MORE AMENITIES FOR WANAKA

Lake County Mail, Issue 17, 17 September 1947, Page 1

MORE AMENITIES FOR WANAKA

County Council Proposals

At its meeting on Thursday last the Lake County Council deliberated, at considerable length on a set of proposals for improvements in the riding and Wanaka township. The proposals were the result of a questionnaire presented to the council by the Wanaka Riding Ratepayers’ Committee. Finality was reached on many points favourable to the wishes of the committee, and in other cases decisions were arrived at at the meeting on Thursday. RATEPAYERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE By means of questions and requests submitted by the Ratepayers’ Committee, the following answers were tendered:—(l) The amount of revenue collected in rates in Vanaka town area is £ 1380 (i.e., 46 per cent, of the Wanaka Riding revenue from rates; (2) £lO3 per annum was spent in the town area over the past two years plus a portion of the council’s share of main highways’ maintenance which cannot be assessed; (3) Suggested improvements by the engineer in the town area were the approach on the main highway from Cardrona, where it enters the town area, also certain other improvements above Mr McLeod’s; (4) The rating in the town area cannot be changed to that of improved value. The County Clerk informed the committee of the salient points in respect to rating systems; (5) Plans and specifications were in the hands of the Public Works Department for sealing Ardmore street; (6) Replying to a question why the rate had not been re- * duced in view of the new valuations, the clerk stated that a revaluation does not bring in extra revenue. It readjusts the rating in correct proportions and obviates anomalies. However, the general rate of 2gd in the £ for the current year is designed to produce approximately £9OO more than last year’s rate revenue; (7) The percentage in cost of administration to total rates collected is 15 per cent. (6 per cent, on the total revenue); (8) The council has no power to prevent the planting of pine trees on town sections. In reply to the question for more adequate numerical representation for Wanaka Riding the following figures of capital values were given:—Arrow Riding £221,470; Greenstone Riding, £109,805; Wanaka Riding, £261,630; Queenstown Riding, £ 148,245; Kingston Riding, £161,735. GLENDHU DOMAIN ACCOUNT Explaining the position of the Glendhu Domain Camping Ground account, it was stated that, the account is not shown separately in the accounts. The total maintenance costs, less fees collected, is added to the item of £44 3s per annum for lepayment and interest on the loan of £6OO and shown as an item of expenditure. The camping ground authority, the Glendhu Domain Board, owes the council £6BB Is lid. It is hoped that the fees will increase in the future and the council be reimbursed as the camping ground shows good profits. The loan expires in 1961. Regarding Maxwell’s road at Mount Barker, the

RIDING INSPECTION

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

The Wanaka Riding Ratepayers’ Committee and subsidiary bodies have been very active in their efforts to secure more equitable rights than in the past, particularly for the township area. The Council and its officers recently met the ratepayers m a conciliatory spirit and, realising that Wanaka Riding provides the highest county revenue, it was conceded that it was deserving of more consideration in future operations. The matter of the more adequate control of the wharves on Lake Wanaka was also discussed.

airman asked the engineer to effect temporary repairs to the .road. Mr Mark Davis, Wanaka Islands Domain Board, thanked the chairman for the information given, which had clarified many points and adequately covered the matters raised by the Ratepayers’ Committee. He invited further questions. In reply to Mr Scurr, the chairman stated that tenders had been called twice for the erection of Spotts Creek bridge, but no response had been received. Mr T. A. Bridgeman expressed his appreciation to the chairman and his officers for the manner in which the committee’s requests had been dealt with. He stated that it was obvious that the town area had not received attention and services commensurate with the revenue it provided, and asked that this matter be given early consideration with a View to improvements such as footways, etc. The county chairman assured Mr Bridgman that the council will, in future, give the town requirements sympathetic consideration. He also stated there were some small amenities which the council could provide. Mr J. R. Scurr, Cardrona, advocated amalgamation of the Wanaka Riding with Vincent County, but the chairman said this question generally was in the hands of the new Local Government Commission. Cr Cockburn thanked Mr Davis for the manner in which the discussions had been facilitated, and assured him that the Council would give full consideration to the requirements of the riding. He paid a tribute to Cr Aubrey for looking after the interests of the riding.

The councillors mode an inspection of the riding on Tuesday, September 9. Dr Blanc accompanied the councillors. Improvements were inspected at the corner of Quebnsbury main highway and WanakaHaast main highway. The engineer detailed the improvements which would ultimately be made at McLeod’s corner as a result of the present reconstruction and sealing of Ardmore street. It was agreed that the corner of Stratford terrace and Russel street be improved by use of the dozer to give safe access along Russell street. It was agreed to level the A. P. Society’s grounds free of charge; that improvements be effected to the corner of McDougall and Warren streets and Warren street. B. H. Umber’s application to connect with Ardmore street drain was referred to the county engineer and health inspector.

The council adopted the report and confirmed the works authorised by the sub-committee. The _ engineer was authorised to finalise arrangements re caretaker for Wanaka Islands Domain Board. Ashes and dust removal was referred to the engineer for report at next meeting. The council approved of the proposed deviation at Faulk’s road, i.e., to take the new road line along the river bank. It was resolved to request the Highways Board to declare