MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL

Waikato Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2443, 13 September 1921, Page 5

MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the above was held at Matamata on Friday last, when there were present: Messrs J. W. Anderson (chairman), J. M. West, H. Rollett, 11. Allen Bent, S. H. Judd, J. V. Kcclcy aud W. H. Allen. Correspondence The treasurer of the Valuation Department, Wellington, advised that the rates collected 1920-21 amounted to £B.llB- 18/4, and that the subsidy of 5/ per £ amounted to £2029 14/7. In. respect to the "Taotaoroa Loan" the State Advances advised that the maximum amount that may be borrowed during any one financial year has been reduced to £SOOO. As applications in excess of this sum have already been entertained since 31st March last, no further application can be considered until after Ist April. There is no objection, however, to the proposed rate of §d in. the £ so long as it will provide sufficient to meet, the annual charges in respect of the loan.

A petition signed by five ratepayers in. the Maungatautari riding, whose farms extended southwards from the Horahora bridge, applied for a rabbitproof gate to be erected on the bridge. The letter drew attention to the serious infliction caused through the rabbit pest. Despite repeated poisonings, trappings and fumigations throughout the year, no headway had been made on account of the pests crossing the bridge from the north. Cr Judd upheld the petition, and strongly recommended a rabbit-proof gate be erected so long as it does not seriously interfere with the traffic. He moved that the engineer make enquiries. Seconded by «Jr Keelcy and carried. Hates The rates struck at last meeting were confirmed. It was decided that the clerk, when necessary, send a circular to all ratepayers similar to that used by the Manakau County Council. It reads thus: "The Council have requested mo to remi7id you that the rates are recoverable 14 days after demand, and as they are urgently in need of money it has been decided to take advantage of this section of the Rating Act this year. The' Council's finances are placed in the present position chiefly through the failures of the Government Departments to pay over loan monies which have been authorised for some time," etc. Finance Accounts amounting to £726 11/6 were passed for payment. Engineer's Report In the course of his report Mr F. Shannon (engineer) stated: — In the Taotaoroa Riding, Land has been engaged in surface work and repairs. At Macnaughton's quarry operations have been started to opon up the quarry in order to ascertain if possible the amount of metal available before removing the crushing plant to this quarry.

In the Maungatautari Riding, Head has been engaged in surface work.