TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144857, 8 December 1915, Page 6

TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. Tho monthly meeting of the Taranaki County Council was held in the council’s offices on Tuesday, There were present; Councillors J. Brown (chairman), A. E. Lawrence, J. B. Simpson, W. Binnio, C. Andrew's, D. M'AUum, J. Andrews, J, S. Connett and A. Morton. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The Chairman reported that he had accepted a tender for the supply of 7(X) yards of metal at 2s (id per yard at Lower Tiraaru. Ho had represented tho council at the Conciliation Council in connection with tho general labourers’ dispute, and had secured exemption for the council’s employees, With Councillor Connett bp had met the Freezing Works directors, and had agreed that the council would'offer no objection to a pipe drain being taken across its section, though it would object to an open drain. Hegaidiug leasing tho council’s nine acres, be had decided to call tenders for a five years’ lease at an upset rental of £1 10s per acre. The report was confirmed. ENGINEER’S REPORT.

Tho County Engineer (Mr. R. W. Fif.ior) reported as follows: Crnsning Plant.—During the month the plant nad been engaged at tho following depots Albert Road, half a day, 41J yards; Kent Road, 3j days, 2o- yarns; Jvorito, 5 days, 3G(J yards; total cnisncd, G3Jj yards. The plant was now at Toner’s depot. The old mantlo was so, badly wpru that the metal was excessively larger and it was therefore necessary to order a new Manganese mantle, which had arrived, and was now being fixed, and the crusher should be ready again for work by Thursday. 'Hie large roller had been -working pp tho Junction Rend, in Foreman Batten’s length, seal dying and rolling Iho small or had been tvi tnaratvn front thty Road, after effecting ul d. Improvement to the H. ir ? u l*nout. Tins roller had been with crushing plant at Korito, and W «pito of the bad weather she was working with good results. Moa Riding.—The roads in this riding wore In very fair ordor in consideration of the trying weather, which had rendered patching necessary throughout. Tho heavy winds had brought down a lot of rubbish on the Zig-aag, which hacl since been removed. The big slip which occurred during tho heavy weather of July was showing signs of movement, but it was only possible to watch it and remove slips as they occurred. Tho timber for repairing decking on the Mangauui Bridge on Junction Road had been received.

Mangoroi Riding.—Roads in very fair order, and would show further improvement before the small roller left the district. Application had been received from Mr, Dempsey and others to have tho metalled portion of tho Hospital Hoad, from thn old waterworks to end of present metal, repairer!. This would bo attended to when distributing metal from Toner’s. They also complained of a bad watertablo by tho old waterworks. This referred to a paved crossing which it was already intended to replace by Din. pipes when the new re-mctalling was done. They finther asked for tho portion of unformed and nnmotalled road between Junction Rond and tbo end of existing metal should bo metalled. The distance was 4(5 chains, which would take 667 cubic yards of metal. There would be necessary formation to receive the metal. He estimated the cost of formation and metalling at £403. The present road could be formed up for summer traffic at very little expense by the foreman in a very few days. M’aitara Riding.—Those roads were in good order, but had required considerable attention in patching, etc., during tho had weather. The pipe crossing at 801 l Block factory had been constnietod, and was a success. Ho had considered the advisability of fencing culvert at borough boundary, Waitara, and as tho approaches to tho watering place on the county side of the culvert wore quite safe, Councillor J. Andrews, who accompanied him, concurred that any fencing required was tho borough’s responsibility. Dorset Road Loan. —He had gone into the question of amount of loan required for Dorset Road, and his estimate would bo laid on the table.

Omata Riding.—Roads in this riding wore in good order, with the exception of oiav roads, to which it had been impossible to do anything under the exceptionally bad weather conditions that had prevailed. Arrangements had been made w-ith Foreman Seamark to effect ,)i[ !jnq ‘peoji pjoj.mjj .teddo 0} suiudej was afraid any repairs to this would be only very temporary unless metal was provided. There was a pit quite close (formerly Reardon’s, now Shrimptons), and about six chains, or 87 cubic yards, of metal would satisfy Mr. Walsh, at a cost of £26, if tho council would sanction this.

Okato Riding—Dio main road was in very good order, but the sido roads have suffered from milk traffic during heavy rain, but had been receiving attention as occasion arose. Mr. W. Honeyfield had made him a further offer to provide free 250 cubic yards of boulders if tho council would do tho like, to re-metal tho present metal portion of tho Lower Timaru Road. This road had cut up very badly, and he had absolutely no metal to repair it; and ho recommended that tho offer should bo taken up if riding funds permit. Tho settlers on this road had always boon willing to help themselves. Ho had arranged with Mr, C. Honoyfield to take delivery of the 200 yards of boulders ho was catting free, dumped in his paddock, as tho weather had made it impossible to cart over the road, and he would provide a further 100 cubic yards. Provision can be made,for carting these boulders when calling for tenders for carting from crusher.

lionni Rond Loan.—Only one tender for formation was t received, and this being excessive, with the chairman’s sanction ho was doing this by day work, and good progress was being made. Tho pipes for replacing the Kiri Bridge had been delivered, and tho. work would bo put in hand. The first coat of tarring of the Kihihi Bridge had boon effected. CORRESPONDENCE.

