Bay County Chairman Reviews Work Sn 1949

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1949, Page 8

Bay County Chairman Reviews Work Sn 1949

KAWAKAWA, Mon. (Sp.).—The annual report of the chairman of the Bay of Islands County Council (Mr H. T. Atkinson), tendered to the statutory annual meeting of the council this month, concentrated on a general survey of the council’s activities for the past year

lyir Atkinson referred first Russell riding member, who, admiration of councillors and r contested election, his place had

to the death of Cr C. S. Foster, le said, had earned respect and tepayers alike. After a kcenly>een ably filled by Cr T. L. Gorrie.

It was pleasing to note, said the chairman, that following the general election, the council's late chairman, Mr S. W. Smith, M.P. had been appointed to an under-secretaryship in the new Government. On the council's behalf, Mr Atkinson had telegraphed congratulations on his appointment. CONSTRUCTIONAL WORKS

then formed, of which he was made chairman, to prepare and present a case to the Government through the Minister of Agriculture. This committee had been of opinion that it would be wise to leave presentation of its case until after the elections. Mr Atkinson said he hoped to be in a position to advise early in the New Year when a further conference would be called for this purpose.

Constructional works during 19-49, although limited, had been important, and had filled several long-felt wants. Biggest of these was the sealing of the Paihia waterfront road at an approximate cost of CIO,OOO. Bridges had been built at K.iwakawa and Orauta. costing £llOO and £750 respectively.

He referred to the departue during the year of the assistant-clerk (Mr G. Winger), who was replaced by Mr B. R. Winchcombe, who also was now leaving to go to a borough clerk’s appointment at Ohakune. PRAISE FOR STAFF

Other constructional works now under way and due to be finished in the next financial year were as follows: Waikino Creek road and bridge, £6350 on account; Whakanekeneke Stream bridge, £2500; two bridges on the Old Bay Road, £3600; Waiharakeke bridge, £1800; Waiotu bridge, £1250; Ramarama bridge, £1000; Callaghan’s road bridge, £400; Armstrong’s access road, £650; Miles’ access road, £200; Moerewa stock oute, £2OO. LOWER HOSPITAL LEVY?

“I have kept in constant touch with the whole staff throughout the year and I have come to the conclusion that both our clerk (Mr J. L. Rayner) and our engineer (Mr S. B. Clifford) have become an institution on which we have all been inclined to lean rather heavily,” Mr Atkinson'stated.

It was intei-esting to note, the report continued, that the 1943 hospital levy on the council was £5152, and that it bad increased in 1949 to £7OOO as a result of the revaluation of the county. “The declared policy of the new Government should result in substantial reductions in this levy,” Mr Atkinson added.

The chairman recalled that, following a visit to Wellington by the county engineer and himself to place the council’s financial position before the Minister of Finance, a special grant of £3OOO had been received from the Government.

“In this respect the county's grateful thanks are due to the Minister of Works (Mr R. fsemple), who assisted us in every way possible to gain our objective,” he said. GRADER POSITION A new caterpillar grader bought in February had proved a satisfactory machine and was now doing excellent work. The chairman made special reference to the grader driver (Mr W. P. Tauri) who, he said, was always cheerful, interested in his job and at all times ready to work long hours. The two old Austin Western graders were badly in need of replacement. One was permanently laid up and the other might be in the same category at any time. He suggested it was no longer economic to run that particular grader. Mr Atkinson outlined the holding of the Idle Lands Conference at Kaikohe in August. A committee was

“The unfortunate succession ot changes in his junior staff have not been at all helpful to Mr Rayner and I take this opportunity of sincerely thanking him for the extra work and worry he has borne so cheerfully The remaining members of the stall have at all times carried out their work both cheerfully and well." Concluding, he said the position of county chairman was not without its pitfalls and worries. He felt that, without the support and cooperation of the Individual members of the council, these pitfalls and worries could easily have been doubled or trebled.

“For that cooperation and keen interest, gentlemen. I thank you one and all. I need hardly add that working with the present personnel of thiscouncil has been a very real pleasure.” On the motion of Cr C. F. Jones, the chairman was warmly thanked by the council for "his very able and comprehensive report.”