MATAKAOA COUNTY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10312, 22 January 1927, Page 2

MATAKAOA COUNTY

MONTHLY MEETING. (Special to the Times.) Ait the ordinary meeting on December 18 there- were present: C'rs.-K. F. Reed (chairman), Williamson, Dr. Wi Repa,. Wood, Cowan, Hovell, Kohere and Saxby. A message from Or., Kemp regretting his inability to attend was received. The chairman introduced and, welcomed Or. Saxby as the newly-elected representative of the Whangaparaoa Riding. Lady Carroll acknowledged receipt of a letter of condolence.

The Gisborne Borough Council wrote re heavy traffic fees, advocating the arranging of a conference to discuss and arrange for the method of distribution of the fees.—Received.

Mr. J. Clarke requested that the Council re-survey and legalise the access road to ILL. 117.—1 t was resolved that t'ho clerk write the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Gisborne, with a view to having his Department co-operate in the matter of providing a suitable road rente. Mr. H. E, Holland, M.P., and others solicited the Council’s co-oper-ation towards the raising, of funds for the relief of the dependents of those who lost their lives in the recent Dobson coal mine disaster.—lt was resolved that the clerk place an appeal for funds before the public. The Department of Labor wrote re holding a special meeting to decide the statutory holiday for shops within the County for The year 1927.

The Resident Engineer of the Public Works Department advised that the Tapatii Block Access Road is now completed and advised of the Council’s obligation re same, and asked that the Council satisfy itself that that road is in order to he taken over.—lt was proposed by Cr Dr. Wi Repa “That the Engineer report upon the completed portion of the Tapatu Block Access Road, as to whether it has been done in a workmanlike manner, and fit for this -County to take over, in accordance with the recommendation of tbo District En-gineer.-’—Seconded by Ci\ Kohere and carried.

Requests l’or recommendations for plumbers’ licenses received from Messrs. R. Carr, W. H. Little, and Geo. Brown were then considered.—Agreed to.

An application received from Messrs. Oppenhoimer and Co. for the renewal of their sausage casing factory licence at Hicks Bay was granted subject to payment of the prescribed fee.

An application from Mr A. M. Boyd for a license to manufacture and sell ice-cream was granted, provided the Health Inspector gives a satisfactory report.

It was resolved that the request of the North Island Motor Union and N.Z. Counties Association re cattle wandering at large on roads at night receive the immediate favorable consideration of this Council, and that only daylight grazing for licensed animals be sanctioned as from March 31 next.

The matter of the appointment of a representative on the Hospital Board vice Mr C. It. E. Wood (resigned) was then discussed, whereupon it was proposed by Cr. Dr. Wi Repa and 'Seconded by Cr. Saxby, that Mr. C. W. Cowan be appointed to fill the vacancy. An amendment was proposed by the chairman and seconded by Mr. Williamson that Mr. Geo. McKeddie be appointed to the office.—The amendment was carried on the easting vote of the chairman.

The wages of Surfacemen Barnes and Cooper wore increased to 15s per dav.

It was decided that the work recommended by the Engineer upon Mr. J. Clarke’s road be proceeded with at the earliest opportunity. Cr. Kohere inquired as to alien the available grant for the To AraroaEast Cape Road would lapse, and requested that the work of locating and legalising the road line be put in hand with as little delay as possible,' whereupon Ihe chairman advised that the services of an assistant-engineer were being arranged for, and that the work • would be undertaken immediately lie commenced his dudes.

Upon the suggestion of Cr. Dr. Wi Repa, it was resolved that the Engineer submit forthwith proposals for the expenditure of the tree grant for the Hukarorc Road.

Cr. Dr. Wi Repa referred to the roughness of a certain section of the Karakatuwhero Road for motor traffic, whereupon it was decided that the Engineer give the matter attention. Cr. Wood reported that the work carried out by Surfaceman Cooper at the bog hole' near the entrance of the Wharekahika river had proved of little purpose, and that finances and further improvements were urgently required to facilitate traffic, whereupon it was decided that the Engineer give the matter early attention. Cr. Wood advised of certain requirements to the culverts and surface of the main road between Matin to Hina’s and the bridge.—Tt was decided that the Engineer attend to requirements. Cr. Wood referred to Mr. Ivirk’s olfer of timber for repairing the culverts upon the Wharekahika stock track, and suggested that as no stock would be travelling to the works this season only the very bad culverts be repaired immediately.—lt was agreed that Or. Wood interview Mr. Kirk' and direct and supervise surfaceman re repairs and installing of culverts, and that the clerk write Mr. Kirk’s manager re shifting bade of fence as required for deviations of roadway, and inquiring as to when the timber would be available for the culverts. Cr. 'Cowan referred to the matter of the placing of surfacemen on riding road improvements and expressed the opinion that extensive improvements by surfacemen to the roads of the different ridings he not proceeded with until the position is discussed and the work authorised by the Council.

Plans and particulars relative to the proposed demolition of the house being purchased at Waikura and the proposed erection of two roadmen’s cottages from its material received from Mr. G. A. Thompson, were then viewed. It was resolved that Mr. Thompson be written to thanking him for the data supplied, and advising him that the matter is being deferred for further consideration, and that Cr. Saxbv obtain, if possible, Mr. Thompson’s estimate of the cost of his scheme. Cr. Cowan referred to the Main Highway road metalling proposals for the ensuing year and recommended that the works be proceeded with as early as possible, whereupon the chairman advised that proposals for the two grants south of the Awatere river have now been submitted, and that when same are approved tenders would be immediately invited. Upon the suggestion of the chairman, Cr. Wood was deputed to interview Mr. Cecil Downey re his account in respect of the clearing of the Kokomoko track, and to point out to him the Council’s requirements re same. The Engineer was granted a mileage benzine allowance at the rate of 8d a mile for the use of his motorcar on Council work. The clerk’s annual holidays wore sanctioned as from December 22.