Mr. R. Gibson drew attention to the state of tbo Upper Puniho Road. He had kept the road from his gate to the corner in order for the past two or three years. Ho asked that the drains bo attended to, and that 10 or 12 chains of metal be put down,.so as to enable him to get his milk out by dray instead of having to nso a sledge.—lt was decided to inform Mr. Gibson that a loan was tbo only way out of the difficulty.

Nino settlers on the Koru Road forwarded a petition objecting to tho erection of a stone-crusher plant on the roadside nearly opposite the Koru Hall. They considered the site a most unsuitable one, as the road was very narrow at the spot selected, and in their opinion accidents were bound to happen if

the plant was erected there. .They therefore gave the council express notice that if the plant was erected and any accidents to persons or property arose as the result they would hold the council liable in damages.—Received. Messrs. J. and \V. Hawke drew at; teiition to the state of tho Mangorei Hoad at the end of the present rnetal. A distance of about seven chains had been formed on a hill, but owing to springs it was impassable, and in the winter was dangerous. They therefore asked the council to continue the metal for seven chains, towards the cost of which they forwarded a cheque of £2O. —On tho motion of Councillor Morton it was, resolved to expend up to £4O in metalling. Though the riding was not m a very good financial position, tho mover said he believed in assisting settlers who were prepared to help themselves so substantially.—The Engineer said it would- take about £SO to make a good job, and it was decided to suggest to the settlers that they contribute another £.5, and tho council would give a £ for £ subsidy. It was resolved that if it is necessary to ascertain the boundary of Sir. James' fence in connection with the expenditure of the grant of £SO on the Hill Road, that Sir. James must pay for the same. Sir. D. Jordan is also to he informed that if he wishes the council to do work on the road, ho must he prepared to olfer more substantial help than the £5 proposed, otherwise the council could not do anything on the road. THE HENWOOD ROAD DRAINS. Sir. R. E. Fairfax Cholmoloy again drew the attention to tho stale of the Mangorei Crook and asked the council to lot him know definitely what steps, if any, the council intended to take towards having tho culverts repaired and the creek cleared. Ho pointed out that it was over a year since bo hod given the council notice under tho Drainage Act and ho did not therefore think mat a request for on immediate and definite statement as to the intentions of tho council was too much to expect. After considerable discussion it was resolved to hold tho matter over until next mooting, when Councillor Connett will submit a report.

Mr. L. Hill, secretary of the FrankIcy, Carrington and Mangoroi Settlers’ Association, forwarded a copy of resolution drawing attention to works that required to bo done as follows: (1) Finishing tho metalling of tho Baker Hoad; (2) grading the top end of the Frankloy Road; (3) that the motnl pit on Mr. Grcoby’s bo opened. They pointed out that a big saving in cartage would bo effected if a goed supply ,of metal was secured; (4) that tho cross road past Frankloy Road factory bo metalled. In connection with tho Baker Road, it was stated that £25 was on tho Estimates for this work, which would ho proceeded with when tho settlors found tho balance of the money. Tbo association also drew attention to the need for fencing n dangerous portion of tbo cross road near the Frankloy Road factory. Tho engineer will report at next meeting.

