PATEA COUNTY

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 15 January 1930, Page 6

PATEA COUNTY

MEETING OF COUNCIL At the ordinary meeting of the Patea County Council yesterday there were present : Crs. W. G. • Belton (chairman), W. 11. Watkins, C. Johnston, W. Back, J. Peat, A. J. Gibbs, R. G. Scown, R. Watt and J. Lupton. The engineer reported that- the widening on Honeylield’s length had been completed, while that on Fowler’s and Hall’s lengths had been commenced and metalling was now SO per cent, complete. The length between the Kakaramea 'Hotel and Williamson’s hill was being re-sealed and the sides were being strengthened. In -the Otoia West riding the various side roads near Kakaramea had been graded. The metalling on the various side roads in the Alton and Hurlevville districts were now being proceeded with. Tlie metalling in the Otoia . East riding, according to tlie programme, was complete with the exception of a portion on Southeombe’s, Back’s, Chinaman’s, Cliatterton’s, Niagara and Matuka Roads. These portions would be completed during tlie current week. The length on the Kaharoa highway which was sealed with a first coat last year had been re-sealed.

The plans for metalling on the Ivohi Road in the Waverley riding had been submit ted‘'to the Highways board arid the metalling would b c proceeded with as soon Us approval came to hand. Metalling on the Ivaraliak e Road was completed. Grading was carried out cm the Kohi Road, but the machine had to be brought down for urgent main road work.

In the Mouniahaki riding plans for metalling on tlie Mangam-h io saddle had been submitted to the Public Works Department, and a survey -of the short lengths to be metalled on the Werewereonga Road „ had also been done. The grader had -commenced on the Block VIII Road.

The plans for metalling at Ivainianunka, in the Kapara riding, had been approved and the widening was now in hand. The plans of Ross Road were returned for further particulars which had now been supplied. Tlie grauer had now completed the Lower Waitotara Valley Road both in the Patea county and in portion of the Waitptara county. The work had been very considerably held up b} r the continuous bad ,weather. With regard to metalling the length on the Kaimanuka section it would be necessary for the council to decide at. tip. present ineeting what was to be done in that .connection.

The Ball Road suspension bridge over the 'Patea River also needed repairing, and the engineer asked what action was being taken in this matter.

In regard to the bridge it was decided to ask for a grant of £SO.

MABEN ROAD,

With regard to Maben Road, the district engineer (Mr. P. Keller) advised that the Public Works Department could not undertake to do any work on this road until a reasonable amount of attention was given to it by -the Patea Council. If the council would remove all slips and clear the road sufficiently to permit of the culverts and timber already on the ground being carried forward to the respective sites, the department .would have these installed, but if this was not done at an early date the department would require to remove the materials -to other works.

Tip revenue from the district the road served had never been sufficient for the upkeep of the road, stated the chairman. He suggested that Mr. H. G. Dickie, M.P., be approached with the objec f of obtaining a grant.

Mr. Gibbs said that it looked to him to be a matter of national interest to keep the road open. It was rcslved to ask for a grant from the Lands Department and to get Mr. Dickie’s help.

GENERAL

The chairman and engineer were appointed to attend a conference of members of the Wanganui, Waitotara and Patea counties at Wanganui on Friday to discuss the matter of the appointment of a- traffic inspector for the combined districts.

A penalty of 10 per cent, will be added to all rates unpaid by February 4. A special i-at o of 6-lld in the £ will be levied on tlie Spence Road special rating -area.

Tlie Minister of Lands (Hon. G. W. Forbes) advised through Mr. 11. G. Dickie, M.P., that the proposals in connection with the Hursthpuse Road deviation had been approved. The Commissioner of Crown Lands at New Plymouth was now dealing with the necessary details.

Saturday was agreed upon as the day for tli e weekly half-holiday in the county.

Tlie engineer was instructed to make temporary repairs on the Ball, Hurley and Makino Roads with the object of keeping the road in order until March, when more permanent repairs can oc made.

In reply to a request it wn.s resolved to notify the ratepayers in the Mocawatea Valley that as the revenue set aside for tlie road had been expended, work would have to be suspended in March unless further provision was made. It was resolved that a new motor lorry be purchased by the council.