COUNTY OF OTOROHANGA.

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1281, 15 August 1922, Page 4

COUNTY OF OTOROHANGA.

MEETING OF COUNCIL.

BUSINESS TRANSACTED

(Resident Representative.) The ordinary monthly meeting of the Otorohanga County Council was_, held yesterday, when there were present: Crs Lurman (chairman), Cooper, J. B. Teasda'le, junr., J. T. Young, and 1 B. Budden. ; Otorolianga-Rangiatea Hoad. The solicitors wrote stating that owing to the abolition of the districts concerned it would be better to get authority to raise a new loan for the metalling of the Rangiatea-Otorohanga Road. The estimate of the county engineer, which was considerably less than a previous estimate by Mr Hogg, would enable more work to be done with the same money. The estimate i’s: Otorohanga-Rangiatea (7 miles 71 chains), metalling 10 feet 8 inches, widening, etc., £3100; from McLuckie’s 96 chains metalling, 10 feet 8 inches, and necessary formation, £800; 21 miles from Chile’s to top of deviation, £2000; formation of new road from Lumnan’s to Maihiihi, £1500; metalling of new road, £2300; less subsidy, £ for £, on metalling, £4090; subsidy on formation of new road, £500; taking over present loan for formation •of Otorohanga-Rangiatea Road, £I2OO ; total, £630. Apparently the ..whole formation and metalling mentioned could (if Government subsidies 'are obtainable) be done for £6500. We have computed (the solicitors continued) the total capital values of the combined districts as £164,909, so that sinking fund and interest (amounting to £353 6s 6d) could be found (after allowing for the required 10 per cent margin) by a rate of 5-8 d to Id on capital value. Rabbit Netting. The application of Maihiihi,settlers for provision of rabbit netting again came up, and the matter was general discussied. it was recognised that the idea of raising a special loan for the purchase of netting was a good one. but. several members pointed out that the supplying of netting .should not extend to any ratepayers who perhaps might be defaulters in their general rates. Moreover, the amount of netting allocated to anyone should be judiciously made, so as to obviate any extravagant amount being applied for by any one individual. Pirongia-Kawhia Road. The Public Works 'Department wrote intimating that the Kawhia-Pirongia Road had been declared a county road under* the jurisdiction of the local bodies (Kawhia county and Otorohanga county), and that a. grant of £l5O per annum for two years would be granted iby the Department for its maintenance.

; Outstanding Kates. The clerk reported having sent out applications for the payment of rate arrears, and that response had been satisMfctory inasmuch that it bad brought to light the willingness of all to acknowledge their indebtedness, but unfortunately their financial position was extremely hard. (Suggestions had been'made by several to pay so much that promissiory notes be accepted for the balance. As a matter of fact, he (the clerk) thought that when things improved the arrears would come to hand.

Noxious Weeds. The all-absorbing question of noxious weeds (ragwort, wineberry, ahd blackberry /being specially referred to) provoked discussion, and the appointment of an inspector was suggested. It was pointed out that the. Government would not appoint an inspector, but the local body could appoint, say, its foreman, who would have to he gazetted. Eventually, on the motion of Cr Budden, it was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the chairman to report to next meeting.

Accounts. Accounts passed for payment were as follow: Honikiwi riding £lO 15s, Mangaorongo £l2 17s, thirds £3 14s, Te Rau-a-'Moa £l2 10s, Waipa 23 16 6d, Wharepapa £lO 14s. thirds £3l Is, Kawhia-Pirongia. Road grant £lB 12s, Oamaru Ro'ad grant £42 10s, Wharepapa loan account £415 Is; total, £531 18s 6d. The amount of general account passed for payment was £7O 19s Id. \

Adams’ Road. Dr. Gribbin and Mr W. Bryant waited on the Council as a deputation in regard to Adams’ Road. There had been a meeting of settlers, when they decided that they would give £1 for every £2 of work done by the County Council.

Mr Gould (the county engineer) stated that the road was' a legalised one, but the dettlers had no access at all.

Dr.Gribbin pointed out that the road in question would benefit, a large number of settlers, giving access to Parawera, Te Awamutu, and Te Kawa. The difficulty was 1 that there were so many who were inert in the matter, and the meeting referred to had decided’ to move in the direction indicated, and to make the offer suggested. -They had been deputed to wait on the Council, but an a matter of fact the whole action taken devolvon four of them.

It was suggested that t.he Council put a man on but the.matter was held over for a 1 alter discussion. It was eventually decided that the Council provide a foreman and grader and scoop for two months, the settlers to supply the other men necessary at their own expense to do the work required to the road. Barber’s Road.

In reply to a question by Cr Irvine the engineer stated that there was* some £4OO loan money unexpended on Barbers’ Road, but this had not yet been received from the Waitomo County. There was also £9O in subsidy ’'hat would eventually be received from the Government.