MAKARA COUNTY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 122, 27 May 1925, Page 6

MAKARA COUNTY

'chairman re-elected

CONDITION OF THE ROADS,

The annual meeting of the Makara County Council was held to-day, the chairman (Mr. F. Windley) presiding. The members present were: Messrs. L. C. Bryant, S. S. Styles, L. D. Nairn, H. J. Monaghan, S. Bowler, D. Prosser. In his review of the past year's work of the council the chairman said that the position was very much what it was twelve months ago. Then the outlook was not by any means bright, because the railway strike had forced excessive traffic on the Main road, causing serious damage. The promise of the Government to render assistance had not been carried out. They had twelve months' experience of the working of the Highways Board, and it had not been completely satisfactory. The desired improvement in the Main road had not taken place, and the condition of the Ngahauranga Gorge was not all that could be desired. He believed, however, that the council had got over its worst experience, and he thought that in twelve months they would gain credit for a general improvement in the Main road. The quarry at Ngahauranga had proved a very valuable asset in the reconstruction of the highway. The intervention of the Public Works Department in taking over five miles of road was going to make the position of the council and ratepayers easier. The work carried out with loan money had been done very efficiently, and would make travelling much safer on the Makara road. The cmiccil wanted to see its policy carried out, particularly in regard to the smaller details. In conclusion, he thanked the council and staff for their valuable assistance during the past year.

In outlining the draft balance-shSet up to 31st March, the clerk (Mr. W. JU Beech) stated that the total receipts in general account were £6648 17s 7d, and the total expenditure on general account £2827 9s Id, leaving a credit balance to be allotted ■to the two ridings as follows:—Porirua £3208 12s 9d, Makara £612 14s lid. On every one of the accounts there was a credit balance.

The chairman commented, with satisfaction on the state of the county's finances.

Councillor Monaghan congratulated the chairman and staff on the satisfactory year's working. Similar congratulations were expressed by other councillors. Councillor Nairn referred to the prospect of progress in the county with the arrival of hydro-electricity and the assistance of the Public Works Department.

Councillor Styles urged the necessity for better control of the council's roading work. : ,

Councillor Monaghan emphasised the disgraceful state of the city side' of the Makara Hill. ,

Councillor Windley was re-elected chairman, unopposed, for the ensuing year.

Councillors emphasised the valuable work done by the chairman, and urged that better remuneration should be granted for the increasing demands of the position.

The chairman briefly outlined the general policy of the council for the coming year. He anticipated a great improvement in the roads from greater efficiency resulting in a general improvement in the country.