CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 79, Issue 7145, 14 December 1949, Page 7

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

EVENTS OF PAST YEAR OTOROHANGA COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Otorohanga County Council was held last Monday when the chairman, Mr J. D. Wallis, presented his annual report to the Council as follows: I would, at the outset, make reference to the vaiue and importance of Local Government to our community. It is part of the British way of life and is worthy of continued vigilance to see that it is preserved rather than that all authority be placed in immediate control of central government. Councillors are men who live in the district; -they are easily accessible to ratepayers and have every reason to use their energy and initiative in the economic expenditure of funds, whether such funds are provided from rates or from any other source. Over the years our leaders in local government affairs have asked for and received many responsibilities. It ist not • only our privilege but also our duty to accept these charges and when seen fit to carry them into effect for the best welfare and progress of the County. During the last session of Parliament the Counties Amendment Act 1949 was enacted, giving Counties a number of powers they have been requesting during recent years though certainly not all of our requests have Ijeen met. The Clerk is placing before the Council a summary of the more important Changes. Ward Meetings: All meetings of the No. 2 Ward, New Zealand Counties’ Association held since the last report was presented haufe been attended with the exception of one which was held on a Council meeting day. These meetings have been well attended and the Ward system appears to be working satisfactorily. The method of dealing with conference remits will he the subject of a separate report later on.

Counties Conference: Together with the County Clerk I attended the 1949 Counties Conference held in Dunedin. The proceedings of this conference have been supplied to each Councillor. District Highways Council: At the annual meeting of the No. 2B District Highways Council all monies applied for with one small exception were recommended for approval and the necessary authorities issued. I would again urge that these funds where possible be fully expended each year. Finance: The financial position of the Council as disclosed by the accounts for the year ended March 31, 1949 is satisfactory. At this date the liabilities amounted to £2204 5s 6d, with a contingent liability of £424 for 848 shares in the Counties Insurance Co. Ltd., which have been paid io 10s. The assets consisting of cash, shares, sundry debts, stocks, plant, etc., amount to £39,606 19s lid. The Public Debt stood at £31,915 10s 3d, while Sinking Funds in the hands of the Public Trustee amounted to £ll,251 12s Id.

Native Rates: An interesting development inconnection with the problem of Maori Rates was the pronouncement of the Judge of the Maori Land Court at Te Kuiti a short time ago, as a result of an application made by the Waitomo County Council under Section 540 of the Native Land Act 1931, which provides for the alienation of Native Land where the Court is satisfied (a) that the land is unleased and unoccupied and is not kept properly clear of noxious weeds; or (b) that any beneficial owner cannot be found; or (c) that any beneficial owner is in a position which renders it necessary or advisable that his land should be dealt with under this section.

A survey of Maori lands in this County would no doubt bring to light a number of properties where a benefit would accrue if the appropriate steps were taken under the provisions of this Statute. Workers’ Dwellings: The loan monies for these dwellings are available for expenditure and the first building is to be commenced in February next.

Rural Housing: Having undertaken the administration of the Rural Housing Act, the Council is now in a position to consider applications from ratepayers who may require assistance in providing accommodation. Counties Insurance Company: In common with most of the counties in the Dominion, this Council is now a shareholder in the N|2iw Zealand Counties Co-operative Insurance Co., Ltd. The small number of claims made by the Council have been promptly met.

Noxious Weeds: Ample supplies of sodium chlorate and other weedkillers are now available and adequate stocks are held by the Council. The new system of expending the allocation from the Department of Agriculture is now in force and it remains to be seen if it is to prove satisfactory. The thanks of the Council are due to the Department for the grant; During the year the. County Clerk attended a meeting in Wellington of the various counties organisations and Government .departments to discuss the proposed Noxious Weeds Amendment Act. Widespread disappointment has been expressed at the failure of the Government to write this most necessary legislation into the Statutes.

Roads and Bridges: Ordinary work has been carried out on Main highways and riding roads and these have been maintained in good order. Some have had corners taken back and the roads widened. Tenders have been called for the Honikiwi M.H. Filling and it is hoped this work will be put in hand and completed early in the new year. The ratepayers consent to the raising of the loan money for the Tauraroa bridges has been completed and this long delayed project may now be proceeded with. As a result of discussions and negotiation the settlers on the Pirongia Road have made voluntary contributions amounting to £271 10s, and this money, together with a County contribution and Government Grant, is to be expended on removing corners and widening. This was a fine gesture on the part of the settlers. As a result of quarrying operations at Peakes quarry on the Kawhia access State highway during the win- • ter months, the condition of this road was such that the Pekanui Road had

to carry most of the through traffic to Kawhia, causing considerable damage to this road. The Works Department has been asked to bear its share of the cost of the repair work which has not yet been completed. Drainage: After a long delay, work on the removal of willows from the banks of the Mangaorongo River is being carried out, and satisfactory progress is being'made by the contractors. During the year the Council removed a number of blocks in the Waipa River with its own plant. Plant: The running plant has been adequately maintained and is in good order generally. The most drgent needs are the scooping plant which is being built in Auckland and a new grader. One grader is now completely obsolete and it is hoped that the graders now on order will be supplied very soon.

Metal Supplies: During the year the Council took steps to acquire land for metal reserves in order to protect future supplies. The Council will be asked to purchase additional land where substantial deposits of metal are available.

Road Transport: The problem of coping with increasingly, heavy loads on roads and bridges is engaging the attention of all interested parties—the Transport Department, Works Department, distributors of motor vehicles, road users and local bodies. The (difficulty of mfainyaining road surfaces where the metal is becoming thinner while the loads and speeds of vehicles tend to increase is apparent te all concerned. Our thanks are due to the Minister of Works and his officers for their assistance m attending to matters pertaining -to the county. Councillors: This being the-close of another term of office as chairman, I wish to record my appreciation of the co-operation given by members during this period. Staff: The Clerk and Engineer have both attended meetings of their respective organisations so as to keep up to date with modern trends. I would again express my thanks for for the loyalty and efficiency of all members Cf the staff, both inside and outside.