COUNTY OF OTOROHANGA

Waipa Post, Volume 31, Issue 1766, 5 June 1926, Page 5

COUNTY OF OTOROHANGA

THE Y E ASTDIAT E S-.

(Own Correspondent.)

At a special meeting of the Otorolianga County Council Mr J. C. Rolleston M. P. and Mr Hall-Jones Engineer of the Public Works Department conferred with members in connection with the current year’s estimates. It was pointed out that the cash allocation allotted this year to the Otorohango County by the Public Works Department was £4335, and this was to include commitments by the Public Works Department and the Council as at the 31st March 1926, actually an increase in new money for expenditure of only £lB4. This was considered by the Council totally inadequate to meet present urgent requirements for roads and bridges, and Mr Rolleston was asked to endeavour to have the allocation increased. He stated in reply that the system now of making grants was rather different to former times. Each County was given what was considered its fair allocation of the total amount to be expended each year on roads and bridges by the Minister of PubJic Works', and wafs practically ring fenced against political pull. The allocation was arrived at by consideration of carefully tabulated data. However, .he was in sympathy with the Council and would do his best to increase the allocation.

Mr Rolleston was heartily thanked by the members present for having attended the meeting.

In connection with the foregoing" if is interesting to read the Engineer’s estimates and his report on the position. The'lto’tal cash allocation by the Public Works Department for the year ending March 31st 1927 is limited to £4335. This includes all expenditure to be undertaken by the Public Works Department,, and unexpended balances of authorities at the 31st March last. For general information following is a rough copy of the requirements to be submitted for consderation. You will note that the total sum asked for will exceed the Council’s allocation to the extent- of £4990. At the same time it is advisable to get as much as we can on the estimates even though authorities will not be issued exceeding the sum stated:— Lurman’s road (£1 to £1) £358 on account of £BOO, (£258 balance of authority) ; Maihiihi to Brock’s (£1 for £1) £9B re-vote-; Paewhenua (£1 for £1) £430 re-vote; Paewhenua (£2 for £1) £IOO on account of £1700; Puketarata (£1 for £1) £IOO on account of £IOOO (£IOO is balance of authority); Puketawai (free) £250 re-vote; Taihaia Soldiers’ 'Settlement road (£1 for £1) £IOOO on account of £2913. Plans and specifications awaiting approvtft and the issue of authority C£soo-ton estimates last year); Mangawhero (£1 for £1) £SOO on account of £ISOO. Plans and specifications awaiting approval (£SOO on estimates last year); Barber’s road (£2 for £1) £BOO on account of £I3OO. Authority for £IOO issued but a further £7OO is urgently needed to meet payments on contract recently let; Mangaorongo Road (£1 for £1) £SOO on account of £1625 (£SOO voted last year); Roberts Road (£1 for £1) £150; Mangamahoe Road (£1 for £1) £150; Canon’s road (£1 for £1) £100; Ngahape road (£2 for £1) £SOO on account of £2SOO; Korakonui' I. F. S. road, £IOO on-account of £2so;"Pekanui road (£2 for £1) £IOO on account of £2000; Loop road (£2 for £1) £IOO on account of £1000; Moakurarua bridge (£2 for £1) £BOO (a ye-vote); , Hewer’s road £1 for £1) £SO; Turaroa road (£1 for £1 £SO; Mangatutu bridge (£2 for £1 £IOO on account of £2000; total £6484; Government Works requirements £2741. ...... ~-r -,- ...