WAIMARINO COUNTY COUNCIL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 109, 11 May 1938, Page 3

WAIMARINO COUNTY COUNCIL

3iOA THIA MEETIA G The usual monthly meeting of the Waimarno County Council was held at the County Council Chambers or* Saturday last. Cr. D. J. Berry presided and the following were also in attendance: —Crs. Duigan, Bettjeman, Trice, Morton, Wise, and Lilburn. The county clerk (Mr. A. Mabbott) and the county engineer (Mr. H. L. Hogg* were also present. Following formal business the following correspondence was dealt with : The State Advances Corporation of New Zealand notified that the corporation was agreeable to the county’s roadmen occupying the cottage on Andersons late property, at a weekly rental of two shillings and sixpence a week.—Received. The Sanitary 7 Inspector (Mr. \V. H. Rov) forwarded his annual report upon work done in the county for the vear ended March 31, 1938. The report covered the questions of infectious diseases, plumbing and drainage, food sellers’ premises, buildings, camps and native sanitation. In general the inspector summed up the sanitary conditions throughout the county as being fairly satisfactory.— Received. The Transport Department informed the council of two resolutions unanimously passed by the New Zealand Road Safety Council recently, viz.: (1 ) That all existing by-laws which require the use of a horn or other warning device on approaching intersections, etc., in built-up areas be disallowed. (It is not conductive to good driving to require it, and indeed the belter driver who does not use the horn in these circumstances and such driver should not be put in the position either of using the horn or ot breaking the law); (2) That the present regulation relating to the use of the motor-horn be confirmed, but that by a process of education the undue use of the horn be discouraged, and that it be the recommendation that the enforcement authorities enforce the present regulation more strictly. The department notified that the Minister is preparing to carry out these recommendations of the council. Local bodies were asked to make representations if necessary before final action is agreed upon. Considerable discussion took place on the question of the use of the horn in country districts. Cr. Price: I always sound by horn when rounding a corner on the wrong side! (Laughter). The letter was received. McAuliffe’s Deviation.—The Minister of Lands (Hon. F. Langstone) wrote re access to Mr. McAuliffe’s property. He notified that althougn the Public Works Department will make available the sum of £2250 lor this purpose, the work can be undertaken towards construction until legai road access has been provided. The Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple) also wrote in connection with the same matter. He stated that he understood that an unfavourable decision had been reached by the rcuncil on account of the fact that

only one settler would be served and that the council would become involved in additional maintenance. He ’hoped the council would review the [situation and possibly agree with or [without assistance from Mr. McAuliffe, to undertake the responsibility’ of legalisation. On further consideration the council decided to contribute half the cost of the legislation of McAuliffe’s deviation. The New Zealand Counties’ Association forwarded Ministerial replies to conference remits. —Received. Mr. Tommy Rangi (Kauangaroa) made application for a duplicate motor drivers’ license. —Granted. Mr. A. S. Ashmore wrote re a recent motor accident on the RaetihiOhura Road, caused by a piece of rimu, which had been placed by the edge of a slip to indicate a dangerous place being shifted across at right angles to the road by some passing] cattle. He suggested that the surfacemen be instructed not to place, logs to serve as a guide to such] dangerous places but that: (1) White battens be driven into the ground to mark “washouts” as is done by the Automobile Association. (2) That willow cuttings be planted on this type of slip. (3) That the council fill in some of the worst of these “washouts” I which are particularly dangerous on I a left-hand bend at night time. The council expressed sympathy] with Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore on account of their unfortunate accident, and that as the opportunity occurs, liie council is placing white battens to indicate dangerous places on all its roads. Sale of Land and Dwelling At a special meeting of the council the council authorised the sale, to the Main Highways Board, of half an acre of land, and the dwelling erected thereon for the sum of £519. The area of land is situated at the junction of the Oruakusuru and Parapara Roads for a metal reserve, and the said area was in the opinion of the council, not now required for the purposes of the county. Mr. A. G. Polkinghorn (Ohakune), who was received by the council, asked for permission to cart firewood on Lakes’ Road from Pearson's to the main road. (This road has been declared closed for heavy traffic for the winter), he made an offer to repair the road if he caused any damage. On account of the road being very thinly metalled in places and mat the applicant would be carting almost continuously if weather permitted, it was resolved that permission be not granted. The county ranger (Mr. F. Sandalls) in his report for the month, disclosed that he had impounded nine head of cattle on the Pipiriki Road. Mr. Mabbott reported that he had interviewed the Hon. W. Langstone (Minister of Lands) on his recent visit to the district. He had aslLci the Minister for permission to use for occupation, houses on Crown lands, at Ruatiti, by county employees while engaged on road work in that district. —The Minister had given his consent to the request.