WHANGAMOMONA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1918, Page 3

WHANGAMOMONA COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The Whangamomona County Council toet last week. Present: Crs W. A. McCutchan, iPitea'ithlcy, McLeod, Cleland, Geever, Rentouland Nolan. Mr E. C. Robinson, engineer, reported as under:— The broken weather has had the effect of causing a fairly extensive amount of damage to the county roads, though not nearly as much as anticipated. Any urgent repair work necessary has been put in hand, but at tli'is season of the year it would be inadvisable for the council to go in for operations of an extensive nature, as further winter storms might largely neutralise such work. Probably the worst itidiVidul damage is a washout on Poarangi road. I estimate the renewal work wilF require about 500 cubic yards of filling, and a papa cut about 40 foot in length. The books have now been audited ana balance sheets for half year ending 31 March, and for the full year, prepared. The current year's rates have been coming in very freely. The Whangamomona No. 2 Bridge has been completed, but the matter of putting in the northern approach to it at this time of year is proving very difficult, especially" as it is necessary to keep the existing road open for traffic. Arrangements have been made for some very necessary repair work on the Junction road. Included in the damage caused (luring the month in the subsiding of the south pier of one of the Pntikituna road bridges. I have instructed the surfaceman as to What is necessary, but so far he has been two busy to carry out the work. A considerable amount of shellrock has been quarried for Brewer road maintenance. As I have been called up and passed fit for active service, and will be proceeding to camp early in September, I beg to tender my resignation as your clerk and engineer, to take effect then. In doing so I wish to express to yourself and the council my sincere thanks for, and deep appreciation of the kindness, courtesy and consideration extended to me during my lengthy asso> ciation with this district. It has helped to make pleasant and interesting work which under less happy conditions might prove very irritating and arduous. Councillor? all expressed appreciation of the conscientious manner 'in which Mr Robinson had carried out the duties of engineer to the county, and a motion by Cr. MeCutchan and Geevcr was unanimously carried: —"That as the engineer has tendered his resignation in order to proceed on active service, the Council desires to place on record its appreciation of his past services and accepts his resignation with regret." The question of completion of the approach to Whangamomona No. 2 Bridge was considered, and a resolution deferring completion until the weather improves carried. Several settlers on the Marco waited on the Council re expenditure of thirds. After a general discussion it was mentioned that the Minister of Lands was expected to visit the district, and in the meantime it was decided to defer matters. The County finances were reviewed and the necessity for the strictest economy recognised. A motion was carried: That in view of the financial situation the engineer be instructed to exercise as much economy as possible in the employment of county labor." A deputation of Whangamomona township settlers waited on the Council and desired a remission of Domain rates. Councillors generally were sympathetic to the request, and it was resolved that the Domain rates be not sued for. The Chairman was empowered to make the statutory declaration regarding the loan of £l5O from the State Advances Office on Putikituna road. Cr. Geever was requested to submit to the next meeting a report on condition of Bray's Bridge. The engineer was instructed to inspect a portion of the Tahunaroa road recently gazetted, and report to next meeting. Applications are to be invited from persons with practical experience for the combined position of clerk and foreman to the Council. Accounts totalling £1047 10s 4d were passed for payment and the Council rose.