HUTT COUNTY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 124, 28 May 1930, Page 12

HUTT COUNTY

A RESIDENTIAL AREA

PROBLEMS ,FOR FUTURE

• "In my report, last year .I mentioned that by reason of its geographical position this county is destined to become largely residential," said Mr. D. E. Hoggard, chairman of the Hutt County Council in the course of his annual report to councillors to-day. ,

"The number of subdivisions of land since- then confirms this prediction. Thirty-six schemes of subdivision have been approved, involving upwards of 1200 new sections, each of which represents a potential ratepayer. This increase of residential lots will create an increased demand for services, and I foresee that many problems will arise which will demand from us the most careful consideration."

The total length of roads in the county was approximately 300 miles,of which 28, miles are unformed. The length declared main highways was 72 miles 48 chains, and the estimated not annual cost to the county of this length for the current year was £.8504, or approximately £115 per mile. That was after deducting the assistance received from the, Main Highways Board. The remaining 200 and oddmiles of road in the county received no subsidy whatever from the Main Highways Board. ROADS, BATES, AND WATEE. "The rateable capital value of the county is only £3,322,8.38, or approximately £12,000 per mile of formed roads, ■" continued Mr. Hoggard. "Therefore, to produce an average of £100 . per mile- per annum a rate of 2d in tho £ on the capital value would be required for road maintenance alone. This, of course, the ratepayers cannot afford, and tho consequence is that tho standard of maintenance on the greater part of the county roads cannot bo high, and, an fact, the bare salvation of such roads from . destruction is all that ,can be hoped for, and that can only be obtained by the maintenance of _ the highest possible standards of efficiency and loyalty, on the part of tho staff, both indoor and outdoor. Tho gratitude of tho council and the ratepayers is due to all members of the staff for the.manner in which their duties have been discharged." There, was a constant demand- for domestic water supplies in the county, and, although every effort was be.ing made to meet this demand, yet in most instances the cost was prohibitive. ... Day's Bay was at present supplied with water from Williams Park. The Health Department was seeking to compel the council to supply this locality with artesian water to bo purchased in bulk from Lower Ilutt. The council was., resisting the Board of Health's requisition, but as the matter was still sub judice, comment at. this stage would be improper. Tho chairman's report, further extracts of which are given elsewhere, was received with congratulations, and upou Mr. Hoggard's reappointment to tho chair, the meeting proceeded with the framing of estimates. The following committee and council representatives were also . elected: — Finance and Administration: Councillors E. L. Batton, J. M. Whiteman, S. Blaekley,' W. V. Dyer, D. B. Hoggard. Wellington City and Suburban Highways Board: Councillor D. K. Hoggard. .City and Suburban Water Supply Board: Councillor W. V. Dyer. Wellington City Ambulance Board: Councillor B. L. Button.