TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1915, Page 6

TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

' REGULAR MEETING. The ordinary meeting of tlie Taranaki County Council .was held at the County Office, New Plymouth, yesterday, when there were present: Crs. J. Brown (chairman), J. Andrews, J. Connett, A. Morton, D. McAllum, C. Andrews, W. Binnie, J. Simpson, and A. E. Laurence.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. The chairman reported that he had accepted a tender for the supply of 700 yards of metal at 2s Cd per yard at Lower Timaru. He had represented the Council at the Conciliation Council in conection with the general laborers' dispute, and had secured exemption for the Council's employees. With Cr. Connett he had met the Freezing Works directors, and had agreed that the.Council would offer no objection to a pipe drain being taken across its section, though it would object to an open drain. Regarding leasing the Council's nine acres, he had, decided to call tenders for a five year's lease at an upset rental of £1 10s per acre. The report was confirmed.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. The engineer (Mr. R. W. Fisher) reported as follows: Crushing plant.—During the month the plant had been engaged at the following depots: Albert Road depot for half day crashing 41 y 2 yards metal, Kent Road for 3% days crushing 252 yards metal, Korito for 5 days crushing 360 yards metal. The total crushed was OS3'/ 2 yards. The plant was now so badly worn that the metal was excessively large, and it was therefore necessary to order a new manganese mantle, which had arrived, and the crusher should be ready again for work by Thursday. The large roller had been working on the Junction Road in Foreman Batten's length scarifying and rolling. The small roller had been with the crushing plant at Korito, and in spite of the bad weather was working with good results. Mo;r Riding.—The roads in this riding were in very fair order in consideration of the trying weather which had rendered patching necessary throughout. The heavy winds had brought down a lot ot rubbish on the Zig Zag whicn had since been removed. The big slip which occurred during tlie heavy weather of July was showing signs of movement, but it was only possible to watch it and remove slips as they occur. The timber for repairing decking Manganui Bridge on Junction Road lias been received.

Mangorei Riding.—Roads were in very fair order, and would show further improvement before the small roller leaves this district. Application had been received from Mr. Dempsey and others to have the metalled portion of the Hospital Road from the Old Waterworks to end of present metal repaired. This will be attended to when distributing metal from Tezer's. They also complain of a bad water-table by (he Old Waterworks. This referred to a paved crossing which it was already intended to replace by 9-inch pipes when the new re-metalling was done. They further asked that the portion unformed and unmetalled between Junction Road and the end of existing metal should be metalled. The distance is 46 chains, which would take 667 cubic yards of metal. There would be necessary formation to receive the metal. He estimated the cost of formation and metalling at £4*3. The present read could be formed up for summer traffic at very little expense by the foreman in a very few days.

Waitara Riding.—These roads were in good order, bui have required considerable attention in patching, etc., during the bad weather. The pipe crossing at Bell Block Factory had been constructed and was a success. He had considered the advisability of fencing culvert at Borough Boundary, Waitara, and as the approaches to the watering place on the county side of the culvert was quite safe Councillor J. Andrews, who accompanied him, concurred that any fencing required was the Borough's responsibility. He had gone into the question of amount of loan required for Dorset Road, and his estimate would be laid on the table.

Omata (Riding.—Roads in this riding were in good order, with the exception of clay roads, to which it had been impossible anything uwJer the exceptionally bad weather conditions that had prevailed. Arrangements had been made with Foreman Seamark to effect repairs to Upper Hurford Road, but he was afraid any repairs to this would be only very temporary unless metal was provided. There was a pit quite close and about six chains or 07 cubic yards of metal would satisfy Mr. Walsh, at a cost of £26, if the Council would sanction this.

Okato Biding.—Tlio main road was in very good order, but the side roads had Buffered from milk traffic during heavy rain, hut have been receiving attention as occasion arose. Mr. W. Honeyfield had made a further offer to provide free 250 cubic yards of boulders if the Council would do the like to re-metal the present metal portion of the Lower Timaru Eoad. This road had tut up very badly and he had absolutely no metal to repair it, and lie recommended that the offer should be taken up if riding funds permitted. The settlers on this road had always been willing to help themselves. He had arranged with Mr. C. Honeyfield to take delivery of 200 yards of the boulders lie was carting free dumped in his paddock, as the weather had made it impossible to cart over the road, and lie would provide a further 100 cubic yards. Provision would be made for carting these boulders when calling for tenders for carting from crushed. In connection with the Hoani Road Loan, only one tender for formation was received, and, being excessive, with the Cliairman's .sanction he was doing this by day work and good progress was being made. The pipes for replacing the Kiri Bridge had been delivered and the work would be put in hand. The first coat of tarring of the Kihikihi Bridge had been effected. The matter of culvert on the Katrm Road was left to the engineer to deal with.

