KAITIEKE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 34, 10 February 1916, Page 7

KAITIEKE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Kaitieke Council was held on Saturday. Present: Crs. L. S. Ford (chairman), Morris, Cocker, McLeod, .and Grice.

Cr. Alanson wrote resigning his seat on the Council as representative of the Raurinn Riding. The Clerk has advertised the vacancy and called an election. Booths will be opened at Kaitieke and Raurimu. The resignation was accepted with regret.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands complained about the manner in which thirds on Messrs. Ruby’s sections were expended. The Clerk had replied that money, including thirds, had been there expended. Th e Chairman suggested and it was decided to invite the settlers on the Rawautahi Road to meet the Council and aid in propounding some scheme to have th e road put through. A letter was read from the Government Audit Inspector reporting the result of his audit. He drew attention to the large sum of rates outstanding and suggested thg, preparation of a test of such. Mr. Parkin had been paid £8 10/ too much on a contract. He expressed appreciation of the manner in which Mr. E. T. Boaven, the present Clerk, was carrying out his duties. Received.

The Chairman had written the Audit Inspector on the various items in his report. He agreed with the Auditor’s remarks re Mr. Beaven and suggested the advisability of getting extra clerical assistance in order to bring up arrears. Th e work, ho' said, was much in arrears on account of the negligent work of past clerks. The Council approved of the suggestion to get extra temporary clerical assistance. On the motion of the Chairman and Cr. Crocker, it was resolved to prepare a black-list of defaulting ratepayers and to circulate it through the County.

Or. Crocker said that holders of timber lands had not the use of their lands. He suggested that the Clerk interview the Commissioner, who intended to visit the district, and ask •him to pay rates out of royalties.

The Clerk said that these occupiers were rated only on the land. The miller paid the rates on the timber values.

The Council believed that it owed and had contracted to pay Mr. R. Parkin a sum of £ISB. An audit disclosed the fact that instead of owing Mr. Parkin that amount he had really been paid £8 10/ too much. Mr. Parkin was written to to that effect with a proviso that the Council would not endeavour to collect the £S 10/. It was resolved to write off £25-1 15/9 deficiencies in the late treasurer's accounts.

The action of the Chairman in lotting a contract on Te Maire Road to James Brown at £250 was endorsed. The Council confirmed special orders authorising a £I,OOO Oio loan and the striking of special rate for the loan. The Waimarino-Retaruke loan special order to raise £2,000 was also confirmed.

The Chairman was voted £SO for the period ending with the last annual meeting.

TENDEES. The tender of Brosnahau and Eeavy for formation and widening of one mile of Kokokanni Eoad was accepted, subject to there being sufficient funds to proceed with the work. Tenders for work for Wanganui Eivor Trust were, received, but all were too high and not accepted. The Council resolved to apply for a re-valuation. GENEEAL. The Engineer was instructed to fence off a wash-out near Waimarino. It rvas decided to erect, when funds are available, a traffic bridge on the Upper Eetaruke Eoad. Applications will bo called for a ranger for the County. j Hollis, the contractor for clearing slips on the Upper Eotarue Eoad, has not commenced his contract and had only on c week to complete. He was given one week’s notice to commence l or the contract would b e forfeited, i The Council agreed to pay Messrs. !.McCaffrey £lO for clearing tracks on I the Manguoluitu. ~ „