COUNTY AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 December 1938, Page 9

COUNTY AFFAIRS

MEETING OF FEATHERSTON COUNCIL NEW MEMBER WELCOMED. PHYSICAL WELFARE PROPOSALS. (“Times-Age” Special.) The chairman (Mr A. B. Martin) presided at the monthly meeting of the Featherston County Council held at Martinborough this morning. Others present were Councillors L. J. Thompson, G. J. Gillies, Q. Donald, J. C. Bidwill, D. Cameron and R. Smith. An apology for absence was received from Councillor R. W. Matthews. The chairman extended a warm welcome to Councillor Donald who was elected to fill the vacancy on the council caused by the death of his father, the late Mr Q. Donald, for many years chairman of the council. Mr Martin said that Councillor Donald was well known in the sporting world, and he felt sure that he would prove his -worth in working for the benefit of the community and that he would work in harmony with other members of the council. Councillor Donald thanked the chairman for his welcome. He appreciated the honour that had been done him in, electing him to the council and he felt sure that when he became conversant with the business of the council he would be able to play his part in the control of its affairs. The Farmers’ Union wrote stating that a further meeting would be held in Masterton on December 14 when the proposed new transport charges would be discussed.

A letter was received from the Transport Department asking the council to co-operate in the road safety carnpaign. The Clerk, Mr H. Hardinge, reported that, steps had already been taken to work in with the department. The Public Works Department advised that the culverts on the Feath-erston-Martinborough Main Highway which it was suggested should be removed, should be retained, as if the stop-bank at present holding the flood waters back should fail the culverts would be necessary to save serious damage to a considerable length of highway. It was considered that the property of Mrs Herrick was not adversely affected by the flood water backing up through the culverts. It was decided to forward a copy of the Department’s letter to Mrs Herrick.

Referring to a proposal to set up a district committee under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act, Mr Martin said that the Mayor of Martinborough, Mr C. W. Skill, had the matter in hand, and was forming a committee. He thought it was more a matter for boroughs than for counties.

Several councillors, however, considered that the council should be represented and it was decided that Councillors Donald and Thompson represent the council on any committees formed in the Martinborough, Featherston and Greytown boroughs. A letter was received from the Minister of Lands regarding flooding of sections at the Marama-a-mau Settlement, pointing out that as there was so little fall cleaning of the drain would not help, as the first flood would fill it up. The department had spent a considerable sum on flood protection work at the settlement and as the settlers had now had their rentals reduced to amounts which took into.consideration the liability of flooding it was considered that they should carry on without further assistance. “That settles that,” observed Mr Martin,

It was decided to forward a copy of the letter to the settlers concerned. Mr D. Tilson. Pinnoa, wrote asking if something could be done to stop weekend holiday makers damaging the whares on the Whatarangi Road. It was resolved to place the matter in the hands of the police. A request was received from the Moroa Water Race Committee that the work of constructing a culvert on Morison’s Bush Road be not proceeded with before the chairman of the board was consulted. The matter was referred to the engineer, Mr H. F. Toogood. The ranger reported having dealt with 14 head of stock during the month.

Receipts since last meeting amounted to £1696 11s Ud. Accounts amounting to £3916 13s 8d were passed.