MANIOTOTO COUNTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25552, 3 June 1944, Page 2

MANIOTOTO COUNTY

MONTHLY MEETING OF COUNCIL The monthly meeting of the Maniototo County Council on Friday last was attended by Crs L. A. Bleach (chairman). A Kane, E. G. Williamson, J. B. McGill, J. McK. Morgan, T. A. Lowis, G. G. Scott, and Thomas Hall. At the request of Cr Morgan, it was agreed that further drainage and improvement work be carried out on the Ida Valley Swamp road, and that the Railways Department be communicated with in an endeavour to have the drainage of the overflow from the watering tank at Ida Valley Railway Station kept off the road reserve. At the request of Cr Lowis it was agreed that the lowering of the road at Piercy’S Gorge, on the Home Hills Runs road, be carried out at the earliest opportunity. The clerk was instructed to interview the Works Department relative to the lodgment of irrigation water on Chapman’s short cut, and also to arrange for trees to be trimmed back at the railway crossing in Ranfuriy township. Cr Bleach was reappointed the council’s representative on the No. 16 District Highway Council. Correspondence The ■ District Engineer, Works Department, Dunedin, wrote regarding the provision of a new bridge over the Taieri at Tiroiti. —The clerk stated that in company with the resident engineer at Alexandra, he had inspected the site, and receipt of a further report from the District Engineer, Dunedin, was awaited. The council’s delegates to the conference held in Dunedin on May 18 were thanked for their reports. The Whakatane County Council forwarded a resolution urging that the investigation of local body administration should not be deputed to a Parliamentary Committee, but to a Royal Commission.—lt was decided to support the establishment of a Royal Commission in lieu of a Parlimentary Committee. Mr James Clouston, Lauder, requested that something be done to prevent the water from flowing otherwise than under tlie bridge near the blacksmith’s shop at Becks.—The county clerk to reply that when opportunity offered the council would be prepared to carry out the work Mr E. T. Clouston, Ida Valley, wrote drawing attention to the damage being done by the Idaburn Creek on the property of W. McKnlght’s estate and the flooding of other lands.—The county clerk was instructed to obtain a legal opinion covering the position. Proposed Housing Scheme The county clerk submitted proposals covering the erection of dwellings foi workmen, and, on the motion of Cr Scott, seconded by Cr Aitken, it was decided that a postal ballot be taken to ascertain the views of ratepayers prior to taking further action in the matter. Notice of motion was given to strike the same rates and sanitation charges as for the previous year—namely, ljd in the £1 general rate, rubbish removal £1 per annum, and sanitation £2 10s per service. Accounts amounting to £683 16s 9d were passed for payment. The finance statement showed that receipts to date amounted to £3233 Is 9d and expenditure £1531 13s lid, leaving a credit balance of £l7Ol 7s lOd. The position at this date last year was debit £869 11s lOd. Valedictory Cr Bleach stated that Cr Hall, who had served for 36 years as a member for Puketoi Riding, did not seek re-election. Cr Bleach paid a tribute to the many fine qualities possessed by Cr Hall, and thanked him for his assistance and advice during his membership of the council. Cr Lowis then presented Cr Hall with a small token as a memento of his long association with the council, and wished him and his family long life and happini Eacb member of the council and staff also spoke, and .conveyed to Cr Hall good wishes for the future. Cr Hall, in the course of his reply, stated that he had enjoyed many pleasurable associations whilst a member of the council.