TUAPEKA. COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2069, 19 October 1893, Page 13

TUAPEKA. COUNTY COUNCIL.

The regular meeting of the above-named body was held in the County Chambers, Lawrence, on Friday last. Members present — Crs Henry (chairman), Bennet, Livingston, M'Farlane, Michael, Cotton, Oudaille, iDglis, and Edie.

CORRESPONDENCE,

Mr J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin, wrote pointing out that the council had no power to accept, as they appeared to have done, an offer for the right of grazing over the quarry rsseive, block IV, Greeuvale district. The reserve in question was not vested in the council, but in the Land Board. — Received.

The Department of Land and Surveys, Wellington, acknowledged the receipt ot the coua« oil's letter protesting against the Survey department charging the county for making plans, &5., i,nd, in reply, stating that the department was maintained for the purpose of administering the Crown lands, and should not be made use of by local bodies unless they paid for the work executed ior them, — Received.

Messrs Tyson and Dunlop, Blackcleugh sawmillp, calkd attention to that part of the road leading from Raukleburn to BlaDkcleugh creek, and requested that it be metalled. — To be put in order by the surfaceman.

Mr Alexander Garten, Waitahuna, called attention to the state of the road for light vehicle traffic between Reedy creek and Quar^zreef creek, on the main road from Waitahuaa to Waipori. — Ordered to be attended to by the surfacemen of Waitahuna and Waipori ridings.

Mr W. E. S. Knight, secretary of the Waipori Miners' Association, directed attention to the necessity of extending the present road into the mining reserve at Waipori Bush, as all timber for mining purposes was exhausted until the extension referred to was made. It would be about 40 chains, and would cost about £2 10s per chain. — Cr Cotton moved — " That tenders be called for 20 chains of formation iv continuation of the road into Waipori Bush," — Seconded by Cr Livingston and carried.

Mr W. Clack, Heriot, requested to be informed if the road between sections 2 and 4, block XVII, Greenvale, had been closed, and if so had Mr William M'Kay any right to the roadline. — Mr Clack to be informed that the council has no authority to interfere.

Mr John Kirkpatrick, Horseshoe Bend, asked that the road leading to his claim, below M'Cunu's Beach, be put in order.— Request to be acceded to.

Four ratepayers of GleDkenich requested that the road through block IV, Glenkeuich, leading through the bush settlement, be made passable for dray traffic, as it was at pressnt*in a very bad state. — Left in the hands of the member for the riding fco arrange.

Mr John Harris, Glenkenich, explained that the surveyed road in the Glenkenich district, which the ratepayers were asking to have thrown open, was the most suitable for dray traffic as well as the least expensive, and he hoped the request would be complied with. — Received.

Mr H. Turton, district land registrar, acknowledged receipt of letter, and asked when the council intended to acquire a title to the roadline mentioned in same. The indifference of the council in neglecting to do so had been the cause of much annoyance and possible loss to the person interested. — Cr Edie remarked that it was for the council to get the road transferred and recorded on Matheson's Crown grant. — Letter received.

Mr R. J. Hendrie (Brooksdale, Tapanui), wrote re road through sections 30 and 32, block 111, and sections 10 and 12, block VII, Crookston, and requested to be informed whether the council intend taking the road and fencing through same at once, as the boundary fence between his neighbour and himself must be reerected along the proposed roadline very soon. — Cr M'Farlane said he did not think anything should be done in this matter till the settlers interested had been consulted. He moved to that effect, the matter to be left in the hands of the members for James and Tapanui ridings. SHEfcP TRESPASSING ON GABRIEL'S COMMONAGE.

Mr John Wren complained of the number of sheep at present trespassing on the Gabriel's commonage, as well as destroying gardens and fences, and requested that steps be taken to have them removed. A similar complaint was received from Mr James Earrell, of Blue Spur.

Cr Michael moved — "That the raDgers be informt d that unless they keep the sheep off the commonage their appointment will be determined."— Stcooded by Cr Edik and carried.

A PROTEST,

The Chairman of Vincent County Council forwardtd a resolution passed at a recent meeting of that body calling on the other councils to join in a protect against the unworkable and, in many caecs, impossible conditions laid down by the Land Board in reference to the expenditure of money accruing from the laud fund. The conditions referred to set forth the amounts payable to county councils as land revenue, and demanded that particulars are to be given of the length, character, and cost of the various works proposed to be -carried out. This iunovacion was objected lo as an unwarranted interference with the actions of county councils, and an attempt to limit and control their powers in ri ference to the payment of moneys from the land fund.

Cr M'Fahlane moved — "That the council join with the Vincent County Council iv protesting against the mode suggested by the Commissioner of Crown Lands in dealing with the expenditure of deferred payment moneys ; and that the commissioner be informed that this council has hitherto been in the habit of spending moneys accruing from deferred payment lands so as to benefit the whole block instead of a particular section of it.

Cr Inglis entirely disapproved of the action of the chief commissioner. The motion was carried. I'UNT AT 'IU.VPKKA MOU I'ir.

