PROGRESS OF HUTT COUNTY WORKS

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 16, 19 January 1921, Page 7

PROGRESS OF HUTT COUNTY WORKS

STATE OF ROADS AND BRIDGES.

The Hutt County Council held its monthly meeting yesterday. There were present: Councillors J. Barclay (in the chair), A. M'Kay, M. W. Welch, A. R. Edwards, J. Whiteman, and H. T. Atkinson.

The report o£ the inspector (Mr. Cudby) stated that tho recent rain had had a most beneficial effect on the roads, which, with few exceptions, wore in good order; many by-roads were never in better oondition. It was also reported that an attempt had been .made deliberately during the month to' destroy a bridge in Stoke Valley by fire, and had the bridge been made of totara or rirau the structurs would most probably have been destroyed. The report was' adopted. ( After some discussion, in whiol) Councillor Welch moved that the wages of roadmen Be 15s a day, to be reviewed every six months, and the Finance Committee recommended 14s, it was, finally decided that the wages should be 13s and a bonus of Is per day, to take effect from Ist January.

The ranger (Mr. Diok) reported seizing 26 head of stock during the month, while several convictions had been secured; . " '

Councillor Whiteman ,made complaints, stating that in places roads were overrun with stock. He moved that the ranger be given a mouth's notice. This was seconded; by Councillor Edwards. Councillor Atkinson moved that the ranger be aaked to make an explanation. This was (seconded by Councillor Welch. The amendment was declared carried.

It w»b decided to offer the traction engine for sale, and to give the road machinery a further three months' trial, after which the question will *be reviewed. ■

No action was taken' with regard to ai complaint* by the,-Railway Department as to overhanging" trees ■ on a ratepayer's property at Waikanae obstructing the view.

A fortnight's tally of the traffic, on the Majn East-road to the Wairarapa is to bo' taken for the puri»ose of presenting figures to a commission prior to the rebuilding of the Pakuratahi and Stoke Valley bridges. ' It was decided that the statutory halfholiday in the county should ba Saturday.