WAIPA COUNTY

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2924, 17 April 1928, Page 5

WAIPA COUNTY

MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETING. GENERAL BUSINESS. The monthly meeting of the Waipa County Council was held at the Council Chambers, To Awamutu, yesterday, when there were present: Crs S. C Macky (chairman), N. Reid, G. S. Clarke, W. McGee, A. N. Storey, S. ttaulbrey, A. Livingstone, J. S. Fisher, J. T. Johnson, E. F. Peacocke, T. Church. The county clerk (Mr T. Grant) and J. W. Civil (county engin eer) were also in attendance. Motor Regulations. The Engineer in omef and UnderSecretary to the jJopartmeiit of Public Works lurvvarded copy of amendments to tho Motor Lorry 5 iieguiations, 15)2/. These amendments amend the definition of a motor lorry, require weights (unladen) to be affixed on each vehicie by June Ist, 1928, and increase the speed limit of heavy traffic motor cars and omnibuses by 50 per cent, thus: A class from 24 to 30 miles, B and C class from 18 miles to 27 miles; D, E and F classes from 1(5 miles to 24 miles, and so on. Another amendment, is that sixteen passengers equal one ton; hitherto the computation was 15 passengers. Mr Swarbrick (legal adviser to the council) interpreted the motor regulations, more particularly as regards heavy traffic, in detail. As regards private motors, these could not be driven at a speed that was dangerous to the public. The chairman expressed the opinion that the regulations were not quite so serious in their effect on the roads as appeared at first sight. County Roads. The county engineer (Mr J. VT. Civil) presented a report in which he suggested that the following roads be considered county roads:— Miles. Chains.

It was resolved that the engineer supply further information, and that the matter be discussed fully at next meeting. Kakepuku Metalling. A petition, signed by seventeen ratepayers of the Kakepuku riding, -was presented by Cr Clarke, asking the council to raise a loan of £4OOO for further metalling of roads in the riding. On the motion of Cr Clarke it was decided to request permission from the Local Bodies Loans Department to raise the proposed loan. Maungatautari Reserve. Re tho Maungatautari mountain scenic reserve, the Matamata County clerk wrote asking for co-operation in appointing inspectors to assist in the control of the reserve provided by the Scenery Preservation Act. If was suggested that one or more suitable persons residing near the reserve, in Waipa County, would be willing to act. Matamata County is appointing inspectors in its territory near the reserve. Left to riding member (Cr McGee) to confer with the settlers in the neighbourhood. Te Rore Water Supply. A petition was received from J. L. Mackey and fourteen Te Rore settlers, asking the council to assist them in getting a water supply from Pirongia mountain. A deputation waited on the council in support of the request. Mr Mackey asked if the engineer's services would be available in the necessary preliminaries in connection Avith the scheme, and if the report were favourable, that tho council take steps to carry out the proposals. The supply would serve some fourteen farms. There had been a water famine in the locality this past season. The council agreed that the engineei report on the matter. Farmers' Union. The To Awamutu branch of the N.2. Farmers' Union forwarded the following resolution: "This branch of the Farmers' Union regrets the remarks as reported being made at last meeting of the Waipa County Council reflecting on the standing of the Farmers' Union, because since the interests of both bodies are largely identical to further these interests co-operation is essential." The above reference was to a remark passed at a former meeting of the council to the effect that the Farmers' Union "did not cut much ice." On tho motion of Cr Fisher, the letter was received. Closing Pukekura Road. Mr J. J. Bridgeman, Pukekura, wrote '' Re closing road through my property, I understand that Mr Vospcr has refused to meet your engineer to discuss this matter. As lam naturally anxious to hare this matter settled, I should

be glad to know what action the council now proposes to take. I have done my best to facilitate the matter and regret very much that the council is being put to so much trouble. I wish to thank the chairman and the councillor for their action in endeavouring to complete the agreement undoubtedly entered into between' the Pukekura Road Board and my late father."

Cr Fisher said this matter had boon before the local bodies for many years. He explained the position, and wished to know if one man could block the closing of tho road. He understood the Pukekura Road Board and tho Matamata County had agreed to close the road if the deviation were made. The road deviation had been carried out, but the old road had not been closed. If possible, he thought steps should be taken to have the road closed.

Replying to the chairman, Cr Fisher said Mr Bridgman's father had given the land for the deviation on the distinct understanding tho old road should be closed. The chairman said that as successors to the Pukekura Road Board tho council should endeavour to carry out the board's undertaking to close this road.

After discussing the matter with its legal adviser, the council decided to adjourn the matter for a month, to enable Cr Fisher to endeavour to arrive at an amicable settlement of the matter in the meantime.

1. Great South Road 30 47 2. Hanrilton-Whatawhata G 50 3. To Awamutu-Pirongia 6 44 4. To Awamntii-Camb'go. 13 5S 5. Kihikihi-Arapuni 20 0 6. Tc Awarautu-Barton 's Coiner 7 s 7. Pirongia-Frankton via Ngahinapouri and Tuhikaramca 16 50 S. Ngaruawalria - Whatawhata 10 8 9. Ohaupo-Cambridgc S 9