ELTHAM COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1920, Page 6

ELTHAM COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. .The Eltliam County Council met on Saturday, Present: Crs. C. J. Belcher, E. J, Clifford, R. J. Ivnuekey, 0. I'. McUninncss, A. -McWilliam, A. JJeesena. \V. E. Carter, M .\V. Barker, and C. Campbell. ENGINEER'S REPORT. The engineer (Mr. M. E. Fitzgerald) reported as follows: .south Hiding.—Tar spraying of Rotokare and Eraser Hoads and metalling of Eraser Road was commenced, but lias been considerably interrupted by we', weather. Slips were cleared on Rotokare and Campbell Koads. Metal patching has been done to Skeet and Neill Roads. Mangatoki Riding.—Palmer Road lias been patched with metal and water'tables on I-lunter and Stuart Roads liave been attended to, Omona Riding. Rawhitiroa Road, clearing slips, water tabling and metal patching. Mataiwhetu and Waitiri Roads, clearing slips and water tabling. The underslips on the important roads of this riding are assuming serious proportions. and a considerable amount of widening should be done before next winter to make some roads reasonably 6afe against prolonged traffic interruptions. Kaponga Riding.—Further work was done at the Kaponga wash-out and water-tabling waa done on the Eltliam Road. Preparations are being made for' metalling Auroa Road. ICltham Riding.—Sixty chains of refacing Rawhitiroa Road was completed and tar patching and culvert repairs were done on the same road wliicli suffered much from stone hauling owing to its weak foundations. A number of slips was dealt with 011 the ridge. Slips were also dealt with 011 Tirimoana, Wingrove, and Mataimaroke Roads. YV'ater : tabiing and metal patching were done 011 Mangawhero Road and the bridge crossing the Ararata stream 011 the Rotokare Road was completed. General.—The Public Works Department has paid in the .iMSO grant towards the cost of Mangawlieroiti bridge. The month was a. bad one for slips 011 all the hilly roads. There were innumerable small ones and a few large slips. The. new motor lorry is proving highly satisfactory. It is proposed to make the Christmas holiday period from December 23 to January 2 n- lasive, but I purpose allowing those men who wish to do so to work during the holidays. The engineer said he had received a report that the suspension bridge on the Omona Riding over the Whenuakura River had collapsed 011 Friday night. Steps were being taken to get work done on the bridge. Cr. McWilliam suggested that a couple of extra men should lie put on to enable the slip_s in the Omona Riding to be dealt with. The engineer replied that it would probably be bettor to leave the matter till the autumn. CONTROL OF MAIN ftOADS. The chairman slated that advice had been received from Mr. 0. Hawkcn, M.P., that the Main Roads -Bill was to be introduced during tho- session. This, however, had f.ot been done. In tlic ease of some Counties the Government acquisition of main roads might be alright. but in the case of Eltliam it would not be satisfactory unless they were given some concession for their outlay, and they would need to stress this point. After discussion the chairman, Crs. McGuinncss, Carter, Campbell, McWilliams, and Kjiuckey were constituted a committee to interview the member for the district (Mr. 0. Hawken) and place the Council's views beforp him. PURCHASE OF PORTABLE ("RI'SHER The engineer presented a report on the question of crushing. He advocated the purchase of a convertible portable machine costing £372, plus £7~> for screens. In addition to this there was the matter of an engine to draw the crusher. One quotation for this was £300.. In reply to a councillor the engineer said that almost immediate delivery could be obtained. The chairman reminded councillors that; the council's overdraft at tile hank had almost reached the limit. He believed, however, that the crusher was necessary. A committee was set up to go into the purchase. UNFAIR METHODS ALLEGED. il J. Kehely, contractor, wrote alleging unfair methods in dealing with his tender in connection with contract No. 212. When the letter was read the chairman said he strongly' objected to the allegations'of secrecy and unfair methods. The engineer gave a detailed explanation of the circumstances. He Iremarked that tenders were always dealt with in committee. In connection with contract No. 212 consideration was deferred with a view of getting the TC',.ponga Town Board aiid the council' to lump their requirements in the or 'lender and thus get a better price* Tlic tender was later let at a pric' which meant a saving of about f 00. Mr. Kehely's deposit had beer returned. Charges had also been ff-ade. that the tender had been altered,;' but the wording was the same as originally signed, and there was 110 foundation for this, The council received the letter. GENERAL. The following were appointed a finartce committee: The chairman and Crs. MeGninness, Messena, and' Campbell. The fees for dog registration were lixed at the same as last year, namely, sheep and cattle dogs 2s fid. all others ins.