WAIAPU COUNTY COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3227, 25 May 1911, Page 2

WAIAPU COUNTY COUNCIL.

REPORT OF MONTHLY MEETING. LSPECIAIi TO TIMES.] The members present at the meeting of the Waiapu County Council today were Messrs Iv. S. Williams (chairman), A. B. Williams, Knox, Powell, Heald, and A. T. Williams. Correspondence was dealt with as under

From the Under-Secretary of Lands, re the powers referred to in the Council’s letter of Ist April. The Inspector of Noxious Weeds stated that he hoped to visit the district during the first week of May, and regretting his inability to do so before.

Messrs Win stone Ltd., wrote re the Union Steam Ship Company’s charges, and after much discussion Mr. A. B. Williams moved that the company b-e asked what was the freight and shipping changes on strong wire netting, shipped from London and landed at Tokomaru Bay by large steamer, and whether they would deliver the goods along the East Coast bays by small steamer.—Carried. The Tokomaru Farmers’ Company wrote, stating that they could not see their way to provide the necessary pipes ti carry off the flood waters. Dr. Davis certified that Mr. Ritchie was unable to follow his occupation, owing to injuries sustained in the course of his employment. Moved' by Mr. Powell and seconded by Mr. Heald that Air. Ritchie on this occasion be paid for lost time.—Carried. The Acting-Prime Minister wrote, thanking the Council for its invitation to visit the county, and stating that he was not in a position definitely to fix date.

The Acting-Minister for Lands in a reply to the Council’s letter re visiting the County, stated that he would be in the northerndistrict about the Ist of June, and if possible then would take advantage of the Council’s invitation. It was agreed on the motion of Air. Heald, seconded by Air. A. B. Williams, that the Alinister be written to and thanked for his letter, and informed that the Council would be glad to hear that he was able to visit the district. The Under-Secretary for the Native Department in reply to a letter asking the Alinister to authorise the laying off the necessary roads in the northern port of the, Comity, stated that nothing could prevent the Council from doing what was necessary.

The New Zealand State Guaranteed Advances Office wrote stating that the first instalment of the AVaiapu main Riding and Bridge loan had been remitted to the post office, to be lodged at the bank in accordance with instructions.

The engineer’s report was read and considered.

As regards the Waiapu bridge, the engineer was asked to estimate the cost, and in reply said that a fourteen foot bridge on ferro concrete piles would -cost' £14,000; ditto on wooden piers £ I t,OOO. After discussion it was agreed to erect a 12-foot bridge on wooden piers, and the space of the concrete span to be wide enough to allow vehicles to pass. Arising out of the discussion on the engineer’s report, it was unanimously agreed that the main road metalling contracts should be advertised in the principal papers in Auckland, AVellington, Napier, and Gisborne. Air. Powell moved, Air. T. S. Williaras seconded, and it was agreed that all the necessary willow planting be done

The Engineer was authorised to get the following roads legalised as soon as the surveys can be undertaken.— Waiau to • Alangearoa; Hikuwai; short pieces and short deviations near Waiputaputa deviation on Alangahawini; shorn deviation near Wi Potae ; woolshed deviations Makariki to Jerusalem ; deviation near Tepuka. The Council went into committee to open tenders for the, Tenuia-Takapau road, which were: C. 11. AlcCracken, £469; Thomas McNamara, £435. Mr Powell, moved and Mr. Knox seconded, that Mr. AlcCracken’s tender be accepted. Air Heald moved and Air. A. B. Williams seconded, that Air. AlcNamara's tender be accepted. The latter tender was accepted. On a vote in ordinary business, it was agreed on the motion of Air. T. S. Williams, seconded by Air. Heald, that steps be taken to raise the log-built bridge over the AVaiapu at Rotokautuku.

Air. Heald asked whether a loan could be raised to build a jetty at Te. Araroa, and was informed that there would he no objection provided there was the necessary requisition from the ratepayers in the district. Mr. A. B. Williams' moved, and Mr. Powell seconded, that Messrs Bull Bros be written to and informed not to take any more stones or shinge from the beach at Tokomaru’ Bay.-—Carried. The chairman gave notice of motion to move at next' meeting that a rate of 14d be struck for the ensuing year. Accounts passed totalled £4OO 17s 6d. _ A special meeting was held to consider the advisability of procuring stock .paddocks for the County. It was decided to acquire driving paddocks at the following places :■—Letter box, Alokonui ; ATaraehera; Waiapu bridge; Rotokautuku ; Pohanga crossroads, Tepahia; Mangaliauini; finger post Junction: Alata Tuakau roads, and AVhakauranga.