DISTRICT NEWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 153, 7 March 1916, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS

ONEWHERO.

PROPOSED KOAD DEVIATION

A STORMY MEETING

The strained feelings that, apparently without any real reason, exist between Bome of the local ratepayers of Raglan County and Cr D A Moore, member tor the Onewhe-o riding, in respect of the administration of County affairs in the district were responsible for very heated proceediugH at a meeting, convened by Cr Moore, held last Saturday night in the Onewhero Public Hall tor th?. purpose of giving consideration to u proposed road deviation through Mr H Hamilton's property. At th2 commencement of the meeting Mr W Keyes was elected to th2 chair, a position tie later on vacated, being replaced by Mr Tapper, County represeatative for the Pukekawa riding. It may be explained that it is claimed by the supporters of the proposed deviation tbat if a road was put through Mr H Hamilton's property, fronting the Onewhern-Opuatia road, and came out touching the corner of Mr D Cameron's property on to the same road, a decided advantage would be gained, a3 it would not only shorten the present route and avoid the necessity of having to traverse Hend rson'a Gully, but would reduce the cast cf present upkeep. After pointing out that he hajd called the meeting with a view of placing data bearing on the proposed [deviation betore the ratepayers interested, Mr Moora Baid that the proposed deviation appeired originally as a dedicated road, but it was closed twenty-four years ago at the request ot Mr Hamilton by the then focal body. Mr Hamilton took it over and in lieu thereof gave several portions of road to the Board. The first occasion on which the proposzd deviation was brought under the speaker's notice wrs at a meeting of tha Council last year. They were discussing a £3OOO grant for reforming and metalling the road from the eight-mile pej on the luakau-Raglan road to Turner's junction, wfcen tha engineer psuggested that the deviation should be made. He then opposed the suggestion on the frounds that there had been heavy expenditure on Henderson's gully and that th'ie only watering place on the road was in the gdlly. and, furthe-, by reason of tha fact that it was his intention to get the mam road metalled and to have the boulders blown out at the Opuatia bill. At tte time it was resolved, on his motion, not to take action, and the engineer thereupon submitted t r j the Public Works Department plans and specifications for the reforming and metalling work, ircluding Henderson's Gully. The planß had been approved and the road had been prepared ready tor the metal The matter again came bifore the Council, at its meeting in January last, when, by request, he submitted a petition signed by 33 ratepayers in which they asked that the work in Hendersou's Gully should be stopped and a deviation made through Mr Hamilton's property, Messrs S H Crawford, W Keyes and L L Allan being present at the meeting in connection with the matter. The

subject was discussed, but he again objected and opposed the stopping ol the work in the gully. At the same time, however, he chained that he would withdraw his opposition it it was found that the rateoayers recognised what the cost of the undertaking would be and were prepared to meet it. The engineer and he were then deputed to a:certain the ccst of (he proposed deviation, land compensation, for mation, etc, but Mr Hamilton, the owner cf the property, would not deal with them. The engineer, however, had estimated the cost at £I3OO. The information was delayed ttrough the etgineer being engaged elsewhere and n the meantime Mr S H Crawford submitted a plan of a proposed rating area to the Couny Clerk, and in an accompanying letter stated that the engineer had estimated the cost of the proposed deviation at £750, and asked for a list of the rates each ratepayer in the propcs:d area would be obliged to pay on a loan of £SOO, £ tor £, The clerk, however, had drawn out particulnrs of a £I4OO loan in accordance with the engineer's estimate, and the sime showed that a rate of one-fifth of a penny in the £ on the total unimproved value of the property in the area, amounting to £97,649, would realise £Bl 8s 6J, which would more than pay for the annual interest and sinking fund on a loan of £llOO at live and tbree-q'iarter per cent interest. It' an amicable arrangement could not be arrived at in respect to the property it would have to be taken under the Public Works Act, which woujd be a Ipug and tedious procedure, as if Mr Hamilton objected a Court would have to be set up to consider the matter, tie expressed the opinion that the Government would not entertain susidibing a loan £ for £, and suggested that those interested mijht as well refrain from moving further in that direction. Referring to a possible poll, he said that a three-fifths majority of the valid votes recorded would have to be secured before action ould be taken and the Lourt appointed by the Public Works Department would decide the amount of compensation t<> be paid to Mr Hamilton

Mr Crawford at this point asked ji Mr Moore would explain how the total of A'l 100 was arrived at, as they had not h'-cn told the amount Mr Hamilton required Mr Moore replied that a claim lor XI 100 tor the property had been submitted to (he Council

