AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTY.

Shannon News, 14 June 1929, Page 4

AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTY.

MEETING- OF HOROWHENtJA

COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Horowhenua County Couucil was held in the County Chambers, Levin, on Saturday, there being present: Mr G. A. Monk (chairman), Crs Barber, Whyte, Ryder, Bryant, Colquhoun, Gimblett, Catley and Jensert, Mr F. 11. Hudson (County Clerk) and Mr J. T. M. Brew ster (County Engineer). In view of the expected seasonal incidence of influenza, the Health Department forwarded three copies of „ leaflet, to be publicly displayed, describing various precautions. —It was ■ decided that the leaflets be posted up in different parts of the County. COMPULSORY STOP SIGNS.

The .Commissioner of Transport, Mr J. W. Hunter,.forwarded extracts from the Gazette showing additional regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act, these dealing with the erection of compulsory stop signs. The Chairman stated that there were compulsory stop' signs placed in the County which would not be necessary if it were not'for the obstruction caused by railway buildings. Cr. Barber: Could we get the buildings shifted? The Chairman: The Railway Department is too hard up. Cr. Gimblett remarked that some time ago the Highways Board drew the Council's attention lo the fact that advertisements were being placed in dangerous places on the road. He 'had noticed one oil the way to Shannon. Was the Council in agreement? The Chairman: I am afraid you 'are out of order. We cannot very well deal with that matter just now.

In answer to a question by Cr. Jensen, the Chairman explained that the communication was issued under the Motor Vehicles Act and the railways were not responsible for it. There was a crossing at Waikanae where it was impossible to see whether a train Was coming; a driver would have to le'ave his car and walk to the line to find out—and that was rather stiff. Cr. Gimblett: They don't compel you to stop. at all crossings now, as thee did before.

On the motion of the Chairman, it was resolved that the communication be received.

“You still have to comply with the railway requirements,'' the Chairman remarked. “We had better let this Transport Department operate for a while before we criticise it too much.'' PROPOSED CLOSING OF OLD ROADS.

Writing further in respect to the dosing of some roads in the Makerua district, Messrs Jacobs and Grant, solicitors, Palmerston North, stated that Mr Akers had pointed out to them that there w r as one road that they did not specifically mention in their original letter to the Council. This might be described as a road reserve at present running through Sections 35 and 3(5 D.P. 825 part Tuwbakatapua No. 1 Block." This road land, too, was just as useless and'unlikely to be of use so far as road purposes were concerned, as the other portion mentioned by the writers. Mr Akers would be very pleased to show the Engineer the exact location of all these ioads, the closing of which was sought. They would be pleased to learn from the Council when*a definite decision had been Urrived at, and in addition they wqre satisfied that they could, with the greatest of ease, obtain all necessary consents.' The Chairman stated that the subject had been referred to the Engineer, but had not yet been dealt with,, ow-. ing to the pressure of more urgent matters.

Cr. Barber reported that he had told Mr Akers that attention would be given to the question as soon as possible.

The letter was referred to the Engineer.

ROAD ACCESS TO OPUHI BLOCK. A letter was also received from Messrs Jacobs and Grant acting on behalf of Mr Wm. Ross, who, with Messrs Wm. Wood and Co., Ltd., was interested in 547- acres of land known as the Opuhi property, adjoining that of the Poplar Flaxmilling Co., Ltd. They stated that the land wa3 purchased about nine years ago, and although it was realised that it had no road access, Mr Akers —the vendor — and the writer, who had acted for all parties, understood that road access was to be obtained through the Poplar Company's property. It was only qtiite recently that it was realised that the Poplar property itself had no road access, and the parties were now endeavouring to arrange for the necessary roading. Mr Akers had himself formed and dedicated roads extend-' ing, they understood, through the Tuwhakatupua 282 Block, and, they thought, nearly to the boundary line of 281 Block. Whether or not a plan had ever been exhibited to the Council showing the conlinu/ation of this road to the Opuhi Block and thence through the Poplar Block to connect with the Okuku Road, they could not say. However, that was the original idea, but was finally abandoned. The parties how desired to continue the road from the point of dedication in 282 Block to the Opuhi boundary in 2CI Block. The County maps would show that this road would servg a very small and narrow tract of land. The writers' desire was to ascertain whether , a modified specification could be arranged with the Council for this extension, which was likely to be used only by the Opuhi property, if they preferred the road to the present wire rope to Foxton. The modification was sought to prevent unnecessary expenditure in formation and metalling ofsuch a road. The writers suggested that the matter be referred to the County Engineer Lor a report, which, they, trusted, would be favourable to their, suggestion. The Chairman said that the commun-)-

ication might be referred to the Works Committee. He did not think it likely that the Council was going to accept a road at «a lower grade than it had been doing. However the Works Committee could instruct the Engineer.

