COUNTY COUNCIL.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5662, 9 June 1911, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL.

o- ■ » — MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting cf the Tauranga County Council was netd on Tuesday. Present: Crs. J. A. M. Da\idscn (In the chair), G. \. Stewart, H. J. Cray, I). J. McEwen, H. Crawford, Li. Southey, L. Tollemache, (_'. D. Jenkins, and E. J. Matthews. On behalf of the Council, the chairman 'welcomed Mr E. J. Matthews, thu newly-elected member for Maketu Rilling, to the Council, the latter returning thanks. CAMBRIDGE ROAD. Mr E. .s. Barnett, kaimai, wrote, calling- attention to the bad stale oi the Cambridge Roa-d between Gmunawa and Ruahihi Bridges, the portion know-n as tny Rjv«r Cutting is, he sfaia, jrjangoi'ous tv Mfeand stockHe requested that repairs be effected as the road, has to carry a great veal of traffic. j Gap tain Turner reported that men j had been sent to repair the road, and it was decided to reply accordingly. Cr. Gray suggested t>at the chairman and engineer wait on Mr U. ju Cook, and request that the Ngamuawahine Bridge be redeckco. 1 1 was deckled to act as suggested. Cr. Gray pointed out that the Raiahihi Bridge,required repairs, and culverts were also necessary In various places on the road. • The Chairman made a verbal request, on behalf of Mr Pease, to'use bullocks for carting on the Kaimai Road. it was decided—That the Council regrets it cannot see its way .to permit the use of bullocks on the road at present. AN ACKNOWLEDO WENT. Mrs D. Donovan, Rangluru, wrote requesting the chairman to accept and convey to the members ot the Council her sincere thanks for kind sympathy with her in her great 'bereavement. WILLIAMS' QUARRY. Mr G. L. Cook, district engineer, acknowledged receipt of letter advising him of the Council•« resolution ' authorising the Public Works Department to take stone from Williamstiuarry. He stated he had noted the contents of Mr Williams' lottei and has instructed that the neces sary steps be taken to prevent any damage being done to his property. BRIDGE RATE. Mr Poynton, .Secretary to the Treasury, wrote with refjronce to the proceedings taken by uic uuun cv levying a oridge rate to provide funds for reconstructing bridges on roads under its jurisdiction, and stated steps have now been legally passed, and will therefore be accept ed as 'being in order. ROAD TO QUARRY RESERVE. The District Lands and Survey Office, Auckland, advised that plan of road access to iquarry reserve, Tc Puna, has been examined and approved SLAUGHTERHOUSE LICENSES. Messrs T. Tanner, W. Harvey and Son (Tauranga), and C. F. \Vigley (Katikati), applied for the renewal of slaughterhouse licenses. The Chairman moved —That the Council recommend the applications, —Seconded by Cr. McEwen and carried. APPLICATION FOR METAL. Mr H. P. Bryan, To Puke, asked for permission to take some metal from the Council's quarry in Te Puke for concreting purposes. Cr Crawford proposed—That permission be granted, subject to tnc approval of the engineer, the charge to be (>d per yard.—Seconded by Cr. McEwen ami carried. AN ENTRANCE. Mr J. 11. Blaker, Gate Pa, wrote asking the Council's permission to cut away a portion of the bank, and build a culvert at the bottom of his paddock, which meets the. road nearly- opposite Mr Moon's house, so as to give him access to his property from the main road. Cr. Southcy moved—That the request be granted, suhject to the approval of the engineer.—Seconded by Cr. Stewart and carried. BURIAL OF A BULL. Constablr; Stnckpoole, Te Puke, forwarded a certified account for 7s Od, cost of burying a bull which died on the side of the main road neat the saleyards, and the owner of which lie w»as unable to ascertain. It was decided that the chairman make inquiries from the auctioneers with ;a. view to ascertaining the name of the owner of the dean beast. KAITEAIAKo. ROAD. Mr M. AlackH.v, InglewoOd, wrote stating then; is a lime limit to nis "oiler, and asked what was the obstruction as regards above load. The Chairman poinU-d out mat Mr Muekay's entrance .was oy private right-of-way . A legal opinion was read from Messrs Sharp ami Tudhopu on the : matter. They stated the Council are not justilied in spending money on a private right-of-way, nor are the Council bound to consent to a dedication till the road is formed. Prior to the passing of "The Public WorKs Act, 1900," no consent to dedication was necessary ; all that was necessary was an intention to dedicate plus acceptance by the 'public" oy user. Now, in ease oi a sale or subdivision, the