Mr Crawford handed to the chairman correspondence and a plan dated 22nd August jyyj, which went, to show that, a road through Mr Hamilton's, presumably the piopo?ed deviation, had been closed on that date by the now defunct Onewhero Koad board, and he claimed that in view ot that the Council would not be justified in paying Mr Hamilton £llOO

Mr Moore explained that the Court would decide the amount and not he or Mr Crawford After a discsusion as to whether Mr Hamilton waa a member ot the Koad Lioard when the road was closed, the chairman. Mr Keyes, stated that he had it on good authority that he was Mr Moore considered that the information dfd not affect the

position, as the closing of the rotff was fair, tquare and above board, and everyone concerned at the time agreed to the alteration Mr F J Dawes suggested to tha chairman that the meeting was considering nncient history and thereby wasting time, Mr T F Muir* said that they should take action in accordance with the precedent set by the people of Aka Aka and Otaua in connection with the action in which Mr Charles Shepherd and the Waiuku Koad Board were involved The chairman suggested that as three members of the Old liosd Board bad all wanted to close three different roads their decision ahouM not carry weight. He claimed that it was not right tor Cr Moore to stand up and tell them that he had opposed the people s petition, Cr Moore was on the Council as a servant of the public, and not as a domioator. He should not have opposed the ratepayers. Cries of what about the rat - payers?

Mr Dawes enquired if the chair was vacated Cr Moore appealed to the audience, which at this time was becoming unruly, to give the chairman a fair hearing The chairman remarked that he was very pleased to see that Cr Mcore wanted the whole matter gone into. Proceeding, he accuse 1 some of the ratepayers of tied hand and feet Shouts cf "Nam® them" A voice: If Mr Keyes will undertake to mention th > names we'll wait

Mr B Biker: 1 know two l'be chairman, proceeding?, said that Cr Moore should have remained neutral as hetwesn two parties. If thd money that was goinz to tfi expended on the old road was diverted to the deviation there would be ro necessity for a loan A voice: Wrong Proceeding, the chairman said that at the meeting wheo, together with o'hcrs, he waited on the Councl the engineer estimated the coat of the deviation at £9OO. The difference between that figure and the £I4OO he siici was attributable to a certain man wanting a pric 2 for property which he should rot net A voice: Who appointed the deputation tha«. walte) on the Council? Cr Muore: They deputed then-

selves The chairman: Was it necessary for us ti be appointed Cries of: "You didn't bring the petition to us" The chairman accused Cr Moore of having unfairly commandeered information in respect to the proposed loan which the clerk had promised to convey to those who had applied for it

Cr Moore: 1 did not have to give it to you. Who are you? The chairman replied that he was a ratepayer Cr Moore: And I am a Councillor. You ignored mo Mr Charles Walters, to Mr Keyes: Why did you lake the chair seeing that you arc so biased? Mr Keyes intimated his intention of vacating the chair, which he thereupon did and joined the audience.

A voice: Mr Tapper should take the chair, Applause Mr Tapper stepped on to the platform and intimated lie would restrict

the speakers to ten minutes each Mi Allai asked if Cr Moore was aware that the plans and specifications ef tbc deviation were already in the l'ublic Works Office Auckland

Cr Moore explained that he had seen them, but considered that it did not affect the question, as the road had been legally closed. Cr Moore added that he did not see why Mr Allen was allowed to speak, as he was not on the list of ratepayers

Mr Allen: I'm a double ratepayer. It's rotten In reply to a suggestion from Mr Crawford, Cr Moore said that his reasoD for r.ot submitting an analysis of the proposed ccst rf the deviation was because he was not the engineer. It was not his business to measure metal or to sketch out roads. He intended to make use of tbs engineer, who was a man ol ability and was paid fordoing such work. He (Cr Moore) pleased himself what he did and while so doing tried to do the lair thing. He represented the majority and woul I continue to do so. He would not be pulled round by the ncse by three or four men. The road was exchanged legally and accordingly fairly, and the men who did it were honest. It was because certain people bad axes to grind that they were stirring up strife.—Applause. He had done more for the district during his stewardship than was accomplished in the previous nine years. Some ot the signatures on the petition were those of ratepayers who did not thoroughly understand the position Mr Tapper mentioned that Mr Moore did not oppose the deviation proposal straight out. He stated in Council that he would like to seee it go through. None of the Councillors were biassed on the subj'ct. If three-fifths of the ratepayers were in favour of it it would go through Cr Moore remarked that he believed that if the petition had gonp to a poll it woujd have been defeated, and he still held the same opinion. —Applause A healed discussion here took place in to the word "agitation" which was mentioned by Cr Moore in reference to the petition. Ihe supporters of the petition contended that those responsible for the petition were aecoidingly looked on as agitators. Messrs Attewell, L Aljcn and Keyes asked the chair man to note the objection, but he refused to uphold it and invited them to substitute a better word, but. none was forthcoming An intermingled clamour ot voices followed a remark passed by Mr Oh Is jn that a clause had been appended to the petition after signatures had been obtained. A denial was given to the statement, whereupon Mr Obis in withdrew the remark

