PIAKO COUNTY COUNCIL.

Waikato Independent, Volume VII, Issue 464, 23 January 1908, Page 5

PIAKO COUNTY COUNCIL.

The .monthly meeting of the Piako County Council was held at Te Aroha on Monday. Present: Crs. T. Gavin (chairman), McGloin, Thomas, Manuel, Main, Donaldson, 0. W. Keeley and McCaw. The Town Clerk of Cambridge asked that the balance of the Council’s contribution of the cost of the high level bridge, JG279, be paid. Resolved, that the balance of the loan money raised for the purpose, J 6230, etc,, be paid., Mr T. Ferrand wrote complaining of the number of horses that weie allowed to stray on the County roads. The complainant was informed that a County Ranger had been appointed to keep the roads clear from straying horses and cattle. A circular letter asking the Council to appoint a delegate on the deputation to the Premier, in connection with the proposal to draw electric power from the Huka Falls, was received from the Mayor of Hamilton (Mr J. S. Bond). The Chairman was appointed to represent the Council on the deputation. Foreman Johnson reported that some of the bridges in the Northern portion of County were in fair repair and would probably last another three years. Most of them had been patched up at various times and provision should be made to have them renewed. The report was received, the Chairman stating that the question of bridges in the County would have to be faced very soon. They would have to borrow money to make roads and bridges. Other local bodies were doing so, and it was not fair to the ratepayers to pay for large works out ot ordinary rates. * The Council could not keep up with the requirements of the district out of rates, and the only solution of the difficulty would be to raise a loan and spend it in doing permanent work. Cr Gavin asked the Council’s permission to mane a personal explanation. He had been accused by insinuation by the Te Aroha News, of having readied up the appointment to the position ot county clerk. This he most emphatically denied, and spoke of the editor in scathing terms. He said to have “ readied up ” implied that he had influenced members of the Council. Each member of the Council in succession stated that Cr Gavin had never spoken to them on the matter, much less tried to influence them. The matter then dropped.