DEBIT EXPECTED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21573, 8 February 1940, Page 4

DEBIT EXPECTED

Finances of Levels County

Chairman’s Statement “I have gone very carefully into the finances of the County, and it seems as though we will finish up the year a bit on the wrong side,” said the chairman of the Levels County Council (Mr T. B. Garrick) at the monthly meeting of that body yesterday. Mr Garrick added that although they would be on the wrong side, he did not think the position would be serious. They had to pay £5OO to the Centennial Memorial and while there was provision for it on the estimates it was a bit of a knock to them. They would have to pay another £5OO next year, and that would complete their contribution. Giving details of the financial position, the chairman said that the debit balance on December 19 was £13.250/4/4.. During the month £l9B/18/1 was drawn, increasing the debit to £13.449/2/5. Receipts since last meeting totalled £2959/18/6. Accounts to be met amounted to £1553 2/11, leaving the debit that day £12,042/6/10.

Footpath at Washdyke The Washdyke branch of the Crown Tenants’ Association sought information regarding the formation of a footpath at Washdyke, which had been promised by the Highways Board. It was decided to reply that the work would be done as soon as possible. Bridge Needed Two ratepayers at Tycho wrote asking that the washout at Cargill’s, on Driscoll's road, be attended to. Tire engineer advised that a bridge was necessary, and this would cost £2OO. It was agreed to apply for a Government grant to enable a bridge to be erected. Tender Approved Mr F. Langbein, representative of the Highways Board on No. 15 District Highways Council, advised that the tender of Contract Cultivation, Ltd., for Fraser’s corner, and the Kingsdown and Normanby corners had been approved. Refund of Fees In connection with the proposal of the Minister of Transport (Hon. R. Semple) that counties should refund one-third of the licence fees collected by them instead of retaining the full amount, as in the past, the Council agreed to adopt the proposal. The chairman remarked that if they did not accept the proposal, there was a danger that the counties might lose the lot. The clerk read correspondence in which the Minister stated that if the preposal Was accepted, he would not touch the fees again while he was Minister of Transport. Motor Drivers’ Regulations The Transport Department forwarded proposed amendments to the motor drivers’ regulations, and asked for comments on them. The proposals were favourably commented on, with the exception of one “persons under the age of 24 will not be permitted to drive a taxi-cab,” the council deciding to suggest that the present regulation, setting the age at 21, be retained. Heavy Motor Vehicles The Transport Department forwarded proposed amendments to the heavy motor vehicle regulations, one of which was that any light truck up to four tons laden weigh 1 (that is, with heavy traffic plates from A-D inclusive) if owned by a farmer or market gardener and usfed by the owner exclusively in connection With such business, will qualify for a reduction of 50 per cent on the heavy traffic fees normally payable. Mr Cameron contended that the farmer who paid a heavy licence fee for a truck which he used on his farm as Well as on the road should benefit by the reduction. In his opinion ail classes should be treated alike. After a general discussion, the Council agreed to approve the proposed amendments. Seadown Drainage The engineer (Mr A. R. Callander) was appointed to examine and classify all rateable property within the Seadown Drainage District into the following classes:—(a) Lands receiving or likely to receive immediate and direct benefit from the drainage works;; (b) lands receiving or llkeiy to receive less direct benefit therefrom; (c) lands receiving. or likely to receive only an indirect benefit therefrom; (d) all Other lands. Ratepayer Protests Mr G. G. Haynes, Cave, wrote protesting against the Council's system of road drainage on the recent deviation on Blakemore's Hill. Under the present method of drainage. Ills property had to carry all flood water. The engineer was instructed to report on the matter to the next meeting.

Present at the meeting were:: Messrs T. B. Garrick (chairman), R. w. Munro, J. E. P. Cameron J. Scott, D. Grant and R. G. Cleland.