WAIHEMO COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 13

WAIHEMO COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Waihemo County Council was held on Saturday, and was attended by Crs Cameron (chairman) Clarke, M'Lennan, Bayjy, O'Neill, Rcndall, and Ross. Duncan M'Rae wrote drawing attention to the state of the roads in Nenthorn Valley, particularly opposite his sheep dip where surface water had been allowed to flow over the road and cut trenches in it. On the suggestion of Cr Clarke it was decided that the engineer have this road attended to. Matthew =»Lee, of Green Valley, wrote protesting against the action of the council in deciding to find four months’ work for a team with plough and scoop on tho Pigroot road, and pointing out that the expenditure would be out of all proportion to the benefit to be derived from the work which the team would do. A petition from four other- ratepayers was received relative to the same matter.—After a brief discussion both communications were received, the council deciding not to take any action. R. Matthews applied to have the road from his homestead in Macrae’s Riding put in order. —The engineer was instructed to attend to this road. On the application of James Ritchie the council decided to construct two piers to carry the planks at the Grange crossing; the engineer being authorised to carry out tho work.

The Engineer reported that a guardfence had been erected on the Switchback road and the embankment at the same place widened in Blue Mountain Riding. With regard to Meadowbank Riding he had ascertained the quantity of gravel required for the several cuttings from Cumming’s to Pirie’s homestead, and the total amount- would be 250 cubic yards, at 5s fid per yard. The contracts in this riding were progressing satisfactorily. The money

voted for Ritchie’s road in Dunback Riding had been expended in dealing with a large “underrunner” and maintenance work. The council’s team was engaged in ploughing “side widths” on the Mam road. The road leading from Mr M'Keiizie’s run in Green Valley Riding had been examined and was found to be in a very dilapidated state. This was due to it having received no attention for many years. It would involve the expenditure of a considerable sum of money to put the road in a thorough state of repair, and recognising this Mr M’Kenzie had stated that if three particularly sharp turns were dealt with, so as to enable him to get along \vith a three-horse team and a load of lOcwt, he would be satisfied. This work could be done at a cost of £3O. Ho (the engineer) recommended that it be done.—lt was decided that plans and specifications be prepared for the work to be done on M'Kenzie’s road, and that this work bo partly paid out of the land fund. »

Cr Clare moved and Cr Ross seconded, and it was carried, that a culvert close to Macrae’s township and water-tables in that locality be cleaned out.

On the suggestion of Cr Bayly it was decided to direct the attention to the manner in which- stock was permitted to wander at large in . the Green Valley Riding. It was decided to appoint a surfaceman for Goodwood Riding, and that applications be invited for the position. Accounts amounting to £2lB 14s were passed for payment. It was decided that a rate of Id in the pound be struck over Macrae’s Riding.