FAIRLIE COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21186, 5 November 1938, Page 3

FAIRLIE COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS

House for Engineer Discussed Routine Business A proposal contained in a notice of motion by Mr Murray that the Council apply for loans from the State Advances Department for the erection of three cottages, was turned down by the Mackenzie County Council at yesterday’s meeting. Present —Messrs W. R. Davison (chairman), W. Scott, C. J. Talbot, J. Allan, P. Kidd, C. V. Kirke, and Geo. Murray. Mr Murray’s proposal ’.ftis to have two workmen's cottages built at Tekapo and a house at Fairlie for the engineer. Mr Talbot intimated that he intended to move at next meeting that consideration be given to the application for a loan for the erection of an engineer’s residence at Fairlie. The financial statement for the month showed a debit in the fund account of £9151/14/7. Mount Cook Road Advice was received from the Main Highways Board’s representative (Mr F. Langbein) that approval had been given to a proposal for a water drive on the Mount Cook road to prevent flooding. Mr Langbein added that the resident engineer (Mr T. G. Beck) estimated that the cost would be £2350. The Board would find £750 free, representing the State highway work and would subsidise the remaining £l6OO at the rate of pound for pound in view of the relief from highway flooding which should result. The chairman: Is the Council in a position to find the £800? We have our hands full. Mr Scott pointed out that it was a difficult thing to find £lOO out of rates for a job of that type. It was decided on the motion of Mr Talbot that the matter be referred to the settlers, asking if they could find anything towards the cost. Scarcity of Loan Money Information concerning the Council’s loan of £17,000 and £3OOO for the Fairlie water supply and drainage schemes was received from Messrs Foote and Goodman (Timaru). They could say quite candidly that at the moment it would be impossible to raise any loan such as the loans in question on a 31 per cent, interest basis. Actually practically all the Government stocks were returning a full 4 per cent, to-day and it was not likely that investors would buy local body debentures unless they showed at least an equal return. The Under-Secretary of the Department of Internal Affairs (Mr J. W. Heenan) wrote stating that as no objections had been lodged to the proposal, arrangements would now be made for an Order-in-Council conferring on the Council the powers of a borough council with respect to the supply of water. It would enable the Council to proceed with the installation of its water supply and sewerage scheme for Fairlie. Advice was received from the Treasury that an Order-in-Council consenting to the raising of the Fairlie water supply and sewerage loans had been issued. , Requests to Council The secretary of the Fairlie Cycle and Athletic Club (Mr A. R. Cuthill) asked if the Council would continue the fence round the cycle track at the Athletic grounds. This course was necessary because cars had been driven round and over the track. The growth of grass inside the cycle track was another matter which was causing his club concern and wondered if the Council could arrange for the grass to be kept cut. The application was referred to the Improvement Fund Trustees for favourable consideration. The Fairlie Cycle and Athletic Club were granted the use of a room in the grandstand at the Athletic Grounds for the summer months.—Granted. An application for improvement to the approach to the Fairlie Plunket Society’s rest room, was received from the secretary (Mrs A. Goodman). The approach, it was stated, was in a bad condition. The matter was referred to the engineer. The president of the Fairlie Swimming Club (Mr B. F. Hayman) wrote asking for the Council’s assistance in renovating the public baths. The outlet drain was blocked, and needed re-laying, and they would be glad if the Council could supply labour and supervise the work, the trustees having agreed to meet the cost of any material required—Granted. Support Accorded It was agreed to support the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce protest against differential railway rates. The matter was worthy of the support of all local bodies, said the chairman, who added that it was a matter needing urgent adjustment. Advice was received that the Council’s new auto patrol had been shipped by the s.s. Port Auckland, and would probably arrive about the middle of December next. The Inspector of Stock at Fairlie gave the Council notice to destroy rabbits from all reserves within the jurisdiction of the County Council. Mr J. A. Rowan was appointed dog tax collector for the county. The thanks of the Council were extended to the resident Public Works engineer (Mr T. G. Beck) and Mr E. Smith for the courtesy they had shown during the recent visit by the Council to the Rangitata Diversion. ATHLETICS CLUB COMMITTEE MEETS A committee meeting of the Fairlie Cycle and Athletic Club, was held on Thursday evening. Present—J. Macdonald (in the chair), D. K. Clarke), R. McFergusson, E. Ridley, A. W. Saunders, R. J. Creighton, E. B. Taylor, D. Cuthill and the secretary (A. R. Cuthill). In view of the fact that last week’s

sports meeting had to be postponed on account of the weather, it was resolved to run the same programme for next Tuesday evening’s sports. It was pointed out that the committee should do something to foster the social side of the Club’s activities, and to add to the interest it was decided to ask Messrs D. K. Clarke and E. B. Taylor, to give a talk on running and cycling respectively. An effort is to be made to arrange an enjoyable evening’s entertainmtnt for Tuesday, providing for musical items by Messrs Fred Smith, T. Smith senr., D. Barwood, R. J. Creighton and others.

On the motion of Messrs Saunders and D. Cuthill, the secretary was instructed to write to Mr W. Wilmott of Timaru, and express the Club’s hope that he would have a speedy recovery from the injury he received in the Timaru to Christchurch road race. The committee agreed to donate a special trophy to the runner gaining most points during the month of November. The prize to be quite apart from the weekly one, and the Barron challenge cup. “ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN” The merry makers of comedy, Wheeler and Wolsey, in “On Again, Off Again,” which will be screened at the De Luxe Theatre, Fairlie, to-night at 8 o’clock is a laugh from start to finish. A good supporting programme will also be screened.