TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1916, Page 3

TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The ordinary meeting of the Tamialu County Council was held in the County Chambers, New Plymouth yesterday, when there were present: —Crs. J. Brown (chairman), A. E. Laurence, J. B. Simpsoil, W. Binnie,. C. Andrews D. MeAllum, A. Morton, J. Connett, and J. Andrews. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. The chairman reported that he had appointed the Punilio toll-gate keeper to look after the closing of the gates, etc., at the Okato crushing site, as the new owner had refused to allow the Council to use the site owing to the liability of his cattle straying. He had arranged with Mr. Kendall to cart boulders at Omata at Gs Sd iper yard. Cr. MeAllum pointed out that by the time this was on the road it meant 12s per yard, or' £384 per mile. • Cr. Laurence asked whether it would not be cheaper to obtain the metal for the Moa Riding by rail, but members .considered that the cost of cartage would be too heavy. The chairman also reported on the interview ot the Recruiting Committee with t e Minister for Defence. The chairman's action was confirmed. ENGINEER'S REPORT. Mr. R. W. Fisher (county engineer) reported that the crushing plant had been engaged during the month as follows: Lower Timaru road, at Priske's, for two and a-lialf days, brushing 220 cubic yards; Timaru depot, main road, Hi days, 1)42 cubic-yards; Kuihihi depot, Okato, three and a-lialf days, 284 cubic yards; total for month, 174 days, 1446 cubic yards. The large roller had been engaged with the planL in the main road. Tile small roller had been on the Hoani road and the rolling completed as far as I '- J now on Foreman-Sefton's length on the Lower Timaru road.

Moa Riding—The roads wore in fair order.' Foreman Bennett had been engaged on the zig 7.ag hand-napping loose stones which had been collecting from time to time. The work of rcgrading hills north of Norfolk road had been completed as regards earthwork, and metalling was proceeding as expeditiously as weather conditions permitted. The riding was very wet after the heavy rain and it was inadvisable to put down the new metal until it had dried up considerably. Additional boulder:! to complete the metalling had been procured at a satisfactory price. The Dudley road hill was completed on April IS. Mangorei Riding—Side roads were in fair order. The work at the top end of the Korito road at Swans had been completed. The roeks complained of by Mr. Lilley at the top end of the Albert road had been blasted and the road greatly improved. The main Junction road was in very good repair. Foreman Heale took up his duties on the roads recently merged from the Moa Road Board at the beginning of the month and had been devoting his attention to the Egmont road. ( Waitara Riding—The roads u'ern ui good order. Metal had been delivered and spread on the Corbetl and Wills roads. The Henwood road culvert had been renewed and water diverted through the culvert. The Foreman, having been otherwise engaged, he had not yet had the old culvert dismantled, but this would be done at an early date. The traction engine had been hauling out willows above and below Egmont, road and good progress was being made, but 110 »ood results would accrue until the willows were removed from the bottom end of the stream at the Freezing Works and upwards. Omata riding—Side roads were in very fair order. The main road required metalling, but the Foreman was giving the road careful attention to hold it up until metal had been procured. On opening np Leighton's gjt, Franklcy road, to obtain metal for the Barrett road (upper) lie was disappointed to have to report that the metal was quite unsuitable for the purpose required and he was afraid nothing further could be done at thin season. Metal will be required for the top end of the Franklcy road next year and the eruslier would be there and provision could then be made for completing the Barrett road portion. Okato Riding~-The crusher had been and still was engaged in this riding and the benefit of the new metal was shown in the improved condition of the roads. There was, however, a had portion which had been recently re-metalled on the flat near Mr. Coombe's on the main road which was attributed to careless blinding. He would, however, give this attention when the'rollers were on their return journey. Formation and metalling on the Upper Petone roail had lieen executed. The corner known as Carthew's Comer, Okato, had been rounded off and would be a great, improvement when metalled, and was already greatly appreciated. The thanks of the Council were due to Mr. W. Orey for the trouble he had taken in obtaining the free land for the purpose. APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTOR.

When the proposal to join with the Moa Road Board and Inglcwood Borough Council, in the appointment of an inspector, was under discussion at last meeting, the matter was deferred, and in the meanwhile C'r. A. Morton asked that a return should be submitted showing the revenue from vehicle licerses, dog-tax, and fines under by-laws during the past three years, fliftsc showed respectively Year ending March 31, IUI4, vehicle licenses £520 His 4d, fines £5 10s. dog-tax £lll Ss Sd; 1015, £378 6s Sd, £8 ss, £217 13s fid; 1916, £212 4s 2d, £4l 2s, £93 7s Od.

