CLIFTON COUNTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1921, Page 7

CLIFTON COUNTY.

PAST MONTH’S WORK. MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. The Clifton County Council met at Waltara yesterday. Present: fcra, R. H. Pigott (chairman), T. McKenzie, H. A. Foreman, F. C. /ones, U H. Barultt, S. J. Sutton, H. Haxrinom ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer (Mr. 0. F. Dowsett) reported as follows: Tikorangl Riding.—Early in the month, the plant completed cutting the grass shoulders, etc., on the metalled roads, and returned, to Waltara. I have directed enquirers for work to Sarten’a pit, but so far with no results, and I propose calling tenders next month for supplies from this pit, and also for the supply of boulders for the Inland North Road. To metal the two hills on the Waihi Road approximates about 25 chains in length and £4OO in cost. In company with Mr. L. C. Sladden an inspection was made of the Tikorangi suspension bridge. Thia is In response to Clifton's request that Taranaki contribute their two-fifths share towards rebuilding the truss in hardwood.

Waihi Riding.—Some additional stone has been added to the supplies at Onaero. The engineering surveys of the access road have been completed. These show that to form a road on the boundaries between sections 4a and 4b would cost approximately £350, made up as follows: Land £100; formation, £125; culverts, £5O; fencing, £75. The earthwork could be reduced, but only at the expense of Increased land purchase; therefore no reduction in cost would result. Were it possible te acquire the land on the existing route, the earthwork would be reduced to small dimensions, but It is extremely difficult to get signatures, although they have been frequently promised. When crushing operations are resumed, [ propose putting broken stone on Topless' cutting, Mataro Road, and I also propose calling tenders for 300 yards of boulders for repairs and completing approaches to the Parihaka culvert, etc.

Ngatimaru Riding: On the Tirangi Road five culverts and five fillings have been completed, and I understand the work will be completed In due course. On the Matau, Klore and Mangaopa Roads wet spots will be fascined and improved. The approaches to the South Matau bridge and that section from the Klore tunnel to the railway station should be covered with burnt papa in the absence of metal. On the low level bridge, Matau to Uruti, deck planks and other repairs have been completed. The usual maintenance and repair work has received attention.

Urenui Riding.—The Okoke gravel pits have both been discharging supplies for repairs, and these have been distributed on the Main, Okoke and Uruti Roads, mostly by motor lorry. Portions of the timber for the Black bridge have been carted to the site, and timbers for other midge repairs are ready. The gravel pit near the Okoke cottage is now being operated upon for requirements In the immediate vicinity. In reference to Mr. Mouatt’s access, Mr. Rodgers was Interviewed, and objects to the partition; therefore the P.W. Act will have to be used. The suggestion to connect on the eastern boundary Is not practicable. As I view the position, the amount of money available from both sides will decide the class of bridge to be constructed, and as this will again in a measure determine the site, th|s is at present the limitation of my actions. On the Pukearuhe Road no further stone has been, obtained from the foreshore. With reference to the Nopera Road fence, this lias been moved back to approximately the chain width at the point of disagreement, but again connects with the half-chain road at a point about 12 chains eastward This provides access, avoiding the wot sections, which were supposed to be the origin of the complaints, but which now does not satisfy the complainant. A suggestion has been made to reconstruct the bridge on the Man-amaelio Road with locally obtained timber, and this is receiving attention In comparison with my former suggestion. Tenders close to-day for supplying 1000 cubic yards of boulders from the foreshore.

