COUNTY BOUNDARY DISPUTE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26970, 20 February 1953, Page 3

COUNTY BOUNDARY DISPUTE

Halswell Threatens Further Action

MAY INVOKE PUBLIC WORKS ACT

The Halswell County Council will advise the Heathcote County Council th§t. failing co-operation in securing an alteration of the boundary between the two counties to the middle of Worsley road, it plans to seek a settlement of the matter under Section 120 of the Public Works Act. The Halswell council made this decision yesterday. At the last meeting of the Heathcote council, a letter was recevied from the Halswell council, expressing disappointment with the Heathcote council’s attitude. “My council is rather disappointed to find your county is not prepared to co-operate in what appears to be a desirable move.” said the letter. “With the eventual development of the area, and perhaps the formation and paving of footpaths, and the provision of kerbing and channelling, the whole cost would apparently be expected to fall on te Halswell county, while facilities would be provided for ratepayers of your county without any financial return. This would appear to be rather anomolous and a situation that would surely not be anticipated by the legislation.” The Heathcote council decided to reaffirm its decision to retain the present boundary.

Section 120 .of the Public Works Act refers to the control and maintenance of a road or street which runs along the boundary of two or more districts, whether the road or street is wholly within one district or partly in one and partly in another district. The Governor-General may direct which local authorities shall have control of such a road or street, or any part of it, and he may also determine whether any other of these local authorities shall contribute to the cost of the construction. maintenance. lighting, widening, or reconstructing of the road or street, and in what proportions. The Governor-General may direct any person to inquire and report to him on any question to enable him to determine any matter referred to him under the section. The person shall have all the powers of a commissionei’ appointed by the Governor-General in Council under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908.