KAWHIA COUNTY COUNCIL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 68, Issue 5939, 5 May 1944, Page 3

KAWHIA COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING PARTIAL DE-RATING FAVOURED

The last meeting of Kawhia County Council before the elections was held recently, when there were present: Crs Beatson (chairman), Smith, Phillips, McAllister, and Neeley. By virtue of the alteration of boundaries and Cr McKibbin’s riding being absorbed in the Kauri-Awaroa riding, that councillor has retired, and will not seek re-election. The Council placed on record its appreciation of Cr McKibbin’s work on behalf of his riding and the county generally. Discussion took place on the Local Elections Act, and it was decided that a strong protest be made to the Counties’ Association. Crs Smith and McAllister favoured partial de-rating of lands, and the chairman and Crs Phillips and Neeley expressed the opinion that the day was not far distant when farmers would have to take direct action to secure justice.

The clerk reported that 93.58 per cent of the rates had been collected by 31st March, and that the Oparau riding had the wonderful collection of 99.25 per cent of rates struck. The probability of a keen contest in that riding would make ratepayers keen to be on the roll. They, of course, did not foresee the alterations in the franchise.

Cr Neeley recommended that a deputation of the new Council, consisting of the chairman and Kawhia South members wait on the Waitomo County Council regarding the CavesLemon Point Road.—The recommendation was well supported, the chairman contending that both north and south were in great need of better access.

At the close of the meeting members of the Council bade farewell to Cr McAllister, who has decided not to seek re-election. Several speakers stressed the help he had always given them in county matters. There will be at least three new members out of seven on the new Council, as two of the present councillors will not seqk re-election, and Tahanu riding will introduce one new member.