WAKAPUAKA MATTERS.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12764, 4 February 1910, Page 2

WAKAPUAKA MATTERS.

DEPUTATION TO THE WAIMEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

A deputation from the Wakapuaka branch of the Farmers' Union, consisting of Messrs G. Dodson, Jas. Morrison, F. Whitwell, and J. Corder, waited on the Waimea County Council yesterday regarding several matters of interest to the residents of that portion of the county. The deputation- was introduced by Cr Alborough. The first matter dealt with was the proposed bridge over Oldham's. Creek and thci portion of the- Engineer's report deading with that matter was read. The County Chairman and the Engineer, who with Cr Alborough had inspected the site, favoured a bridge not less that 22 feet wide being placed in the middle, of the fordway, while Cr Alborough was in favour of a narrower bridge at the side in order to allow the ford to bo used for horse traffic.

Mr Dodson said that the residents had no objection to a bridge at the side of the ford, but emphasised their desire that the use of the crfeek as a drinking place should not be interfered with, and in the construction of 'a i bridge they did not wish that matter to be lost sight of. They had inspectI ed the site, and found there was room for a bridge 20ft wide at the side, which would leave ample room ior drinking purposes. Messrs Morrison and "Whitwell also urged the importance! of the ford as a drinking place, and the deputation agreed that they would sooner not have a bridge at all than one that would block the use of the creek for the purpose mentioned. AY ifch regard to the declaration of foxglove as a noxious weed, the deputation pointed out that it was a serious thing for the di&trict. The settlers had endeavoured to keep it down, but it was now utterly impossible to do If they were compelled to keep "it down many of the settlers would be ruinod, and Mr Dodson said th#t he would feel inclined to give his property away. Being an annual the more it was cut down the more it came and the best way was to let it run its course. If let alone it would diei out like the Scotch thistle.

It was pointed out to the deputation that the Council had no power to enforce the Act in road districts such as Wakapuaka.

The deputation then referred to motor traffic, and it was stated that motor cars and motor cycles travelled at a great rate, the cycles being wor,se than the cars. They were extremely dangerous to traffic, and the settlers fait that they were entitled to some protection. Mr Morison said that some motorists showed absolutely no consideration whatever, and he suggested that notice boards should be put up warning motorists of the speed they were allowed to travel by the* by-laws.

The question of the danger from traction engines on the Wangamoa road was also alluded to, and it was suggested that such engines should only be allowed on the road on certain days, which should be publicly notified.

Thc< question of the ranger's services being dispensed with was then touched on. Mr Dodson said that since the ranger had been taken off, it had been amply proved that one was needed, as cattle had be>en put on the roads and cyclists and others were nto using lights, which made it dangerous for those using the roads, He said that he understood the local body would contribute towards the salary of a ranger.

Cr Everett wished to know whom the deputation represented. Ho supposed they were the result of a meeting, and lie wished to know who attended the meeting. It was stated that the deputation represented so.ne of the largest ratepayers of the district, and Cr Everett replied that the little man was entitled to consideration also.

The deputation then retired. Cr Alborough then moved that the matter of the bridge over Oldham's Creek be left in abeyance.

Cr Macmahon seconded the motion, and said that the amount offered by the motorists towards the construction of the bridge was insufficient. The Council's finances were required for more pressing needs.

Cr Everett said they should not lightly throw on one side an offer of £50 or £60 and he thought that the motorists should be asked' to allow their offer to remain open until the Council's finances were in a better state.

Or Hoult said the motorists Bhould be considered, especially as they were prepared to put their hands in their pockets, and it was a public highway. He said the residents would gdt over the drinking question.

Cr Macmahon said that as the proposed bridge was absolutely in the interests of the motorists they should find the whole of the money necessary.

Cr Everett said that when the offer of the motorists was made they evidently considered it was ample for their purposes, and they should not bo treated in a cavalier fashion.

Ultimately the motion- waß altered to the effect that the matter be held over for a month, and was then carried it being understood that a written offer wou'.d be obtained from the motorists of the amount they are prepared to subscribe for the erection of a bridge. In regard to foxglove, no action was considered necessary. On the motion of Cr Alborough, seconded b.y Cr Everett, it was resolved that notice boards re the regulation of motor traffic on the Wakapuaka and Wangamoa road be put" up. It was resolved that the Council contribute. £4 towards the salary of a ranger, the Suburban -North. Road Board to mate the appointment.