John M'LeoJ, Tuapeka Mouth, wrote enclosing a letter from the chairumu of the Clutha County Council, furnishing information re punt at Tuapi ka Mouth. The Clutha Council had for disposal as much wire as would be required for the punt. The punt lately placed on the Clutha river cost, exclusive of wire, poles, &c , £180.— The clerk of the Clutha County Council wrote stating that +.he wire rope lying at the county oifices would be given towards the erection cf a punt at Tuapr-ka Mouth, and also the serv ; ces of the Clutha County engineer for the same purpose.

Cr LiviMiMON introduced Messrs Grieve and M'Leod, who were appointed as a deputation to wait on the council to request that a punt be placed on the river at Tuapeka Moubh.

Mr M'Leod strongly urged the necessity of a punt bring placed on the river at Tuapck.i Mouth. a r t it would be a decided convenience to the settlers at Rankleburn.

Mr Grieve said that a punt would bo a great convenience to the public gene-rally.

Cr Li\ i\'(ltion strongly supported the claims of tho K'ttJt-r.s, both at Tuapeka Mouth and Rankleburn ; a punt on the river wa3 a muchMb want, He moved — " That a punt be placed

on the river at Tuapeka Mouth ; that the cost be borne in equal parts by the Tuapeka County Council, Clutha County Council, and the Clutha River Board ; the Clutha county engineer to superintend the construction of the punt." He (Cr Livingston) had just heard that the Government had acquired a large estate in the vicinity of Rankleburn, and as the land would carry a large population, and would be speedily taken up, the necesiity for the punt over the river at Tuapeka Mouth became all the greater.

Cr M'Farlane seconded the motion, which was carried.

ROAD THROUGH SECTIONS 3 AND 10, BLOCK XII, CHOOKSTON.

C. Kerse, secretary, wrote forwarding resolutions passed at a meeting of James riding ratepayers, held in the Dunrobiu School on Wednesday last : — " (1) That the council be respectfully asked to state what money they had in hand accruing from deferred payment land in block XII, Crookston ; (2) that the meeting \irge upon the council to take immediate action to have the road opened through sections 3 and 10, block XII, Crookston, so that the road would be available for the summer traffic ; (3) that Messrs A. Barron, J. M'Kiunon, and C. Kerse be appointed to wait upon the council and Bupporfc the foregoing resolutions."

The Chairman said Mr Cumine, surveyor, had laid off the road through section 3 and also through section 10 to connect it with the road and railway reserve. The area required for the road in section 10 would be 1 acre 3 roods 18 poles. He understood thi3 was not the road the deputation asked for at last meeting of the council.

Mr Kerse replied it was the same pii*ce of road as laid off by the surveyor. He asked if there was not another surveyor's report besides Mr Cumine's.

The Chairman said that he had heard that the Government had sent a surveyor to defiae the road, but there was no report from the Government surveyor before the council.

Cr Bennet moved — "That the matter of opening the road be deferred till next meeting, when they would bo possessed of the Government surveyor's report." — Carried.

M? Barron said he had been a resident of Crookston for the past 16 years. There had been £4000 of deferred payment land sold in block XII, Crookston, the "thirds" of which was entrusted to the council for expenditure in making or improving roads to the different settlers in that block. During the past two years not a penny had been expended on the road leading tj his (the speaker's) property, and he desired to know what had become of these deferred payment money?, which must have accumulated to a considerable amount.

Mr Kerse said the_ ratepayers were very desirous of information about these deferred payment moneys, and the deputation would like some definite information from the council on the matter. The ratepayers were uuder the impression that the present member for James riding did not represent them on this matter.

The Chairman and Cr Oudaille considered the deputation should first ask the member for the riding for the information, and as a matter of courtesy he would put them in possession of all the information at his disposal.

ROAD THROUGH DALE'S I'LAT RESERVE.

Mr Cumine, surveyor, wrote stating that he had fixed the position of the roadline, intersecting section 4, block XI, Tuapeka Wesb district, and sections 10 and 11, block I, Beaumont district. The distance required to be formed of the surveyed road would be 37 chains (more or less). To form it to a width of 14-ft would require a heavy bmk at the lower end of over 2000 cubic yards and correspondingly long culverts. The cost would be about £150. But if a slight deviation could be made into the Atherteum reserve of some 10 chains, the road could be formed for about £75. He would recommend that the entire road be altered so as to come down to a spur* on section 4, block 11, Tuapeka West district, and sections 10 and 11, block I, Beaumont district — the last-men-tioned section being a portion of the Athemeum reserve.

Or Bennbt moved — " That the chairman find out what arrangements can be made with Messrs Herbert and Co. and the Athenieum Committee re the road referred to iv the engineer's report, and that he report to the council at nexo meeting." — Carried.

BOAD INSPECTOR'S KEPORT.

Mr Youcg, inspector of roads and works, reported as tollows :—: —

I have the honour to submit the following report for the months of August and September : — Main Roads.— The main roads in the different ridings are in good order, excepting a portion in James riding, from Stewart's towards Tubnian s, which requiies a few days' gravelling. Ulay Roads. —The clay roads in the different ridings after the winter are in fair order. I expect the surfacemen will have the worst portions of them completed by tlu end of this month.

