ALFRISTON

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 274, 11 May 1917, Page 1

ALFRISTON

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS The annual meeting of ratepayers of the Papakura Road District, was held in the Alfriston Hall on Monday last, Mr E. D. McLennan (Chairman of the Board) presiding. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

After a lengthy discussion on business arising out of the minutes Mr Allen proposed and Mr G. Mclnness seconded the following motion which was carried, viz : " In view of the probability of the Manurewa Road Board merging into the Manukau County Council the incoming Board be requested to inquire how the general rate will be affected in the Papakura Road District." It was further proposed by Mr Allen, seconded by Mr Mclnness and carried that " in the event of this district merging into the Manukau County Council would the Manukau County Council be able to collect full amount of subsidy on the whole amount."

The much vexed question of willows in the creek, arising out of the minutes, was dealt with by the Chairman stating that the Board was sincerely desirous of getting improvements effected but the question of taking drastic action against defaulters must stand over until the conference with the Manukau County Council had come to a decision.

The Chairman then gave a comprehensive report on the work done by the Board during the past year and congratulated the ratepayers on the satisfactory state of the finances of the Board. Considerable work, he stated, had been done on Redoubt road, involving a cost of £2OO. Also a new bridge had been erected on Oram's road-at a cost of £7O. He regretted that the weather had been so bad as to stop for the present the carrying out of an important metal contract to finish the work from Takanini station to Flat road. Several contracts had been completed of much needed formation works. The Chairman further made some complimentary remarks regarding Mr 1). A. Reid who had resigned his position as clerk and treasurer and the same were received by those present with loud applause The treasurer (Mr H. Moody) then read the balance sheet which was adopted along with the report on the motion of Mr Allen seconded by Mr Melnness.

A minor discussion took place on a few items.

Mr Allen gave a hint to the Board that no increase in the rates would prove acceptable.

Mr J Muir asked the Board's consideration with regard to Ardmoie and and took the opportunity of expressing regret at the resignation of Mr J. Buddock, who had been most assiduous in his attentions to the wants of his ward.—Mr Muir's remarks been heartily endorsed by the Chairman and others.

The Chairman spoke as to the question of the previous grant of £3O to the Navy League and in a short but forcible patriotic speech asked the meeting to recommend the incoming Board to make a donation to the Y.M.C.A. Trench Comfort Fund for the Now Zealand boys at the Front. Mention was made that the district had held a Carnival the previous Saturday and the Clerk mentioned that a grant would be very highly appreciated to enable the district to score a century. Mr Trimble proposed and Mr J. Embling seconded that a donation of £lO be recommended and tlio motion was carried unanimously. Mr Allen proposed and Mr Muir seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the outgoing Board, which was carrind by acclamation. The Chairman suitably replied.