consent of the local body is necessary to dedication. They submitted that the consent ol the local body is necessary, even though there is no "sale.' or 'subdivision for sale,' otherwise- the Act could Ue evaded by first dedicating a road ami then afterwards making a sale plan. The Public Works Acts i do not seem to provide, specifically \ for such an attempted evasion, but they think now the Courts would hold that in alt case* there, must bo the consent of the local body to complete dedication. Messrs Sharp and Tudhope stated they thought | the Council would not be justified in consenting to dedication without ormation. T The Chairman mentioned that a ratepayer in the neighbourhood obI jectexl to being rated to help to j provide access to Mr Mackay's land. Cr. McEwen thought access should bo provided if at all possible. Cr. Sou they moved —That a copy of the solicitors' opinion be forwarded to Mr Mackay.—Seconded by Cr. McEwen and carried. SEDO Wl CX SCHEME. The Hon. D. lluddo- acknowledged receipt of letter forwarding copy of a resolution passed by the Council requesting that Government liberalIly assist the immigration proposals lof Mr Sedgwick. Mr Buddo said that as the Immigration IVpart- ! nient is in charge of the Hon. G. ' Fowlds he is sending the communication to him for his consideration. The Hon. G. Fowlds wrote acknowledging receipt of the communication, and stated that the Council's resolution will receive every consideration at the hands of Government. WAIROA BRIDGE. 'I"he Public Works Department forwarded authority for £2000 (£1 for £1) grant towards the new bridge over the AYairoa River. The .Secretary of the Marine P'partmenf intimated that His Excellency the Governor in Council hns. in pursuance of section 150, of "The Harbours Act, 3 908," anDroved ..i

the plan of the Wairoa Bridge, and has authorised and licensed the Coun cil to carry out the construction' of it. A duplicate of the approved plan was forwarded. The Chairman said the question of finance should be considered. The Council would have to find the remainder of the money for the newbridge, towards which the bridge loan only provided £400. Cr.. McEwen moved—That apoliea Hon 'be made to Government for a loan of ,£2OOO under the Bridge Fund. —Seconded by Cr. Tollemaeho >»nd carried. IIIE WAIARI RI.M-.R. Cr. Crawford moved —That a letter be written to the Comin'ssioner ct Crown Lands, Auckland, requi sta<g Mm to reply to the Council's for- j Diei letter re obstructions in ■ho \ Waiari River, and asking him to i inform the Council .whether it is in- j tended to grant a lease to the Te Puke Agricultural and Pastoral Association or remove the obstructions complained of.—Seconded by Cr. McEwen i und carried. It was decided that the Council give final notice to Messrs Hodge and Raymond to el-ear obstructions from the Waiari River ;if they do not comply legal proceedings to be instituted. URETARA BRIDGE. Mr G. V. Stewart, chairman of tho Katikati Road Board, wrote stating that the Board admits its liability towards the erection ;of the Uretara Bridge, and £150 will be inserted in the Road Board's next schedule to the Land Board. IMPORTED HARDWOOD. The Stratford County Council asked the Council to favourably consider a resolution passed -by the former Council on May 1.7 :—"That tho CL-rk soma circular letters to the County Councils throughout the Dominion iaskingi them to pass resolutions respectfully requesting the Minister for Railways to repeal the chargo at "rate and a-half" on imported hardwood limlier where used by County Councils for bridges and culverts, as such charge is very onerous on local bodies which have to use durable timber for such public works, and to forward such resolution to the Minister." Cr. Southey proposed—That the action of the Stratford Council be endorsed.—Seconded by Cr. Stewart and carried.. LAND TRANSFER ACT Jh« District Land Registrar Auck,and, notified that aUoUn^ Saor rr- °f T° Z'ai)a' staining ,-*■ 0l- a6P-- occupied by Mr N Uiekey ls to be brought under .the Pensions ol the Land Transfer Act it was stated that the notice was sent m respect of slight apparent altera.1 ons to the public r oa d bounomg the above property. b The .engineer was instructed to ascertain if the road i„ tllb , iclnit^ would be alTected. HAKAU METALLING. M<\ -I- Munro, Te Puna, wrote •saing that an average of even u-hes oi metal, for a distance or vi chains, has been laid at llakau? .Horn cutting to bridge 'subi' 0,-! engi.nOCr W' Vft hl"U>d on the -subject, u „d ,t wus ((od(|i . (l to re ■Mi Munro to Captain Turnci-. A KATIKATI CONTRACT Messrs Lockington and Rea wrote statmg that owing to the bad wea, thf .