It was resolved that the matter be referred to the Works Committee, and that the applicants be asked to submit a sketch . plan. SLAUGHTERHOUSE LICENSE.

An application by Mr J. A. 11. Schwass, of Tokomnru, for a license for a slaughterhouse was received by the Ilorowhenua County Council on Saturday.—Granted, subject to the consent of the Stock Department. ROADS IN SEIFERT-WIIITANUI BLOCK.

Mr 11. R. Farquhar, surveyor and civil engineer, Palmerston North, wrote witih reference fcp the Ashleai Road Extension, stating• that Mr Seifert, on behalf of the owners concerned, had signed a contract for metalling the road and part of the Makerua-liangi-tane Read' and Campbell’s Road. The As.hlca and Rangitane Roads were to be metalled in two coats, totalling 17 cubic yards of metal pci- chain. Owing to there being less than eight inches of clay in the foundations of the Ashlea Road, an additional 300 cub. yds. of metal over and above the 17 cub. yds. per chain would.be placed on this road and its junction.with the Ran-git-ane Road. At present there were five houses built and four others about to be built, and negotiations were wcllin hand for the construction of a cheese factory. Considerable traffic would thus pass over these roads, which, if left as earth roads this winter, would at times become impassable and the prescrit foundation be seriously cut'up. It was thus essential, if the t-lay was to be preserved, that the first coat’ of metal be spread immediately. A contract had also bc-en let for metalling the .Makerua-Rangitane Road, commencing at the Makerua railway crossing, it being 'hoped to carry the first coat of metal to join.up-with'the Ashlea contract. The letter was received. GRANT TO SHANNON CEMETERY A letter was received from the Shannon Borough Council asking the County Council to make a grant towards the Shannon Cemetery. ■ The Chairman stated that it had been a usual thing,for the riding to make a grant; in the financial year 1927-28 a sum of £lO was granted, but last year no grant was made. On the motion of Cr. Barber, seconded by Cr. Whyte, it was decided that £lO be voted for the Cemetery. CULVERT ASKED FOR.

Mr Jno. Swindlehurst, Buckley Rd., wrote stating that lie required a culvert put in leading to property on the Buckley Road. He had filled the place in several times, but found that the water still ran across the road. He aslced if the Engineer would inspect the spot before the winter set in; 'The matter was referred to the Engineer for an inspection. LINTON DRAIN ROADI

With reference to the Linton Drain Road, Messrs Hankins, Fitzherbert and Abraham, solicitors, Palmerston North, wrote that Mr George Craw instructed them that he could make no monetary contribution towards the (Tost of improving the road, but 'he would supply all horse teams which might be necessary. Mr Craw thought that probably the mounds of spoil would have to be man-handled before a grader could be used. This, 'however, was no doubt a point to be settled by the County Engineer. They hoped that the would be proceeded with without further delay. The chairman said ho thought that the only thing to do norv was to have the Engineer report as to what it would cost to deal wjth the matter. He did not think that the mere offer of teams was sufficient, unless Mr Craw meant them to cart the gravel. The Engineer was instructed to report on the matter.

FLOODING IN TOKOMARU RIDING Messrs G. 11. Stiles and E. Reichel, Palmerston North, .wrote stating that, in company with Or. Whyte and the Engineer, they had paid a visit to Waterfall Creek (about a mile south of Tokomaru) to see if anything could be done by way of banking and straightening the creek to prevent the flooding and damage which were being done to their o\vn properties anil also to the Main highway in the washing away of metal several times during the year. They proposed both banking the creek and making cuts where Accessary to straighten it. anil they believed that it would be passible to prevent any water coming across the road. They did not know how much this work would cost, but were prepared to spend money to make- the work effective as the need arose, and they asked the Council to make a grant of £2O twards the cost of the woik, which would prove of great value to the County in the maintenance of this piece of roadway. If the metal accumulated in the creek, they asked the Council to use the metal, if not for Main Highways, then for the many side roads of the County. ■Or. Whyte stated that the Engineer was bringing forward a plan showing the levels of the stream and what could be done and what could not be done. Not only the Waterfall Crc-ck was concerned, but also one that ran into it, and instead of putting in a 20ft. bridge the Engineer would have to put in two 20ft spans and the cost would be prohibitive to the applicants. The Engineer stated that the road would have to be raised and the present bridge raised with it. The idea was to do away with one of the bridges, the second one dealing purely with overflow. During high floods, the Main Highways survey showed that on a length of five chains on the noithern ■side of the stream there was 2ft Din. of water, and tha~ was what blocked the traffic. The water came from a drainage area of 2400 acres, and that would need about 110 sq. ft. of waterway under a bridge. With;-the present jridge the bottom of the stringers was

only about three feet from the bed of the stream, and the 20ft. span would require to be douoled, to take the water, This would cost the Council £4OO, for a bridge of Main Highway standard. In addition there was the stopbank, and they would need to have something fairly substantial. Eighteen chains would take about 900 cub. yds. of material, and the cost, with turfing, would be 2s 6d per cubic yard—a total of £ll2 10s. The present streambed was about ISin. above the grass in the paddocks; when the creek overflowed in flood-time, the water rose in the paddocks and on the road with tlyit extra amount, bringing it to 2ft. 9in., the highest ‘in the last two o'r three years. He could not make any recommendation to the Council. The second bridge was the safety-valve, and must be left theie. On the levels that had been taken, he could not make any recommendation with regard to the letter.

