Piako County Council.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4487, 11 November 1909, Page 3

Piako County Council.

There was very little business transacted at the special meeting of the above Council. Mr W. P. Chepmell oocupied the chair, and all members were in attendance.

Further correspondence was received from Mr G. V. Stewart, Katikati, relative to approaching Government re opening up the Katikati Track across the ranges. The Track is in an exceedingly bad state of repair, and would take a lot of money to put right.— Members expressed themselves as adverse to the project, as it would take all available money to keep Thompson’s Track in repair.—Nothing further was done in the matter and the letter was received. —Grants Received. — The Clerk stated that since last meeting he had received advise from the Treasury to the effect that £144, balance of flood damage grant, bad been paid to Council’s account ; £l5O on account of Thompson’s track ; and £IOO for road formation from Waitoa block to Waihou railway station. —Special Rating—

Mr J. Purnell and others requested that the dedicated road at Motumaho (near Morrinsville) be formed at as early a date as possible. They expressed their willingness to be specially rated for this purpose. They asked that Council endeavour to get a Government grant towards the work, as at present they could not gain access to their properties.— While it is impracticable to set up a special rating area, Council would endeavour to get a grant from the Government.

—On the Boundary—

It was resolved to reply to Mr D. Jones, of Tauwhare, re road to his property, that if Mr Scott and himself contributed £2O, something would be done towards the work required.—Cr. Bellamy remarked that it looked as if a person who* lived on the County boundary had very little chance of getting anything from the Council.

—The Staff— Council decided to grant the Clerk and Supervisor a day off on the 17th inst., in order to attend the Waikato Show.

—Unpaid Rates—

The Chairman said he would move at next meeting that he Clerk be empowered t© sue for all unpaid rates. —Waitoa Riding—

Cr. Bellamy handed in his resignation, as situated as he is at present he felt that he could not do justico to the ratepayers. —The whole of the Council used their persuasive powers in au endeavour to get Cr. Bellamy to withdraw his resignation, expressing the opinion that his (Cr. Bellamy’s) Riding would be well looked after, even if Cr. Bellamy was living further afield, —Cr. Bellamy ultimately consented to the Chairman tearing up the resignation, remarking that he would like to stay and see that £3,000 spent on the Waitoa, —Tramway— A short report was read from the Tramway foreman, but it contained nothing of importance.

—Morrinsville Pit.—•

Cr. Manuel took exception to the remarks in the Supervisor’s report re the above pit. It had been settled long ago, It was an injustice paying 6d royalty and then to be asked to pay for the road.—The Chairman remarked that the road had been paid for by the whole County, and that Moriinsville should pay its quota.—Cr. Manuel referred to the agreement with the Town Board.— The question is to be looked into during the interim.

—Drainage.—

It was decided that the Clerk write to Hungahunga Drainage Board relative to drainage on Alexandra Road. —Gravel Paddock.—

The conditions of lease as drawn up by Cr Thomas and the Supervisor were approved and adopted, and it was decided to call for tenders for the paddock. —Dog Collars.— The Clerk was instructed to call for tenders for the supply of dog collars for the coming year. It was also resolved that Cr Manuel approach Mr Sam. McKibben re collecting unpaid dog tax. —Sand Pit at Waihou —

Mr Wm. Hcdgson, who was in attendance, asked the Council to fill in the sand pit made opposite his property near the Town Belt at Waihou.—The Council, while not recognising its liability, asked Mr Hodgson if he would be prepared to sell the section adjacent to the pit.—Mr Hodgson expressed his willingness to part with it for £2s.—The matter was eventually left in the hands of the Riding member and Supervisor Johnson with power to act. —Te Aroha West — A request was received from Messrs Mete and King, asking for certain work near Te Aroha West School. —It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Supervisor to report. —Sand Wash -

A. Franklin, Gordon, wrote complaining of sand washing out of cutting and across to his land, doing a good deal of damage thereto —Supervisor Johnson said the cutting was 100yds long, and it would be hard to remedy. A good deal of the trouble was caused through ploughing carried on by Mr Montague along the top of the hill. —A report of the trouble is to be laid before next Council meeting. —Auctioneers’ Licenses—

Cr Manuel again referred to the injustice in connection with the payment of auctioneers’ licenses. An effort should be made to have an amendment to the Act in this direction. —Horses in Pit Paddock—

Cr Thomas explained that he was unaware of any temporary arrangement made re grazing horses in pit paddock at Waihou. —Pooled Drain.—

Mr Herbert waited upon the Council re this drain which runs through his property, and desired to know if Council considered it a public drain.—On the motion of Cr Manuel seconded by Cr Hughes it was decided that the Supervisor inspect and report at next meeting. —Tramway Plans.— Besolved that Supervisor Johnson draw up necessary plans required by Mines Department.—Cr Brady undertook to accompany the Supervisor on his visit to the tramway.