Mr. j. Grooby wrote agreeing to allow the council to open a pit and stating that he would bo prepared to assist with tho stripping to ascertain, tho quality of tho metal. Ho would accept (stl per yard royalty if tho council would fence tho pit and make it safe for cattle. He would also allow a crusher site for £1 per annum.—lt was resolved to offer 3d per yard royalty. On behalf of several settlors, Mr. H. Dempsey asked that tho metalled portion of his road beyond the old water works should bo placed in good repair. A certain amount of motal had Wen promised last year, but nothing had been done. A very awkward watcrtablo crossing tho road at tbo.old waterworks was also to bo piped, but that had been overlooked. They now asked that last year’s and this year’s rates, amounting to about-£250, should bo expended in putting tho road in order. They also drew attention to tho desirability of metalling tho unmotailed portion, about half a mile, connecting with tho Junction Road or at least making it safe for summer traffic. Tho Chairman considered that there was very little to complain 'about tho state of tho metalled road. Tho culvert would bo attended to as soon as tho crushed motal was available. Tho cost of forming and metalling tho uppor portion of tho road would bo £lO3. This had been boforo tho council on several occasions and tho settlers in tho district had been recommended to go in for a special loan. On tho motion of Councillors Andrews and Morton, it was resolved to reply to that effect. A PETITION. Mr. Paddison waited on tho council and asked that n bad hill on tho Upper King Road should bo metalled for a distance of 20 chains. Tho Government had given a grant of £SO. Ho had collected about £25 from the ratepayers, and ho asked for a £ for £ subsidy. Ho also asked that two smaller hills should bo regraded, and offered to do tho ploughing froo. Councillor Connott thought they should help those who helped themselves, and moved that the council subsidise tho work up to £75. This was seconded by Councillor Lawrence and carried. DORSET ROAD. The engineer estimated tho cost of metalling tho Dorset Road from tho Smart to Egmont Road nt £743 15s. Ho did not think that the motal could bo kept on tho hill with its present grade. Tho cost would bo £623 if this hill wore omitted. Tho Chairman thought it foolish to proceed with a loan. It would bo bettor to make a deviation. In reply to Councillor Connett, tho engineer stated that it would cost £SOO to motal from tho hill to Egmont Road. It was finally decided to place tho matter before tho settlers interested. BEACH STONE. ' Councillor Connott asked if the engineer had examined tho stone on tho beach in tho Waitara Riding. If the quality was good it would bo cheaper than carting from Mahoetahi pit. Tho Chairman considered that pit motal was ahead of boach metal. Councillors pointed out that beach motal *was used at Oakura. They could not soo that boaoh metal differed very ranch from river metal. TENDERS. Tenders wore dealt with as follows: 400yds. Stony Rivor, F. W. Cowling, 6s lOd; COOyds. Manganui pit, F. Grylls, is per yard • painting county cottage, Bellringer Bros., £2O. Other contracts were loft in tho hands of tho chairman to arrange. Tenders will bo called for tho supply of dog collars, and alternative applications will also be called for tho collection of dog tax for the year 1916.

CRUSHING OF METAL. Councillor, Morton referred to the

fact that at tho Slangoroi depot this year’s motal was to be crushed as well as last year’s. This would mean that tho riding would have no more metal for two years. He questioned whether it should ho allowed to go on, unless they wore assured there was enough motal available to keep tho roads in repair for two years. Councillor Connett was in favour of crushing two lots at tho one time provided it did not stop other ridings from getting tho crusher. The work was getting behind and this would bo an economical way of catching np with it. Tho Chairman considered it good policy as far as the council was concerned, and the engineer was no doubt saving them money by it. They had dono the same in the Okato Riding whenever they had tho opportunity. Of course tho finances would have to bo considered. After some,further discussion tho matter was dropped. GENERAL. The State Advances Board notified that it would- entertain the application for a_ loan of £BOO for forming and metalling the Lower Pi tone Road. It was decided that tho matter of putting in a culvert at the junction of tho Waitara and Kaiau Roads be left in tho hands of tho engineer. Tho oiler of Mr. W. Houeyfiold was accepted to provide free 250yds. of boulders to remetal tho present motal portion of tho Lower Timaru Road, provided tho council would do tho like. It was decided that all unpaid rates after January 20 bo surcharged 10 per cent.

The clerk or one of tho staff was instructed to visit Inglewood ono day this month and one day in January to collect rates.

The Chairman informed Mr. C. Billing that the work of forming the Carrington Road towards tho Momona Bridge would be put in hand. Tile engineer will report at tho next meeting on regrading a hill on tho Plymouth Road between Mr. Watson’s and the Koru Road. Messrs. Waldie and Smith are to no informed that tho signboard at Egmont Village leading to tho Mountain House is tho property of tho North Egmont Mountain House Committee. Mrs. W. H. Bishop and Mr. H. T ; Bishop each wrote agreeing to pay 25 por pent., of the cost of terming and metalling Bishop’s Road at Beil Block. Patna Hairy Company agreed to pay half the cost of connection of metal from boundary of road to Main South Road at their factory, Timaru. The work will be done. On tho motion of Councillor 0. Andrews it was decided to call tenders for tho Hoani Road metalling to close at next meeting. Tho letter from tho Public Works Department re expenditure of Government grants being undertaken this year hv the department except whore specially provided was received. Mr. L. S. Hart was granted permission to erect hitching posts at Okato, subject to the engineer’s approval. Tho engineer could not recommend tho erection of a bridge over the Maugatukn River. Mr. J. N. Reid was informed that if ho encroached on the Upper Carrington Road with his fence it would be at his own risk. Mr. J.' Ramsbottom drew attention to a culvert on tho Seely Road, which was constructed above the natural level of a stream -and caused a swamp.—Referred to the engineer.

Accounts were passed _ for payment as follows;—Administration £3OB 12s Bd, Moa Riding £77 12s 9d, Mangoroi £303 10s 7d, Waitara £54 6s, Omata £35 5s 9d, Okato £250 19s 2d; total, £IO3O 6s lid.