MANY COMPLAINTS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume VLI, Issue 3385, 23 September 1935, Page 5

MANY COMPLAINTS

NETHERTON RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION RE-FORMED The Netherton Ratepayers’ Association which was an extremely active organisation between September 1922 and June 1927, has been revived and from the attendance at the meeting in . the Netherton Hall last Thursday there is indication that on this new lease of life it will be an organisation of which much will be heard. Mr. T. Vowles, chairman of the old Association, who convened the meeting, was appointed to preside. There was an attendance of 20 ratepayers despite the shortness of the notice. Mr. T. Vowles, in stating the need for a Ratepayers’ Association, said that county rates were increasing at an alarming rate and it was probable the Hauraki Plains was the only county in the province where this was happening. If an association was formed, it could ask the County Council to attend a meeting to explain its actions. On the motion of Mr. P. Harold, seconded by Mr. F. T. V. Johnston, is was decided to re-form the Association. 7 Officers. Mr. T. Vowles was appointed president, Messrs. F. T. V. Johnston and P. Harold vice-presidents, Mr. W. Richmond, secretary, and Messrs. S. Grundy, T. Cleasby, A. Brooks, L. T. Fisher and J. Walton the executive with power to add to their number. Membership Fee. It was agreed that the membership subscription be 5s a year. Water Supply Scheme. The first question to be brought up for discussion was the proposed Hauraki Plains West water supply scheme Mr. L. T. Fisher asked what the cost would be. '■ Mr. T. Vowles said that it was a vital question. Farmers were asking for derating yet they were to be asked to vote on a loan poll which would put a charge of 2s or 3s per acre 'on their land. Mr. W. Harold said that it was all right for the president to talk He lived on the riverbank where the water problem was not serious but there were others who -wanted water at almost any cost. It was time to raise the question when the County Council was able to say what the probable cost would be. The Highway Fund. Let us start the ball rolling to get all ratepayers in the province to demand that the Giovernment cease raiding the Main Highways fund, said Mr. Vowles. Mr. Brooks: That ball has been rolling for years. The Farmers’ Union has been pushing it. County Rates. Mr. McKain suggested that the meeting take up something nearer home. There was the question of the increase in county rates. He moved that Cr. J. A. Reid be invited to . attend the next meeting to discuss rating and other county business. —Carried. Roading. Mr. T. Vowles expressed the view that grading of roads was a waste of money and did more harm than good. In his opinion the metalled roads should be scarified and rolled.. Mrs. L. T. Fisher said that grading would be satisfactory if there was any metal to shift. Mr. A. Vowles said that grading would be worth while if the machine was usd to;cut the grass back. At present the grass was spreading in to such an extent that the roads were becoming one-car width. Mr. A. Brooks said that the purnose of the Association was to get the county rates reduced. It was no use asking for better roads and less rates. Donations by County. The fact that the County Council gave away the ratepayers’ money in donations to such objects as a recreation ground at Waiomo, was mentioned by Mr. Vowles who suggested that Cr. Reid be asked to explain the Council’s policy on the matter. This was agreed to. Neglect of Side Roads. Mr. A. Vowles alleged that the County Council was neglecting the side roads. On Rangiora Road there were many ruts in need of metal. Fisher’s Landing. The fact that Fishers’ Landing was now in such a neglected state that if was in danger of falling into the river was mentioned by Mr. L. T. Fisher who said that a great quantity of goods were landed at this wharf. It was decided to bring the matter lof ore Cr. Reid. i

Removal of Dwelling.

Mrs. L. T. Fisher stated that at the building of the Waihou River stopbank, the Public Works Department had suggested moving her house back or, alternatively, of tar-sealing the road along the frontage of the house to overcome the dust menace. She had agreed to let the house remain if the road was sealed but it had not been done. It was decided to take the matter up with the Public Works Department. Noxious Weeds. Complaints of the growth of noxious weeds and tall fescue along the roads and river bank were voiced by several speakers and it was decided to ask the riding member to give the matter attention. Next Meeting.

It was decided that the president inteiwiew Cr. J. A. Reid as to the date of the next. meeting and that the date be advertised in the “Gzaette.” Regular meetings will be held on the first Wednesday in each month.