WAITOMO COUNTY COUNCIL

Waipa Post, Volume XIX, Issue 1075, 9 April 1921, Page 5

WAITOMO COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING!.

The monthly meeting of the Waitomo County Council took place on Thursday. Present: Crs J. Wall (in the chair). P. Potts, R. Were, C. K. Wilson, B. Smythe, Hargreaves, and W. Lee.

Leave of absence was granted to Cr Wynyard, and Cr Murphy was also absent.

Rangitoto - Tapairn.

The clerk reported having sent the following letter to the Minister of Public "Works: "Considerable dissatisfaction exists aimong the settlers in the Rangitoto and-Tapairu districts in regard to the progress made by the Public "Works Department in opening the Otewa Road from, its junction with the Tiapairu Road to connect with the formation fronting sections 1 and 3, block 1, Pakaumanu S.D. They state that a school has been built fronting these two sections, and children living on the Tapairu Road and the Ahuroa Road cannot get to it in winter, as there is a big swamp between the school and the Tapairu along the Otewa Road, and that it becomes impassable. The Education Board has threatened to close the school on account of the attendance, which would be a big disadvantage to the district. Appeals have been made to our Council, and I have been instructed to urge you to note the urgent necessity for opening this piece of road." Pongarelm-Ngapaenga. A deputation from the Pongarehu Road ratepayers waited on the Council asking that work be don© on it at once if only to ensure the continuance of a mail service, not to mention the getting of cream to the factory. The chairman, in reply, said the Council had had the matter in its mind for some time, but the difficulty was want of money and the requisite machinery as well as the scarcity of material, etc. Their funds' had been unduly strained, and he did not know where the money was to come from.. The settlers had been asked if they would be agreeable to a loan "being raised, and they said they were not; so it was a matter of getting the money out of the Council's funds, and that appeared to be an impossibility. It was always a matter of time when ■dealing with the Public Works Department, and it took long to agree with the 'Department regarding plans, etc. It was a question where they were to get the money from. A contractor had been out only the day before to look at the work contemplated and to see the metal.

The engineer said that Mr Tate had reported that he was prepared to start metalling and spawling at once, but of course he (the engineer) could do nothing until he knew whether the money was available. At the suggestion of iCr Hargreaves the chairman explained to the deputation the steps the Council had taken to press the Sawmill Company for the payment of a royalty for the compensation of damage done to the road by carting of timber, and said the proprietor had acknowledged his liability, but would not agree with the Council's demand of 3d per ton per mile; in fact, he had threiatened to close if the demand was insisted upon. However, the Council intended to collect something from this man, and that without delay. Whatever was obtained from that source would be expended on the road in question. The cost of the metalling would be about £4OO.

Cr Were reminded the chairman that the road was under the control of the Council, and as far as he knew the Government could compel the Waitomo County Council to put the road in order. He could quote similar cases in which the Government had acted as he suggested. It was isurely the local body's duty to keep the road in repair, and it had not done so. The chairman said the Council could not do any m'ore until the matter had been discusised by the Council, which would 'be done at that meeting. As to the suggestion of Cr Were that the Government could take the work on and take the cost from the county subsidy, that sum would have to be charged to the Mairoa riding, and it was a question whether the whole of the ratepayers in the riding would be agreeable. If the Council did the work, as the deputation suggested, there would have to be a special rate raised, and would they agree-to that? The deputation here retired. Later, in referring to the matter, the chairman said the Ngapaenga deviation would probably be a charge on the Mairoa riding. Even if the Council obtained a subsidy it would mean an additional £l5O. This, with the Pungarehu Road, would mean £450 at least.

The matter was discussed at length, and Cr Were thought the clerk's idea to get the settlers to agree to raise a loan and find half the cost of approaches to a bridge was good. He moved that the settlers on the Pungarehu Road be asked to raise a loan sufficient to repair the road between the sawmill and Cole's creek; also to find half the cost of making approaches to the Ibridge; and that the clerk attend a meeting of the settlers to explain that the interest on same could be paid out of the general fund and charged to the riding. t Waitomo Caves Road. The engineer stated that he had had to change the place to get metal for the Hangatiki-Waitomo cross road. Mr Tate had obtained a crusher, and would undertake the whole of the work at a price about £IOO below tne engineer's estimate. The amounts promised by the Limestone Co. (£500) and Parker, Lamb, and Co. (200), with a subsidy, would mean £I4OO. However, this would be some £2OO less than the amount required. If the Council could get the Government's consent to use shingle metal instead of limestone there would be a saving, as there would be no rolling required. Of course there were 25 chains more than originally estimated. On the motion of Cr Were, seconded by Cr Potts, it was resolved that tV question Of dealing with the private tender of Mr Tate for metalling and generally improving the HangatikiWaitomo Road from the railway to the lime works be left in the hands of the chairman, .Cr Wynyard, and the engineer, with power to act.

