COUNTY AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 July 1938, Page 9

COUNTY AFFAIRS

MEETING OF MASTERTON 1 COUNCIL SEALING ON TAUERU ROAD The chairman, Mr R. E. Gordon Lee, presided at the monthly meeting of the Masterton County Council, held yesterday. Others present were: Councillors H. H. Mawley, W. T. Armstrong, P R. Welch, J. W. Colquhoun, J. Donald and G. Moore. The Minister of Internal Affairs wrote stating that Wednesday, August 3, had been fixed for this year’s observance of Arbor Day, and that he was relying on the whole-hearted co-opera-tion of local bodies in organising suitable celebrations for the day. Councillor Moore stated that he intended to carry out some tree planting in his riding, and on his motion it was decided to write thanking the Minister for his letter. Messrs J. Robertson, M.P., and B. Roberts, M.P., wrote acknowledging the council’s application for certain works to be included in the Public Works estimates for 1938-39, and intimating that they would see that the application received proper consideration. The Wellington Education Board wrote suggesting that the, new fence at the Wangaehu School consist of post and rail, towards the cost of which the board was prepared to contribute £2. The school is on the Masterton-Weber .main highway, where a deviation is being made at the six mile peg. The board’s offer was accepted. The engineers, Messrs Seaton, Sladden and Pavitt, advised that the drawings and specifications for the reconstruction and sealing of the Bennett’s Hill to Taueru section of the Master-ton-Castlepoint highway had been lodged with the Public Works Department for approval. A letter was received from the Masterton Borough Council advising that provision had been made in the estimates for the current year for providing its share of the cost, estimated at £250, for preparing and priming the Ngaumutawa and South Belt roads. The letter was received and the council is to be thanked for its co-opera-tion. The Wairarapa Hospital Board forwarded a copy of its estimates for the current year, as approved by the Minister of Health. The total levy due by the, council for the ensuing year was £5,094 10s. The Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club wrote thanking the council for its grant of £lO. The Royal Humane Society also expressed thanks for a grant of £2 2s. The ranger reported having dealt with nine head of cattle, and 10 horses during the month. Fees collected for the month amounted to £3 10s, making the total to date £8 2s. “We are not contemplating any tree planting on roads,” observed the chairman, when referring to a letter from the Main Highways Board dealing with representations made on the subject of three planting on highways. The letter was received. The engineer, Wairarapa Electric Power Board, forwarded plans showing the proposed extensions of the board’s power lines on the Kaka Amu and Miki Miki roads, and asking if the position of the poles would in any way interfere with the council’s plans for future construction or alterations in the reading schemes in those districts. The County Overseer reported that he had inspected the proposed power line, and that it would be necessary to alter the location of one ‘ pole on the proposed line to Rangitumau. The Pahiatua County Council wrote asking if any steps were being taken to incorporate the by-law relating to the crossing of drains and water courses, prepared by the New Zealand Counties Association, in the Wairarapa Counties’ joint by-laws. It was decided to obtain the views of other Wairarapa counties on the proposal. A ratepayer wrote directing atten-l tion to the second bend of the Kaka Amu Road, north of Mr McGovern’s homestead, which he considered to be dangerous. The council was asked to give the matter attention. The matter was referred to the clerk. After a brief discussion it was decided that the council’s share of the cost oL making the Ngaumu bridge safe, £250, come out of the general fund instead of the Wainuioru riding. ENGINEERS’ REPORT The Engineers, Messrs Seaton, Sladden and Pavitt, reported as follows:— No 63, Masterton-Weber highway:— Wangaehu Stream Bridge at 4m 05chs: The old bridge has been dismantled and the timber stacked. Maintenance will expire on August 5. No. 64, Mas-terton-Castlepoint Highway: — Goodlands to Bennett’s Hill section: The unprimed portion of the highway between “Otahoua” homestead, and the foot of Bennett’s Hill has been realigned and superelevated. Pit and limestone metal is being spread and consolidated by traffic. No. 65, Master-ton-Stronvar Highway:—Reconstruction and sealing, 0M to IM 13Chs: With the exception of a short length of several chains on either side of the Wangaehu stream bridge, this section has been re-aligned and superelevated; rough pit metal has been spread where necessary, and is being consolidated by traffic, preparatory to the spreading of base metal. From the new bridge to OM 69Chs to the twin culvert at OM 79Qhs, about 10 chains of netted boulder aprons have been constructed to prevent flood scour. Homewood Road deviation at 36 miles: The deck of the culvert has been concreted. To complete the culvert there remains to be done portion of the inlet wing walls and a small portion of the inlet apron. The contractor has arranged for the road work to be commenced. Waihora Road (Taplin’s). The contractors have established a camp and a commencement has been made with road construction. Ngaumu Bridge: A commencement has been made with the drilling of chases in the concrete blocks to accommodate the hydraulic jacks. The council will be advised as soon as the bridge is ready for moving.