COUNTY COUNCIL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 252, 3 August 1928, Page 8

COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING. The Ashburton County Council met to-day, when there were present, the chairman (Mr J. Carr) and Messrs W. G. Gallagher, H. C. B. Withell, R. Houston, J. Bruce, H. E. Jessep, ±l. j. Crothers, J. Lambie, D. J. Morrow, W. T. Lill, A. Horsey and J. M°ore. A motion of sympathy with Mr Morrow in his recent bereavement was carried in silence, members' standing. In a supplementary report, the engineer (Mr A. A. Fooks) stated that Sans for the Frazer's Road bridge were being prepared and were held up pending an application to the Public Works Department for a grant Ihe South Eakaia Road Board had made application for additional pipes. I lie following statement shows the position of the account: Quota, for the year fixed by resolution £73 10s 2d, last year s debit £69 16s, application for tins year £lsl 10s, debit balance £147 15s lOd. The chairman reported that the grazing right for 259 acres at Dromore to September had been sold to Mr J. J. Allen for the sum of £2l. Tenders for a 14-vear lease would be dealt with, after 'the 13th inst. Tenders for several leases would close on the 13st mst. and he recommended that the tenders be left to the Works Committee, with power to act. The County fund account was in debit to the amount ot £1913 0s Bd, after providing for today's accounts. During the month the Council should receive Highway subsidies £1727, and Government suhsiay on rates £1250, and ordinary revenue which would place the account in. credit before next meeting. It was probable that an overdraft would have to be carried for the months of September, October, November and December. The reduction in the bank rate from 7 per cent to 6§ would afford a certain amount of relief to local bodies, and would also be of assistance, to the business and farming community. Owing to numerous public functions during this month, it was thought inadvisable to arrange a demonstration ot the crushing plant at Methven until September. The council had distributed to settlers this winter 630 71b tins of poisoned oats, approximately two tons. Reports indicated that the poison was verv effective. . Mr A. Horsev, who, accompanied toy the County Clerk (Mr G. Kelly), represented the Ashburton County Council at the Conference of the Counties Association, at .Wellington, submitted the following matters of interest:— The Prime Minister informed the Association that legal provision woiild.be made for subsidies on the following basis: Maintenance. £2 for £l. Bridges, £2 for £l, up to £IO,OOO, with power for the Highways Board to increase this subsidy for Counties where the local rates are heavy. These increased subsidies will be .of. great benefit to local bodies and the ratepayers. Strong support was given to a remit.that power be given to Counties to abolish Suing systems, and strike a rate over the whole County, instead of separately in each riding. It was agreed that motor traffic has altered the condition of affairs, and that road expenditure should not be a charge on separate ridings. If that power is given as reouested it is felt that benefit will, accrue to roads in back block districts which roads are not receiving sufficient attention in many localities. This provision will be applied only at the discretion of County Councils. A remit was moved suggesting that levies be based on the proportion of 50 per cent. on capital value and 50 per cent. .on population. This remit was_ earned, and although favourably received by the Prime Minister, a definite promise of amending legislation this session was not forthcoming. The remit from this Council and others, suggesting full subsidy on all rates collected, was also carried unanimously. .On being presented to the Prime Minister, the reply was received that the question was a difficult one, and that he would like to see a more equitable scheme evolved. He held oat little hope -for attention this session. The Council's desire for legal provision for a depreciation fund for machinery received confirmation at the conleWe, and the necessary empowering legislation is expected The Conference carried a remit that Counties be granted the same powers as Boroughs. If the recommendation is to, it would be of advantage to this County. A remit that ballot papers be informal if the full number of candidates required be not TOtedfor was lost, the general opinion S that a voter should not be compelled to vote for a person for whom S.doe. not desireto vote. The Conference recommended that Highways Councils meet more often, and that various matters in addition to Highways bo given attention. The Conference approved of the Jfonnatam of a CountyClerks' Association, believing it to be in the interests of Counties, and recommended Comity Councils to pel - mit their clerks.to attend a Conference in Wellington in September. Many other remits were passed, some ot which, if given effect to, would be ot advantage to this County. After discussing various matters with other local body representatives, Mr Horsey was convinced that Asnmirton County was indeed in a fortunate position, and that there were tew difficulties here compared with other districts. Ashburton rates were extremely low, and road-making material was plentiful and cheap. In one Countv the rates were 6|d in the *,, and in one County metal costs 50s per yard. Under these conditions, was it not probable that the drift of population would soon turn, to the benefit of the South Island, and to the fortunate people who dwell therein? The financial statement showed that receipts to date totalled £16,184 ss, while expenditure to date, including accounts passed for payment to-day, amounted to £18,097 5s Bd, leaving a debit balance of £1913 Os Bd. Commenting on the financial report, Mr Lill <*aid the Council was in the most satisfactory position it had been for some time. ..... „ The reports (as published on Page 7) were received. On the motion of Mr Morrow, seconded by Mr Jessep, it was decided to purchase a large crusher and tractor for crushing metal for the Road Boards when not required by the Council. It was decided that Mr Dart (chairman), Messrs Fooks (engineer) and Hughes (operator of the present crusher) inspect the most serviceable crushers now operating. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Bruce that the clerk of the Council be appointed County treasurer It was decided to accept the invitation or the Southern Cross. GtortCoto inspect its factory, the date of inspection to be fixed later. . Correspondence was received Horn Mr D. Jones, M.P., that in answer to his letter dealing with the widening of j the. cutting near the Rakaia Goige

bridge, to relieve unemployment, the Minister of Public Works (Hon. K. S. Williams) had replied that the matter was receiving consideration. It was decided to defer the matter until next meeting. , , The usual grant of £25 to the Ashburton Technical School was allowed.