WAIMATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19943, 30 October 1934, Page 3

WAIMATE

MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL A BRIDGE PROGRAMME The monthly meeting of the Waimate County Council was held yesterday. Present: The County chairman (Mr H. B. S. Johnstone), Crs. N. A. Rattray, W. Lindsay, j. j. Dickson, Hon. J. Bitchener, A. S. Elworthy, A. N. Hayes, R. Sinclair and H. M. Whatman. - The chairman said that the*death of Mr Walter Hay man had removed a man who had rendered signal service to the district in public affairs for a great number of years. He was the Council’s representative on both the Timaru Harbour Board and the Wainono Drainage Board, and had given honourable service on these as well as on many other local bodies. A motion of sympathy with the relatives was carried in silence. Chairman’s Statement. Mr Johnstone said that during the month he had represented the Council at a meeting of local body officials held in Timaru in connection with the forthcoming visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, whereat it was decided to present a loyal address from the combined local bodies of South Canterbury, a copy of which was before the meeting for approval. It was found that there was a scarcity of bunting with which to carry out appropriate decorations for the occasion, and the Timaru Borough Council would welcome the loan of same from any one owning suitable flags etc. At the invitation of the Minister of Public Works, he had attended the official opening ceremony at the Waitaki Hydro Works on Saturday. The function was very successful, and it was a matter for congratulation that the Government had brought this large undertaking to fruition. It behoved all now to use as much electricity as possible to justify the large expenditure which the institution of the works involved. It was proposed to tender Hon. J. Bitchener, and Messrs R. H. Packwood and T. F. M. Kissell a complimentary social in Waimate on November 19, and he wished to discuss this matter later during the meeting. General. In regard to the erection of a bridge at Ford’s Crossing in Pareora Riding, Cr. Elworthy said this was very necessary and should be proceeded with immediately. After a short discussion, on the suggestion of the chairman it was decided to discuss the matter of the erection of necessary bridges required in various parts of the County during lunch hour in an endeavour to arrive at a decision whereby the money available will be spent to the best advantage. Cr. Elworthy also drew attention to the water table oh Gordon’s Valley road causing damage to his property. The road was perfectly flat and the tabling had caused the water to lie in places to such an extent that it had been impossible to plough some of the paddocks for some years.—Remedial work to be put in hand. In Deep Creek Riding it was resolved that an estimate of the cost of raising the formation of Molloy’s Road should be brought down, and that further protective works should be erected in Waihao River on Fletcher’s frontage near Bradshaw’s Bridge. Cr. Lindsay reported having attended with tbs engineer as the Council’s delegate at a meeting of the District Highway’s Council, and gave details of the business and discussions taken at the meeting. The tender of C. O. Knewstubb, Port Chalmers, at £650 was accepted for renovations to the roof of the County Chambers. Resolutions were passed completing arrangements to abolish separate riding accounts in the County. The loyal address to be presented to H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester on the occasion of his visit to Timaru was read to the meeting and the wording as submitted was approved. Correspondence. Mr P. H. Morey, District Engineer, New Zealand Railways, wrote stating that trouble had been experienced lately through cattle being allowed to graze on the road running parallel with the railway near Morven, where a cow had wandered on to the line and was struck by an engine. A request was made that all possible steps should be taken to stop cattle being allowed unattended in the locality mentioned. The clerk advised that the ranger was j giving the matter attention. A petition signed by eight Morven ratepayers was received drawing attention to the serious damage done to their farms in the Lower Waihao area during the recent floods. They asked that the Maori Road drain improvements should be continued on both sides of the road right to the terminus, and that an improvement should be made at the bridge at Lundy’s Corner which constitutes a barrier to flood waters owing to insufficient clearance. Cr. Whatman said the Council should move u’ith extreme caution in the matter. He was very much against the drain being deepened or interfered with in any way. On the motion of Cr. Sinclair the engineer was instructed to prepare a report on the matter. The Royal Humane Society of New Zealand forwarded an appeal for a donation. A donation of £l/1/- was voted, Cr. Lindsay remarking that being a national body a Government subsidy should be available. Mr W. P. Cameron, Wainui, Hakataramea, wrote asking that attention should be given to the creeks near Grassy Hills, and also that metal should be screened at the gravel pits so that large stones should not be thrown on to the sides of the roads. It was resolved to reply stating that the money available for the riding for the year was already allocated, but the matters would be kept in view for next year. The Post and Telegraph Department wrote complaining that the boughs of a large bluegum tree on the south side of the Pareora Bridge had recently fallen across the power and telegraph lines, and asking that, as there was a danger of a recurrence of this trouble, that the tree should be cut down. The chairman said that this tree was an old landmark of high historical value, and he would be very loath to sanction its removal. Cr. Elworthy said he thought it would be preferable to place the wires underground. It was resolved to reply stating that the Council could not see its way clear to cut the tree down, but was prepared to lop off branches where absolutely necessary. Messrs Jackson and Allen waited on the Council in regard to having a bridge erected on Bourndale Road, and after their case had been stated, the chairman advised them that it had been decided to discuss the matter of bridges during lunch hour. Cr. Bit/’’ ener had put the matter of the bridge very fully before leaving the meeting. They would be advised of the decision arrived at, and the speaker though unable to make any promises, did not think they would be disappointed with the result. Permission was granted to Mr H. J. C. Harper to erect nine telephone poles on the road near his property at

