COUNTY COUNCIL

Southland Times, Issue 20538, 14 July 1928, Page 9

COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Southland County Council was held yesterday, the county chairman (Mr L. A. Niederer) presiding over the following: Councillors R. Baird, W. Norman, George Wraytt, J. McNeill, T. Golden, F. Trapski, C. Robertson and E. Bowmar. The Southland branch of the Farmers’ Union wrote asking that the regulations regarding rhe checking of the blackberry pest be strictly enforced, as it would prove a serious menace to agriculture in the province.—To be advised that the matter is one for the Agriculture Department and that the County Council has no power to act. The Long Bush School Committee wrote asking that the foot bridge used by school children be attended to as it was in a dilapidated condition.—Referred to inspector to report. W. Clare wrote advising that the Mokornoko Road required minor adjustments to allow a quick getaway for tidal and rain waters, which were soouring the crown away.—Government loan of £l5O to be applied for. Margaret Matthews, Puketeraki, wrote asking that a road be formed into her property as for 12 or 14 years her land had been practically valueless to her owing to lack of access.—Applicant to be advised that this council considers that any Government money availabl should be used in completing the main road—Lawson Road — leading to this property. A deputation of Edendale residents was received. They asked that the proposed opening of the road line on the estate of the late A. Cranstoun be not gone on with. —Left in the hands of the chairman to visit the parties interested to confer with same and try to arrive at an amicable settlement. A letter was received from two residents of Taramoa drawing attention to the state of McDowall and Millar’s Road, stating that it was impassable for motor traffic and not fit for foot traffic. They asked that the County Council gravel the road.—Council will endeavour to gravel the remainder of this road during the coming season. A. E. Tapper wrote calling attention to the state of the flood gate at Grasmere, which was not functioning owing to bad construction, and stating that at high tides the water was higher than the tops of the drain traps.—Matters receiving attention; the engineer to report on the condition of the other floodgates on this road. The Principal of the Southland Technical College. Mr C. A. Stewart, wrote enclosing copies of the prospectus and asking for the council’s annual donation. —It was decided to grant the sum of £lO. The following report with regard to the proposed timber levy was tabled by the county clerk (Mr A. J. Service). By the Valuation of Land Amendment Act 1926, the value of trees was not retained on the valuation roll. In lieu of restoring timber values to the rolls for rating purposes, section 28 of the Finance Act 1927 provides for a levy not exceeding one half penny per 100 ft board measure, commencing with the current year 1928-29. This levy is in respect of timber cut and converted from the log cut sawn timber. The levy is recoverable by the council as a debt due to it from every miller and such times and in such manner as the council directs. Prior to the repealing of the clause in the Land Valuation Act, the amount of rates collectable for 1926-1927, on interest, in timber values was, for the county, £166 13/4. I would recommend that the levy of onehalf penny be made for the period commencing April 1, 1928, and ending on March 31, 1929. and be made payable on April 1, 1929; also that millers be required to furnish an annual return of timber on April 1. 1929. I would also recommend that the council support the remit to be considered at the New Zealand Counties’ Conference, increasing the levy to one penny 100 ft. The following motion was then carried: That under the provisions of section 28 of The Finance (No. 2) Act 1927, this council intends to make and levy on Friday, August 10, 1928, for the year beginning on April 1, 1928, and ending on March 31. 1928, the sum of one half penny per 100 ft. board measure on all standing trees cut in this county and converted from the log into sawn timber, such levy to be payable in one sum at the office of the Southland County Council, Invercargill, on April 1, 1929. Messrs Alex. Mathieson and James MeLauchlan, Junr., (Greenhills) wrote drawing the attention of the council to the state of the old quarry reserves of Greenhills. One was completely covered with gorse and the other on the east side of the railway would, if nothing were done to check it, be nothing but a wilderness of gorse also. It was hardly fair that they kept their gorse cut if the county and borough allowed it to spread wherever it liked.—The matter was left to the member for the district and the engineer. The secretary of the Balfour School Committee wrote that at a meeting of the committee held on June 18 it had been decided to write to the council in connection with the furious driving by motorists in front of the school and that the council be asked to take steps to check the practice.—The matter was referred to the working foreman to report to next meeting. Mr. W. H. Cochrane, Edendale South, wrote drawing attention to the unfair methods of the council’s contractors with regard to the taking of gravel out of people’s property; some of these contractors did not ask permission to enter their property, cut fences where it suited them and last of all cleared out without paying for gravel taken or damage done. It was high time the council protected property-owners from things of that sort. —Referred to the engineer. Mr. John Fergie, Morton Mains, applied for the gravelling of Moore’s Road.—To be informed that the matter will be attended to in the spring. A deputation was received from the Southland League asking that the council’s donation to the league be increased in view of the importance of the work being carried on. On the motion of Councillor Bowmar it was decided to increase the donation to £ll2 10/-.