^y hRVO ">een unable to start ujetallinjr, and do not know when they will be able to start, as thread is very soft and will take a good* while; to dry. They asked foi tne remainder of lmmev for tarth work. It was resolved to leave the question as to when the metalling .should be commenced in the hands of the county engineer. APPLICATION FOR GRANTS, llie Public Works Department. Wellington, wrote stating that in tile event of the Council proposing to make application f o r assistance in the matter of road and bridge construction works, the Minister or labile Works would be glad to have such application sent in, with as little delay- as possible, to be forwarded through the Department's local . engineer.—Already attended to. A TRANSFER. Messrs O. ami R. Beere, Wellington, wrote ro transfer of section 72, Whakamarama, to Mr Beetham, and aske>d for information in regard to rates. The Clerk was instructed to furnish a reply. ' TE MATAI ROAD. Mr D. McCracken, Te Matai, wrote suggesting that it would be better to suspend work on the Matai Road and put the grader on in the spring The emgincvr intimated that he had forwarded instructions that work be susi>ended on the road. PURCHASE OF k uvNl». Messrs Sharp and Tuahope wrote re conveyance, Baker lo Council, and asked thut a cheque be passed tor purchase money. In answer to Cr. Jenkins, the chairman said the land was situate in Spring Street. Cr. Stewart moved—That the balance of the purchase money be paki -Seconded by the chairman and carried. In reply to Cr. McEwen, the chairman said he was waiting for a reply lrom Government re the Coronation grant for County oflices applied for. * Cr. McEwen suggested that the Government ,be again written to regarding the grant, and it was decided to act accordingly. TRANSFER OF ROADS. Mr M. spence, lauran^a, wrote re the main road that runs c.u-uuua the .land purchased ov mvi f, tjm , Esdaile. i^ said the roan wa 6 not I traiisierrt-d to the Council w jien ! tormed. The .original survey v a ,-„„ vl | runs between his sections h9 b * • 37, and ye, to the Waipapa River' ' and oeyond the. river, oenind lus sections 2 and 3, till R joms Uu . road leading t« the bush. Mr Spence said he considered it is only fair and just that the Council should transfer to him all this unusable road, free of cost, in exchange ror the road taken by the Council. j) 0 did not ask for amy compensation, though it will cause him a Jot or extra fencing, and he is willing to sign the necessary papers as soon as the Council is ready.. It was decided t„ leave the .natter in the hands of Ohe chairman and e»gineer to report upon. A COMPLAINT. Mrs Stein, Katikati, wrote complaining that during tne month 0 f May, the employees of the Goune.il took possession of her land, Lot 27 Block V., Katikati Survey District ' without leave or license, without even asking permission, for tho purpose of making aside road, and cut the wire of 'her fences. She is informed by Mr Boyd that this roadway will be required for tile winter months. She was treating with a party fr 0 m Wellington for purchase of tho property. and the action m&v icriously alTect its sale. She i^ advised that she has good grounds for in action at law, ,but feels satisfied hat on the facts being submitted to •ho Council, it will do tier justice in :he matter, and save any friction md legal expenses therefrom. A \ery •ompetentl authority, after fully gon;- into the details of the case by lersonal inspection, has assessed •he present and prospective lamages at £10, a very rea-

■ ■ ■ II Isouablo amount. A rough Istoetoh map of the road referred to I.was also forwarded. The Engineer stated that port of the, ience was -on; the road, but he was not certain if the whole of the fence was cut of position. It was stated that owing to the fences being cut cattle had damaged fruit trees on Mrs Stein's land. Cr. Gray moved—That Mr Boyd | bo instructed to at once, replace the fences, and make a sido track with- : out interfering with Mrs Stein's pro- ' perty ; also that tho mgineer define i the boundaries of the road. —Seconded by Cr. Jenkins and carried, xl KATIKATI DRAIN. Mr C. T. .Dunne, Katikati, again wrote requesting that the Long Swamp drain, ne>ar the township, be opened out and cleaned. In this connection a letter from Cr. Stewart to Mr Dunne was read., Captain Turner said ho did not think tho drain would benefit the j road. I Cr. Stewart explained that the drain was originally- made 'by the County Council. He thought it was only fair that the Council should keep the drain clear. Cr. Gray suggested that the matter be left in the hands of Captain Turner.