FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 124, 27 May 1932, Page 5

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

MR. MASSEY AGAIN CHAIRMAN

RELIEF WORK AT WAIKATO HEADS

The annual meeting of the Franklin County Council was held yesterday afternoon, when Mr. J. N. Massey, M.P., was re-elected chairman. Mr. Massey said he would continue to further and protect the interests of the ratepayers, who had to face serious problems in difficult times. Referring to relief works, the chairman stated that a large proportion of the men in the Franklin County were engaged on reproductive works, which included the provision of all-weather access to outlying districts and improved drainage. Arrangements had been made to place about 100 men on comparatively easy works on 3400 acres of sand-drift country near the Waikato Heads.

A suggestion that a traffic inspector be appointed to serve the Franklin County, Pukekohe Borough, Tuakau, Waiuku and Papakura Town Districts was made by Mr. H. C. Baulf on behalf of the Papakura Town Board. Mr. Baulf said the question was one of cost, but the Franklin County, being the larger body, would have to bear the major cost. Mr. Massey said the question of traffic control was a big one, and could not be shelved much longer. In reply to a question Mr. Massey said a subsidy on salary would be available from the Main Highways Board. The chairman was asked to convene a meeting of local bodies interested to discuss the subject.

Mr. H. P. Garland was reappointed Franklin's representative on the No. 2 District Highways Council.

Mr. R. Lyons was appointed county assessor under the Valuation of Land Act.

Every assistance possible is to be given by the council to further the Government's small farm scheme with the object of settling unemployed on the land.

The Main Highways Board intimated that it proposed to retain control of the Bombay hills deviation and to maintain same, one-fourth of the cost of whicli is to be borne by the council. The council maintained that when the road was opened it should carry out the maintenance work and receive the usual subsidy. It was decided that an objection to the board's proposal should be iodged.

Appreciation was expressed to the women of the district, who were assisting to provide comforts for men in relief camps in the county.

The treasurer reported that rates totalling £13,063 6/9 were outstanding.

The engineer reported that at present 106 men were employed on No. 5 scheme within the county. This number, together with the Auckland men in the 14 different camps, totalled 208. Camps were ready with equipment for a further 58 men. During the month II men only were supplied from Auckland out of a total of 69 required. A number of men were expected at an early date.

It was stated that nearly £12,000 worth of shell was required for the Awhitu-Waiuku main road, a work that had been completed as far as the Awhitu central road. This gave a continuousshell surface road for 15J miles, requiring about 20,000 cubic yards. The Public Works Department had re-voted £250 on a £1 for £1 basis for metalling the Ararimu main road. As soon as tenders had been let the work would be commenced.