Mokauiti. The secretary of the Mokauiti l'Settlers' Association wrote calling attention to the deplorable condition of the Kakara Road, and asking if it was possible to have any money spe'nt on it this season. He could guarantee labour for any work the Council cared** to undertake on the road. The clerk was instructed to reply that the matter would be looked into to ascertain whether there were any thirds available, and that if there were the engineer was to be instructed to spend a few pounds on the road. The Mokauiti Settlers' Association also wrote inquiring as to the position in connection with accrued thirds- of the Crown lands section in that district. Were they hypothecated, and, if so, for what purpose? Also, what happened when the freehold of a section was acquired? Did the thirds cease altogether, or was a portion ■ of the fee simple set aside for the purpose for which the thirds would have been used ? When did the thirds cease? The clerk was instructed to supply the information alsked for.

Mangaoroiigo. Mr P. Phillips wrote with regard to the metalling of the Otorohanga-Ha-ngatiki (Read, saying that 'if your Council can have the lower end of the road from the Mohoanui bridge to the Rohirohi bush graded high enough and wide enough to run off the water we will arrange to have the half mile from the bridge to the Kihikihi Road metalled. We will arrange that the metalling is not a charge against the Council for six months. I think this is the best we can do in the matter. We would point out that last winter two miles of the road were practically impassable, and if we are able to do nothing before winter the spring carting of cream will be made very difficult. If your Council agrees to this we would like the grader to start right away, so that we can start with the metalling. Mr. F. 0. Phillips waited on the Council in respect to this matter. He said that he and Messrs. H. Lurman and J. Walker were still prepared to guarantee the Council for £3OO, but failing thisi Jbeing practicable thefywere prepared to, as indicated in his letter, do the half-mile mentioned provided the Council would guarantee to grade the road. This work of grading would cost about £4O. As to the cost of the metalling of the half-mile referred (£200) they would guarantee the Council against any claim in respect thereof in the event of the proposed loan not being raised. Mr Phillips also brought under notice the proposition of the Mangaorongo Road Board to make deviation of the road through Mr J. Budge's and so shorten the route by 3 or 4 miles. The Council would not -be out of pocket in anyway nor would they be made liable for anything. The Mangarongo Road Board would pay for the survey and would guarantee there would be no claims for compensation from the settlers.

The chairman said the Mangaorongo Road Board must write to thb Council endorsing all Mr Phillips had said. He moved: "That the request from Mr Phillips, acting for the Mangaorongo Road Board for the Council's approval and assistance to legal-, ise a road in the Mangaorongo Road Board District and the Waitomo County, be granted conditionally that the Council are guaranteed against any cost therewith by the Mangaorongo Road Board." It was also resolved that the clerk write to Mr Phillips and ask him to get the. ratepayers' consent for the Waipa loan signed, before the Council can undertake the refund of any money in anticipation of the loan. Kakepuku.

Mr R. H. Westbrook of Pokuru wrote requesting that the drive undei the bridge at Kakepuku School be cleaned out so that he can" drain his swamp. The clerk reported that he had written to Mr Westbrook telling him that the drain was put in to carry off storm water and not for draining adjoining lands. If he wanted it lowered he would have to guarantee the cost of such lowering as the cost could not be a liability against the cost of the .ratepayers. The engineer reported that he had been to see the drain and thought there were two watercourses under bridges where clearances should be done

Cr. Potts said he thought Mr Westbrook would undertake the work and he culd see him. He moved that the Council clear the watercourse under the bridge on Candy's Road and also the drain under the bridge opposite the Kakepuku School and the drain on the top side of the road. Barber's Road.

Mr C. Dick of Otewa wrote asking for a statement showing the amount of loan money expended on Barber's Road to date. He also asked when tenders are to be called for the remaining piece of work as he was now the only ratepayer concerned who had no road at all. The clerk was instructed to supply the desired information to Mr Dick and explain that they were waiting the return of the plans sent to the Public Works Department which had had them for over six weeks. Waiiete Road. The settlers along the Waitete Road petitioned that the vote appearing on the current year's estimate of £SOO for the Te Kuiti to Puketutu Road (£ for £) be spent as soon as possible, as many places along the unmetal'ed portions of the road becomes impassable in winter. It was resolved that the petition be referred to the Minister of Public Works outlining the arangements made with the Sir William Fraser. , Rates.

Mr J. Budge of Kio Kio wrote enquiring why his rates had been increased by £4 odd. The clerk reported he had written in reply stating" that th« rates had been increased for "MO-, 21 by 5-lClhs of a penny which would amount for the extra £4. The hospital rate amounting to 1-?! el a penny was levied s fro::; the general the two making c 'xtal of Hd :n the Z. Mr McColl, introduced by Cr. Lse, waited on the Council w:th rega-.'d to a summons he had received ou account of rates on land he had foreited some years ago.

The clerk said that the position was that Mr McColl had taken up the

section and'occupied for six months and then forfeited and the name had not heen removed from the rate roll by the Valuation Department. He had not paid any rates himself and therelore there was something due from Mm. He ought to have informed 4he Valuation Department that his name should he taken off the roll. Cr. Lee suggested that it would be fair for him to pay one year's rates and the cost of the summons. This was considered fair and Mr McColl agreed to same and retired. Cr. Wilson moved that the clerk be instructed to accept the amount suggested ancLto withdraw the summons against McColl on receipt of the money.

