COUNTY’S RESPONSIBILITIES.

Shannon News, 20 August 1926, Page 2

COUNTY’S RESPONSIBILITIES.

A RECENT COURT CASE. The recent action unsuccessfully brought against the Horowhenua County Council in respect of an accident at AVaikanae, when a death occurred and a car was injured as a result of the latter running over a bank was reported upon by the chair? man of the council (Mr G. A. Monk) at Saturday’s meeting. He said a-. writ was served on the Council immediately after last meeting, necessitating arrangements being made • oil ’ the hearing. The Council Was very ably defended and was not called upon to answer the case in court, counsel applying for and being granted a non-suit. The result of the ease was somewhat pleasing because there was a good deal behind it. fi*h- d been successful a great deal of extra tost and inconvenience would have been caused in the main highways . c ork. The matter had to' go to court and they had a ruling... now that would place them on very good grounds. The case affected not only Horowhenua, but every County in New Zealand. Similar judgments had been given befpre but this made the position very clear. Ib certainly proved that the Council was not negligent in their duties as a local body. They were doing the work for the travelling public and it was not likely if they were spending £90,000 to £IOO,OOO they were going to deliberately create traps for them. I hey had hundreds of small fillings on the road work which it would be impossible 1 to light. Only in one place had tliev interfered with the existing, roadway v and that was fully protectCr. Catley said the Council could be congratulated on the result. They had taken every precaution and the Engineer had 'been very careful. Councillors agreed wij.li Cr. Catley and appreciation was also expressed of the manner in which the chairman had safeguarded the interests of fire Council, a resolution being passed that his expenses in visiting Wellington and Palmerston be paid.