Mr Crawford asked il Cr Moote had received a letter trom the largest landowner in Opuatia. to which Cr Moore replied that be had received numerous letters from the gentleman referred to, but bp did not intend to divulge theif contents. The last one referred to church matters, f aughter Mr Tapper, hi answer to a question, replied that in the event of the proposal going tp a poll the \ expenses would be defrayed out ot rates

Heniereon aeked Mr | Crawford why be aid cot tat the ' deviation through duii'g his t«rm aa a councillor, and the litter replied that he was not asked to Mr F J Dawes failed to see the nece9tsity cf making the deviation, which he considered would cost £2500. He was against sny proposal * that would e:.tail an increase in rat'.s, and remarked tsat owing to the war the rates would be very much heavier b.'fore next year Mr Charles Walters stated that it would be imposiitle to drive stock on the roid if the water in the gully was cut off Mr Allen, eenr, claimed that the gully was difficult ot passage Mr Chail.s Walters suggested that Mr Crawford bad an opportunity during his term aa councillor of putting the deviation throueb, but instead preferred to spend £BOO on metal Messrs B Cole-Baker, G F Willis and L K Keala endorsed Mr Dawes, remarks ard Mr l'om Miller expressed the opinion that the petition was too late as it went before the Council alter the grant had come to hand Mr Charles Walters proposed, and Mr Oblson seconded, that the road should remain as at present Mr Crawford stated that he had interviewed a Minister of the Crown in connection with obtiioing a £ for £ subsidy up to £SOO for the deviation, and the-Minister was favourable to it

Ml LEn Allen proposed as an amendment'tfcat the road (the route of the deviation) should be reinstated, but no seconder was forthcoming Various suggestions were made as to a way of getting the leelirg of the m.eting on the matter, but it was ultimately agreed that the petition and a counter-petition should be sect out and when all the signatures were obtained that they be submitted to the Council On the motion of Mr Crawfurd a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Moore The meeting concluded shortly before midnight, heated arguments following outside the ball

Was Ultimate iy cgucu «■««• petition and a counter-petition should te sect out and when all the signatures were obtained that they be submitted to the Council On the motion of Mr Crawfurd a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Moore Ihe meeting concluded shortly before midnight, heated arguments following outside the hall CLEVEDON. Tbe Clavedon Croquet Club commenced their tournament for tbe trophy presented by Mrs A Dow on Tuesday of last week, when Mrs Hyde and Mis A Shaw defepted Mis Under and Mrs Graham, and cn Wednesday Mrs C Munro and Mrs G Hawthorn defeated Mis T L Smith anl Mrs Fted Stephens. The Cricket Club have been somewhat late in getting a start this season owing to farmers being extra busy on account of the shortness of labour brought about by over fifty local young men having gone to the With the ■bearing and harvest now finished the club fire open to arrange matches with neighbouring district?. On February 19th the Cltvedon team met and defeated Bunua, at Clevedop, for the third time this seasun, by 53 runs on the first innings, the other two matches being won by 49 runs and thre-; wickets respectively. The principal features of the last match were the bowling of Mr A C Shaw and the hatting of Me?s s Crisfe and W Bell for Clevedon

