County Council Cannot Finance Pound Scheme

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 October 1948, Page 8

County Council Cannot Finance Pound Scheme

While agreeing that some urgent steps should be taken to control wandering stock, the Grey County Council this morning found the problem of financing the provision of pounds and employing a poundkeeper too difficult to solve, and it has decided to seek the assistance of the Commissioner of Transport. It was suggested that the commissioner might be able to advise what action should be taken and where financial assistance could be sought. In the meantime, the council’s acting-engineer, Mr H. E. Higgins, has been requested to seek details of various schemes and an estimate of their cost for the council’s consideration.

A report on a meeting between representatives of the council, the Inspector of Police, Mr M. J. Angland, and Traffic Inspector Tolchard, was considered by the meeting. It was reported that the committee had recommended that ways and means be found to provide a pound and poundkeeper in the county. “This will cost us about one-six-teenth of our entire revenue from rates.’’ said Cr J. Mulcare, adding that it was imperative that some financial assistance be obtained. He pointed out that much of the stock was found on main or State highways and some contribution should be expected from the controlling authorities. “The main trouble seems to be on the main highways and not on county roads, and we should refer this matter to the appropriate authorities,” suggested Cr J. Clayton. Cr T. G. Jamieson said that he had an applicant for the job of poundkeeper, and he pointed out that this office could make itself pay by being responsible for the collection of fees for dog licences, a source from which very little was obtained at present. Mr Higgins said that a a fairly large pound, with running water, and a grazing area, would be required. Pounds would possibly be needed in various districts. He did not know’ any areas the council owned that would be suitable for the purpose. About 240 miles of county roads would be required to bo patrolled by the officer, he said. Cr Mulcare suggested that insurance companies, the. Road Safety Council, and the Highways Board should be interested in keeping the roads clear, as well as the County Council. Something should be allocated out of the petrol fund for this work, he said. He suggested that the problem be referred to the County Councils’ Association, but on the recommendation of Cr J. W. Hannan, it was decided to seek the support of the Commissioner of Transport.