Mr. Morton said the return came as n< surprise, and lie would like to know whether the system of cartage had altered or whether it was that the Council was not getting license fees from the majority of vehicle owners.

Tile chairman considered that it was probably a combination of both. Motors were replacing horse vehicles and there was a falling-off in the number of contractors. Regarding the dog-ta\-| tliere was always difficulty in securing collectors.

Cr. McAllum considered that the appointment of an, inspector for twelve months would fully justify itself by the increase on the fees collected, ami it would also increase the safety ot the people. The engineer had «t>llirlent work without doing inspection work,

On the motion of Crs. Andrews and McAllum, it was resolved that no action be taken in regard to joining the Jloa lioad Board and Inglewood Borough Council.

Cr. McAllum then moved that applications be called at the •?"' meeting for an inspector, at a * »f £250 (inclusive of expeiisc.o. b-lies to be drawn up by a comprising the chairman, Cr<. ■' "> >. J. Connett, C. Andrews, rence, and the mover. Cr. J. Connett *' i forma. Cr. C. Andre .vt. ''> l several broaches of by-'-- occurred to' his knowledge 11 - Sn 'itJi Koad. ,

Cr. Binnie said that one of the reasons that he had voted for the appointment of an engineer was on the understanding that t-lic engineer would undertake the duties of inspector. In reply to (Jr. Morton the engineer said that he could not do justice to the work of looking after the roads and bridges and also look after breaches of fcv-laws.

The chairman considered tiliat the engineer might undertake the duties of vehicle licenses.

Cr. MeAllum said that a large amount cf revenue could be collected by the inspector. They must deal fairly with the engineer, who was doing good work.

The resolution was carried by 5 votes t*> 4, the chairman, Crs. Laurence, Binnie and Connett opposing.

SMART ROAD. Cr. Morton stated that it had come to his knowledge that the Smart Road did not come right through to the Waiwakaiho river as understood, but ended at the Native land. There was no road even on the map, though lie understood that some years ago a road had been surveyed. Money had also been spent on it by the Road Board and also the County Council, so tfhat the road could not be closed. It was resolved that application be made to the Public Works Department to survey, dedicate and proclaim as j. public road from the end of the Smart Road to the Waiwakaiho Road. THE NEW TERRITORY. Cr. A. Morton reported that he had been over tihe various roads that had recently come into the county through the merging of portion of the Moa Road district. He gave a brief report of the state of the roads. It was resolved that the engineer report on the condition and requirements of the roads and bridges in tllie Moa Road district. OKATO CORNER. Tapaki and Hemi Kuka, of Okato, wrote, through Mr. W. J. Gray, agreeing to allow the Council to deviate and alter Carthew's corner and to encroach on their property, Okato town belt, for a public purpose, namely, to give effect to the widening of the street. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Gray for the trouble Ihe had taken in connection with the deviation of the bad corner at Okato, and also to the Natives for giving the land. BARRETT ROAD. Messrs Baker, J. B. Woodmore and Alexander waited on the Council and asked that the work of metalling the Upper Barrett Road should be proceeded with at once. TOiey considered that the metal from the pit that the engineer had condemned would be suitable for the road, as there was very little lieavy traffic. It was resolved to proceed with the work at once with metal from Leighton's pit. WAITARA RIDING MATTERS. Mr. J. Connett brought up several matters in connection with the Waitara Riding. It was resolved that the engineer obtain tenders for King Road boulders, tile lenders to be dealt with by the chairman and Cr. Connett on the 10th iust.

The construction of Egmont 'Road am} Mangaone Road culverts will be proceeded with as soon as the engineer, the chairman, and Cr. Connett decide.

The metalling of the Bishop Road is to be proceeded with, and the chairman and Cr. Connett were authorised to deal with Haskell's tender at us per yard, provided that Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are still prepared to assist in terms of their offer.

WAIWAKAIHO WEIR. The Public Works Department notiled that t!he lowest tender received fer the Waiwakaiho river weir amounted ts £2944, which, although in excess of t)he original estimate, was considered reasonable under present conditions. lie asked •the Council to wire if it concurred in the acceptance and would contribute its sliare of the cost.

