WHANGAREI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Northern Advocate, 13 November 1917, Page 1

WHANGAREI COUNTY COUNCIL.

OLD COUNCIL'S LAST MEETING.

The meeting of the Whangarei County Council on Friday last was somewhat on the nature of a valedictory gathering as before the next regular meeting of that body takes place the electors may have caused a change in the personnel of the institution. A good many subjects were discussed and recommendations made which should be of value to the new council. There were present; Crs. J. R. Mclnnes (chairman), A. McLennan, W. Hay, W. Keay, F. B. Hayward, A. H. Morey, J. A. Finlayson, A. c. Phillips, R. Y. Kernohan and ;A. J. H. Currey. COUNTY BOUNDARIES. After discussion of several informal matters arising from the minutes a letter was read from Mr Mander enclosing a communication from the Minister regarding the alteration of county boundaries. Cr. Kernohan entered an emphatic protest against the action of the Minister In dealing with this question and he contended that the Council had been denied the right of a Parliamentary inquiry. The Chairman thoroughly supported the proposal. The decision should not have been given upon a technical, ity, but should have been based on the facts, which abundantly showed the alteration was justified. A motion embodying these opinions was eventually carried. RATE REMISSION. A letter was received from J. T. Wilson asking for a remission of rates upon a certain property owing to one of the owners being on active service. The general opinion of the Council was against a remission, and eventually Cr. Morey moved, and Cr. McLennan seconded, that the applicant be referred to .the Defence Department.—The motion was carried. ANZAC PARK. Mr K. R. Mac Donald in a letter to the Council urged that some effort be made to organise the planting and beautifying of Anzac Park and road. Cr. Kernohan v> armly supported the suggestion. There were great possibilities foefore the park, but he advised careful adoption of proposals. They should see what other districts were doing. GOOD ROADS. A report from the Good Roads Committee resulted after discussion in the matter being adjourned until next meeting; in the meantime the engineer and chairman are to report. AN OLD ROAD. Mr Allison, Parua Bay, wanted permission to graze cattle, etc., upon an unformed road and to fence the same until Mr Harris, who owns the adjoining property, does his fencing.— Permission was refused. IMPROVEMENTS WANTED. Messrs Miller and Matthews asked the Council to improve the condition of the road adjoining their property in Kaitara. They were prepared to give labour to the extent of £90, while the total cost would be approximately £170. Upon the motion of Crs. Kernohan and Phillips it was decided that the grader be put over the road at an early date to make a decent track. Messrs King and Carey, who wanted a road made in the backblocks were referred to the engineer for ?, report. FINANCE REPORT. The financial report showed that the Council's overdraft stood at £10,419 13s 9d; since last meetin . over £2000 had been received—'£l6oo in rates and £499 in subsidy. Referring to the financial position of Wairua riding the chairman .pointed out that while Cr. Finlayson's district was overdrawn about £500 lie had had to face enormous expenditure. No councillor had had such an uphill fight as Cr. Finlayson. He had displayed the pluck to taokle Meldrum's Hill and the work would be a lasting testimony to his service on the Council. WAIPU RIDING. The engineer was instructed to make a visit to Waipu riding at the I earliest possible opportunity and : Tuesday (13th) or Friday (16th) were tfates suggested. NGUNGURU ENCROACHMENT. Cr. Currey reported upon the sea encroachment on the road opposite the Ngunguru school. Arrangements had been made for repairs. A LAW CASE. Explanation was asked as to why the case pending against H. S. Wilson had not been proceeded with. The solicitor explained that he had made arrangements to meet Mr Wilson to" settle the matter. If this were not accomplished he would go on with the case. Eventually it was decided that a committee consisting of the chairman, riding member, and engineer meet the contractor and endeavour to come to a settlement. TUTUKAKA WHARF. The Chairman said he Had been out to Tutukaka to see the proposed site for the wharf. After some general discussion it was decided that Or. OUrrey should call a meeting of the settlors interested to discuss the question and decide what should be done. _________________

MODERATION NECESSARY. The Chairman pointed out that the Council would have to pay its charitable aid and hospital rate in a few days, amounting to £/704, and in view of this fact he asked members to he as moderate as possible :u their demands.

Cr. McLennan expressed the opinion that in view of their big contribu. tion the Council should have more direct control of hospital and charitable aid expenditure. The Chairman pointed out that such a step would mean new legislation. At one time county councils had control and they were glad to get rid of it. G-OOD-RYE. The Chairman, in a few felicitous remarks, wished the old Council good-bye, coupling his valedictory remarks with thanks for unvarying courtesy and assistance.