—Agreed to. SA.N X IAJtV IN SPECTOR. Mr J. Salmon, sanitary inspector, and contractor, wrote re sanitarywork required to be done at vie Te- Puke Hotel. He stated he hau received instructions to supervise and carry out the work, and asked the Council to authorise him to have the work done in "strict mKordnnce with the Health Department's regulations," and to act on behalf of the- Council as '"acting temporary, inspector" to see the work is properly donu and to certify to the Council when the work is completed. Mr Salmon stated this temporary appointment is necessary to enaibile him to thoroughly enforce the requisition of the Council. Cr. Jenkins said that he understood Dr. Makgill was to appoint a sanitary inspector for the district. Cr. Stewart thought the letter should be referred to the Charitable Aid Board. Cr. Crawford said the letter should haiVe 'been forwarded to the | Te Puke, Road Board, and them transmitted to the Charitable Aid Board. * Cr. McEwen said ho understood that the County- Council was the acting authority in regard to health matters. It was decided to leave the question in the chairman's hands so that he could ascertain1 the legal position. ESTIMATES. An estimate of tho receipts and expenditure for 1911—12 was readj showing receipts £2404 12s 2d, and expenditure £7214 8s Bd. FAULKNER'S ROAD. The County Engineer reported on Faulkner's Road. He has arranged to have the swamp at .Mr l.io>d's fuitcineu ana formed ana <\ 12-iu cul vert placed under Tniu ireimeuv- l'e laying oil road for spending yum thiough Mi Lloyd's section, the roadline w ill have to be defined, and *c (Captain Turner; will ha\o to procure tracings. Sjverai land slips on long side cutting lvquiio. n ,no\ ing; cutting has new been pr.ipcrly culverted. Watertables on 'new work require cleaning out and ruts idled. PAENGAROA TO.VNSHIP ROAD. Captain Turner .vpucti: l that h.had inspected the raw, .- o ad through the Paengaroa tow ishjp. U has several holes and rut.-?, and is very rough. The Progressive Commiru'e is anxious to have it pumiced gravelled. The length would be about 15 chains. Or. Crawford proposed-That the report 'be acceded i ( , as--soon as eon venient.—Seconded by: Cr. Matthews and carried. TE PUNA SEPARATE RATE. The minutes of the last meeting of the Te Puna Sep-j.rrAe Rate Committee were read. The Chairman ga-'e an explanation in regard to the proposed by-road at Kaimai and read the legal opinion from Messrs Sha.-p and Tudhopo, as reported in Wednesday's issue. Cr. McEwen moved—That the report be adopted, c: eept that portion regarding the suggested survey of proposed by-road iat Kaiunj, which be again referred to the Separate Rate Committee.—Seconded by Cr, Southey and carried. WAITEPUTA CULVERT. Cr. Jenkins moved—That in consideration of unforeseen expenses incurred by the contractor (Mr Gilmour) in getting, a foundation for the. Waitepuia Culvert, the sum of £20 be voted towards making up the loss to the contractor.—Seconded by Cr. McEwen and carried. FINANCE. Ihj Treasury notiUed remission of following amounts : £238 10s 8u Lretara Bridge; *5 7s 6cl) ha , f 01 ' the balance at credit of the Mining Llstnct Land Occupation Account oil March 31, 1911. The financial report yvas read »s under :— r,- £ s d io rates received since last meeting 224 y 8 Land Occupation Act 5 7 6 Lretara Bridge Grant 238 10 8 By balance due 8.N..Z. General Account 1319 3 8 5 Balance 'Cr. Deposit Tenders Account H o 0 Balance Cr. County Bridges Loan Acn ,count 040 19 0 Balance Cr. Combined RiJdiiigs "Loam Account 004 10 8 Balance Cr. To Puna q Special Loan Ac- „ count 091 10 3 Balance Cr. Waimapu Separate Fund Account 43 1 II | Balance Cr. Te (Puna. Separate Fund I Account! ...... 95 14 ; | Riding Accounts. Walmapu Riding Cr. 387 y \ To Puna Riding Cr. 305 '.) 7 Te Puke Riding p>r. 56 0 <j Katikati Riding Dr. 248 2 0 Makelu Riding (Jr. 518 10 0 The following accounts were passed for payment :— ... Repairs to R,oad,s. ' ~, . >■-'' £ s d niumapu Riding. ..,- 22 0 0 To Puna Riding ... 8 12 0 Katikati Riding ~-"" ... 39 4 o Te Puke Riding ... 29 3 q Maketu Riding ... 48 9 3 W'aihi-Bowentown ... 2 0 0 Waimapu Separate I . Ual" 12 7 0 le Puna Separate Hate. ... a 12 0 Lockington and Ilea 24 0 0 J. Raymond 46 0 0 R. King and Co.. ... 15 0 CA. Crabbe 8 0 C- ]iian 13 15 0 Repairs t 0 Bridges. "" * " £ k d \F- 2 6 Tauranga Sawmilling I Company 5 17 X) jW. JGilmour 23 15 0 1 Thirds 29 7 6 ! '. Combined Metal Loan. L~£ s d '■>-. T. Davoreu end j PJK-ty 15 K5 ,5 J. Mijnro 96 6 6 Anderson and Carlson- 1 0 0 I