WAIMATE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 25 June 1924, Page 6

WAIMATE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) COUNTr COUNCIL. The. monthly meeting of the Waimate County; Council was neld on; Tuesday. i-T-'esent—Messrs H. Is. B. Jonnstone (cmurman), A. fc>. Eiwortny n. xU. Whatman, it. Sinclair, ii. Cameron, J. UnnnaJi, W. JLindsay, J. iiitenener, and A. Garland. Tlie cnairman's statement showed a debit balance at tlie bank of £2231 12s lOd. Accounts presented for payment totalled £11443 'Js 7d, wbiie receipts since last meeting amounted to £y/ 12s Id. In tlie -Lower Waihao Water race account, tne debit balance at tne bank stood at £32 4s lOd. Accounts presented; for payment amount ed to £3l. Mr .Lindsay reported that Mr \V. Stewart had consented to act as the Council’s representative on the High School Board. The chairman stated that, since last meeting, he had intervewed the Mayor (Mr W. E. Evans) and they had agreed to the appointment of Air W. Hayman to fill the vacancy on the South Canterbury Electric Power Board. Action ■ approved. The Council decided to call tenders for timber required for various works. Tlie erection of a bridge at Bradthaw’s crossing was held over in the meantime. The chairman stated that the cost of a suitable motor lorry was more than tlie Council contemplated spending. matter' over for twelve months. A motion, closing county roads against heavy traffic during the wintor months was carried. The resignation of the County Clerk and Engineer (Air J. C. McLaughlan) who has accepted a position in the North Island, was read. The chairman and members expressed regret at the impending departure of Air AlcLaugblan and added appreciations of bis work. The resignation was accepted with regret. It was decided to take legal proceedings for the collection of outstanding rates in tlie AVaihao water race account'. CORRESPONDENCE-.

The Levels County Council wrote in relfcivnee to Heavy tramc oy-iatvs. iveeeivecl. 'A letter was read inviting members of tne uounen to attend a meeting of tne xeitapo jjeveiOxJiiieiit League in Tiinaru. iteceived. A letter was received from tho Soutn vjanteruury rower Board, stating that tnev could not admit liability in connection witn amounts ol : ±142 Is 3u, amt bo2 Ms txl erection expenses), deducted from tne Council's payment.

Hie chairman said he bad read tne Act, and was not sure wnctner tney, (,1110 council) were iiaDi© to pay or not. The letter was received. Tho Union Bank of Australia notified the Council that tiioy wore entitled to curry an overdraft up _to £21),00U A resolution authorising tho' Council to borrow up to trim amount was carried.

GENERAL. Councillor Sinclair stated that ltd had received complaints about the slate of Wallace’s road, and the road at Want’s crossing, - Thu engineer was instructed to in.spout and report to tho Council, Air Bituhener applied for and tv as granted Jeuvo of absence during the lurthconiiutj session of Parliament., Alotioiin authorising ilio writing ell of unoollectahle rates and the suing for of uiilleuiuble oiit&Uunllng rates, wero carried, RlitlNU BALANCES, A. lengthy discussion took place, regarding the disposal of riding balances.

Mr Whatman said the Couhcil was in the same position to-day as ; it was twelve years ago as to the method of uisposmg of ruling balances. He suggested a friendly action in the [Supreme Court to solve the question. Air Elworthy said that his riding had a credit balance. Ho would like to have the money to spend in the riding'. , . The chairman suggested rating the County as a whole. Ridings in credit should have the benefit of the credit. Tho total credit of ridings at the end of last year stood at £3054. Air Garland said that at the time of the antecedent liability, they made the mistake of not getting a loan, whtich would have paid the interest and sinking fund, and would have been taken out of the County fund. Ridings in credit could get the money by going to any court of law. Mr Whatman moved that the opinion of the Council’s solicitor be obtained as to the probable cost of a friendly action in the Supreme Court. Air Elworthy seconded the motion. Mr Lindsay said ho would _ opposo the motion as lie did not _ think the solicitor could give ati estimated cost. After further discussion the motion was altered to rend: “That this Council enter into a friendly Supremo Court action to decide the differences of opinion in regard to riding balances. The motion was earned, Councilloi Lindsay dissenting. ° 'Hie homo of select and disunctive jewellery Unique designs in antique Chinaware, Royal Doulton Sets, Dinner Services and Rustless Cutlery —E. Stewart Mills, watch and clock repairing carried out by an expert staff. Cups and medals and trophies supplied at shortest notice. If in doubt consult E. S. Alills, the Waunate Jeweller. ...