts. Accounts amounting io £llß2-9s id were passed for payment.