COOK COUNTY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12538, 27 April 1935, Page 2

COOK COUNTY

PAST YEAR REVIEWED. REPORT BY CHAIRMAN. Interesting comments on the position of Cook County, with special reference to the improved financial position and expansion 'in reacting, were made by the chairman (Mr. Charles Matthews) in the course of his ari‘nual report to a special meeting of the council yesterday. Mr. Matthews stated:—■ “The financial position has further improved, showing that the optimistic outlook adopted 1 by the council 12 months ago was justified. . Whilst’ from the primary producers’ point of view trade conditions still leave much to be desired, this year’s operations mark the recommencement of a steady progressive programme of road iprovemonts and the consequent development of .the county. This state has been largely brought about by tho council availing themselves of the increased subsidies offered by the Go-, vernment. , “Of tho amount of rates struck, £30,824, the sum of £32,528 has been collected, £B3l was allowed as discount for prompt payment and there is therefore only £3465 or 9.409 per cent, outstanding. In addition to this, £7419 was collected from rates outstanding for previous years. At the close of the financial year ju.st past, the amount of all rates outstanding was £10,260, as against £14,114 at March 31, 1934. “Parliament’s decision to allow a 12.} per cent, subsidy on all rates for the year March 31, 1935, on land used solely for, or principally for agricultural, horticultural or pastoral purposes, assisted this improved position to the extent of £492, as the amount due has been credited to the account 1 of ratepayers who have not, yet paid rates for the year to which the subsidy refers, but without this the collections would have been approximately 90 per cent. MAJOR. WORKS WELL ADVANCED. “Excellent progress has been made in the carrying out of the major works during the past few months, in spite of several periods of very wet weather. As a result of the adoption throughout of the contract system, it has been found possible to carry out quarry development work and general road construction at exceedingly reasonable rates and the standard of workmanship has been excellent. The improvement of the main routes has been the first consideration and efforts have been largely concentrated on the Gisborne-Wairoa, via Hangnroa, main highway. “The council’s staff has been responsible for reconstruction work on portion of Gentle Annie Hill, whilst relief labor under tho Public Works Department is engaged in the recoil stru.ction of Harris’ Hill. 'A total expenditure of approximately £12,009 has been made to date on these works. An old wooden bridge near the >Vaerenga-o-kuri Hall, has also been replaced by a concrete culvert. “On the Gisborno-Opotiki, via Coast main highway, the Public Works Department has in hand the reconstruction and bituminous surfacing of about three miles from Wainui onwards, together with a deviation at Tatapouri Hill. On the Gis-borne-Opotiki, via Motu, main highway, a contract has been let for the extension of the bituminous surface for a further three miles. MAIN SOUTH HIGHWAY. “On the Gisborne-Wairoa, via More re, main highway, the major alterations proposed by the Public Works Department on the Wliarerata and Tarewa Hill sections of this route have been held over pending the completion of the reconstruction work on the Gisborne-Wairoa, via JJangaroa, main highway. A new concrete bridge, replacing an old wooden structure, has been erected near the Muriwai school. “Reconstruction work has also been carried out on the Ngatapa Hill section of the Patutahi-Rere main highway, and an okl and dangerous bridge near the county quarry replaced with a concrete structure. “Subsidies from the Public Works Department on the basis agreed upon in 1929 are being utilised pn various county roads. “Subsidies from the Public Works Department on the basis agreed upon in 1929 are being utilised on various county roads. “On the Mariutuke to Wairoa, via Mangapoike Valley road (Reay .Bridge section) 2} miles of reconstruction work is in progress. This will be bituminised at an early date and the completion of a further two and one half miles of similar work is anticipated during the comiiig season. Several old bridges on the ;Waimata Valley road have been re.newed with concrete structures. ABOUT £IBO PER HIGHWAY “Main Highways Maintenance. — The! total amount expended on high- ■ way maintenance in the county during the past year was approximately £213,000, cn a total- mileage of 127.17 miles, or an .average ..expenditure of about £IBO per mile. Of the total mileage quoted, 47.23 miles are bituminous surfaced' arid the remaining miles, metal, or gravel. An exterimvc programme of resurfacing cf about eight miles of the present bitumen surface has been undertaken and this work ..will, be .continued during the coming year. Supplies of 1 screened gravel have! been utilised’ for maintenance purpose with- improved results. “General- County -Expenditure on .. Works.-—-The sum of £7900 wsjs expended throughout th e.. county in maintaining the existing roads, bridges and culvert’s. Portion of . these .funds ..were, in conjunction with Public Work's Department, sub- , sMies, utilised to carry . out about' two miles of new metalling works ’ and . erecting; . two now. suspension * bridges!’ TliV 'Public Works :• Department have in hand five miles of new metalling on" the Hangaroa-Waf-karemoana road. It is of interest to

note that the total mileage of metal road, other than highways, in the county is approximately 192 miles, making their maintenance cost about £3O per mile. Summary of Expenditure on all works to which the council has contributed : Alain highways construction, £17,000; main highways maintenance, £22,750; loans and government subsidy, £8,100; general county work, £7,900; relief work, £16,-' 200; total, £72,250.

“Relief Works. —It is. pleasing to has taken place during the year m the number of unemployed under the county’s control. The system of employment on farm properties, under the No. 5 scheme has been dispensed with, and al men are now directly engaged on workvi of a public character. Whore possible the council has subsidised the relief wages paid by the Unemployment Board. Tiie total expenditure by the council under the No. 5 scheme this year was £10,200, which is approximately only 55 per cent. cf last year's expenditure. “Extension of Highways.—No effort hn.s been spared ' during the year to keep the claims of the district before the Main Highways Board, and the Manutuko-Wairoa via Mangapoike Valley roavl will be taken over by the board at the completion of the re-oon>Mruction work. Renewed effort, is hoing made on behalf of the .Hangaroa-Tahnra, Wnimata Valley and Brunton’s roads.