BRUCE COUNTY COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25504, 6 April 1944, Page 3

BRUCE COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Bruce County Council was held on Tuesday. There were present: Crs W. J. Sheat (chairman), F. G. Galloway, A. Higgs, A. Craig, T. Gage, D. McGregor, J. Allison, K. Clark, H. Driver, A. King, and A. RenThe chairman referred to the death of Mr A. K. Baxter, of the R.N.Z.A.F., who, prior to his departure overseas, was clerk of Clutha County Council. A resolution of sympathy with Mrs Baxter was carried. Payment of Rates The financial report showed receipts at £11,122 12s 3d (rates £10,374, highways refund £522) and expenditure £1667 13s 3d (South Otago Hospital Board £4Ol, works £277, heavy traffic fees £238, interest £390 15s 4d). The credit balance was £9411 6s 4d. The statement also showed that of the total of £13,385 in rates struck. £13,128 had been collected, leaving £256 10s lid outstanding, compared with £229 11s 6d last year. The total collected represented 98.8 per cent, of the amount struck, compared with 98.3 per cent, last year. All the ratepayers in two ridings (Balmoral No. 1 and Clarendon) had paid the full amount of rates, which was regarded as something of a record.—The report was adopted and (he clerk was congratulated on the very fine results shown. The ranger reported that during the month 10 cows and 1 horse had been found wandering on county roads. A letter was received from Mr J. A. Roy, M.P., explaining why the council had not received a copy of the Local Elections Amendment Bill.—The clerk said there would be a big addition to the roll. The Bill had been passed, and he pointed out that it was the duty of each ratepayer to see that his wife and the members of his family over 21 were enrolled. —The clerk’s action in objecting to the Bill was approved, and it was left to him to make arrangements for enrolments. The South Otago Hospital Board notified that the council’s request for a conference of local bodies to discuss the provision of an old people’s home would be considered when it was possible to go into the matter of providing such a building. ■ River Trust’s Attitude Correspondence was received from the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, regarding the Clutha River Trust's objection to granting a permit to the council to take gravel from the Clutha River. —The secretary of the trust wrote saying there was no evidence to show why the trust should reconsider its decision.—Cr Renton said the objection was a trivial one, and it was decided that a deputation, comprising Crs Renton, King and the chairman, should meet the trust to discuss the matter with it. The council decided, after a discussion, to join the New Zealand Counties’ assurance scheme. The resignation of the clerk, Mr U. Walker, who has been appointed county clerk at Patea, was accepted with regret, several members making eulogistic reference to his services during his term of 11 years as clerk. New Offices Opened

Later in the afternoon the new county office was officially opened with an informal function at which representatives of other local bodies were present. A short toast* list was honoured, and afternoon tea was then served.