MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 275, 14 February 1929, Page 3

MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

FEBRUARY MEETING. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Matamata County Council was held on Friday and was attended by Crs. J. W. Anderson, chairman (Tirau), H. C. Rollett (Peria), S. H. Judd (Maungatautari), J. Bruce (Karapiro), W. S. Wilsoq (Matamata), K. S. Cox (Tokoroa), W. H. Allen (Okoroire) and P. Dee (Te Poi).

Also in attendance were Messrs. C. F. E. Barton (clerk) and Mr. E. Fitzgerald (engineer). Leave of absence was granted to Cr. E. J. Darby (Putaruru). Water Pipe. Mr. E. Harwood requested permission to lay a water pipe under the road at his farm at Okoroire.— Granted subject to usual conditions laid down by the engineer. Putaruru Quarry. G. E. Martin, of Pukekohe, wrote advising that Mrs. Martin proposed to fence the boundary of the council’s quarry of four acres on the Arapuni road about 14 miles from Putaruru station and looked to the council to pay half the cost. A seven-wire fence was proposed, and in all 18 chains of fencing would be required owing to the fact that tutu present in the quarry was a menace to cattle feeding off swedes. Tlje works committee recommended that Mr. Martin be offered the use

of the portion of this reserve not required by the council, subject to the conditions in regard to tenure, clearing, etc., and that the present fence be repaired, or alternatively that the council consider an offer to purchase this portion. The committee’s suggestion was I agreed to. Matamata-Waharoa. The council agreed with the recommendation of the works committee that the metalling on the WaharoaMatamata road be extended southward to Pohlen’s ror'l and widened from Matamata to the saleyards at an estimated cost of £BOO. Motor for Inspc'lor. The council agreed that the half- I ton motor van should be placed at the disposal of the inspector and that a shelter for same be erected at his residence.

Classification of Land. The Minister of Lands acknowledged by wire receipt of the council’s letter re classification of lands and stated he would peruse correspondence and receive a deputation on the subject when in the district at the end of February.—Received. The Commissioner of State Forests also advised that he had noted the council’s representations with regard to planting trees on farm lands. In regard to the freehold he was unable to interfere, but he would go into the whole question with his colleague the Minister of Lands.—Received. Ministers at Putaruru. The Putaruru Chamber of Commerce wrote advising particulars in regard to the visit of members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers to the Putaruru district. The council decided to contribute towards the expenses and Crs. J. W. Anderson and K. S. Cox were appointed to represent the council. Finance. The council decided to write off irrecoverable rates to the amount of £263 11s Bd. Accounts totalling £5149 18s 6d were passed for payment. Cost of Motor Regulations. The Highways Board asked the council to give its views on the success met with by its inspectors in enforcing the motor regulations. Also as a subsidy had been asked for on inspectors’ wages a return of wages paid for inspection of main roads was requested.—Left with engineer and clerk to draft and forward a reply.

Loadmeter Wanted. The Tauranga County Council wrote requesting the loan of the council’s loadameter for a short term, as it was unable to obtain one at the moment, and decided to send an inspector to inspect lorries carrying on heavy traffic. The engineer pointed out the loadameter was a delicate instrument and the man would have to go with it. In any case it was in constant use. On the motion of Crs. Cox and Bruce it was decided to reply that the council regretted it could not accede to the request.