HUTT COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otaki Mail, 13 September 1922, Page 3

HUTT COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. Tlio ordinary monthly meeting of tho above Council was held yesterday. Present: Crs. H. I). Atkinson (chairman), A. I. Mackay, J. Whiteman, A. It. Edwards, W. I. Liinbrick, H. Foley. Inspector’s Report. i Tho Inspector (Mr Cudby) reported | that protective work had been done at, Duck Creek, while 597 super feet of I timber had been ordered for a culvert I on the Akatarawa road. He regretted I to accept the resignation of J. Bur-

rows, he having accepted another position. About ILHX) super, feet of 2in. planking had been sent to the Whareroa Biding for bins which were to be erected, and which would expedite tho removal of metal. From the ”th to the end of August 280 yards of metal had been carted with the lorry and spread on Wainui-o-mata main and Fitzherbert swamp roads, an average distance of 1-t miles, at a cost of £54 15s or Us l td per cubic yard.—Adopted. Cr. Mackay asked wheu the lorry would be available for his riding. The Clerk pointed out that a considerable sum (over £00) would have to be spent to put it in repair before it was lit for use. Cr. Mackay said the road was getting in a shocking state and considered something would have to be done at

The Clerk pointed out that the driver was being paid whether the lorry was working or not. It was decided that necessary repairs be effected. Clerk’s Report. “I beg to submit hereunder my report for the mouth ended 11th September. 1922. Finance: —The rates received since last meeting amount to £6S2. The credit balance after to-day’s accounts are paid will be £1,95(5, and considering that nearly six months of this hmineial year have passed the position ■, is a very satisfactory one. 1 have to draw attention to the fact that the grader has been repaired at a cost of £35. The motor lorry repairs account lor this month is £l3 -Is (id, and tho estimate for (he work was £7. Tools supply: —I have again to draw attention In the fact that practically every month there is an account from one or more of the ridings for tools. This month from Epuni, £2 10s (id. Whareroa. £1 19s lOd, Wainui-o-mata 1-ls, and us the items are practically identical it would appear that there is not a great deal of care taken of the tools supplied, and I suggest that an inventory be taken of all tools held by each man at present, and that, in future this record, together with any further supplies, wili he debited to each man who will be personally responsible for same, and periodically the supplies be checked, or on the resignation of any man the last pay to be held until a satisfactory inventory is passed into the office.—A. J. MacPhurson. Count v Clerk.

Cr. Whiteman said it mis impossible to wear the tools out. and supported the Clerk, 'l’hc price paid for tools was exorbitant. 'file report was adopted. 'l'he ranger reported that during the month he had impounded seven head of stock while offending owners had been lined. Correspondence. The following correspondence was lead and dealt with as follows: — Afforestation. Trom State Forest Service re afforestation, and offering a liberal discount if the Council would undertake tree planting.—Not entertained, there being no funds available. Bad Drainage. From N.Z, Railways, asking the Council to have drainage matters attended to at Plinmicrton, whero water was doing damage.—Cr. Limbrick said a natural water-course had been filled •- and that no action could be taken. If residents took the matter in hand the Council might assist.—The Chairman said if the Council spent money on the work it w-ould commit itself for all time.—Decided to acknowledge no liability and allow the Railway Department to take action against the offending resident. Remission of Rates. From Lands and Survey Department, asking for remission of rates on land held by Mr Slight at Paekakeriki.—Cr. Mackay moved that the request be granted provided the Council had power to do so.

Government Subsidy. From P.W. Department, advising that the Government subsidy on Stokes V alley and Pakuratahi bridges had ‘been increased to £3OOO. —Received. Forestry League. From N.Z. Forestry League, requesting the Council’s support and a subscription to the League.—Decided to regret Council’s inability to comply. Health Matters, From the Makara County Council asking the Council’s support in opposing the Health Department’s proposed increase of fees. —The Clerk pointed Out that the increase was considerable, being three times the previous amount. —Decided to seek the support of adjacent local bodies in reference to holding a conference on the matter, Cr. Atkinson being appointed to represent hhe Hutt Council, Racing Club to Pay. From 'Wellington Racing Club re him of motor lorry, and stating it was used on forty days only and was returned in better order than whem received. In view of this they askud for a remission in the price charged—The Clerk pointid out that the lorry had been in the Chub ’« charge for ninety days, and admitted that the lorry was to be charged ioi at the rate of £1 per day for days us*d.— - Cr. Foley s&ovsd. that the Cliib ft sr ninety days, he conmdajuay fclab hid bo- (ground for coin-

plaint.—Agreed to, it being decided to give the Club 1-1 days in which to pay. i Water Wanted. From Education Board forwarding signed agreement for an extraordinary supply relative to the Packakuiilii wa-ter-works. —Council decided to allow the Board to have water at £1 per year. Overhead Bridge Needed.

j From Paraparaumu Ratepayers’ Association, pointing out that the Association considered an overhead bridge at Otaihanga necessary, and asking the Council to givo consideration to the matter. —Decided that a deputation consisting of Mr Field, M.P., the chair-

man, and Cr. Mackay wait on the Min- : istcr and arrange, if possible, to have ! the work done. j Paekakariki Domain. From Paekakariki Ratepayers’ Association asking lor particulars in reference to the Paekakariki domain and a balance-sheet for the water-works.—

Decided to supply information when the work was complete. j Heavy Traffic. From Cunningham Carrying Co. relative to heavy traffic fees charged by the Council. —Decided to inform the writers that they must take out a license for each of their lorries. Assisting the Blind. From Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund soliciting further assistance.—Decided to reply that the Council was not in a position to make a further contribution. Dangerous Crossing.

J From Stafford and Stafford re tho I level crossing at Paraparaumu.—Cr. Mackay considered further improvement was necessary, and moved that the matter be left to the Inspector to have tho hedge further back. —Agreed to. Overhanging Hedges. Front A. J. Earley, complaining of the Council’s hedge overhanging his property at Paekakariki.—Cr. Mackay i considered the hedge should be cut back. —Left to Cr. Mackay to attend to. Increase in Wages. D. Galloway wrote pointing out the cost of maintenance of working horses, stated he hud 20 miles to ride to work, and in consequence asked for an increase in wages.—lt was considered by the Council that- to ride 20 miles to work was a good day’s work, and the I question was raised as te how long Galloway worked.—Referred to Cr. Liinbrick to report on. Resolutions Passed. Resolutions were passed making and levying a special rate to meet- charges on a loan of £2OOO for Stokes and Pakuratnhi bridges, and a rate to meet charges on a loan of £BOOO (antecedent liability).