WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 58, Issue 4189, 26 May 1939, Page 3

WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING HELD. GENERAL BUSINESS TRANSACTED. Cr. S. C. Macky, presided at the monthly meeting; of the Waipa County Council on Wednesday, held in conjunction with the statutory annual meeting, and also present were Crs. J. T. Johnson, G. S. Clarke, W. McGee, G. S. Hall, J. W. Garland, R. J. Graham, N. Reid, E. F. Peacocke, F. L. Onion, D. B. Livingstone and T. Church. The clerk, Mr T. Grant, and engineer, Mr J. W. Civil, were in attendance. Centennial Celebration Souvenir Badges: Messrs. H. Odell & Son forwarded a sample of a celluloid souvenir centennial badge and a quotation for the same.—Received. Amendment to Motor-Drivers’ Regulations—Road Safety: The Commissioner of Transport forwarded a copy of an amendment to the MotorDrivers’ Regulations.—Received. Waikato Hospital Levy.—The secretary, Waikato Hospital Board, forwarded a copy of a report setting out the reasons for the increased nett requirements for the ensuing year. The increased sum to be found by the Waipa County Council is £2,132 4s 7d The chairman reported the discussion and decision (already published) at a conference of representatives of contributing local authorities last week. The Hospital Board had found it impossible to carry on with less money than budgeted for. The communication was received. Waikato Hospital Levy: The secretary of the Te Awamutu branch of the New Farmers’ Union forwarded a copy of a resolution passed by the branch as follows: “That this executive fully supports the Waipa County Council in protesting against the recent increase by the Waikato Hospital Board for hospital rating charges.” The writer added that his Union has contended for many years that hospital rating should be abolished, and the cost made a charge against the State.—Received.

Kopu-Raglan Main Highway: The Commissioner of Transport advised that a police report of an accident which occurred on the 22nd of February, on the Frankton-Whatawhata Road at its intersection with Howden’s Road, had been received by his Department. It was stated therein that the view of the drivers of the vehicles concerned was obstructed by trees growing on a knoll at the junction of the roads. It was pointed out that while it is realised that carelessness on the part of one of the drivers concerned was the main cause of the accident, it is often felt that in such crises accidents could be avoided if drivers had more time in which to realise their position. In conclusion the writer stated that he was referring this instance for the consideration of the Council in case some action was thought necessary in the interests of road safety. Cr. Livingstone thought removal of the trees was unlikely to effect much improvement, but the engineer recommended cutting eight of the trees. —Referred to the engineer for attention.

Te Awamutu - Cambridge Main Highway:—The chairman of the Monavale Settlers’ Association advised that at the annual meeting of his Association, held on May 18th, members expressed concern at rate of deterioration of the unsealed portion of the Te Awamutu-Cambridge Main Highway, and pointed out that even after the road has been graded up it is sometimes almost as bad as ever within 24 hours. They urged that the Council proceed with the work as soon as possible in accordance with the promise made prior to the taking of the poll of ratepayers.—A reply is to be forwarded stating thlat application has been made for authority to proceed with sealing the whole section.

Auckland Territorial Army: The president of the Auckland Provincial Employers’ Association forwarded a copy of a letter received from the Mayor of Auckland appealing to every employer to assist in the building up of the Territorial units to their fuH strength, and suggesting that this could be accomplished in two ways—firstly, by recommending employees to join up with a Territorial unit, and secondly, by encouraging them to attend parades and camps after they have joined, allowing time off duty for the purpose when practicable.

The chairman expressed the view that the time had arrived for all eligible man to undertake training for defence purposes. Universal compulsory training was desirable.—lt was decided, to reply to this effect, with the comment that the Mayor’s proposal does not go far enough io achieve the object desired. National Peace Council’s Conference: The Secretary of the National Peace Council of New Zealand stated that the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. M. J. Savage, had expressed nis belief in the urgent need for a world conference on economic and other questions affecting the peace of the world, as a means towards ending the present terrible tension between the nations. In this laudable wish he was supported by a very large section of the thinking people of every country. In both England and America there is a strong movement sponsored by some of the outstanding figures in literature, religion, art and politics, which has grown rapidly and is supported by industrial and other organisations. A form expressing appreciation of the Prime Minister’s sentiments in this respect, and petitioning him to go ahead as quickly as practicable in the direction he has indicated, was forwarded for completion by the Council. Cr. Onion thought the objective could not be reached, and he instanced the recent action of the British Prime Minister in going to the leader of another nation, obtaining a definite undertaking, which very soon afterwards was ignored. Cr Johnson said moral support should be given to the objective. Every thinking person ardently desired. peace. It was decided to give support to the proposal. Maternity Benefits: Notification was received that the National Provident Fund Commissioner would not pay out maternity benefits if claims.

for such had been made on the social security funds.

Main Highways: The Main Highways Board advised that it would be unable to undertake commitments for a total amount in excess of the total amount authorised last year. Only in exceptional cases would an exception be made. No additional mileage of main highways would be declared in the present year. It was stated that Waipa Council had last year applied for declaring of further main highways, linking upp gazetted main highways. These applications had been deferred last year on the understanding that they would be reconsidered this year. The road from Rukuhia cheese factory to the Narrows was a case in point, and it was expensive to maintain. Representations will be continued with special reference to the road named. Another road needing declaration is the Te Kowhai-Te Rapa, and another was the Te Awamutu-Paterangi length.