Mr. W. Honeyfield's offer to deliver 250 yards of boulders free for repairs was accepted with thanks. Cr. McAllum reported that the expense of repairs to road at the Omata Dairy Factory would amount to 50s. Action confirmed. Cr. McAllum paid a tribute to the work that had been done by the engineer. He was not saying this as kudos, hut because he thought that the w'Srk done, especially at the Timaru, was woi"Uiy of commendation. VPPM PUNIITO ROAD. E. Gibsonvdrew attention to the state of the Upper Puniho Road. He had kept the road from Iris gate to the corner in order for the past two or three years. He asked that the drains be attended to, and that ]0 or 12 chains of metal be put down so as to enable him to get his milk out by dray instead of having to ÜB6 n sledge, -

The chairman considered that it was hopeless attempting to do anything unless the settlers went in for a loan.

Or. Binnie stated that the majority of the settlers were willing for a loan, and it was resolved to inform Mr. Gibson that this was the only way out of the difficulty.

ALLEGED DANGEROUS CRUSHER SITE.

Nine settlers on tlie Koru Road forwarded a petition objecting to the erection of a stone-crushing pran* on tlie road side nearly opposite the Koru Hall. They considered the site a most unsuitable one, as the road was very narrow at tlie spot selected, and in their opinion accidents were bound to happen if the plant was erected there. They therefore gave the Council express notice that if the plant was erected and any accidents to persons or property arose as the result they would hold the Council liable in damages.

Councillors were of opinion that tlie site was not dangerous, and the letter was received.

UPPER MANGOREI ROAD. Messrs ,T. and W. Hawke drew attention to the state of the Mangorei Road at the end of the present metal. A distance of about seven chains had been formed on a hill, hut owing to springs it was impassable, and in the winter was dangerous. They therefore asked tlie Council to continue the metal for seven chains, towards the cost of which they forwarded a cheque of £2O.

On the motion of Cr. Morton it was resolved to expend up to £4O in metalling, Though the riding was not in a very good financial position, the mover said lie believed in assisting settlers who were prepared to help themselves so substantially. The engineer that it would take £;'o to make a good job. It was decided to suggest to the settlers interested that if they donate an additional £5 the Council would subsidise this £ for £.

HURWORTH REQUIREMENTS. Mr. L. Hill, secretary of the Frankley, Carrington and Mangorei Settlers' Association, forwarded a copy of resolution drawing attention to works that required to be done as follows: (1) Finishing the metalling of the Baker Road: (2) grading tlie top end of the Frankley Road;'(3- that the metal pit on Mr. Grooby's he opened. They pointed out that a big saving in cartage would be effected if a good supply of metal was secured; (4) that the cross road past Frankley Road factory be metalled. In connection with the Baker Road, it was stated that £25 was on the Estimates for this work, which would be preceeded with, when the settlers found the balance of the money. The Association also drew attention to the need for fencing a dangerous portion of the cross road near the Franklev Road factory.

The engineer will report at next meet-

Mr. .1. ftrooby wrote agreeing to allow the Council to open a pit and statin;.' that he wonM lie prepared to a-s ; st with the stripping to ascertain the quality of the metal. He would accept 6d yd royalty if the Council would fence the pit and make it safe for cattle. He would also allow a crusher site for £1 per annum. Councillors considered that the royalty was too high, and it was resolved to offer 3d per yd. LOWER MANCOREI ROAD. On behalf of several settlers. .Mr. H. Dempsey asked that the metalled portion of this road beyond the old water works should be placed in good repair. A certain amount of metal had been promised last year, but nothing had been done. A ve% awkward water-table crossing the roawit the old waterworks was also to be piped, but that bad been overlooked. They now asked that last year's and this year's rates amounting to about £250 should be expended in putting the road in order. The-" also drew attention to the desirability of metalling the unmetalled portion, about half a mile, connecting with the Junction Road or at least making it safe for summer traffic. The chairman considered that thcrrj wa9 very little to complain about the state of the metalled road. The culvert would be attended to as soon as the crushed metal was available. The cost of forming and metalling the upper portion of the road would be £403. This had been before the Council on several occasions and the settlers in the district had been recommended to go in for a special loan. On the motion of Crs. Andrews and Morton, it was resolved to reply to that effect.

UPPER KING ROAD. Mr. iPaddison waited on the Council and asked that a bad hill on the Upper King Road should be metalled a distance of 20 chains. He pointed out that the Government had given a grant of £SO on a £ for £ subsidy basis. He had also collected £25 from the settlers interested and asked that the Council should subsidise them to the extent of £ for £, enabling £ 150 to be expended. He also asked that two other smaller hills should be regraded and offered to do the necessary ploughing free. Councillors expressed the opinion that it would be useless to regrade the smaller bills unless money was available to metal them. On the motion of Crs. Connett and Laurence it was resolved that the Council subsidise the work up to the amount of £75, the money to be expended on metalling. The mover considered that those who were prepared to help themselves should be encouraged.

