County Council Replies to Critics

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 115, 16 May 1941, Page 10

County Council Replies to Critics

WEDNESDAY'S MEETING There was a good attendance of farmers at the meeting called by the County Council on Wednesday afternoon, when the chairman of the County Council, Mr. M. O. Grainger, gave a comprehensive account of the council’s stewardship, and replied to criticism , levelled at the County Council by members of the Farmers’ Union. The Mayor, Mr. R. R. Johnston, was in the chair. Opening the meetirfg, the Mayor stated that it was gratifying to see such a large number present to take an interest in county affairs. He voiced the appreciation of the Borough Council and the public for the assistance which had been given by the County Council whenever the borough had occasion to approach the county in connection witn any work or the use of plant and equipment, etc. The Mayor made sympathetic reference to the death of Gunner V. Smith, the first Woodvillo casualty of the present war. The meeting rose as a mark of respect and appreciation of the services of the late Gunner Smith.

Opening his remarks, Mr. M. O. Grainger congratulated the Mayor on being returned unopposed to office. He thanaed the electors of the Maharahara riding for returning him as their representative, which position ho has held since 19US. He also thanked the electors of the Woodville county for being 1 ©turned as their representative on the Dannevirke Bower Board. Mr. Grainger said the meeting was tho result of criticism made by the Woodville branch of the Farmers’ Union. He had got nothing against the union as a whole, and is, in fact, a member himself. In connection with certain rumours iu circulation, Mr. Grainger said that an election .is always accompanied by a Whispering campaign, and as far as he himself is concerned, he is going to ignore them. He was speaking as the County Council chairman, i.e., the mouthpiece of the County Council, and proposed to give an account of its stewardship. In 1923, said Mr. Grainger, an almost new council, of which ho was chairman, introduced a new policy which, he pointed out, was not only the policy ot the present council members but also of several previous members who have since crossed the Great Divide. Referring to what he termed “the famous £IO,OOO loan,’’ which was raised to tarscal roads, Mr. Grainger said that the men did what they thought was right, and he had been the leading | opponent. The county roads had been referred to as “the worst roads in New Zealand,’’ but this was the usual howl at election time. Referring to the Kumeroa Road, ho said that the critics should know that this road is a highwav and is under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department, who must approve the condition of the road before the Government will pay the subsidy. Regarding the private use of the engineer’s car, Mr. Grainger stated that the engineer was on duty 24 hours a day, and it is necessary for him to have*the car with him at all times in ease of any emergency. He always pays his own private running costs. The balance-sheet, which is audited by Government auditors, showed that the average running cost of the car per vear to the county for the period 192030 was £149 3s, against £94 6s for the yearly average between 1930-40. Regarding the use of the council s plant on outside works, the speaker said the council desired to be of service wherever possible, and if the machinery could be spared he was of the opinion that it was more advantageous to hire it at full rates rather than have it lying idle. A loan of £I7OO was raised in 1927 and a large amount of the necessary machinery had been purchased. A garage had also been erected. The council had been most particular in the choice of machinery, and only plant thaJt was entirely suitable for the requirements had been obtained. Mr. Grainger quoted figures in support of his statements, and reiterated that the P.W.D. pays full hire for the machinery. Regarding reduced rates, the Government had taken over the main highways because of the rapidly rising rates which the county councils had been unable to keep up. Speaking of the corrugations on roads, Mr. Grainger said that tho council had done its best to keep these down, but the method had never been found by anybody. in connection with applications for road extensions, Mr. Grainger pointed out that, although the council would like to grant these requests, it meant that if one were acceded to, all would have to be treated alike, with a resultant rise in rates. A similar position prevailed in connection with drainage, and was governed by tho Audit liepartment, and the council could only do work of this nature insofar as it affected county roads. Dealing with the question of culverts and bridges, the speaker said that it was the council’s practice to repair them as long as practicable, at the same time having regard to safety. Vv hen a replacement was necessary, these were constructed whero possible, of concrete, and in tho last few years no fewer than 25 bridges had been constructed, mostly of concrete. Tho estimates contain provision for a further four concrete Dridges. , , Tno hospital levy had been reduced from £2OOO iu 1923 to £llOB at present. Regarding the rates, Mr. Uralnger said that the general rate had been reduced from £5341 in 1924 to £4098 lor 1940-41, this in spite of tlio abnormal increase in costs in all departments. Whilo many other counties have increased their rates, the Woodville county is now’ considering a further I<J per cent, reduction. The average yearly expenses of tho period amounted to £13,950, of which ratepayers had provided an average of £4573. The indebtedness of tne county, which in IJ-o amounted to £21,973, has been reduced to £17,000, although a further loan oi £8915 had been raised. The assets were £3OOO to tho good and tho county has no mortgage ou any farm in its territory.