DRURY

VALEDICTORY SOCIAL A moat enjoyable function took place last Friday right in Drury, when a large company met in the Orury Hall to bid God speed to Private J Roberts, who was concluding his final leave preparatory to going to the front. Preset also at the gathering were Lieutenant J Flanagan and Lance-Corporal J McMabon, a returned trooper. The proceedings were controlled by the secretary, Mr W Tooman, who also acted as M.C. Farewell speeches were delivered by Messrs Joseph Flanagan and D Fyfe, and were patriotic and inspiring. The "bojs" in khaki suitably responded, and were enthusiastically cheered. Mi 9 McDonnell, of Auckland, contributed vocal selections, and tee music for danaing was supplied by Messrs Cossey ar.d Morgan. Messrs Quinn and Swan were up-to-date stewards. The catering by Messrs J and J Rug? was of iti usual excellence, and altogether the function was pleasing, patriotic and sociable. On Sunday night the Drury railway station had the appearance of a busy promenade, so many persons having gathered thereon to do honour to the "lucal "boys" who were to board the troop train, and also to cheer those already on the train. As the special left the platform hearty cheers were raised Yesterday a badly needed downpour pf rain was much appreciated. Farmers had been earnestly praying tor moisture

PATUMAHOE

A meeting convened by Mr J Henry was held in the Paturaahoe Hall on Saturday last to consider : what steps should be taken to entertain the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. W F Massey, on the occcasion of his visit to the Mauku district in connection with th° opening of the Karaka bridges and th? l J atumahoe post ofhce. Mr Henry occupied the chair, and announced that Mr Ma?s-:y would he present some time about the l!0th jnat.. and he thought on account ot ail tiiat Mr Massey had done tor the district and the time that had elapsed since he had been able to address his constituents some titling ceremony atould be arranged.—Alter some consideration a large and npresentativc committee was appointed, Irom which the following will act as a working committee: —Messrs Henry, chairman E C Cuff, secretary, J B Goldsworthy, A E Robinson, W G IMeydell, E Taylor, J Morrison. J Woods, M Ciispe, F J Moore, F Kavanagb, VV Finlay, W Howard, K .Johns and II Fulton. —(t was rc solved to hold a banquet at the Pa'umaboe Hail on the evening, aod arrangements will be made for as many ys possible oj- the visiting •'art y to address the gathering. Catering arrangements were placed to the cire of Mr T B Bailey, and preliminary matters were arranged. The otters of several motor ,-ara for the day will he availed of to K ive the Ministerial party a tour of the district, should time ana -.iioafrhwr nermit of euch being done

BUCKLAND.

OKANGE BLOSSOMS

BILKEY—LEIGHTON

A very prettv wedding, in which great local lutereat was centred by reason of the popularity not only ot the contracting parties but of the families with which they are respectively connected, was celebrated on Wednesday of last week, when Mr Edwin Leonard Bilkey, son of Mr Edwin Bilkey, and Miss Eva Kathleen Leijshtor, daughter of Mr William Leighton, were joined in the bonds cf matrimony. Tfce ceremony took place at tte residence cf tte b'ide's parents, a large marquee having been erected in the grounds. The Rev G Frost officiated The bride, who was given way by her father, was charmingly attired in a frock of white embroidered voile with a dainty picture hßt, and she carried a large bouquet of white asters, interspersed with msidenbair fern The bridesmaids were Miss Gladys Leighton and Miss Doris Newton, sister and cousin respectively of the bride. The fo mer was dressed in white embroidered voile, and Mibs Newton wore a dress of pale blue satin trimmed with lace, their bouquets being of heliotrope and white asters with streamers attached. The bridegroom's presents to the bridesmaids were pretty gold brooches Mr A T Bilkey performed the duties of best man The wedding breakfast was served in the marque and the newly-mairied couple subsequently left for Kotorua LANCE-COKPOKAL HOKNE FAKEWELLED On Thursday evening last a smoke corcrt was tendered to LanceCorporal Trevor Home, of the 11th Reinforcement?, who lyd b?en back at bis parents' home on his final leave before setting out for the front. Mr A Gummer proved a nrst able chairman, and the company present, which numbered over ihirty, included Lieutenant Hatt and Sergeant G Lnghton, both of whom are among the "returned" invalids In proposing the toast of "Our Guest" the chairman expressed appreciation of the opportunity given bim of paying testimony to the patriotism of Lance-Corporsl Home in offering his services to the Empire. Comparatively speaking, he said, Lance-Corporal Horne K was only a lad, but he possess;d that calm, cool courage and ready powers of judgment which marked the tiue eoldi«r. Alth ugh he bad 03ly been in camp a couple ot months he had already gained his first promotion. He wished bim God Bpeed and a safe return

