HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Shannon News, 25 January 1929, Page 2

HOROWHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT MATTERS, The following business relating to the southern portion of the County was transacted at the monthly meeting of the Horowhonua County Council, at Levin on Saturday:— " Waikawa Beach Road. The District Engineer forwarded approved copy of plants and .spoeiiieatioi,*for the formation and metalling of portion "of the Waikawa Beach Road. He stated that, before monetary authority could be obtained, it would be necessary for the Council to forward a copy of a resolution passed by it agreeing to maintain the road in a satisfactory condition, as set out by circular instructions. A resolution was accordingly passed, as follows, on the motion of the chairman (Cr. G. A. Monk), seconded by Cr. Kilsby:—“That this Council agrees to efficiently maintain in future, to the satisfaction of the local representative of the Public Works Department, the road to be metalled under the Waikawa Beach Road proposals which were submitted to the Public Works Department on November 27th.” Rahui Road* Drainage. Mr T. A. Morino, Otaki Railway, wrote calling attention to the drainago off , Rahui Road overflowing down and scouring his private road. He asked for early action in preventing; this scour.

The engineer reported that the matter had now been attended to. Entrance to Property.

Messrs Bulliman Bros., Waikanae, wrote stating that when the main road was widened the workmen blocked the gateway into a paddock which the writers would bfe using fairly frequently from the following week. As the entrance was now impassable, they asked that it bo inspected and filled in. On the motion of the Chairman/ the matter was referred to the. engineer, with power to act. The chairman explained that it had been necessary to bring the kerb up to meet the road, anti the gateway was now down the bank. Messrs Bulliman Bros, would have 'to be given an entrance, either at the old site or such other place as might be arranged. Mangaone Road Blocked.

Mr. S. Bolton, of Oete, Pahiatfta, wrote asking that the road leading up to sections 11/12, Block VH, Kaitawa S.D.', be opened up for traffic. : At present he understood that it was completely blocked, even for horse traffic.

Tlfe chairman stated that this was the portion of the Te Horo-Rikiorangi Road known as the Mangaone Road. A loan was raised years ago, and this road was put through difficult bush country and bridges of rimu were erected. The whole thing had since fallen into a great state of disrepair and bridges had rotted away. . A good deal of the' timber in the neighbourhood had been milled, having been brought down on a tramway laid on this particular road. If the tramway had not already been removed 1 the responsiblity was on Mr. Bolton to see that this was done. The chairman suggested that the engineer and himself inspect the road. Access by horse at least was sought, if it could be .given. The chairman and the engineer .were authorised to' inspect the road and report upon it. ‘ Otaki Gorge Road. Writing with reference to the Otaki Gorge Road, Mr. A. Seed stated that it would be practically impossible for him to work his property, or find a tenant to occupy it, over another winter unless the road formation was extended at least to the boundary of his land (section 2, Block XII, Kaitawa' S.D.) Consequently the situation now” was that, if the Council would not redeem its definite promise to carry but this work out of the estimates of the current year, he must most reluctantly face the position of having to undertake the work himself, which he considered would be a most distinct injustice. He ’ asked what the Council would do in assisting him in carrying out the work if it was undertaken, say, during February. In order to allow the work to proceed, would the Council undertake to have the road boundary pegged for the short distance required (only about 20 chains) within the next fortnight. Also, if he put a man on to proceed with the work in the next week or two, would the Council assist to the extent of providing a man and horse and dray, or light truck for carting and tipping spoil for the fillings? Likewise, would the Council provide the necessaiy pipings for the culverts that were required in the short distance of road?

The chairman read a letter sent by the Council to Mr. Seed on March 30th, 1928, informing him that his representations concerning this road had been considered, and it was resolved to fer the matter to the councillors for Te Horo riding to take into consideration when framing the estimates for the coming year. The chairman remarked that he did not know how Mr. Seed could read into that letter a definite promise. Te Horo finance had not been in a very good state, and no sum was at present available to carry the work out. Seeing that Mr. Seed's request was a pretty considerable one, he should be asked if he could give any idea what the amount of work would bo likely to cost. Then the Council would take into consideration the subsidising him on his expenditure on the road. It was no use the Council saying they would do i/t if they had not the money to do it. It was resolved, on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Cr. Ryder, that no definite undertaking was given; and that he be asked if he can give an idea of the cost in regard to subsidising the work if he does it himself.