COUNTY AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 February 1943, Page 4

COUNTY AFFAIRS

WAIRARAPA SOUTH COUNCIL REHABILITATION SCHEME. EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE TO CHIMNEYS. (“Times-Age” Special.) The monthly meeting of the Wairarapa South County Council was continued at Carterton yesterday afternoon. The Clerk, Mr E. T. Bcaven, submitted an estimate in connection with the damage done to chimneys in the county. He said that there could not be any complaint regarding the materials used. The grievance of householders was in regard to the alleged excessive charges. These, he said, had been brought about by wages, overtime. cost of living bonus, travelling and board;

The council decided to discuss the matter at a later meeting.

A letter was received from the Carterton Borough Council, concerning the county’s resolution to discontinue the cleaning of the water races in the borough. It was decided that the county would continue to clean borough races until the end of the present month, as difficulty was being experienced in finding labour and county employees could not be spared to do the work after this month. A letter written to the Defence Minister, asking that the Government reimburse the county for petrol used by the Home Guards brought a reply that by the shortening of training hours, the cost could now be met from the capitation grants made. It was decided that the letter be forwarded to the Home Guard organisation for their perusal. The Government Rehabilitation scheme was discussed and councillors generally were at a loss to decide as to what could be done. River control and the planting of trees along the western hills, as a means of providing timber for future building purposes were considered. It was suggested, that small holdings along the hills be bonught and forests planted thereon. Finally the council left the matter over for further consideration.

Mr Geo. E. Allen, through his solicitor, Mr J. Macfarlane Laing, wrote in regard to the blocking of a creek having caused flooding on his land. It was suggested that the drain on Hughes Road be considerably deepened. Beside the flooding, trees in his plantations were dying off. He asked the council to do something to remedy the trouble. In view of what the water race overseer, Mr H. J. McKenzie, had stated, it was resolved that the clerk draft a letter in reply to Mr Macfarlane Laing. It was resolved that concrete pipes be placed over the water race in Mr Davidson’s property and that the chairman, Councillor Gallon and the overseer inspect the site. An application by Mr Nitz to have a small swing bridge erected over the Little Kauwhata was referred to the overseer for a report. The Taratahi water race overseer reported as follows:—“During the dry weather some persons unknown cut the water off at the Waihakeke race and all the races went dry. I went out at 8 o’clock on January 29 and found the water again cut off at Reidy’s fluming and the water all running down the creek. Another farmer cut off the water and turned it over his garden at night time. This meant more night trips till I could catch the offender. There are others also and I am getting fed up with this night travelling to try and catch these people and I suggest that an advertisement be put in the paper and the first offender caught be sued.”

Councillor A. E. Reid said that something should be done in the matter, and a firm stand taken by the council. He moved that an advertisement be inserted in the papers warning people of the seriousness of interfering with water races and that offenders would be prosecuted. Councillor Rayner seconded the motion, which was carried.