Takamatua scheme nearer

Press, 27 September 1982, Page 10

Takamatua scheme nearer

Takamatua looks set to get an improved water supply after replies to a questionnaire showed a “reasonable demand" for an Akaroa County Council proposal. The" council asked 120 householders if they wished to make a capital contribution to a council-run scheme. Replies from 35 persons were positive. 30 said no, and a further five liked-the idea but wanted more details. Thirty households included in the canvas are. already connected to a supply which the council would like to incorporate in its scheme. The existing factory supply scheme uses reticulation from a disused factory and the scheme members, like the council., have a water right to pump from the Takamatua Creek.

The County Chairman. Mr T. J. Brocherie. told the September council meeting: “We are getting to the stage where we can proceed.” The proposed scheme was a big reticulation and the more people that joined, the lower the costs for each household would be, he said. The County Engineer, Mr K. A. Paulin, said present calculations meant that people on the existing scheme would pay $230 to join the enlarged scheme and newcomers would face a bill of $465.

Interest in the scheme was centred in the Valley Road and Beach Road area but demand at the Kingfisher

Road end of the bay was limited. Mr Paulin recommended that the 50 persons who had not replied to the questionnaire should be given another chance to join. Council representatives will discuss details of the scheme with those on the factory supply and then meet members of the local residents’ association which is arranging a work force to lay pipes supplied by the council. An initial contribution of $2OO will be sought and Mr Paulin said he hoped the scheme would be working before the summer holiday season. Wandering stock Wandering stock at Little Akaloa and on the Okains Bay Road are worrying the council.

Cr I. C. Harris said sheep had been a continuing problem on the road at Little Akaloa. Sub-standard fencing was the problem. Complaints’ had also been made about cattle put out on the road at Okains Bay at night to graze. Mr, Brocherie said that the practice was dangerous as dark-coloured stock could easily cause a road accident. It was up to the public to control the problem and maintain their, fences.

"We do no.t have a ranger and I am sure the ratepayers do not want to employ, one,” said Mr Brocherie.

The County Clerk,. Mr L. W. M. Graham, and Cr Harriss, will study the problem.

Squash courts The Banks Peninsula squash club is looking for a home for a two-court complex it plans to build. The club wrote to the council asking for support and will be told the council wants first to, prepare a report on the sites suggested by the club. Already it has written to a number of groups in Akaroa and Duvauchelle asking if land would be available for the project. • Councillors felt a site at Akaroa Area School was a possibility as the building would be’ eligible for a subsidy under the Government's community facilities in schools scheme.

Rates collection

The amount of rate money collected before the discount day was declining each year, said Mr Brocherie, after hearing that only 32 per cent of rates had been collected so far this year.

; Mr Graham said 26 per cent of rural ratepayers and 46 per cent of those in the town had paid by discount day. Poor returns from the farming community ' made Mr Brocherie suggest' that the introduction of Instal-' ment rating should be considered to spread the rate demand more evenly.'-.through the year. -" 'i. y i .„ -.

Promotion Council’ The Canterbury Promotion

Council will not get the $250 it wanted for an advertising campaign promoting the province. The council said it had made no provision in its estimates so the request should be, declined. Reading The council has petitioned the National Roads Board with its case to get funding to seal rural roads. Mr Paulin prepared figures to convince the board that maintenance costs would be reduced if some shingle roads were sealed. Top priority was the steep Dalglishes Road, behind Duvauchelle. which had cost

much to-maintain. Mr Paulin said few surplus funds were available, but the council should keep its ease under the scrutiny of the Roads Board. Dog tags County dogs are likely to get a new-look registration tag next season. A plastic wrap-round tag was shown to councillors as an alternative to the metal disc now used. The disc hasj caused complaints from farmers who said it came off too easily. Quotations for the tag. which fits neatly around the dog collar, will be sought.