HUTT COUNTY COUNCIL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6313, 13 September 1907, Page 9

HUTT COUNTY COUNCIL

Tho monthly meeting of this body was hold yesterday. Present—Councillors J. Wakoham (chairman), T. H. : Robinson, J. Whiteman, F. T. Moore,; IL J. Jillotfc, W. Galloway, M. W.| Wokih and M. J. Lynch. THE MAKARA RIDING. The Council bold a special mooting] to rescind so much of the resolution, passed on August 27th related to, the collection in any riding of Icssi than the full amount of the rate pro-i posed to be struck, on the ground that 1 such a proceeding is not within the power of the Council. The Council rescinded the portion of the resolution referred to, and agreed to make a grant of £IOO to the Makara Road Board. WORKS INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The usual monthly report of the Inspector of Works {Mr J. W. Oudby) stated that there was very little worthy of note to report. The bridge in Moonshine had been completed and would bo of groat benefit to the settlors dirring the milk and wool seasons. On the upper Tekapo road there wore a few very dangerous places; the road was breaking away, and something should be don© to save it. The road should also bo fenced at the most dangerous places, which would bo about five chains. As instructed at last meeting, bo had inspected the ■ Woraroa drains, and ho estimated that the cost of complying with the wishes of the deputation would amount to £64 13e. .Permission had been given to Dr Findlay to erect a fence at Day's Bay. It would not in any way interfere with the road or traffic. On the motion of the- chairman' the report was adopted. PROPOSED ROAD TO MTJNGAROA. Councillor 'Whiteman introduced a deputation of settlers from Mungaroa, who asked to be allowed to lay out a now road between Mungaroa and the Upper Hutt, half a chain wide, through tho flats comprised in Mr Pinnock's property. Mr Seed, saw-miller, Mungaroa (a member of tho deputation) explained that tho reason they wanted a halfchain road was that they had collected a certain sum of money—almost sufficient to buy tho land necessary—but if they wore permitted to have a halfchain road through the flat, it would moan that they would have to purchase an aero loss, and would give them more money in hand. Ho had interviewed the Chief Government Surveyor that morning, and had been informed by him that the Council had perfect authority to accept a halfchain road, whether Air Prnnock gave his consent or not, but if he wished to cut up his land later on he could not cut it up unless he dedicated the other half-chain necessary to make tho road a chain wide. The road would bo of great convenience to milkmen and others. Councillor Lyuoh; Me would have to get tho Colonial Secretary's sanction* The chairman: I * don't think we have power to do it. Councillor Moore: It can exempt in the case of any existing road, but this is not an existing road, Tho owners of property will have to dedicate the remaining half-chain afterwards, if the property is to be out up for subdivision. Air Seed observed that it was only intended to make a bridle track at the present time. Councillor Moore thought that was but the thin end of the wedge, and that the Council would be asked to form and metal the road in a year's time.'

Mr Seed disclaimed any sudu intention. Ho mentioned that the Mungaroa settlers had already subscribed some £l5O, which would probably be increased to £IBO later, on. They had seen Mr Wilford, who did not think there would be any difficulty in getting a Government, subsidy of pound for pound on .what had been already raised. The road was going to be of great benefit to the Mungaroa settlers, as it would shorten the distance to the Upper Hutt by some thre© and a half miles. It would also open up a very valuable gravel pit' in the Mungaroa streamOn the motion of the chairman, secraded by Councillor 'Whiteman, it was resolved that the request bo aoceedcd to,, so far as lies in the power of the Council. Counsel’s opinion to be obtained. ! GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY. The Valuation Department notified that the .payment of the Government subsidy, £568 10s 3d, had been authorised. Councillor Moore: If the Road Board districts did not exist our subsidy would bo £ISOO. We lose about £IOOO on account of Makara and Plimmerton. Mr H. D. Atkinson (secretary): More than that. Last year you collected £1915 in rates and you got £SOO on that. If there had not been any Hoad Board you would have got £1250. BELMOiNT TOWNSHIP. The Public Trustee wrote stating Shat in February, 1902,the Council published notice of intention to take eertain land in Belmont, but a proclamation did not appear to have been issued, acquiring the land. Notice if as served on him as representing Mrs Alice Chapman Stevenson. She wasi inquiring as to the position, and, ho wished to know if ihe proclamation was subsequently gazetted, or, if not; If the Council intended to do anything further in the matter. On the motion of Councillor .Welch, ft was resolved, “That the resolution passed on October 9th, 1906, be given effect tcf, and the land required bo taken under the Public Works Act.” The resolution referred to was “That no action be taken unless the settlors interested pay all claims for compensation.” UPPER HUTT AFFAIRS. • A letter was road from Mr J. Brown and fifteen other ratepayers asking that footpaths bo constructed in Prince’s and Martin streets, Upper Hutt. Councillor Whiteman observed that the streets mentioned had been newly toetalled, and were certainly very rough for pedestrians, especially for ladies. Councillor Moore- did not think the Council had power to construct footpaths except on the main roads. The matter was allowed to stand ever until next meeting to enable tbo Council to ascertain its position in regard to the formation of footpaths in side streets. Mr M. Luckic, solicitor, attended in connection with an application to exchange a portion of land on Mabey and Bongo’s estate. Upper Hutt, for an old disused road, which interfered with the frontages for subdivisions] purposes. On the motion of Councillor White-

man, .seconded by Councillor -Moore, the exchange asked for was sanctioned. FINANCIAL. Accounts amounting to £s72 7s lOd were passed for payment.