MASTERTON COUNTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1941, Page 7

MASTERTON COUNTY

MEETING OF COUNCIL

MONETARY ASSISTANCE FOR HOME GUARD.

OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES.

The monthly meeting of the Masterton County Council was held in the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. The chairman, Mr. R. E. Gordon Lee, presided. There were also present: Councillors H. H. Mawley, W. I. Armstrong, P. R. Welch, J. Donald and J. W. Colquhoun. An apology for absence was received from Councillor G. Moore. The adjutant of the Masterton Home Guard Battalion advised that the attendance of the country n.c.o. members of the Home Guard at classes held weekly in Masterton involved them in out-of-pocket expenses and asked if the council was prepared to make a grant. “There is only one place for that request to go to —the Governmnt,” said Councillor Colquhoun, "not to this county council. It is not our duty to give away the ratepayers’ money. I understand that in some cases the Government has made grants. We are not justified in making a grant until the Government’s attitude has been tested." Mr. Lee: "There is a committee in Masterton consisting of county and borough representatives. I think the letter should go to them.” Councillor Armstrong: “It is for a national service. We should make a grant.” The county clerk, Mr. J. C. D. Mackley, explained that the Government attitude was that expenses incurred by the Home Guard and paid by local bodies could be regarded as a contribution to the national defence scheme in addition to the defence of the local authority’s own area. Councillor Welch: “We want to know our commitment before we make a grant." It was decided to advise the adjutant that the matter would receive favourable consideration when further particulars of expenses were supplied. The secretary of the New Zealand Counties’ Association wrote asking the council for its opinion as to whether the bi-annual conference should be held or not this year. On the casting vote of the chairman a motion that the conference be held was carried.

The Inspector of Stock advised that the Army Department had macle available 20,000 rounds of .303 ammunition for the destruction of wild pigs. The ammunition was obtainable on application to the Storekeeper, Internal Affairs Department, as a cost of 22s per 100 rounds, plus freight, but no orders would be accepted for less than 100 rounds. Applications required to be submitted to the Agricultural Department for approval before despatch to the Internal Affairs Department. The District Engineer, Public Works Department, wrote stating that the question of proceeding with the construction of the Ruamahanga River Bridge at Wardells was considered by the Main Highways Board at a meeting held on February 19 when it was decided that before coming to a final decision on the matter a detailed inspection of the structure would be made by one of its own engineers and a report submitted with a definite recommendation. The whole cost of the inspection would be borne by the board and the result of its decision would be communicated to the council as early as possible.—The letter was received.

The Traffic Inspector, Transport Department, advised that arising out of the recent fatal accident at the junction of the Paierau-Matahiwi roads, a contributing cause of which, it was reported. was the obstruction of the visibility by a high hedge on the Matahiwi Road, he had been instructed by the Commissioner of Transport to take the matter up with the council with a view to having the visibility at this corner improved/ The inspector requested that this matter be discussed with the council and advise him of its decision in due course in order that he may report to the Commissioner.

Councillors Welch, Colquhoun and the overseer were appointed a subcommittee to attend to the matter. A letter was received from the Town Clerk, Wellington City Council, advising in reply to the council's request for information as to the steps taken in Wellington for the provision of shelters for the civilian population, that the whole question of public shelters had been under discussion with the Government, and it was anticipated that information as regards a suitable type of standard shelter would shortly be made available. Until then the council would not be in a position to deal finally with the question. Five notices of sale of property within the county had been received during the month. The ranger reported having impounded four head of stock. The engineers, Messrs. Seaton, Sladden and Pavitt reported that the fencing of the Lodge Deviation on the Masterton-Castlepoint Highway had been carried out. Subject to minor road maintenance work the contract had been completed. The dismantling of the Taueru River Bridge was well in hand.