COUNTY COUNCIL

Northern Advocate, 14 March 1913, Page 5

COUNTY COUNCIL

I The monthly meeting of the Wha- ( ngarei County Council opened in the i Council Chambers this morning. Present: —Crs A. G. Mackenzie (chairman), J. Finlayson, H. A. Morey, C. Grant, J. C. Miller, Gus McKay, J. R. Mclnnes, A. E. Phillips, and W. Chadwin. DOMAINS. The secretary submitted the annual statement of accounts in connection with the Tapua Domain, w r hich showed a credit balance of £89 2s. The Tangihua Domain showed a credit balance of.£S Ss 6d. —Received. KIRIPAKA ROAD. Messrs Russell and Campbell, solicitors for Colonel H. D. Holgate, wrote to the effect that there was a road already formed through their client's property at Kiripaka. This road is suitable for access to neighbors' properties and objection would be ta.ken to another road being formed through the property. Mr Atkins waited on the Council i.i support of the letter. He said the settlers had been in the habit of using a road through the property. When Colonel Holgate purchased the property the deeds did not show any road through the section though the road had been used for many years. The owners will contest any endeavor to have the track being declared a public road. An effective road could be taken through an adjoining section, the owners of which would lodge no' objection. Cr Grant said the road suggested by Mr Atkins was impracticable, as compensation would have to be paid to another owner. The road at present existing through Colonel Holgate's property had been used as a public road for over forty years. Colonel Holgate would allow of gates being erected at each end of the road until such time as the matter was definitely settled. It was resolved that the Engineer be instructed to inspect the old road and the alternative route as suggested by Mr Atkins, and report at the next meeting of the Council. The Clerk said that in his opinion the road had become a public road! through it having been in use for such j a long time. J It was resolved that Colonel Holgate be requested to provide gates at each : end of the road until such time as the matter is definitely settled. REPRESENTATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT. The following suggestions by the County Clerk were placed before the members of the Council: — As the Minister for Public Works is expected to arrive in Whangarei on Tuesday morning next, I would respectfully suggest that the Council place before him the following important matters — i 1. The principle of £ for £ votes and effect of same in this county. j

2. The question of removing the £ for £ conditions attached to the present grants made by the Government to this county. Also whether the Council, in undertaking (unconditioned) grant expenditure, will be handed over the money as soon as the work has been inspected and passed by the Public Works Engineer; and pointing out that the Council is not in a position to finance Government grant expenditure in anticipation, and that it is only on condition that the contractor waits until the grant money, due is actually lodged by the Treasury to the credit of the county that the Council can proceed with the expenditure. 3. The need of assistance in forming and metalling the main road between Whangarei and Dargaville. 4. The granting of the 10 per cent, additional loan for Wairua £465, and Maunu £520. 5. The need of assured finance. 6. The question of the Government either assuming control of all main arterial roads or the granting of £ for £ subsidies on due loans raised for forming and metalling of such roads. I would also suggest that those councillors who are required to speak be notified to-day in order that they may prepare and secure the necessary data. TIKIPUNGA ROAD. The borough clerk wrote asking that the county engineer meet the borough foreman on the Tikipunga Road to point out the county's requirements in the matter of repairs. Me again pointed out that the borough contractors were not the only ones engaged in heavy cartage on this road.

The engineer reported that temporary repairs were being effected, and that the borough foreman had undertaken to have permanent, work done when the wet weather sets nn. The metal would then set, whereas if metal were put on in the dry weather it would be kicked about and would not set TELEPHONE. Messrs. Clarke, Smith and Williams waited on the council asking them to guarantee the upkeep of a telephone l-'r.e to Whareora, the depot, and Hora Hora.Twenty settlers in the district we re willing to guarantee £1 each. Cr. Morey'thought £12 would cover the cost of the upkeep. It was resolved that the request be acceded to. REPAIRS WANTED. Mr. A. R. Crane asked that repairs be executed on the road between Upper and Lower Ruatangata roads. He" thought that about two days' work with the road machine would suffice. He was quite cognisant of the fact that the council was short of funds, and would be willing to advance the money. It was resolved that the work be done at a cost not exceeding £10, provided twelve months is waited for payment. (Proceeding.)