TAIERI COUNTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25238, 29 May 1943, Page 6

TAIERI COUNTY

CR WITHERS ELECTED CHAIRMAN The annual statutory meeting of the Taieri County Council was held prior to the monthly meeting at Mosgiel yester-' day. Cr J. A. Withers was elected chairman for the ensuing year. Other present at the meeting were Crs W. I. Nichol. J. A Gow, F. M. Howell, G. Stevenson, Charles Findlay, T. McMillan, and J. Sutherland. Members paid tribute to the previous chairman, Qr Nichol. Rates for Current Year The estimates for 1943-44 showed that the amount to be found in rates was £12.770. A general rate of 12d in the £1 had produced £16,894 for the year ended March 31 last, and, taking the rateable value of the county to be the same as last year, a rate’ of lid in the £1 would produce £12,770. Members would have to decide whether to reduce the rates or strike the same rate as last year and set aside a sum in some renewal account. Cr Nichol said that the present was not an opportune time to cut the rates. Most farmers were able to pay the same rates as last year, and it would be wise to build up a fund. Cr Findlay said that the auditor had pointed out that some ridings had too large a surplus, which meant that these ridings were being over-rated. The rates were struck only to cover expenses for the year, and each riding should be rated'according to the expenditure in its area. He felt strongly that the rates for North Taieri should be reduced. The county clerk (Mr R. Riach) said that there could be one rate only for the whole county. Gr Stevenson said he thought, it would be an excellent idea to have some funds In hand, as no one knew what the position would be after the war. It was decided that the rates should be the same as last year, and that the surplus should be set aside fon a Bridge Renewal Fund. District Nurse for Mosgiel It was decided to apply to the Otago Hospital Board for a district nurse for Mosgiel and the surrounding district. It was mentioned that a trial of a district nurse scheme was in operation in South Dunedin, but it was pointed out that in that locality those requiring attend tion could be treated at the out-patients department of the- Hospial, whereas Mosgiel and district residents could not readily obtain similar treatment. A nurse was, therefore, more necessary for the latter area than in South Dunedin. General The chairman was appointed to attend an evening to be given by the Bruce County Council to mark Cr H. H. Driver s 45 years’ service as a member of that council. . The Borough of Green Island wrote regarding the drainage of houses in Thoreau and Emerson streets. —The clerk was authorised to confer with the clerk of Green Island Borough and report on the matter at the next meeting. Advice was received of the appointment of Messrs G. Gerring (chairman), W. Barnard, S. Dickson, P. Ralston, and A. Ralston as members of the Grey Cemetery Trust. 'J The chairman and the clerk were appointed to attend the County Conference to be held in Wellington. A meeting of the Taieri Sub-zone Patriotic Committee was held after the council meeting.