WAITAKI COUNTY MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26399, 1 March 1947, Page 4

WAITAKI COUNTY

MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETING

M r James Rodman was in the chair at the monthly meeting of the Waitaki County Council yesterday. There were also present Crs. J. S. Adams, W. G. Gillies, S. M. Taylor, W. E. Aubrey, E. H. Aubrey, D. E. Paton, and A. H. McKinnon. Correspondence

Mr M. W. Austin, Maruakoa, wrote requesting that the roads recently examined by the chairman and assistant engineer be put in order, and agreeing to pay half the cost.—Mr Rodman reported that Mr Austin was prepared to contribute £1 for £1 spent on the roads by the Council, these roads giving access to his properties. If about £IOO wore spent by the Council it would give reasonable access.—The engineer was authorised to make a further inspection, and given power to spend up to £IOO on a 50-50 basis.

A letter was received from Messrs Ongley and Grater asking for an assurance that Leven street, South Oamaru, would be put in order in the event of any of the adjoining allotments being built on.—Referred to the chairman, Cr. Taylor, and the engineer for inspection. The North Otago Progress League Irrigation Farm, Ltd., wrote asking the council’s assistance in cleaning the race between the intake and the company's property.—The chairman and Cr. E. H. Aubrey, the engineer, and Mr Monteith were authorised to inspect the race and report. The North Otago Motor Cycle Club wrote applying for permission to hold a hill-climbing contest at the Coalpit Hill on March B—Granted. The Automobile Association (North Otago) forwarded a copy of the by-law controlling the erection of hoardings adopted by the counties of Waimea, Takaka, Collingwood, and Murchison for consideration by the Council. —The county clerk was instructed to reply that any hoardings over which the council had control would be controlled. Messrs Lee, Grave and Zimmerman wrote stating they had been requested by Mrs E. E. Olds, Nore street, to present a petition to the Governor-General applying to have portion of her property fronting Nore street incorporated in the town of Oamaru and asking for the council's consent to the petition.—lt was agreed to consent to the petition. Mr F. W. Lowen, Foyle street, was granted permission to fence off Collins street during the pleasure of the council. The Waitaki Ski Club wrote requesting the loan of the council’s bulldozer during any week-end it could be made available for work at the club’s hut site at the Awakino Valley.—The letter was received, Cr McKinnon and the engineer being authorised to inspect and report. The resignation of Miss M. F. Thompson from the office staff was accepted with regret as from April 3, and she was thanked for her services to the council. Mr J. G. Dungey, Hampden, wrote tendering his resignation as ranger and dogtax collector as from March 31.—Accepted with regret, Mr Dungey being thanked for his services. Advice was received that the Main Highways Board was unable to grant any extension or modification of the existing main and State highway system.— Mr Rodman commented that the board was spending a great deal of money on the main arterial road from north to south, but with the increase in motor traffic he thought more funds should be made available from the Highways Fund to councils for main highways in the counties, as the burden on the ratepayers was increasing.—The letter was received. The Medical Officer of Health, Dunedin, advised that it had been found necessary by the Health Department to increase the rate of contributions made by local authorities towards the salaries and expenses of district health inspectors.—lt was agreed to accept the existing rate of conribution with the borough council, and to agree to the increase requested. Tenders The following tenders were received for the supply of 2000 cubic yards of gravel to the South Oamaru-Waianaka-rua highway:—J. W. Bradfield, 9s 3d a yard; Stanger Bros., 9s 4d; Mulligan and Son 10s 3d, and Scurr and Jones (Dunedin), 10s lid—The action of the chairman and engineer in accepting the lowest. tender, that of J. W. Bradfield. was approved. Accounts totalling £4094 9s 2d were passed for payment, and 10 building permits were, issued to the value of £8645. Engineer’s Report The 'engineer (Mr J. Wareing) reported on maintenance and repairs carried out to riding roads, bridges and footpaths. He had inspected the Waiareka Creekbridge, and found that it could not be widened to carry large trucks with safety unless considerable strengthening was done to the existing structure. A survey had been made of the deviation' of the Falston Creek road, which would join the highway near the Ohau River bridge and eliminate a length of low-lying road. Preparatory work on the road through Kakanui township was in hand, and the materials for tar-sealing had come to hand.