MACKENZIE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18538, 8 April 1930, Page 12

MACKENZIE COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The n>onthly meeting of the Mackenzie County Council was held at Fairlie yesterday. Present—Messrs 'C. J. Talbot (chairman). F. H. Buckley. V F. Campbell. T. J. Seay. G. Murray, W. T. Smith, J. McCort and W. Scott. Chairman's Statement. The chairman said that there had been a number of conferences during the month. The engineer had attended a meeting at Temuka in regard to the appointment of a traffic inspector for No. 15 Highways Group, but owing to opposition from Geraldine and Levels, no agreement had been reached. He had attended the inquiry in regard to regional planning, which he considered a very ambitious idea. It was proposed to place it under the supervision of delegates from the various local bodies. If the scheme was put into practice, the rateable cost to the Council would be £350. The Director had explained that all this amount, however, would not be necessary. The Obstetrical Society’s appeal had been supported to the extent of £ll by the people of the district. Reserve for Campers. The chairman said he had attended a conference with members of the Acclimatisation Society at Lake Alexandria. to discuss the provision of a camping reserve for fishermen. It was considered that the present huts should be removed to the other side of the valley. Mr T. D. Burnett. M.P., who was present, was of opinion that a grant could be obtained from the Government to form suitable road access. The removal of the hut had been considered, and Mr G. Murray, the owner of the property, had agreed to assist in the work. Mr Murray said that since the conference he had taken the chairman of the Acclimatisation Society (Mr T. R. Mackay), and Mr G. G. Lewis, a member of the Council of the Society, to his son’s property, when it was considered that a road across the swamp would not be satisfactory. He had agreed to allow the huts to remain where they were, and also agreed to a site on the opposite side as a reserve for campers. Finance. The report of the Finance Committee was submitted by the chairman (Mr Campbell), who stated that the credit balance at the bank was £3965 17s sd. That day’s paysheet comprised £1525 18s 8d in the general account and £1 14s 7d in the cemetery account. Receipts during the month amounted to £3033 5s 2d, principal in which were: General rates £182; rents £299; dog tax £137/13/-; heavy traffic £lO7/8/8; Government grants £163/0/7; Main Highways Board £IBB6/16/5 The report was adopted. Cancer Appeal. The secretary of the South Canterbury sub-branch of the Cancer Campaign Society (Mr H. G. Naylor), forwarded particulars in regard to the holding of public meetings throughout the district, and suggested that a meeting be held at Fairlie after Easter. Mr McCort said he had attended a meeting of the Society in Timaru last month, and was of opinion that the appeal was deserving of all possible support. He was not in favour of expending the Council’s funds on public subscriptions, but in this case he would support any proposal to make a grant. It was agreed to give any support possible in holding the meeting. Ministerial Replies. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) wrote stating that he had received the Council’s intimation suggesting the necessity for improved legislation concerning river control and River Boards. He would be glad to confer with the Minister of Public Works regarding the matter. The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. G. W. Forbes) wrote stating that the Department was fully alive to the seriousness of the noxious weeds problem, and every endeavour was being made to cope with the menace. The Cawthron Institute. Nelson, was given every encouragement in its operations, and the Council could rest assured that everything possible would be done to further control the pest. Police Requests. The chairman said that tne inspector of police through the local officer (Constable Mclntosh) had brought under his notice the desirableness of licensing halls in the township. The parking of cars in front of Aorangi Hall was considered to be at present unsatisfactory, in view of the fact that the grassy patch under the trees allowed persons shelter to drink liquor. It was suggested that when by-laws were drawn up some attention might be given the matter. Another question submitted by the police was the necessity for a by-law enforcing persons found riding or driving at night without lights, to give their names when required to do so. It seemed rather a peculiar position, but under the present system an inspector or police officer could be ignored. Engineer’s Report. The engineer (Mr D. Jeune) reported that since last meeting work had been carried out to schedule. Accompanied by the riding member, he made an inspection of the Pareora Gorge Road, and proposals regarding the plantation areas were before the Council for consideration. It was decided to agree to suggestions forwarded by the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Council to acquire two areas on the Pareora Gorge Road for planting purposes. The report was adopted. General. The engineer was instructed to effect repairs on the Richmond Road. It was agreed to advertise the fact that mail boxes must not be erected further than ten feet from the fence line. It was agreed that tenders be called for the year's supply of horse feed. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr McCort, that the salary of the engineer be increased by £SO per year, and that of the lady clerk by £lO per year. The chairman stated that there had been a suggestion at the time of the engineer’s appointment that he be engaged on a year’s probation. The speaker would now like Mr Jeune to know that his work had been excellent and that the Council could not speak too highly of it. Poundkeeper’s Report. The poundkeeper (Mr J. A. Rowan) reported that he had impounded eleven heifers, five cows and two horses during the month. Several prosecutions under the Motor Vehicles Act, were pending. —The report was adopted.