The following roads and bridges require immediate attention :— Road up east bank of (Jlutha river, Beaumont riding, which is in a very bad state and requires an extra surfaceman for two months. Bridge at Mention burn, Teviot riding: The beams are broken in the centre I had to close it up, and I would recommend that it be attended to at once. Road leading to Tyson's saw mill, Tapanui riding: This road has slipped away in several places. It requires immediate attention. lload Lawt ence to Blue Spur (Gabriels riding) : The water from the claims has been running over the road in several places. I had to put the surfaceman on to repair damage. The managers of the claims say they are not responsible.

By the council's instructions I visited the following roa'Uiues : — Road block XIV, Glenkfcnioh : I would not recommend the council to spend any money on this road, as the road is not required, lload block VI, Kankleburn : I viisitsd this road and lind that the scrub requiies to be cleared off the roadlme for about 100 chains. I estimate the cost of clearing the scrub at £'10. It requires no fiuthcr outlay at present. Whelan's road (Blue Spur and Wetherstones,) : I may state that Whclan has removed gates off roadlme Road Waipori to Waitahuna : I visited this road ; it is 67 chains long and quite lev*d. J would recommend it to be done by the grader. Road to cemetery, Tuapcka Mouth : I have visited this road ; it is about 40 chains long ; it can be done by the grader at a very small cost. Road from Black Pinch to Breakneck road : I would recommend that this road also be done by the grader, also a small cutting at Mullins's, Tuapeka We-t, which would cost about £10. lload from Mrs Moore's to Hunter's, Tuapeka West. Three small cuttings have to be made ; cost about XuO. lie the chair at Horseshoe Bend : I would lecommend the council to pull the rope ashore, as it is dangerous and not required. Ross's Gully road : This road is ia bad order ; it is oveigfiown with gorso, and until cleared I cannot do much to it.

After the report had been read and receive d,

Cr M'l'arlajn'i: said th" inspector hid exceeded his duties, inasmuch as tie tud not b'.en asked to report rs to lh>» requirements of road iv block XIV, Cxreeuvalp, but merely to instiuct the surfaceman 1o rep^i? the worst places. Another matter in which the inspector had displ'jpsH'l him (Or IM'Farsaae) very much va= in pr reujjjjj.irily removing the biufaeeumi in T.ip uiui ridtug whtß engaged /jravf-lhng and filling up ruts in a very bad portion d"f the road without consulting him as the member for the riding.

VjC Bi,N\'i',r aaid lie wms nod going to justify the action of the inspector, but. he eonssklcvd Cr flrFarlana was at fault in getting the work done without the sanction ot the chairman.

Cr Inoliss said there was no use in the conucil passing resolutions at one meeting and ignoring them before the next. The council wore aware that a rnotioQ had been passed thatall works exceeding £1C? wew to be tendered for.

The matter was allowed to drop. INCOMPLETED SUKVEI'S

Cr Bennet said from the return laid on the table received from the Land Office there were a number of road deviations where the council had exchanged land for roadlines left in an incomplete state. The late county engineer, Mr Edie, juu , had been paid £75 to complete these works, besides being retained in offi3e two monlbs longer than was intended, to enable him to complete these surveys. It was well known that during the time he was in the county employ he did private work. The council were possessed of an agreement from Mr Edie to complete these surveys aud it W3s time they were a' tended to.

Cr Cotton moved— "That Me Edie, jun.* surveyor, be requested to complete all the surveys ho agreed to do as soon as possible." Cr Oudaille seconded.— Carried. ACCOUNTS.

Accounts amounting to £1453 19s 6JI were, passed for payment.

IiLA.CKCLEUGH BRIDGE,

It was resolved that the final account for tho erection of the Blackcleugh bridge bo held over pending the work being pissed by the Government inspector.

GENERAL BATE,

It was re3olved thac a general rate of |d in the pound on all rateable property within the county be struck for the year 1893-94-.

GENERAL BUSINESS.

Cf Inglis moved— " That tenders be called ab once for the re-erection of the Menzion burn bridge," — Carried.

Cr Bennet moved — "That the council vote the usual sum for the purchase of small birds' eggs. — Carried.

Cr Bennet moved—" That an extra surfaceman be engaged for six weeks to get the worst portions of the roads in Beaumont ridiug repaired." — Carried .

Cr Ingms moved — "That an extra boat be procured for the Miller's Flat punt."— Carried .

VALEDICTORY,

The Chairman said, as the elections would b3 over before the next council meeting, he would take the opportunity of placing the position of the council briefly before them. When, he took effioe last year the council' t» indebtedness was pub down at £2835, the present position, he was sorry to inform them, was still on the debtor side, but it was £462 less than when he took office. The present indebtedness being £1297 Bs. He would take this opportunity of thanking the councillors for the courtesy and good feeliDg which had always been extendtd to him.