WAIPARA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19032, 21 June 1927, Page 4

WAIPARA COUNTY COUNCIL.

An interesting gathering took place at Waikari on Saturday, when about 100 ratepayers assembled. In the absence of Mr N.- D. Campbell, the chair was occupied by Mr D. J, Doak, the deputy chairman. Mr Doak, in opening the meeting, congratulated the ratepayers on the fine attendance. The weather was very rough and the ground covered with snow. A statement o£ the receipts and expenditure for the' past year was read, and many questions asked and answered. Sir H. F. Toogood, engineer, addressed tho gathering on the possibilities of the distribution .of electric energy for the county. I The scheme embraced a loan of £54,000, with I an additional £6OOO for financial assistance to consumers. It would be necessary to form a Power Board, including' the Amuri, Cheviot, and Waipara counties. If the residents of Amuri .and Cheviot did not require the power at the present time they could be classed as tho outer area and would not be responsible for any expenditure until they required the current. The scheme wquld be made self-supporting, and no rate would be struck. It was suggested that the report be printed and distributed amongst tho ratepayers. Mr A. Tyndall, engineer to the Main Highways Board, gave a very interesting address 'on the necessity of using modern plant if the most economic results were to be obtained in tho maintenance of the roads. As the farmer had been forced to procure the latest machinery in order to keep pace with competition, so local bodies were forced to advance with the times in order to keep pace with the ever-increasing motor traffic, which had increased the cost of road maintenance to an alarming extent. Many questions were answered by Mr Tyndall in reference to the state of the main highways funds as standing to the credit of both Islands. Mr Tyndall denied an assertion that the South Island funds were being used in the Korth Island. The following resolution was carried: ' 'That this meeting of ratepayers views with alarm the increasing amount required from local bodies for hospital purposes, and that a strong protest be made to the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and that ttis Amuri, Cheviot, and Kaikoura counties be approached with a view to seeking severance from the present area." Totes of thanks- -were accorded , Messr« ■ Toogodd, A. Tyndall, and the chairman.