COUNTY AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 August 1938, Page 7

COUNTY AFFAIRS

MEETING OF FEATHERSTON COUNCIL. I NEW PLANT PURCHASED. (“Times-Age" Special.) The chairman, Mr A. B. Martin, presided at the monthly meeting of the Featherston County Council, held at Martinborough yesterday. Others present were: Councillors Q. Donald, R. W. Matthews, I. McLeod, L. J. Thompson, Carne Bidwill, D. Cameron and R. Smith. A Masterton solicitor wrote on behalf of a Lower Valley settler applying for the payment of £25 made on account of rates, written off by the Mortgagors’ Adjustment Commission, to be placed to the credit of this year’s rates. The council’s solicitor advised that the amount in question could not be refunded. The council decided to take no action in the matter. The chairman was appointed to represent the council at a local body conference to be held in Featherston on August 18 to appoint representatives on the Centennial Exhibition Executive Committee. Mr C. J. Nix wrote stating that he had several sheep injured through falling into a gravel pit on his property which was used by the council. He asked that the council construct a fence round the pit. The matter was left in the hands of Councillor Thompson and the overseer. The Moroa Water Race Committee wrote asking for timber for making drains and also requesting the council to lower a drain at Dick’s corner to improve the fall. The matter was referred to the councillor for the riding and the overseer. No action was taken in regard to a letter from the Canterbury Progress League suggesting that the Government be urged to devote the whole of the proceeds from motor taxation to roading purposes. . “If the Government does not take part of the motor taxation they will get it from somewhere else,” remarked the chairman. The Main Highways Board wrote approving of a road roller and chip spreader being procured by the council at a cost of £l6OO on the usual hire purchase terms with interest at 5 per cent. Mr W. V. Loader applied to have the trees near the Morison’s Bush School, which have to be removed. He offered to remove the trees in accordance with the requirements of the council if he could have the timber. Councillor Thompson and the overseer were instructed to go into the matter.

The ranger reported having dealt with 25 head of stock and 5 dogs during the month. Accounts amounting to £6616 5s 4d were passed. The treasurer reported that receipts since the last meeting amounted to £21,682 Ils. Mr R. D. Eglinton wrote drawing attention to the lack of a metalled road to Wharekauhau. Owing to the absence of any formed road within two miles of the property,, access during winter months, and even in wet weather in summer, was impossible for motor vehicles. Councillor Matthews and the Engineer (Mr H. F. Toogood) were instructed to bring down a report on the matter. It was reported that rates for the current year collected at 5 per cent discount rate totalled £19,438 4s, which after allowing for a discount of £9OB 13s 2d, reduced the total to £20,346 17s 2d. Total rates struck were £30,367 12s sd, and the percentage of collection at discount date was 67 as compared with 61.5 per cent last year when the total rates struck amounted to £28,751 ss. For 1936-37 the percentage of rates collected at discount date was 58.7. “I wonder who is going to relieve us,” observed Councillor Smith when a request for financial assistance was received from the Spanish War Refugee Children’s Fund. It was decided to place the collection list in the county office. Councillor Donald was instructed to investigate and report on the need for cutting trees on Murphy’s line, which were considered a danger to the travelling public. The tender of Garrity Bros, was accepted for the supply of boulders for the crusher.