On rising to r spond LanceCurpcral Borne received quite an ovation. He thanked tboss present for their good wistieß and he mentioned that ha felt exceedingly indebted to Lieutenant Hatt, since it was by that officer's careful training of the Senior Cadets that he (the speaker) knew bis duties and bad gained his promotion. Lieutenant Hatt, in reply to the toast of his h.alth proposed tiy Mr Kelson,"gave an interesting and eloquent account of the doings of New Zaalanders at Uallipoli. Knowing Lance-Corporal Home as he did he prophesied that before re'urning from active service he woud te the recepient of considerable further promotion. He appealed to all thoße who could sea their way claar to serve with the colours. He was not an advocate of conscription, but they had to recognise that the war bad to be won

Several other toasts were honoured aid a capital musical programme was also carried through

On Saturday evening last Lar.eeCorporal Borne was again entertairei in the Public Hall, Mr E Allan presiding. Speecftrs were delivered by the chairman and Messrs H H D Wily and Avery, and the first-named remarked that although Lance-Corporal Home was the youngest of the representatives that Buckland had sent forward he was certain that he would worthily uphold the honour of New Zealand and cf those who had preceded him. After the speeches dancing was indulged in, and the evening wound up with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."

A line stack of hay of about twenty tons, belonging to Mr K Wright was destroyed by tire on IhurEday mornirg last. Mr Wright, on returmp? from milking, noticed a column of smoke issuing from the direction of the stack. There was no hope of saving any of the hay, the flames being sj strong the owner had only just time to save the sheets of iron. Spontaneous combustion was the cause of the outbreak

HARRISVILUE.

A stack on Capt. Ryder's farm containing 15 tons of hay was totally destroyed by fire cn Thursday afternoon last. The outbreak was noticed by Messrs G Learning and W Barnaby, who unsuccessfully tried to stem the onslaught of the flames. It is conaiderd that the tire was the result ot spontaneous combustion Mr P Lewis-had the misfortune to lost a Clydesdale marc on his farm last week. He was rounding up cows and found the horse dead in a cluinp of ti-tree. It has been suggested that the bot-fly is responsible for the death

TUAKAU.

The Town Board will shortly lake in hand the re forming of Ryder's road, and the makiog ot a deviation thereon. The work has been heldup pending the Waikato Cooperative Dairy Company's purchase of Mr Byeroft's flourmill site, which took place recently. When the work is completed the dedication of the road will follow Presumably from a sting Irom the bot-fly, which is prevalent in large swarms Ihis season, Mr Percy Lapwooa's valuable gelding by Grand Duke, which he bred, died during the past week

WACRENGA.

The Whangamarino Road Board gives notice in our advertising columns that legal proceedings will be taken in respect of rates not paid by the 22nd inst. The usual monthly meeting of tho Whangamarino Road Board takes place on Saturday next.

MANUREWA

The Musical Society opened its 191G season by tendering a farewell social to the Society's secretary, Mr H. Kay, and to Miss Gem Pegler, Mr Kay is leaving for the front, and Miss Pegler for Palmerston North. Some sixty members and friends met in the Public Hall, when the president, Mr F. E. White, on behalf of members, presented Mr Kay with a handsome wristlet watch and a silver mounted pipe. Mr Kay suitably replied. Musical items were given by the Society, and by Mrs Margotts, and Messrs Corin, Druce Seaton. Mr Oram has received his appointment as Kelurning Officer for the new Town Board. He is now compiling the roll, and expects to have the election about the middle of April. The County Council have employees at work kerbing and nelling a footpath on the eastern boundary of the South Koad as it passes through Manurewa. They are thus setting a good example to the incoming Town Board members. Considerable activity has been displayed by the Eailway Department in the new works from Papakura to Otahuhu. Workmen are being brought from the Paerata and other works, and the Department are pushing on the undertaking. The Eailway Department have purchased what is known as White's Scoria Mountain, situated just off the main line between Wiri and Manurewa. It is the Department's intention to put a tunnel into the mountain and from this source the railway will obtain the main supply of scoria. The Alfriston Sunday School celebrated their Anniversary with special Sunday services, and a tea and public gathering on the following Wednesday. The hall wa3 nicely decorated' and some 40 children under tin conductors-hip of Mr Gothoip rendered several choruses, and individual members gave recitations, songs and inus'cal item®. The Revs. Wood aud Fell gave addresses. The building was full. The prize list was a long one. Special reference was made to the departure of Mi?s Gem Pegler, who has left the district, and an appeal was made for a teacher to take her place. The attendance of children is increasing, and special thanks were tendered to Mr Gothorp, the superintendent, for his untiring energie3 on behalf of the school.