County Horses.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42750, 20 July 1905, Page 2

County Horses.

SUGGESTED DISPOSAL OF SAME. For some time past a difference of opinion has existed as to whether or not the homes owned and worked by the County Council on road works, etc, paid for themselves. At the Council meeting yesterday Foreman Johnson, in his monthly report, made reference to this matter as follows: — (1). In view of the approaching spring horse fairs held in September, I would suggest that something definite be decided upon, as to whether the horses are to be kept on or sold. If they are to be sold thej had better be entered without delay, by so doirg they would probably meet a better market than if left until later on. In considering this question I would like to point out to Councillors a few facts which have come under my notice, and may be of some benefit to you t ri know in considering the question, and these are as follows :—( I) I am now quite satisfied that the machine and horses can earn their oats during the summer months, but are a heavy expense when the weather breaks, the horses must be feed and two men's wages are going on just the same, and the works cannot be gone on with. (2). Horses require a deal more feed in winter and there are many times when all the horses cannot be worked, such as in doing dray works on short fillings, but all have to be fed. (3). The machine as at present (the property of Council) can be shifted just when and where they may be required. This must be reckoned as a decided advantage. (4). It is also a big tax on the foreman’s time, as he has often to neglect important works, to see to keeping the machine and men fully employed. I contend that contracting would be the cheaper system, as contractors would be working to specifications, and would not require so much looking after, and as soon as works were suspended the Council would be under no further expense in cases, such as feeding horses and paying wages when works cannot be gone oniwith. Cr Bellamy gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that the horses be sold.