COUNTY AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 April 1941, Page 3

COUNTY AFFAIRS

WAIRARAPA SOUTH COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING. MEMBERS’ LONG SERVICE. (“Times-Age” Special.) The final meeting of the members of the Wairarapa South County Council prior to the election next month was held on Thursday in the Council Chambers. Mr F. Court presided. There were also present: Councillors M. McGregor, A. McGregor, C, A. Cameron, Jas. Strang, A. E. Reid, L. S. Gallon and E. W. Allen. An apology for absence was received from Councillor W. A. Renall.

The reports of the overseer and the Taratahi and Carrington water race overseer were adopted. Leave of absence was granted to the assistant clerk, Mr B. E. Beaven, who is at present in camp for overseas service.

The treasurer reported a credit balance at the Bank of New Zealand of £9245. Receipts since last meeting were £1843.

Accounts amounting to £1520 5s lOd were passed.

Tenders are to be called for the erection of a culvert on the CartertonLongbush Main Highway. The traffic officer’s report for the month showed that eleven motor driv- ' ers had been tested, six offences enquired into and reported, and 38 warnings issued to motorists. One minor injury was caused in a motor accident during the month. The inspector also reported that several members of the Home Guard were being trained in traffic relief control. Two serious offences by visitors to the district were reported. It was decided that a meeting of the new council be held on Thursday, May 22.

The question of hofding the biennial conference was before the meeting, and it was agreed that it be not held. It was decided to restrict heavy traffic on the Wainuioru Valley Road and the Maungaterere Valley roads during the months of May to September inclusive. Loads are to be limited to 3 tons gross. The members for the Belvedere Riding accompanied by the County Overseer are to inspect a drain at Carrington with power to act. It was decided that a slip on the Flat Point Road be fenced. The chairman reminded councillors that this was the last meeting before the election of a new council. He hoped he had carried out his duties satisfactorily and thanked councillors for their assistance to him during his term. There was quite a fair amount of work he would liked to have seen done, butj the weather had not been favourable. He congratulated the Belvedere Riding members for the greatly improved condition of roads in their riding. He also referred to the good work done in other ridings. Regarding the Home Guard movement he stated that the Mayor, Mr D. L. Taverner had done excellent work as its leader and the movement was growing each week. Councillors M. McGregor, A. E. Reid and C. A. Cameron each congratulated Mr Court on the capable way in which he had conducted the council business. Referring to the fact that Councillor Renall would not be seeking reelection, Mr Court said Councillor Renall had seen 21J years’ service and had proved himself a painstaking and faithful member and his riding would be the poorer without his services. Councillors generally hoped that Councillor Renall’s health would continue to improve, but they were sorry to lose his services. Mr Court said that four members of the council held good records of service. He himself had served for 351 years, having been elected in 1905, Councillor C. A. Cameron took office in 1914 and had been a councillor for 261 years, Councillor D. McGregor had been a member for 24J years and was elected in 1917, and Councillor Renall had been a member since 1920. Altogether the average of these four members in county council work, 27 years, was something to be proud of.