H. Butter of Otorohanga wrote expressing his regret at not being able to pay his rates and asking if it would .suit the Council if he worked on the road this winter. He was ready to do £5 worth of work on the road.—Letter received. Mr R. V. Closey wrote asking for a refund of rate arrears paid by his brother on his account by mistake. The arrears should have been paid by •the late owner of the section A (Puke- ' tarata 4G., 2b., No. 2b.) The amount was £2 14/. The clerk was isstructed to enquire into the matter. Grist. The clerk reported having received the vouchers from the Public Works Department for moneys paid into the Council's account as follow: Te Mapara, £ for £, £450; Barber's Road, £4lB 16s 9d; -Miroahuia to Matiere, £673 2s 6d; Kawa to Ngutunui, £250; Kumara (on account of £1862), £ for £, £1721 13s 9d; total, £3573 13s. West's Road. On the motion of Cr Potts, seconded by Cr Wall, it was resolved that the engineer cal'l tenders for metalling the hill on West's Road' ais soon as the plans are approved, and that it foe left in the hands of the chairman and the engineer and Cr Potts to accept game. Taihaia. The Minister of Public Works wrote stating that if the Council would undertake the legalisation of the new line of road through the soldiers' settlement he would authorise the finance necessary for its formation immediately the legalisation is 'complete. The chairman thought the matter ought to be held over pending Cr Murphy's arrival, but later, as he did not appear, the chairman said he must remind the Council that, taking all that had occurred into consideration, he thought the action of the .Government department was very unfair. Cr Hargreaves thought that as the Government bought the estate with the road there it should hold itself responsible and not saddle the Council with the liability. The matter had been going on for over a year, and .the Lands Department was responsible for the delay.

On the motion of Cr Wall, 'seconded by Cr Wilson, it was resolved- that the clerk write to the Minister of Public Works stating that the letter received re the deviation to the Taihaia settlement was not in accordance with the agreement made when the Council interviewed him on the matter. Grievous harm had been done to returned soldiers owing to the continued delay in the matter. Oamaru Road.

Messrs Richmond and Carrie wrote: " In regard to the Oamaru Road, this is gradually getting worse, and has had no wheeled traffic on. it for 12 months. • The last Council promised several times to inspect it, and the present Council has also promised. Theise promises, extending over 14 .months, have not been carried out. A grant of £2OO was placed on the estimates last October to re-form the road, but still the Council has made no effort to do so. As we are severely handicapped owing to the disgraceful state of the road we beg the Council to show us a little consideration 'by definitely fixing a date on which to inspect the road, when the members will be able to meet the ratepayers and realise the condition of the road." It was resolved that the chairman and Cr Murphy pay a visit to Honikiwi to interview the settlers regarding the Oamaru Road. General. Cr Hargreaves inquired of the engineer whether he had noticed the width of the body of the lorry being used on the main road. It was 'too wide for a narrow road, and people could not pass it. He thought there ought to be a by-law regulating the width of these vehicles.—The engineer said he thought there was such a by-law, and he would inquire as to the width of the lorry. On the motion of Cr Potts, it was resolved that the Council supply culverts for opening iSymes' Road to the value of £25.

Accounts to the amount of £2978 17s :10d were passed for payment. i The digging out of the bank on the West Waipa drain at Otorohanga was referred to, and, on the motion of Cr Hargreaves, seconded by the chairman, it was resolved that the clerk write to the Otorohanga Town Board complaining about the Board's action in removing spoil from the river bank just above the bridge. It was relsolved that the chairman sign the declaration authorising the proclamation declaring the road thro' Waitipipi a public road, and also that the chairman and Crs Were and Potts sign the proclamation asking that the Waitipipi Road be legalised. Mr Phillips waited o.'i the Council re matters relating to the Mangapu cut, and the matters were referred to the Council's solic'tor. Cr. Were referring to the damage done to the roads by sawmill carting moved that the Public Works Act regarding heavy carting be strictly enforced in connection with the Pungarehu Road, unless something definite is arranged with the sawmill proprietor. Cr. Lee reported that he had his attention called to the arount of coal carting going on from Rangitoto and suggested that a like decision as that referring to the carting of timber be come to in regard to this carting. The engineer was instructed to enforce the by-laws. With regard to Fullerton's Road, the engineer reported that to reform and metal it would cost £2500.

Repairing the section of Pungarehu

Road between Mairoa and Cole's Creek will cost £lB7 10/, the engineer said. With regard to the supply of shingle ro the Kakepuku Road Board the engineer reported that there is no reason for making any reduction in the price of royalty. The shingle has been obtained from the reserve near the station and is really a saving tc. the Boar.: as £ gainst shingle obtained from ::'!" of the other reserve as the extra distanc? to haul would add considerably to the cost delivered at the railway. The engineer reported having inspected the Maugaohae bridge and found thr-i: 'i>e cenevfte piers are not entirely down to bedrock and therefore it will be :;eccEsary <o put in protective r;:;:': \ 1-Jch ha: beer; arranged for.