DORSET ROAD. The enginer reported that lie had estimated the cost of metalling Llie Dorset lload from the Smart to the Egmont Road at £743 15s. He did not think it would be advisable to metal the hill as with the present grade it would he impossible to keep the metal on the hill. If this was left out, the cost would be £023. The chairman thought that it would be foolish to go in for a loan with the present hill. It would be better to face a deviation, though acquiring the' land might be expensive. In reply to Cr. Connett, the engineer stated that the cost of metalling and formation from the hill to the Egmont Road would be £SOO. It was pointed out that the loan would press heavily on a few settlers. Finally it was decided to place the matter before the settlers interested. BEACH STONE. Cr, Connett asked if the engineer had examined the stone on the beach in the Waitara Riding. If the quality was good it would be cheaper than carting from Mahoetahi pit, The chairman considered that pit metal was ahead of beach metal. Councillors pointed out that beach metal was used at Oakura. They could not see that beach metal differed very much from river metal

HILL ROAD. It was resolved that if it is necessary to ascertain the boundary of Mr. James' fence in connection with the expenditure of the grant of £SO on the Hill Road, that Mr. James must pay for the same. Mr. D. Jordan is also to be informed that if he wishes the Council to do work on the road, he must be prepared to offer more substantial help than the £5 proposed, otherwise tlie Council could not do anything on' the road, THE KENWOOD ROAD DRAINS. Mr. R. E. Fairfax Cholmeley again drew the Council's attention to the state of tlie Mangorei creek and asked the Council to let him know definitely what steps, if any, the Council intended to take towards having the culverts repaired and the creek cleared. He pointed out that it was over a year since tie had given tlie Council notice under the Drainage Act and I'e did not therefore think that a request for an immediate and definite statement as to the intentions oi the Council was too much to expect. After considerable discussion it was resolved to hold the matter over until next, meeting, when Cr. Connett will submit a report. TENDERS. Tenders were dealt with as follows: 400 yds Stony River, F. W. Cowling. 5a 10d; 600 yds* Manganui pit, F. Grylls, 7s per yd; painting county cottage, Bellringer Bros. £2O. Other'contracts were left in the hands of the chairman to arrange.

Tenders will be called for the supply of dog collars, and alternate applications will also be called .for me collection of dog tax for the year 1916. METAL CONTRACTS.

The question of crushing two years metal supplies at one'' time was' discussed. Cr. Morton stated that ; at the Mangorei depot, he understood tliat the contractor intended to crush this year's metal as well as last year's. If so, tlie riding could not expect to secure the. crusher again next year. He doubted the wisdom of allowing this practice unless assured that the metal would keep the road in repair for two years. Cr. Connett was in sympathy with the proposal provided there .was sufficient fine weather to treat each riding alike. There was no question but that the work was getting behind and this would be an economical method of picking the work

The chairman considered that it was good policy as far as tre Council was concerned, because it meant a saving. In the Okato Riding they always crushed two year's supply whenever they had the opportunity. Of course the' question of finance had to be considered. After a little further discussion the matter dropped. GENERAL. Notification was received that the State Advances Board would entertain application for a loan of £BOO for the purpose of forming and metalling Lower l'itone Road.

Mr. Cholwill Billing asked when tlie format'on of the Carrington Road towards the Momona Bridge would be commenced. The chairman stated that the work would be put in hand. Fourteen settlers oi the Koru district asked the Council to improve the grade of a hill on tlie Plymouth Road between Mr. Watson's and the Koru Road. The present grade was one in six, and they asked that some improvement should be made each year. The engineer will report at next meeting.

Messrs Waldie and Smith applied for permission to place advertisement sign and the sign post at Egmont Village leading the Mounta'n House.—To be informed that the sign belongs to the North Egmont Mountain House Committee.

Mr. Cecil Wright offered !s per annum for the piece of closed road at JKrankley Eoad inside his fence and suggested that other portion should be let to the adjourning owner. The Council decided to offer the land to each adjoining owner at £1 p»r annum. _?.!:■:, W. H. Bishop and Mr. H. T. Bishop cyioh wrote agreeing to pay 25 per cent, of the cost of fnrmlnsr and milling Bishop's Boad at Bell Block. Patua Dairy Company agreed to pay half the cost of connection of metal from boundary of road to Main South Road at their factory, Timaru. The wor!; will be done.

On the motion of Cr. C. Andrews, it was decided to call tenders for the Hoani Road metalling to close at next meeting. The letter from the Public Works Department re expenditure of.Government grants being undertaken this year by the Department except where specially provided was received. Mr. L. S. Hart was granted permission to erect hitching posts at Okato, subject to the engineer's approval. It was resolved to add the 10 per cent, penalty to all rates unpaid after January 22. The County Clerk will also visit Inglewood to receive rates one day in December and January.

Settlers are to be notified that the engineer cannot recommend the erection of a bridge over the Mangatuku stream.

Mr. J. X. Reid was granted permission to encroach on the Upper Carrington Road with his fence at his own risk. J. Ramsbottom drew attention to the state of culvert on 'Seely Road, which was constructed above natural level of stream and caused a swamp.—Referred to engineer. Accounts were passed as follows: Administration £3OB 12s Bd. Moa Riding £7" 12s Od. Mangorei £303 10s 7d. Waitara £54 Cs, Omata £.35 5s 9d, Okato £250 19s 2d, total, £IO3O Cs hid.