KAIKOURA COUNTY COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21775, 6 May 1936, Page 15

KAIKOURA COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING

The monthly general meeting of the Kaikoura County Council was held on Monday. Present: Messrs F. J. Monk (chairman), P. S. Humm, Alan Howard, T. R. Alexander, G. Smith, H. Eccles, and L. P. Blunt. A letter was received from Mr F. Langbein, saying that in all cases of flood damage on main highways, the costs of repairs would be subsidised for general ordinary maintenance and provision for the additional expenditure should be made when the annual highway estimates are being prepared.

The Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) wrote about the provision of an aerodrome at Kaikoura, in reply to the council's application. He said that considerable investigation into the provision of suitable grounds had been made in the Kaikoura district. An aerodrome was not required at Kaikoura by the commercial companies, but should Kaikoura want an aerodrome, the council should acquire a suitable locality and the Government would provide the labour necessary.

The chairman said an engineer had visited Kaikoura and after viewing sites, it was agreed that the block of land just south of the Kowhai river, of 100 acres, flanking the main highway and the Waiau road, was suitable, provided the grade did not exceed the requirements. Seventy-five acres was required to meet regulations. Mr Humm said the council should go ahead with the scheme provided it could be financed. Other councillors supported this view. It was decided to get into touch again with the department. Mr Langbein notified the council that the Highways Board was prepared to advance the council's share of the cost of the inland Conway bridge over three years at 3£ per cent., and it was decided to make application for the money on these terms. It was agreed to purchase £5 worth of Anzac stamps. Mr H. E. Harrison, captain of the Kaikoura Volunteer Fire Brigade, wrote saying that the brigade had purchased a steel tower and a fire bell, and he asked that a site be fixed and its erection undertaken by the council. He also asked that attention be given to fire plugs being blocked with small shingle. It was agreed to erect the tower, and the site offered by Mr Harrison near his residence was approved.

The council was notified that the special rabbiting scheme had been extended to May 29, and it was agreed to make application for an extension of the scheme.

It was agreed to send a letter of appreciation to the Automobile Association (Canterbury) for the erection of signs in the district.

It was agreed that if property owners supplied the kerbings and gratings, the council would supply the labour and cement in placing them in front of business premises. The chairman introduced the provision of a new post office for the town. The present building was about 40 years old, and the amount of general work and business transacted in Kaikoura justified a more modern building with adequate facilities.

The suggestion was strongly supported by members, and it was agreed to place representations to the Post-master-General and Mr E. Meachem, M.P.

It was also agreed that representations be made to the Minister for Public Works regarding the rebuilding of the South Island Main Trunk railway.