RANGITIKEI

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 183, 4 July 1936, Page 14

RANGITIKEI

MARTON, July 2.

At the monthly meeting of the Rangitikei County Council, to-day, Or. Iv. W. Dalrymplo presided. Also present were Crs. W. Doole, A. S. Coleman, R. G. Dalziell, L. Hammond, J. McHardy, J. Brice, J. D. Lilburn, H. A. 'Belle and A. Stuart. An application from the headmaster of- the Marton District High School for assistance towards the purchase of typewriters for the commercial classes at the school was not entertained. It was felt that the matter was not one for the council, but for the Education Board. An objection was raised to the way in which dazzling headlights of cars were permitted, and it was decided that the attention of the Minister of Transport be drawn to the danger arising from these. Reporting on the condition of the main highways, the engineer (Mr S. A. R. Hair) stated : Turakina-Cluff road: Reconstruction and metalling has progressed fairly well between Bonny Glen and Gower’s Hill. The contractor has opened up Kinloch’s pit for base course metal and will get the top course metal out of Briant’s pit. During the month the top course metal will be laid between Marton and Bonny Glen. The District Highways Council meeting, was held during the month to consider annual highway construction and maintenance estimates. All this council’s applications were passed except sums for reconstruction of Calico Line, and Curl’s bridge to Crofton. These were eliminated owing to a shortage of funds. The reports of the noxious weeds inspectors revealed that land in the country generally was in good order. In the Pakeha v. Maoris womens hockey match, yesterday, the former were the victors bv 8 goals to 1. MARTON, July J. | The consideration of the estimates i was considerably protracted at yes- i terday’s meeting of the Rangitikei County Council as a result of a doubt in the minds of councillors as to the advisability of going ahead with loan j negotiations. The loans in question , were in respect of bridges reconstruction, but it was decided that no headway could be made with the scheme, which was secondary to the I estimates proper, while the proposals of the Government were unknown. The meeting also decided on substantial increases in rates throughout the county. Every riding is to bear a heavier burden, while the hospital levy was increased from £BIOO to £B9OO, the rate being raised from 1 l-50d to id in the £. A statement of rates showed that the estimated revenue from general rates for 19.1530 had been £19,025 plus the Government subsidy of £2500, a total of £21,525. The receipts for that year had actually been £22,435 4s 4d. The current year’s receipts were estimated to' total £20,700, this representing £24,200 as general rates and £2500 as Government subsidy. Rev. A. Stevenson has been appointed acting minister at the Marton Presbyterian Church. Mr Stevenson was for many years a schoolmaster and inspector, and on his retirement took up church work with much success and was ordained by tile Presbyterian Church of New Zealand to full ministerial status. He has taken over a number of charges during vacancies.