COUNTY AFFAIRS.

Wairarapa Age, 12 March 1927, Page 3

COUNTY AFFAIRS.

MEETING OF FEATHERSTON COUNCIL. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. (“The Age” Special.) The monthly meeting -,f the Featherston County Council was held on Friday. Present: Councillors W. B. Martin, D. Cameron, J. McLeod, Jack Martin, R. W. Matthews and J. C. Bidwill. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Q. Donald, J. Thompson and G. Gillies. In the absence of the chairman, Councillor D. Cameron was appointed to the chair. The treasurer reported: Receipts, £5620; bank balance credit £6917. Accounts amounting to £5841 were passed for payment. The secretary of the FeatherstonLongwood Water Race Committee wrote in reference to a proposal from the Defence Department to take over the water-supply system in and around the camp area. They advised the Cc-un- ’ oil not to entertain the proposal and re- ’ commended that the military area and 1 other lands used by them previously 1 should -be replaced on the rate roll. —; Held over.

The Main Highways Board wrote regarding complaints made of motorists driving past roadmen in a reckless manner and quoted the terms of the I Motor Vehicles Act.—Received. The Wairaarpa South County Council wrote stating- that the county engineer had submitted plans for the Waiohine Bridge protective works to the district engineer, anil that at an early date a copy would be furnished to the county's engineer with whom he would confer almost immediately. A. K. Hausen, Moroa, wrote drawing attention to the state of the road drain at Cross Line and asking that it be- attended to as early as possible to save the flooding of the adjoining property should heavy rain set it.—Left to Councillor Thompson. Canterbury College wrote asking for any particulars of natural gas in the district with a view to making analysis for helium.—Received.

The Secretary of the Wairarapa and East Coast P. and A. Society wrote stating that the Council’s quota of the expenses incurred in connection with the visit of His Majesty’s Trade Com-, missioner to Carterton was £1 10s 6d.— Passed for payment.

The secretary of the Wairarapa Racing Club wrote drawing -attention to several old piles in the river bed at the Upper Tauherenikau Bridge, and asking that they be removed or cut to the level of the river bed as it is considered they may have some effect on the stream during a fresh.—Referred to the engineer to be attended to.

Mrs. W. Benton, Kahautara Road, wrote asking that the gates across Smith’s Road be removed.—-Left in the hands of Councillor J. C. Bidwill. STRAYING STOCK.

W. Smith, ranger for the eastern Tidings, reported having dealt with '53 sheep, 10 cattle and three horses during the month. Four hundred dogs were registered, the fees collected being £5O. A. M. Paterson wrote applying for permission to take logs out of the Ruainahunga River at Pihautea.— The Council was unable to give permission as they have no jurisdiction over the riverbed. ENGINEER’S REPORT.

Awhea- Bridge.—Estimated cost of No. I Bridge, £2106 and No. 2 Bridge £l6OO, both excluding the cost of survey or of land.

Feathcrston-Martinborough Highway. —The first coat of sealing was now practically completed to within five' miles ef the Fcntherston boundary. The second coat will be started next month.

Tuturumuri Road.—This length has been taken over from the contractor, and arrangements are to be made for the fencing. Ponatahi Bridge—The contractor has commenced the pile-driving. Whakarua Bridge.— Good progress has been made with the foundations. GENERAL. The ranger for the Western Ridings was requested to ntako more rapid progress with dog registration. The Engineer was instructed to make further inquiries with a proposal to change over from steam power to electric power fo-r the crusher works. It was agrged that the -Council meet at the. crusher on Saturday, March 19, and then proceed along the Kaiwaiwai Road to inspect same. A request from a number of ratepayers to -be exempted from paying a water charge in connection with the Moroa Water Races was handed to the Water Race Committee. The Clerk presented a list of outstanding rates and asked for instruction.—lt was resolved that the treasurer take the matter in hand with power to act. The overseer was instructed to repair Burling’s Bridge and also to use the grader on the Western Lake Road. It was resolved that two offenders who had ignored notice to take out heavy traffic licenses should be prosecuted without further notice. TENDERS. Otaraia Road Improvement.— The tender of Garrity Bros, for £957- was accepted. live other tenders were received. Awhea Metalling.—R. Slack’s tender for _<)o yards at 3/- was accepted and the tender of Brentnail and Robinson tor the balance was also' accepted. Three other tenders were received.