WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Waipa Post, Volume VIII, Issue 374, 11 December 1914, Page 4

WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the above council, held at Ohaupo on Tuesday last was Ipresided over by Mr R. Fisher. There were also present: Messrs S. Reid, C. Macky, E. Boucher, G. McGhie, C. M. Alexander, G. Steele, D. Cavanagh, and D. Fullerton. MANGAPIKO BRIDGE. Mr D. Bockett, clerk of the Te Awamutu Town Board, wrote asking that the council appoint delegates to confer with members of the Town Board in reference to the most suitable site for the new bridge across the Mangapiko Stream.

A petition was received, signed by eleven ratepayers in the Mangapiko Riding, protesting against the placing of the bridge on the east side of the railway line, as this would not only entail extra expense in the way of a level crossing, but would not be so convenient to the settlers.

The chairman, Messrs Macky and Alexander were appointed to meet the Town Board delegates. PUNIU BRIDGE. A letter was read from the Public Works Department stating that it was proposed to vest the control o f the Puniu River bridge in the Council, and apportion the cost of maintenance equally between the Council and the West Taupo County. As the Counties Act was not in force in the West Taupo, the proportion payable by that County would be paid by the Government. The Council was asked to state whether there was any objection to the proposal, and if so, to state on what grounds.

The chairman considered that the proposal was hardly fair. It was pointed out that West Taupo settlers paid no rates and were using the Waipa County roads frequently. What roads there were in the West Taupo were paid for by the Government, and that money came out of the public pocket.

On the motion of Mr Alexander it was decided to turn the proposal down until such time as West Taupo was declared a county. WATER TROUGH. The secretary of the Paterangi branch of the Farmers' Union urged the necessity of having a watering place for stock at " Havelock's Leap." This was the only suitable spot between Pirongia and Ohaupo, and in comparison with the boon, the cost would be trifling. Messrs Macky, Cavanagh and the engineer were appointed to inspect and report to the next meeting.,

WAIPA RIVER. The secretary of the Waipa Railways and Collieries Company asked for information as to whether the Waipa River had ever been declared navigable. WEST TAUPO BOUNDARY. The Department of Internal Affairs, wrote in reference to a request from the Council for an alteration in the West Taupo boundaries, and stated that it was not considered advisable to make any alterations in view of the fact that the question of bringing West Taupo under the Counties Act was still being considered by those interested. Mr McGhie said that " those interested" had been considering the question for twenty years and would continue to do so for another twenty. Seeing that they paid no rates, it was to the interests of many of the large property owners to keep on "considering," and he would like to see the County keep at it until something definite was done.

The clerk was instructed to write again to the Department on the subject. PIRONGIA SECTIONS. Mr M. Fairell, of Pirongia, wrote asking whether he could have section 449 and 441, in Pirongia Township, by paying the rates on them. At present they were simply one mass of noxious weeds. Mr Alexander said that these sections were reserves that did not seem to have been vested. Three years ago the Council decided to get legal opinion on them, but so far nothing had been done. The clerk was authorised to ask Mr Swarbrick what steps had been taken with regard to absentee sections, also what is the position of reserves not vested. HOSPITAL REPRESENTATION. In reply to a request from the Council for more representation on the Hospital Board, the Department of Public Health wrote stating that the Council's suggestion would be given full consideration when the apportionment was being made for the new Taumarunui Hospital district and which would necessitate a re-casting of the representation for the Waikato district. DANGEROUS ROAD. Mr E. H. Joll,of Teßapa, drew j Council's attention to the very dangerous corner at the junction

of the old River Road and the main road by the finger post and pines. There had been several narrow escapes lately, as the bend was very sharp, and the cutting left no room to pass. Left to Mr Steele and the engineer to inspect and report. METAL SUPPLY. A discussion took place in connection with the engineer's report, dealing with the metal supply. The Portland Cement Co. had intended bringing up their big plant from Morningside to Te Kuiti and would have been in a position to supply any quantity of metal at any time. However, they had been so humbugged by the Railway Department over sidings, part of their land being taken, that the Company were seriously thinking of closing up at Te Kuiti altogether. A committee consisting of the chairman, Mr Cavanagh and the engineer were appointed to interview the Minister of Railways on the question of better facilities for procuring metal and also to go into the matter of a future metal supply for the County. DOG REGISTRARS. Mr P. McCallum was appointed, dog registrar for Mangapiko and Rangiaohia Ridings, Mr Lockett for Pukekura and Mr T. Tebbs for Newcastle, Hamilton and Tuhikaramea. Mr Vile's tender of for dog collars was also accepted. TENDERS. Three tenders for metalling the Hamilton-Tuhikaramea road were received, that of Mr W. Clarkin being accepted. The contract for metalling the Pirongia Low road went to Andrew and Son, and the Ohaupo-Te Awamutu road metalling, was left over until such time as the committee was in a position to state whether metal could be procured. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £1,050 were passed for payment.