Uruti Riding—To remedy the erosion at the Mold Junction bridge with a permanent breastwork would cost approximately £2oo—sketch submitted. The resident road engineer has decided to provide Mr. Putt with suitable access and the meeting therefore was not necessary. The point at Issue now is Air. Nicholls’ request for £lO per acre, plus the. closed road. In return for land taken for the amended deviation, which approximates 7 acres In area. The approximate total areas of closed read and the names of adjoining owners are submitted hereI with. When these matters are settled the amended caveat can be lodged. Tenders close to-day tor the supply of 1000 cubic yards of shell rock for maintenance and repairs. Mokau Riding.—No new works are in progress in this district. Were labor obtainable hero the Kiwi and other roads would receive more attention, and any settler can by application to the foreman get road work, and the c-uncil would appreciate the recommendation of any competent man seeking work. Failing the success of either of these methods, the present inadequate methods must suffice. I have arranged that with the advent of favorable conditions all bad places adjacent to sandstone will be sanded, and other sections covered with burnt papa. General.—Tho notice boards adjacent to schools have been erected. The county horse stationed at Onaero fell over the cliff recently, and, 1 fear. Is permanently injured. I again urge the council to proceed with their bridge loan. The Tikorangl bridge, Marsh’s bridge. Okoke and others are in a very unsafe ana precarious condition. The engineer's report was adopted. THE KAIPIKIRI ROAD. IV. F. Davidson wrote drawing attention to the state of part of the Kalpiklri Road and Matapo Road, which, he said, made it almost Impossible for him to drive out. There were a few slips on the Matapo hill, and the culverts were all blocked. A deputation, comprising Messrs. C. Wilson, R. Greenwood and \V. F. Davidson, waited on the council In connection with the matter. Mr. Greenwood asked that the Matapo Road ! should bj deviated about, twenty chains. This | v.ou.’d give a sunny road with small cuttings, : and do away with a had piece subject to ■slips. The settlers would be willing to-"do the earthwork free, provided the council would legalise the road and lay off the work. Councillors considered the settlers’ offer was a good one, and tho engineer was Instructed to meet the settlors. Necessary steps will also be ta. .n to acquire the deviation. MATAU MATTERS. The Matau Ratepayers’ and Settlers’ Association forwarded resolutions passeti at a meeting held at Matau, drawing the attention of the Clifton County Council to tlm bad rftate of the Matau-Klorc Road. It was suggested that tho outside edge of the sidings be cut a.v’ay, and the road widened to enable water to drain off the surface of the road. The opinion of the meeting was that Iraprovo- ' ment in the condition of the road could be i eliected by a little judicious work without on- | tailing any great expense. A further resolution asked Cr. Harrison to I approach lhe Cilftcn County Council with the i object, ol asking the council to recommend the i Government giving a further grant towards ■ the improvement in Matau-Kiore Road, t In the course of discussion it was stated that there was difficulty in obtaining Government grants lor maintenance purposes. It was resolved t<> repij that the other matters were receiving attention.

GENERAL. •A letter was received from the- Public Works I Be; artment asking t<>v tui-lou* information, so I mat In view or j,i.. changes contemplated in jtegard to the adminisuatb-n <f main roads i the Government ml/lit have more comprcheu- ■ sive Information cn this question, and on ■ county administration gencrady. The engin- • cer reported that tl*c information had been • supplied. . The secretary of [he Taranaki Education [ Board wrote stating ii-at. Mr. 11. E. Fugh had Written to the effect that he was unable to send ids children to school, owing -tn three bulls running on the roach The board asked thui the attention of the ranger be drawn io the mallei - It was stated that the bails wire being driven to the pound when they were released by their owner. As, however, the bulls had been a nuisance the council decided to prosecute, providing evidence is I'orthcoi; ing. The secretary of to ■ New Zealand Counties Association notified i'iar. ■ ;uxt• conference of th' agaoch'.tion u-rdd probably be iteld on September 28 - The chairman wa:; appointed the council's (}.legate. lhe I'nraunki Land he’d u. till 'd payment t > tic couiu-.i '.; account of i<23 lu.s id accrued thirds.

The Ashburton County Council asked support to a resolution relating to the high rate of interest on money In the Dominion aa follows: “That this council views with alarm the high rate of interest on money in this Dominion, which is bound to cause stagnation and depression instead of progress and prosperity. Seeing that the price of primary products of this country, such as wool, beef and mutton, have fallen to such an alarming extent, tiiat with the high rate of Interest and burdensome taxation it is almost impossible for the producer to carry on. Is it not possible for ihe Government to use Its great influence in trying to bring the rate of interest In this country somewhere on it level with that of Great Britain? 'Die council need not stress the point that this, being a young country, needs cheap money for development purposes. Tiio high cost of living cannot be modified while interest is so high.’'—Received. Cr. Barnitt and the engineer were instructed to interview Mr. Nicholls in respect of the langltu deviation, and report at next meeting.

Tho State Advances Department forwarded debentures for £l3OO in connection with the Mangahia. loan.—Held over pending receipt i of Government subsidy. A letter was received from the clerk to the Inglewood County suggesting that concrete I pegs should bo put t .n the boundary line j

between Clifton «nd Inglewood counties. —lt was resolved that the council cannot, see the necessity for pegging (he boundary, as It mav be altered shortly.

All vehicles plying for hire are to ba required to pay tho license fees Imposed bv th< county by-laws.

O- <. 11. Barnitt drew attention to the dangerous stat* of a bridge on the Ri Road al Uruti.—Referred to engineer to report at next meeting.