Iu the old days, said Mr. Grainger, nobody took a great deal of notice of the council’s policy, “not even the Farmers’ Union.’’ Times have changed somewhat, however, and to-day to run a county successfully is a much, more difficult task than formerly. The posi-

tion of the county to-day is such, that petitions had been received to amalgamate with other counties, out these were declined.

Summing up his remarks, Mr. Grainger said that, even to himself, the position of tne county seems increuiDie. The figures He had quoted were taken from tne balauee-sneet, which is audited by the Government auditor. The rates had been reduced almost £IUOU, and the county was “practically giltedged.’’ Tho question of changes on the council rested in the hands of the electors. Farmers’ Union Activities Mr. J. C. Bolton, “as the archcriminal,’’ claimed the riglit to make a statement on tne grounu that lie bad been misrepresented and this claim was allowed by the chairman. Mr. Bolton referred to a published statement regarding tne meeting in which reference was made to members of the executive of tho Farmers’ Union canvassing for candidates, this being misleading as regards the executive uody. After being referred to the press report of tho Farmers’ Union meeting, Mr. Bolton admitted its corrections, but objocted that Mr. Grainger’s quotation was misleading. Mr. Bolton stated that ho was not present at an executive meeting at whicn action was taken as quoted irom a report produced. Mr. Bolton said that it was understood the engineer had permission to use the county car if he provided the benzine and he presumed Unit this also applied to the cuairmau. Mr. Grainger referred to the reduction of running costs of the car and stated that tho question was trivial compared with the large issues involved. Mr. Bolton admitted the excellent state of the councils finances, but stated that Mr. Grainger was putting up straws and knocking them down again. Mr. Grainger stated that he would answer a specific question as to when he had used the car for his private business.

Some time was taken up with questions and answers relating to roads and bridges. The fairness of several complaints regarding delayed permanent repairs was admitted by councilors. Or. E. D. Cattanuch denied the allegation that they had a “one-man’’ council and stated that he had never known the chairman to attempt to force councillors. They worked as a team. From his own experience of local bodies he could say tuat Mr. Grainger had very few superiors in the Dominion in connection with his work. The sound administration of the council had earned the ratepayers’ trust in it to carry on through the difficult days ahead. Crs. R. H. Morgan and W. Galloway each devoted some time to Hospital Board administration, tho hospital building scheme and connected finances,

and in so doing gave a mass of information. Mr. Galloway agreed with Mr. R. 0. Leach that one particular portion of the men’s ward should be made more comfortable and warmer. On the motion of Mr. Grainger a vote of thanks to tho chairman was carried.

Tho Mayor, in reply, thanked Mr. Grainger lor his complimentary references to the mayoral activities and i stated that it had been a pleasure to have the district co-operation in Woodville’s outstanding war effort, which had produced £6 Is per household from the county and £2O per household from Kumeroa district. He was sure that all present would appreciate the contributions by Crs. Morgan and Galloway regarding Hospital Board affairs. A vote of thanks lo the various speakers concluded the meeting.