MANIOTOTO COUNTY COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21951, 12 May 1933, Page 11

MANIOTOTO COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Maniototo County Council was attended by Crs K. Scott (chairman), TV. Howell, H. VV. Davis, E. Morgan, N. Nicolson 1. A. Lowis, W. M. -Mathewson, P. Aitken, and Thomas Hall. REPORTS. The ranger reported that during the month of April, 16 head of stock had been impounded, while 12 head of stock had been released before reaching the pound. The fees collected were:—Pound, £3 8s 3d; ranging, 10s; a total of £3 18s 3d.— Gr Lowis stated that he had been over most of the county roads during the past month, and was surprised at the large number of stock he found at large on the roads. He was of the opinion that the ranger was not carrying out his duties properly. He noticed that according to the ranger'e day book the latter had been engaged in private work for several days. —The engineer stated that the ranger had obtained his permission to undertake some of the private work complained of. — The chairman stated that the ranger would have to obtain permission from himself or the county clerk prior to accepting any work outside the duties of ranger and poundkeeper. —The ranger's report was received. —The clerk stated that it might be in the interest of the council to place the ranger and poundkeeper on the status of a full-time employee.—lt was decided that the clerk should submit a report on the matter for the next meeting. The health inspector's report for the period ended March 31 showed that 43 sanitary inspections had been carried out and three requisitions had been served. — The report was received. CORRESPONDENCE. The Minister of Employment (Mr A. Hamilton) wrote requesting the council's co-operation in connection with receiving and storing goods that may be given to the Governor-General's Relief Fund.—Received. The clerk is to make further inquiries regarding the transport and disposal of contributions. The district public trustee, Dunedin, wrote advising that he was prepared to accept increased Sinking Fund instalments in connection with the council's loans.— Received.

The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., Dunedin, wrote stating that after consideration their directors thought that the council's suggestion that the association should pay the cost of the necessary material (estimated at £2O) somewhat unreasonable, but were prepared to pay half the cost of the material up to £lO on the understanding that the council does the work of piping the drain through- the company's property at ltanfurly.—lt was moved by Cr Howell, and seconded by Or Davis, that the council accept no 'liability in the matter, and renew its offer to do the work provided the association paid the cost of the materials necessary.—lt was pointed out that other property owners situated further upstream had piped this drain through their property at their own cost. The only previous woik done by the council being the placing of the road culvert. — The motion was carried. The audit inspector, Dunedin, advised that there was. no authority for granting a rebate on rates paid within 30 days of date of demand exceeding 5 per cent. — Received.

The Tauranga County Council wrote asking the council's support of the following resolution: —"The Tauranga County Council, while being appreciative of the measures already taken to reduce interest costs generally, urges the Government to institute an immediate exhaustive and open inquiry into the matter of monetary

reform as a means to assist in improving the economic condition of the country."—lt was decided to defer consideration to next meeting. ENGINEER'S REPORT. The engineer (Mr R. J. Black) reported on the work of the county during the month, and mentioned several proposals for consideration in connection with the estimates. Regarding the question of unemployment relief, he stated: —The Ao. ti prospecting scheme i s now well organised, and the three new supervisors will commence reports next meeting. Ihe change over to the new system was completed last week, and is working smoothly. The question of branding and reallotting tents for purchase will be dealt with this month. Practically all the highcountry men are down to lower levels tor winter work, and a very busy time was experienced in changing to new areas. There are still a few men to be placed and provided with initial gear. Ihe gold returns are fairly well maintained at last month's figures. In many of the higher districts it will be necessary to arransre other work beforehand and form a number of groups in readiness for frozen ground and water supplies. Ihe roll now numbers 208, and pay averages £235 a week. It was moved by Cr Nicolson, seconded by Cr Mathewson, and carried, that Enright's bridge over Muddy Creek be replaced by an open ford. , Cr Howell moved and Cr Hall seconded that the engineer inquire into the matter of Healey's bridge over the Hogburn Sludge Channel and report to the next meeting.—-Carried. It was moved by Cr Lowis and seconded by Cr Nicolson that the alternative road from Idaburn coalpit, giving access to Scott's run, including the ford, be _ put in order to allow vehicles to use it. — Carried. GENERAL.

The engineer stated that he would appreciate the council's directions in connection with the employment of men who had recently been employed by the Public Works Department on the Eweburn dam. —lt was moved by Cr Aitken and seconded by Cr Lowis that the employment of these men be left to the discretion of the county engineer.—Carried. The following accounts were passed for payment:—Unemployment vouchers amounting to £1073 6s 5d and general accounts amounting to £405 15s 4d. It was resolved that gravelling between

Paterson's and J. O'Neill's to the extent of £SO bo carried out immediately and be charged to Land Fund. With' the consent of the council Cr Nicolson withdrew his notice of motion in connection with the recent amendment to the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act. . ■ Cr Nicolson stated that on perusing the estimated and actual receipts statement he noticed that fees for hawkers' and pedlars' licenses were conspicuous by thenabsence. —The clerk stated that the fee of £5 was too heavy and the by-law should be amended to provide for a fee 0 f £2._On the motion of Cr Aitken, it was decided to take steps to amend the by-law to provide an annual fee of £2 beinc paid for hawkers' and pedlars' licenses.