OTOROHANGA COUNCIL

Waipa Post, Volume 39, Issue 3037, 15 August 1929, Page 5

OTOROHANGA COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING.

(Our Resident Reporter.)

The ordinary meeting of the above was held yesterday, when all councillors were present, F. Potts presidingIt was decided to remit to Mr Kay (Korakanui) the sum of SA 10s, as compensation for the loss of a steer, for which the Council had accepted a moral liability: owing to a g'ate being left open on Mr Kay's property during metalling operations. It was decided to instruct the County solicitor to fine a defence to the action being brought against theh County by Mrs Cleland. The chairman stated that the time had now arrived when decided action would have to be taken regarding heavy motor traffic, and the appointment of an inspector would have to be considered. Councillors agreed, and it was decided two delegates be appointed to meet delegates from other counties in conference, regarding the appointment of an inspector to deal with the motor traffic.

The Otorohanga Town Board is to be advised that an assessment of the traffic fees; as between the two bodies, will be arranged at an early date.

Cr Bowyer brought up the matter of the bad condition of the watertables in the Honikiwi Riding, and considered that the watertables should be opened up by contract. The Honikiwi Ratepayers Association also wrote the Council regarding the same complaint. The engineer considered that it was out of the question to do such work by contract, the cost would be prohibitive. It was decided to have the watertables attended to forthwith. The unimproved value of the Honikiwi Riding has recently been reduced to half the previous total. The engineer proposes to spend £9OO out of riding funds. To carry out his programme efficiently, it will be necessary to strike a rate of 3|d in the £, which, on the lower valuation is approximately a 50 per cent increase of rate more than last year. Regarding, the request of Mr Henderson, Te Kawa, for the dedication of a new road through his property, he is to be advised that unless the Highway Board-take the matter, up, the" Council would be unable to move in the matter. The Council unanimously decided to support the principle of only one Highways Board for the whole Dominion. TT , Regarding the claim of Mr Harker (through his solicitors) for shingle removed bv the Council contractors, the matter was left with the chairman and engineer. " The matter of insurance ot tne Counties' vehicles was left to the engineer and clerk to attend to. A petition was received from the sett'ers of the Te Raumauku district, asking for assistance for the raising of a loan of £6OO, to form and culvert the Te Raumauku Road. Cr Bowyer stated many of the ratepayers concerned were in arrears, and as a consequence it would probably be most difficult to gain the necessary subsidy of £4 to £l. No action will be taken until 80 per cent, of the ratepayers have paid their rates. Cr Irving was not satisfied with the results of recent expenditure within the County. The chairman agreed that more modern methods, with up-to-date machinery and plant were required. Two new horse-drawn graders would be M great assistance on the metalled roads. It was eventually decided to strike the following rates for the various ridings :—Honikiwi 23d; Mangaorongo 1 7-lbd, ie Rau-a-Moa, lid; Waipa, ltd; and Wharepapa lid. A hospital rate of 7-16 d oyer the whole of the County was s truc^ Noxious weeds on road frontages came up for considerable discussion Crs spoke of the hardship experienced by some struggling settlers in complying with the Council's requirementsin this respect. In a special[case of this kind, the Council -decided to assist to the extent of clearing the batters of the cuttings. Notice of motions was given to declare broome a noxious weed within the County. Cr Kav wished to know whether the graders could not be worked during Si weathers, by having them covered with canvas. The engineer considered that it could be dope, but the work was not done so satisfactorily. The County solicitor explained the financial position of some of the debtors against whom judgments had been obtained, which indicated that some of the amounts sued for may be recovered by instalments.