WAIMATE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18355, 28 August 1929, Page 7

WAIMATE.

RUGBY SUB-UNION. A meeting of the Committee of the Waimate Rugby Sub-Union was held on Monday night, with the president (Mr P. V. Stevens) in the chair. Other members present were Messrs G. Kilworth, W. Granger, W. Dench, G. E. Bray, R. Eddy, and D. Keyes. A request was received from the Mackenzie Sub-Union that the postponed Burnett Shield match be played at Fairlie on Thursday, September 5. The draw for Thursday resulted as follows: — Seniors. South Canterbury v. Waimate, No. 2 Ground, at 3 p.m. Juniors. Old Boys v. Huimai, curtain-raiser, No. 2 Ground, at 1.30 p.m. Southern v. High School, No. 1 Ground, at 3 p.m. 5-stone seven-a-side. —St. Patrick s v. Waimate, No. 2 Ground, at halftime. Mr D. Keyes was appointed manager for the representative team to play South Canterbury on Thursday, and Mr W. Granger was given a similar position for the fixture against Waitaki on Saturday. Accounts amounting to £B/7/7 were passed for payment. COUNTY COUNCIL The monthly meeting of the Waimate County Council was held in the Council Chambers yesterday morning. Present—Mr J. Bitchener, M.P. (chairman), Councillors H. M. Whatman, S. J. Bailey, Dr. P. R. Woodhouse, J. W. Chamberlain, W. Lindsay, and A. N. Hayes. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors N. A. Rattray and A. S. Elworthy. Before proceeding with the business, a motion of sympathy with the Hayes family on the death of the late Gilbert Hayes was passed. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. Mr Bitchener said that during the month various alterations had been made in the position of Government grants to counties, and it was impossible to state exactly to what extent Waimate County would be effected. The speaker had hoped that the position might not affect their programme to a very marked degree. Members of the staff had been affected by influenza, but were now all back to duty. The county solicitor would attend later at the speaker’s request to discuss the position in regard to converging traffic. LOWER WAIHAO WATER RACE. The secretary of the Lower Waihao Water Race Committee reported that the main race had been shut off on August 12th for annual cleaning operations, and an ample supply of water had been obtained from Whitney’s Creek. An inspection of the whole irrigation system had been made on August 20 th. A considerable quantity of shingle had shifted from a slip into the main race, and an extra man had been engaged to make a clearance. It had been decided to strengthen the protective works with willows at the headworks to prevent the river breaking through to the water race.—The report was adopted. Accounts amounting to £2B were passed for payment. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr E. C. Studholme wrote thanking the Council on behalf of himself and his family for the honour done in presenting them with an enlarged photograph of Mr Studholme’s late father, who had been a chairman of the Council in the early days. Mr D. H. Mclntyre wrote asking for an extension of time for clearing gorse on his property.—A short extension of time was granted. Mr C. L. Hoskins wrote asking to have drainage along his property attended to. —Received. The Canterbury Progress League wrote in reference to the Government’s action in withholding the £200,000 reserved for main highways purposes, and asking for an expression of opinion on the matter. The chairman said that it was not right that these large sums should be withheld, as it would revert to the ratepayers, who would have to bear the burden. Councillor Whatman said that as far as the position could be ascertained from the newspapers, the measures proposed were only temporary, and he did not think much good could be done by moving in the matter. It would perhaps be better to receive the letter. Councillor Bailey said that temporary measures might become permanent, and he did not think the matter should be allowed to rest at receiving the letter. Some move should be made. Councillor Lindsay said the Government’s action seemed to be in the nature of plunder, and he did not agree that the £200,000 should be taken from the Highways Board in such a predatory manner. On the motion of Councillor Bailey, it was decided to support the protests in the matter. Correspondence was received from the secretary of the New Zealand Counties’ Association re the formation of a Main Highways Board for the South Island. The chairman said there would be more expense and nothing to gain by the formation of two Highways Boards, but it was for the Council to decide what was to be done. Councillor Whatman favoured the two Board system, and Councillor Lindsay said the Counties’ Association was the voice of their Council on the subject. On the motion of Councillor Hayes, who said the South Island was very well represented on the Board, it was decided to abide by the decision of the Counties’ Association in the matter. The application of Mr D. Lundon to have his slaughterhouse license transferred to A. Jones and Co. was granted. The Selwyn County Council wrote drawing attention to the alarming spread of Californian thistle, and suggested that Noxious Weeds Boards be formed, as the Agricultural Department had done nothing in the matter. Councillor Lindsay said that to clear the thistle would cost more than the land is worth. The letter was received, Councillor Whatman objecting that the machinery available to deal with offenders as regards noxious weeds was not operating, as officials were too lax in enforcing the provision of the Noxious Weeds Act. St. Paul’s Methodist Church wrote inviting the Council to the unveiling of memorial windows to pioneers in their Church on Sunday, October I. Accepted. Mr W. Fraser, Hakataramea, wrote asking that the top road to Mr Menzies be improved. Councillor Whatman said the road had been inspected some time ago, and he and the engineer could visit the spot again during the month and report. Mr N. Geaney, Makikihi, wrote drawing attention to the danger to