Grassy Hills, subject to the usual conditions. The Waimate Automobile Association wrote drawing attention to the danger to motorists of a culvert near the Tawai School. On the suggestion of Cr. Whatman it was decided to erect white posts at the approaches to the culvert. Mr J. P. Morrison, Arno, wrote complaining that his land was being flooded owing to a blocked drain on the road opposite his property.— Engineer to report. Mr M. Green, Otaio, applied for unemployed labour to clean out a creek running through his property. —It was decided to instruct the clerk to investigate the matter. The South Canterbury Traffic Group wrote requesting the council to appoint a delegate to attend a meeting to be held on November 15 to consider the question of the purchase of a car for the traffic inspector. Cr. Lindsay was appointed as delegate, with power to act. Mr H. Jackson, Makikihi, wrote asking that attention should be given to the road leading to his property, which is in a very bad state. —Engineer to report as to responsibility of Council. A petition signed by 23 ratepayers was received asking that culverts be placed at the intersections of St. Augustine’s Street and Oxford Street and Timaru and Oxford Street.—Engineer to report. The chairman outlined the proposals in regard to a complimentary social to be tendered to Hon. J. Bitchener, Minister of Public Works, and Messrs Packwood and Kissell, Public Works Engineers, by the combined Waimate County and Borough Councils on November 19th to celebrate the successful completion of the Waitaki Hydro Works. —The arrangements were approved. New Bridges On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Cr. Whatman, it was decided to proceed with the work of erecting bridges at Boumedale Road, Ford’s Crossing and Winter’s Creek, and it was agreed that the engineer should furnish a report on structures applied for at Luke’s Crossing and Hurst’s Creek. Cr. W. Lindsay was appointed as the Council’s representative on the Timaru Harbour Board, the position being rendered vacant by the death of the late Mr Walter Hayman. Cemetery Board The Council then sat as members of the Waimate Cemetery Board, Mr H. B. S. Johnstone presiding. The secretary reported that 12 plots had been sold, and seven interments had taken place during the month. Receipts for the period totalled £27 2s 6d. Mr R. Sinclair said that since the Board had taken the grounds over, a great improvement had been effected in their appearance. On the motion of Cr. W. Lindsay, it was decided to request the caretaker to forward reports of work done during the month. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. At the October meeting of the Ikawai Women’s Institute Mrs A. Bell presided. In the specimen bloom competition Mrs Redpath was first and Mesdames Finlay, Mcßae and Milne and Miss Milne were equal second. The other flower competitions resulted: Best jar of narcissi—Miss Clelland 1, Mrs Cleliand 2, Mrs Dugdale 3. Best jar of spring flowers with foliage—Mrs Balfour 1, Mrs Clelland 2, Miss Clelland 3. The results of the competition for a knitted article suitable for show entry were:—Mrs T. Hamilton, junr. 1, Miss N. Hamilton 2. An amusing competition held during the afternoon was won by Misses Milne and Waldie, with Mrs Jackson second. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses Mesdames Rolfe and Redpath. Members of the Institute met at the residence of Mrs J. Mcßae to bid farewell to Miss K. Brown and Miss I. Waldie who are leaving for a holidayin Melbourne. The evening was spent in competitions and musical items. TENNIS At last week’s match in the Waihao Sub-Association’s competitions Makikihi beat Morven by 11 sets 83 games to 5 sets 70 games. Details (Makikihi names first):— Women's singles—Miss Taplin v. Mrs Melton 6-1, Mrs Davie v. Miss M. Wilson 6-4, Miss Geaney v. Miss J. Meredith 6-5, Miss G. Martin v. Miss A. Wilson 4-6. i Men’s singles—L. Shea v. James ! Flynn 0-7, H. Shea v J. Flynn 7-2, W. I Gorinski V. R. Allnutt 7-2, G. Callister v, E. Stewart 7-3. Women’s doubles—Miss Taplin and Mrs Davis v. Mrs Melton and Miss Wilson 4-6, Misses Geaney and Martin v. Misses Geaney and Wilson 2-6. Men’s doubles —H. and L. Shea v. J. and J. Flynn 7-6, Gorinski and Callister v. Allnutt and Stewart 7-5. Mixed doubles —Miss Taplin and H. Shea and Mrs Melton and James Flynn 6-4, Mrs Davies and L. Shea v. Miss Wilson and Jack Flynn 6-2, Miss Geaney and Gorinski v. Miss Meredith and Allnutt 6-5, Miss Martin and Callister v. Miss Wilson and Stewart 2-6.