AKITIO COUNTY COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 7 October 1913, Page 3

AKITIO COUNTY COUNCIL.

ORDINARY MEETING. The ordinary meeting of the Akitio Co'unty Council was held on the 4th inst., when t lie re were present: The County Chairman (Cr 11. B. Robertson), Crs M. Ferriek and H. T. lUlingluim (Waihi Riding), W. A. Burling and Alf. Pickens (Pongaroa Riding), P. V. S.«. . 'Akitio Riding), and James W. i .ay, representing the Mataikona 'iding. CORRESPONDENCE.

From the District Engineer, Public Works Department, Wellington, stating -that bridge' overseer Robert Thornton was recommended for the position at the remuneration of £5 10s per week to cover all expenses at Akitio and other places. The Council-was very grateful for the information, and decided on the motion of Cr Smith, seconded by Cr Burling, to appoint Mr Thornton. Mr Thornton will have sole charge of the construction of the various bridges now being erected within the Akitio County out of loan and Government grant, monies. The District Engineer also notified tho Council that drawings for the Mangahewa river bridge, Glenora Road, Akitio, had been completed.— .The clerk stated that tenders were now being called in the Wellington papers, and .close on October 15th. From tho Assistant Under-Secre-tary Public Works Department, Wellington, with reference to the Council's letter of July 10th last. The letter stated that the Government were ndt prepared to offer any further grants for this road, but provision had been made for necessary bridges and embankment. The Council will write asking that where slips have occurred the road be re-graded. From Solicitor Martin, Wellington, stating that he had protested to the Statutes Revision Committee against til© proposed substitution in clause ,3 of the Ngiv* Zealand State Gtasra«teed Amendment Act, 1912, of' tfie word "such" for the word "any" in line five. This telegram in connection with the Government's endeavour to break its contract with local bodies with a view of charging a. higher rate of interest on all lolans (and parts of loans) granted and approved before the New Zealand State Advances, Amendment Act of 1912, became law.—it was resolved to refer the matter to Messrs Sykes and Esoott, M.P's.

Frotai the Commissioner of Crown Lands, stating that £240 12s lOd in thirds had been approved by the Land ■ Boardand that this amount included £ls 2s 5d for reforming part of Mangatiti Road. The Commissioner said he had no doubt this amount will be spent to the best advantage in the interests of the settlers concerned, and that the Akitio Council will do what it can to me Mr Jas. Wright's difficulties. —Received.

From Mr G. R. Sykes, M.P., Wellington, enclosing a letter from the Minister of Finance, which reads:— "With reference to your inquiry as to the result of the decision of the Crown Law Office with respect to the power of the Government to levy increased interest on all loans to local bodies issued since the passing of the Amendment Act of last year, I find that the Solicitor-General is now considering the advisability of slib"nitting the question to the Supreme Court for decision. When the matter is finally settled, I shall be clad to let you know the result." Thus letter also refers to loajis granted prfor to the 1912 "Act, and the County Chairman stated that the matter was in the hands of the chairman of the Counties Association. *

From Mr Jas. Martin, contractor, stating that he. had purchased a motor waggon from England, The(waggon arrived in JPongaroa. last Satiir<kv. _ : ; *• Ffom the Pahiatua County, giVing notice by telegram that Akitio Council must not cart limestone over the Pahiatua roads without a permit, otherwise proceedings will be taken. —The Pahiatua and Akitio Councils, happened to be in Council at the same time, and after several telephonic communications between the two chairmen, it was resolved by the Akitio Council "that the Council will take over the portion of roadway between Limestone Pit and Summit (Mnkuri-Pongarea Road), a distance of about If miles, for a period of five years, provided the Pahiatua Council remitted to this Council the sum of £6O per annum." It is understood that the Pahiatua Council is prepared to roniit about £4O ta £SO, per annum. Failing this arrangement, the Akitio Council is prepared to pay 5 per oent. royalty on the amount of metal taken from the Government pit and carted over this If miles of Pahiatua County roadway. The Pahia-' tua Council aske 10 per cent.

A second letter' was received from the Pahiatua County, asking "Whether your Council would agree to the substitution in the award of the .'longer route'—the main road through the Makuri township—in place of the road via Ty lees' Ford." This would mean the Akitio Council contributing toward the upkeep of an extra miles of roadway. Under the award the Akitio Council pay one-fourth of the upkeep of the main Makuri to Pahiatua road within the Pahiatua county. The Akitio Council resolved "that no acknowledgement of liability re the longer route could be entertained." From Mr Godfrey Lassen, of Mara, making certain suggestions re Waikereru, Waiowaka, Spur and Marainanga roads.—The council resolved to attend to several sharp points on the Spur road and to inform Mr Lassen that it is the overseer's intention to grade these roads early in the summer season. From bridge contractor J. J. K. Gilmer, of Dannevirke, stating that he intends starting the erection of Lookout bridge (Pongaroa-Akitio

road) at the end of the present month, when the hardwood timber is expected to arrive .it Akitio Port.— Received. From Mr P. Waldmann, stating that he desired more work and expenditure per annum on the Kaituna road, especially the southern end near his Mangone homestead.—Letter received. From the ranger, stating that he had captured 31 head of cattle and eight horses. From the treasurer, with a paysheet totalling £1663 13s Bd.—Passed. Wages allocations for month of September totalling £224. Of this amount £l6O is out of general road maintenance account. A statement showing summary of rates collectable for 1913-14. Akitio riding £1973, Waihi £1204, Rakaunui £568, Pongaroa £1930, Mataikona £877. The general rate has increased £Bl 7s 3d, due to the Crown: leading land in ridings of R<akaunni, Waihi and Akitio. Monthly balance-sheet showing the Akitio county fund account dr. £2llO 5s 3d, £28,000 loan, cr. £3418 13s 9d; £BOO 10 per cent loan, £344 5s 7d; Akitio county interest, accounts cr. £9 8s sd. The general account is £3315 14s lid in debit.