' Cr. Colquhoun: How many times has the road been under water in the last twelve months? The Engineer: On three occasions to my knowledge. The water goes up and down very quickly. The Chairman stated that the applicants wanted to bank the stream and confine all the water to one bridge, which -would have to be double the capacity of the present bridge. The Engineer stated that, %vhen the water came over the road, it stopped traffic for from half to three-quarters of an hour. Ore of the streams washed out the Albert Road bridge'last November.

In giving information to Cr. Colquhoun, the Engineer stated that, if tile Highway were re-constructed, the levels of the bridges would have to'be altered, because the fiat would have to be brought up about three feet. Cr. Barber: Would you then enlarge the bridges? The Engineer: They are enlarging one 'bridge now, increasing the length from 18ft to"'24ft.

Cr. Barber: If you raise the road 'three feet, you will put the water through the two present openings, and that will create a scour.

The Engineer: There are three water channels in that flat. A culvert that was taken out a few years ago will have to be reinstated.

It was resolved, on the motion of Cr. Ryder, that the. matter lie left in the hands 'of the councillors for the aiding, an cl that the Engineer supply them with ihe necessary information. PRETORIA ROAD. Mrs M. Satheriey, -Shannon, wrote stating that, in August last, Pretoria Road was graded and metalled by the Council, as she had had it ploughed as arranged with Cr. Barber. Since then no further,metal had .been placed on the roadway, and if it was not supplied immediately, ell the previous work done both by the County and herself would be nullified. The first portion of the road was in quite good order, but the major portion, which .was continually in use, was very bad, the metal having disappeared. The writer therefore requested that steps be taken to have the road :e-metalled jbefore the wet weather set in.

■Cr. Whyte stated that -provision was made for connecting up the two metalled portions, and the matter was being attended to. WATER SERVICES.

Mr T. L.. Walker, McDonald Road, Ihakara, wrote acknowledging the intimation that the Council would, at his request, have water cohveyed across the road to his section, provided that he was agreeable to the property served being included in a separate maintenance area. He was quite agreeable to this, and would carry cm with making the race and when finished would advise the Council When the water could be carried across. The letter was received.

Mrs Q. V. Saunders, Arapaepae Rd., wrote asking if it would be possible to extend the water race from Roslyn Road to her property, and, if so, would the Council go into the matter of cost, etc. The writer was quite prepared to pay the water rate, whatever the charge might be. The matter was referred to the Engineer for a report. CULVERT IN LINDSAY ROAD. Mr A. J. Mark, Lindsay Road, wrote with further refeience to his application for a culvert, stating that lie was quite prepared to pay for the extra 18ft. of culvert, as required by the Council. The Engineer was authorised to proceed with the woik. KOPUTAROA STREAM. . The Buckley Drainage Board wrote thanking the Council for financial assistance towards cleaning and improving the Koputaroa Stream on Tavistock Road. When the work was completed, particulars of the expenditure would be submitted to the Council. “They are getting well on with.that stream and making a very good job of it," said'the Chairman. . The letter was received. SURFACEMAN'S COTTAGE. Mr 11. Freeman, builder, Waikanac, wrote submitting a plan of a dwelling which .he was prepared to build, as he understood that the Council wanted a cottage for a surfaceman at Waikanae. The letter was referred to the Works Committee, to be dealt with if the necessity arises.

TRAFFIC CONTROL. The Works Committee recommended that the Council again consider the question of the purchase of load-o-meters and the control of traffic generally. The Chairman said he would like to see the matter held over for discussion at the next meeting of the Council. Cr. Ryder, chairman of the Works Committee, stated that the Committee had not felt that there was any desperate need, but thought that the question might be referred back to the Council. The Engineer was rather concerned about, the heavy loads oven bridges. • ; 1 The. Chairman: ; We Gan pass the

clause and have it dealt -with at next meeting. There is some ’'-information I want in connection with it. This course was agreed to. DISPOSAL OF SPARE PLANT. A recommendation wa3 received from the Works Committee that the chairman of the Council and the Engineer be authorised to dispose of the spare units in connection with No. 4 > crushing plant at such prices and on such coitions as they may consider to be in he best; interests of the-Council: The clause was adopted.