CLIFTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1916, Page 6

CLIFTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The Clifton County Council m.?t at Waitara yesterday. Present: Councillors A. M. Bower (chairman), P„ P. Hicks, 11. Sander, S. J. Keimington, H M. Purdie, W. Old, and R. H. Pigott. lIANGAIIIA ROAD. Mr. S. A. Campbell, of TJruti, wrote, stating that the Managahia jJond was badly in need of repairs, and asked that the surfaceman he employed on it for a few days. The writet stated that £IOO had been taken in rates from properties near the road, but little had been spent on it. The engineer explained that there had been no man to spare until reecntly, but the work would now be attended to CULVERT ON PIT ROAD. A lengthy discussion took place as the result of a letter received from Mr. T. Jones, of Uruti, in which he apnlied for a pipe culvert of one and a half ■chains foi Pit Road. The engineer favoured pipe culverts, while the chairman considered a wooden culvert would serve the purpose. Cr. Old supported the engineer, and Cr. Purdie said it would be -as costly to erect a wooden bridge as to instal a wooden culvert. It was ultimately proposed to put in the pipe culvert. "I hope it will be, a success, but I have my doubts about it,' 'remarked the chairman as he declared t.. 0 motion carried. GATE ON MANGAOAPA ROAD. A settler on the Mangaoapa Road (Mr. T. JI. Mounscy) asked permission to erect a gate across the road; the gate to remain uirt'l the road is required for traffic—Granted. • ~" TONGAPORUTU WHARF. The Man'ine Department wrote, asking the County Council- to take over the control of Tongaporutu Wharf. It was stated that the term of engagement of the present wharfinger was about to expire, and that the wharf was in a dilapidated condition, and badly needed renewing or repairing. The Council discussed the position at length, and resolved to comunicate with the Marine Department for the purpose of ascertaining the revenue and expenditure in connection with the wharf, and asking Whether, in- the event of the Council accepting control, the Department would grant financial assistance towards replacing or repairing the bridge. CONSCRIPTION. The Waitomo County Council asked the Council's support of a resolution, urging the Government to abandon the voluntary system, and to enforce conscription.—Received. OTARAOA ROAD. Messrs. Foreman, Rose, and Cole waited on the Council, -and asked that I the Otaraoa Road be put in ordjr. The spokesman said the road was an important) one, and was at present in an impassable state. Ten chains of metal was required for Foreman's Hill, the most urgent point needing attention. The deputation said the settlers concerned were prepared to pay half the coat of metalling this hill. It was resolved to invite tenders for the work. '■ ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to -£OOI Ms 3d: were passed for payment. I ENGINEER'S- REPORT, The engineer reported as follows: Waihi Riding.—Satisfactory progress has been made in recovering boulders from the Waipapa ofreshorc. The grader has done good' work for the short time at its disposal, and will be available later for further work.

Tikorangi Riding.—lf labor is procurable the. plough, and scoop should be requisitioned on the Waihi Road to its junction with th-e Ngatimaru Road. On the metal there are various sections which should be picked up, the largo stone broken down, and the whole resurfaced. ; Tenders close to-day for additional metal for this- riding. Ngatimaru Riding.—On the MatauKiore Road the go.vge bridge is proceeding satisfactorily, but slowly, owing to lack of assistance. The widening of additional points will shortly be completed, and tile surfaceman will then attend to the general maintenance. The tunnel on the Autawa Road having been pierced far the greater portion of its length shows the formation to bo unsuitable for its adoption. Slips 'have occurred from all sides, and its abandonment is recommended. A concrete pipe culvert, similar to those adopted elsewhere, would be a permanent substitute. Maintenance metal, amounting to 000 yards, is required for the Junction Road, and I propose calling tenders, to close at next meeting.

Urenui Riding.—The repairs to the Onaero bridge have been completed, but its life is short, and I should proceed shortly to prepare plans for a new structure.'The Moerangi bridge has also received attention, and, in addition, minor repairs to the Waiau and Urenui bridges, and the party have proceeded to Uruti. Metal repairs to the Moerangi Road have been authorised, but teams are difficult to obtain. It appears doubtful if tiie balance of money on the Piko Road extension will be obtainable. Work is proceeding in the Okoke pit to meet requirements. The boulder contract operating on the foreshore is stationary at present. Mokau Riding.—The shell rock quawying at Uruti is proceeding satisfactorily. The bridge party will proceed with the construction of Addenbrooke's bridge, and then attend to the Uruti bridge approaches, to be followed by -concrete culvert- construction. The metalling contract on the Pukearuhe Road has not progressed to any great extent, but the sanding up on the beadi and the inclement weather have not been productive of exceptional advance. The Minister of Public Works was interviewed during tiie month in respect of obtaining additional grants in aid, but with the exception of'promising to favourably consider reinstating tire additional £IOO en the Matau-Kiore Road, the net results were not satisfactory. The Minister, however, stated that all items on the Estimates would be honoured, but declined to mention even an approximate date. I lam advised that the motor engine has arrived in New Zealand, and will shortly be shipped to this district. The report was adopted;