Cr. Connett considered that it would have been ,'heaper to have strengthened the piers in preference to erecting a Weir.

It was resolved that the Council agrfe to the .'ublic Works Department accepting the tender.

A DRAINAGE QUESTION*. Mr. .T. L. Connett wrote pointing out tlhat the level of the Waitara stream had risen considerably during the past few years through silt brought down from the Te Arei and main roads, and it was only fair that the ratepayers should hear the cost of keeping this clear. He pointed out that the silt had risen up to the Jiird wire since the fence had been erected, and that some of the posts on the lower side were nearly buried. He suggested that the difficulty could be overcome by raiding the lower srt of pipes up to the level of the higer set.

It was resolved to ask Messrs Connett and Ogle to remove all obstructions from the Waitnra watercourse ninning through their properties.

UPPER MAN" GORKI ROAD. Mr. W. T. J. Hawke, of Upper Mangorei, wrote, that he 'had authorised the metalling of seven chains of lTpjjor Mangorei Road this summer, as lie understood the Council liad agreed to tin's. He also pointed out that that piece of road was likely to be dangerous this winter.

Messrs Jlawke are to be informed that owing to shortage of labor the Council regretted being unable to proceed with the Upper Mangorei Road metalling.

lIOAXI ROAD. ■ The State Advances Department notified that tlu> Board had decided to entertain the Council's application for £O3, being an additional 10 per cent, on the £(>s9 for lioani Road. A one-eighth of a penny special rate was struck to cover the additional loan. The chairman and engineer were empowered to arrange with the contractors to complete the Hoani Road contract. Failing a satisfactory arrangement, the chairman to terminate the contract and make necessary arrangcluens to complete the same.

COUNCILLORS' EXPENSES. The Audit Department drew attention to the fact that the chairman, in addition to the full allowance of £IOO authorised by the Counties Act, drevr expenses for car hire as chairman of the Ridings Committee whilst councillors of the Works Committee drew expenses for car hire plus an allowance of 10s per diem. This latter allowance was authorised by resolution passed in September, 1914. The charges for car hire should have been made against both t'he chairman's and councillors' allowances. Between April 1, 1914, and September 30, 1915, 'a sum of £lO 7s 8d was so paid away, of which £0 0s Oil was chargeable

against councillors ami £7 7s 2il against the chairman. Tln> Council must obtain a refund within twenty-one days, otherwise members would be surcharged. It was resolved to aslc tilic Department for details of the expenses claimed.

RIDING BALANCES, The Audit Inspector (Mr. J. H. Fowler) uotiiied that the balance-sheet had been returned with the comment that- there seemed to be no authority .for allocating the balance of the general account to the ridings in proportion to the actual receipts of the ridings, and requested that the balance-sheets should be altered on a rateable value basis. Worked, on a rateable value the balances were:—Moa Hiding, £.10112 12s lid; Mangorei, £1622 Ills r>d; Waitara, £3288;. O'kato, £1348 2s lid; Omata, £3102 Is fid. The clerk stated that ridings wliiA levied a higher rate would have tinworst of the deal under the proposed system. , i No action was take^, GENERAL. - The county engineer stated that (lie had been over the county with the railway engineer and had arranged 35 sites where railway crossing warning notices would be erected. These the Council would have to maintain.

It was resolved to prosecute t>he owners of a motor lorry which was left on the road near the Oakura bridge without' lights recently. • It was also resolved to write to a settler pointing out the danger of driving ihis catle across the Main Road after dark. .< The State Advances Department notified that us file Council did not require the money for the Ivomene Road ( £700) at present the debentures were being returned,.as the Department did not accept the custody of debentures unless as a security for payment. The Pahiatua County Council Forwarded a resolution expressing the Council's gratitude to the local bodies visited by the Council's committee, and also to file engineers for the great courtesy shown during their travels inspecting road machinery.

In view of. the early session the fPublic Works Department asked that all applications for road grants should be lodged with the local Public Works Engineer not Inter tlian the middle of April. Accounts were passed for payment as follows:—Administration, £250 ]ss .id; Moa Riding, £177 8s 3d; Jfangorci, £42 Os 2d; Waitara, £lll 18s Od;; Omata. £3l 18s; Okato, £531 8s lOd; Hoani loan, £54 17s 3d—total, £I2OO Os Bd.