COUNTY AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 March 1940, Page 7

COUNTY AFFAIRS

MEETING OF FEATHERSTON COUNCIL ROAD & OTHER WORK. MENACE OF GORSE SPREADING. (“Times-Age” Special.) The monthly meeting of the Featherston County Council was held a. Martinborough this morning. The chairman. Mr A. B. Martin, presided. Tnere were also present: Councillors R. W. Matthews, L. J. Thompson, J. McLeod, R. Smith, D. Cameron, J. C. Bidwill and Q. Donald. Receipts since last meeting totalleu £12.966. Accounts totalling £4165 were passed. The County Clerk, Mr H. Hardinge, submitted a report showing that rates collected for the period 1939/40 ending February 2 were 97.3 per cent, as compared with 97.7 for the corresponding period in 1938-39. The Wairarapa Automobile Association wrote drawing attention to an old gravel pit between Fabian's and Kempton's roads and suggested that the old entrance should be marked by white rails or some action taken to make this locality safe. It was decided to refer the matter to the County Engineer. The registration of dogs had been postponed till April 1 according to a letter received from the Department of Internal Affairs.

In reply to a letter advising that the council intended reducing its petrol consumption by at least 10 per cent, the Transport Department wrote stating that it was not intended that necessary or essential works should be curtaileo as a means of reducing petrol consumption. —Received.

Mr Arch. Clark (South Featherston) wrote advising that he intended erecting a stopbank inside his boundary joining the Tauherenikau River. He pointed out that this would send flood, waters down the County's road. The letter was received. The Moroa Water Race Committee forwarded a plan of alterations of the race serving Mr J. G. Donald and the Tocker Estate. Mr E. R. Burch drew the council's attention to the menace of gorse spreading from the hill joining his property. He considered it was caused by the council depositing spoil off the road. The matter was held over. The county roadman, Mr Jack Ward, advised that as a result of the council’s whare being burnt down he had lost all his personal belongings. He sought assistance as he had been an employee of the County for the last 10 years. It was decided to make a grant of £l5.

The ranger reported having impounded 11 head of stock. The engineer, Mr H. F. Toogood. submitted a comprehensive report setting out activities over the past month and proposed works. The overseeer’s report showed that general maintenance work had been carried out in the various ridings over the past month.