traffic caused by the Makikihi river silting up half-way through his property.—The engineer was instructed to investigate the position and report. The Inspector of Health reported eight cases of scarlet fever and thirteen sanitary inspections during the month. Mr E. Callender wrote asking permission to place a crossing over a water channel in Parsonage Road.— j Granted, subject to the engineer s approval. The Waimate Borough Council wrote in reference to the enactment of bylaws dealing with hawkers and itinerant traders. The chairman said that the county and the borough were differently circumstanced in the matter of hawkers, and Councillor Hayes concurred. It was decided to take no action. Mr L. Kelcher wrote asking that Station Creek bridge be either widened or removed, as it was causing damage by flood water to his property.—lt was decided that willows were the chief cause of the trouble, and until they were removed it was impossible to know what was best to do in the matter, and it was decided to reply to that effect. Mr W. G. Thompson wrote in reference to a dangerous portion of Maungati Road, near Mr Elworthy’s property.—The engineer was instructed to inquire into the matter. Mr C. J. Stanley applied for the erection of a bridge near his property, to prevent isolation in flood time. It was found that the bridge was already provided for in the Estimates, as was Robinson’s bridge, and it was decided to proceed with the work as soon as the necessary authority came to hand. Four ratepayers wrote asking thaf an inspection of property be made on the south side of the Pareora river, near Brassell’s bridge, with a view to preventing possible danger.—The engineer was instructed to draw up a report. Five ratepayers wrote requesting the Council to have gates removed from roads passing through the properties of Messrs Bowker and Lwing.—The engineer was- instructed to look into the matter. Accounts amounting to £2062/17/were passed for payment. FINANCE COMMITTEE. Councillor H. M. Whatman, chairman of the Finance Committee, reported that the credit balance at the Bank in August was £1393/2/2, on fixed deposit £2000; total £3393/2/2. The accounts presented totalled £2062/17/-. Receipts since last meeting totalled £330/17/4, the chief items being—general rates £73/5/2, hospital rates £35/14/5, harbour rates £l3/15/5, heavy traffic licenses £29/19/3, drivers’licenses £7l/5/-, general £37/8/10, petrol tax refund £SO/13/4. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The county engineer (Mr W. P. Black) reported at length on the work of the month in his department. Among other items referred to were the following, mainly in connection with flood damage:— Upper Pareora Riding.—Additional slips are reported on the Pareora Gorge road, and the Dennis truck had been despatched to make this road passable. There was still a considerable amount of flood damage repairs requiring attention, and teams would be hired to remove the larger slips at the earliest opportunity. The ford leading to Gordon’s Valley had been cement grouted. Lower Pareora Riding.—A temporary ford has been constructed at Brassell’s bridge to allow traffic to use this crossing when river conditions are favourable. In addition to the extra length necessary, two piers would have to be replaced with longer piles. Protective works at this site and also on Evans’s frontage would be carefully considered. Flood damage repairs in the riding were practically completed. Otaio Riding.—A good deal of flood damage repairs to fords have yet to be undertaken. Arrangements were in progress to have the bad section between the Bluecliffs school and McAlwee’s put in order and metalled. Makikihi Riding—ln connection with Bean’s application, two bridges were necessary to allow access during times of flood overflow from the Hook river. A 30-foot running plank bridge was necessary to meet the present application. Deep Creek Riding.—The culvert on Hayman’s road had been repaired. If the necessary permission is obtained from the owner, the flooding of Molloy’s road could be coped with by the opening of a drain to carry waters into the creek. . Waihao Riding.—The Station Peak road fronting Mr Garland’s property was now repaired and open to traffic. Another washout on the Station Peak road had been fully restored. Two culverts on the Waihufia road have been restored. The double culvert on Powell’s road was blocked with shingle. In connection with McDonnell’s application, a 20-foot bridge was necessary to carry flood waters. The erection of a dam across the flood overflow would prevent this trouble, at-a cost of £6 if permission can be obtained from the Railway Department. The necessary protective works at the Elephant Hill cutting were estimated to cost £3O. A bog had appeared on the old Shearer’s Hill road, and would be attended to at the earliest opportunity. Hakataramea Riding,—The Deep Creek ford on the Te Aka road was reported to have broken away. Some protective works were necessary at the Hatcheries bridge, where the old netting groynes had broken away.

An exceptional proposition quite out of the ordinary. 224 Acres of Land, in high state of fertility. Latest yields, 70 bushels of wheat, 90 bushels 6f oats, 12 tons of spuds to the acre. Close to town. Good buildings, telephone, el. light, etc. Only £3O per acre, and £7OO cash wanted. Was there ever a better opportunity? Forbes Wallace, Box 47, Waimate.