NELSON NEWS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 131, 6 June 1925, Page 9

NELSON NEWS

(ir.oJi our ovra corrbsponbext.) NELSON, sth June.The statutory annual meeting of the 'Waimen, County Council was held on Thursday- for the election of chairman. Councillor Best was . unanimously reelected. In connection 'with an application to have Bishopdalo road declared a main highway, the traffic inspector recently took a tolly of traffic. The county engineer reported the tally as follows:— ■Via Tahumnnii 183,. via "Bishopdalo 194, Via Tahunanui there were 74 motor-cars, and 59 lorries; via Bisliopdale 90 motor-' cars and 36 motor-lorries. The tally was taken on an ordinary day. In view of these figures the council was recommended to again approach tho Main Highways Board to havo tho road over the Bisliopdale Hill declared a main highway, and to ask for tho co-operation of the Nelson City Council and tho Automobile Association in the matter.

A deputation representing sawmillers and other industries waited on the County Council in reference to the prohibition of heavy motor traffic on the county roads during the winter months. Tho deputation argued that the bylaw, if enforced, would seriously handicap the industries concerned. The speakers were Mr. N. Vercoe (secretary) and Mr. J. Wcbley, "president of the SawmiHers' Association, Mr. Bowater (Robertson Bros., builders) and Mr. Faire-y, on behalf of Newman Bros.' motor service. Tho main arguments wore that wbilo heavy fees.were imposed on vehicles they should bo given a chance of earning something towards paying thorn! Mr. Holbrook, on behalf of'-the builders, stated that inconvenience would* bo caused to firms if their timber supplies were cut off. Councillor Macmahon said the Government had informed tho council that_ unless action was taken .it-would consider the question of withholding the subsidy. '.Counciltoy Hewetson asked if tho. deputation would be prepared to assist iii maintaining the roads. Mr. Vercoo said ho believed certain proposals would be made to assist in maintaining the roads. .Mr. Baldwin said that both he and Mr. Kenny were prepared-.' to hand over a motor vehicle a week during the fivo months for £3 in order to spread metal. The amount was only about SO per cent', of the cost of running. Tho ■chairman said the ."Government had declined to contribute anything towards the cost of tho Nelson-Blenheim road unless the bylaw was enforced. Mr. Vercoe, in thanking the council for receiving the deputation, said any proposals put forward would receive.' consideration.-' Later, on the motion of Councillor Kenyon, the resolution ordering the enforcement of the bylay was rescinded. It was also resolved that the heavy traffic bylaw be enforced in the Maitai Valley and on the Wangamoa road. A letter was received from the Provincial Progress League asking for an increased contribution ■ towards making a provincial exhibit at the South Seas Exhibition. 1 and the council decided to-raise its contribution of £25 to £50.

In connection .-.with' the closing of the Wairoa Bridge, it was decided to employ a man from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to warn traffic of the state of the bridge, and to close the bridge all day. on Sundays and from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. on week days. The County Engineer, made it clear that personally he was not prepared "to take any responsibility if. the bridge was kept open. Ha expected to obtain a report shortly from the C4ovornment officials concerning the bridge. A report on the bridge was received from Mr George Roberi son, with an offer' to repair it for £900, and stating it would last another ten years.

A very large crowd assembled at Trafalgar Park.on Wednesday (King's Birth--day) to witness the seven-a-side football mulches. The weather was fine, but somewhat bleak, and the spectators saw some fast and spectacular games, especially between the Nelson and.College senior teams, the former eventually wfiining the tournament. The seven referees required gave great- satisfaction.. .All the matches were got off to time, and the tournament was a great success. .The Wellington Y.iVI.C.A. gymnastic combination of 45 performers -gave their second entertainment last evening at tlio' School of Music to another crowded house. On Wednesday evening, JMr. C. ■■ Jt. Fell, president of the board .of directors of, the. local V.M.C.A., introduced Mr. French; Dominion .secretary, who spoke briefly of the work and aims of theY.M.G.A., which he said had for its objective the building up of v clean • and healthy manhood. All over the country there'was a growing demand for advantages the V.M.C.A. had to offer. What was wanted in Nelson was some 300 .sustaining members at ;t guinea a year. This would give the necessary foundation to enable the boys and girls of Nelson to receive the benefits which were evident from the display that evening. Already good work was being done in Nelson, and the building was the scene of much 'activity!