Vincent County Council.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXVII, Issue 1362, 28 May 1895, Page 3

Vincent County Council.

Wednesday, May 22nd 1895. SrECiAL Meeting. The council met at 2.30 p.m., the following councillors being present : Messrs Sheppard (chairman), Stronach, Butler, Cowan, Kane, Parcell, Denniston, and Nay lor. The special meeting lapsed as the books were not audited. Ordinary Meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A deputation (Messrs John M'Carthy and Muugo .dlison) from the Hawea Flat re Water District was introduced to the council by Cr Kane. Cr Kane explained that two petitions were lying on the table from residents of Hawea, one praying that the Hawea be proclaimed a Water District, the other against it* He did not wish to say anything on either side, but would allow the members of the deputation to speak for ihemselves. The council could only hear one side of the subject as both were on the one side. Mr John M'Carthy said their object in coming before the council was to support the petition re proclaiming Hawea a Water District under the " Water Supplies Act 1891." Applications were made by a few parties for 4 or 5 heads, which, if granted, would not leave a urop for others to use. They had been at this water scheme for years, had communicated with Mr Fraser, M.H.K., and the Hon. Minister of Mines and both advised them to get the district proclaimed a Water District. Mr Vlungo Allison said that Mr Usher, Government engineer, stated that there was water enough in the local creeks, if properly conserved, to supply the Flat. This water was applied for by a few parties and should not be granted. They (the deputation) did not want the council to pay a penny over the business and would like an expression of opinion from the cuuncil on the matter. The chairman thanked the deputation for information received on the subject. The petitions would come up in the ordinary course of business and would be dealt with. The deputation then withdrew. INWARD AND OUTAVARD CORRESPONDENCE. Letter from Mr John kwing, St. Bathans, complaining of obstruction on the road between Matakanui and Lauder.—Held over until report of committee was read. Letter from the agent of the Bank of New Zealand, Alexandra, re county overdratt.—Proposed by Cr Butler, seconded by Cr iStronach, "That the amount owing as overdraft by this council to the Bank of JMew Zealand on the 31st March 1895, as shown by thecouuty balance sheet, viz., £459 13s, be a liability on the county fund accouut for the current year 1695-9 G. Carried. setter from tha xVlinister of Mines advising a grant of £SO for a track to top of Old Man Range. — Resolved that the engineer be iustructed to prepare plans for this work. Letter from the Land and Survey Department, Wellington, intimating that £3OO had been granted for the Albertown punt. Letter from Air K. M. Phin requesting permission to erect two gates on his run near Galloway Station. One, also in connection with this request, was read by Cr Nay lor from Mr Gunion. Cr .Naylor proposed—That permission be granted to Messrs in union and Phin to put two gates on the Raggidy Ridge road in accordance with their letters, tne County Engineer to point out the places where they are to be erected. The feeling of the Council was against gates being erected on main roads.—The motion was lost. Letter from Mr W. G. Stewart, Makarora, complaiuing of the manner in which unsuccessful tenderers' cheques were treated by the Council, in being cancelled, and not returned until after a considerable time had elapsed, etc.; also of some of the roads at Makarora.—The engineer was instructed to have tbe scrub cleat ed off the road. The clerk explained that the cheques were treated in the usual way, the signature being cancelled and returned. Letter from Mr W. S. Laidlaw, Earnscleugh, notifying the reduction of the rental of bis runs, and requesting that the County Rate Book be altered accordingly.—Bequest agreed to. Cr Kane read letter from Fork settlers, drawing the council's attention to the necessity for the punt across the Clutba River to Fork Bun being erected. He moved—" That tenders be called for two different designs of punts to be made out of local timber."—Seconded by Cr OWan and carried. The agreement entered into by the chairman of the county and Telegraph Department for the erection and maintenance of telephone communication between Pembroke and Hawea, was cancelled and returned, the time (having expired. Letter from Mr John Fox, Hawea Flat, re price of land (late road line) Hawea, agreeing to same. Letter from Mr John Smart, Secretary Clyde Water Trust.—Resolved that the county engineer report as to the condition of the race. RECEPTION OP MEMORIALS &, PETITIONS. Cr Kane read letter from Mr E. O

Hedditch, Pembroke, re grant in aid for prospecting at head of Lake Wanaka. — He moved—That information be supplied Mr Hedditch, and that the council recommend same. Carried. Re Hawea petitions.—Cr Butler suggested that a word from the council to the warden would prevent a monopoly being granted. (Several of the councillor were opposed to this, Cr Denniston deeming it presumptive on the part of the council to suggest to the warden in the matter. A good deal of discussion took place. Cr Denniston ultimately moving—"That seeing the desire to have the Hawea Flat district declared a water district, is by no means unauimous, this council does not see its way to grant the petition in favor of it, and that the necessary information as required by The Counties Act is not supplied.— Seconded by Cr Parcel 1 and carried. Cr Butler only dissenting. The report of the committee appointed to enquire re obstruction on road Matakauui to Lauder was read as follows :—We beg to submit the following report in reference to the road past Duck's. We visited the place the Friday following last council meeting, and suggested to Mrs Duck that she should bring the fence in front of the house about half a mile nearer to the house, and on the Tinkers side. That the branch road should commence at a point eight chains nearer Tinkers, and be chipped, the old road to be well blocked up with scrub. This she has done, and we now suggest that the council have the cutting in front of the house widened, and a hollow in the road filled. It would probably take about two days for a man and dray. Cr Butler moved—That the report be adopted. Cr Cowan seconded. Cr Denniston dissented, and moved as an amendment—" That the engineer be iustructed to remove the obstruction," this lapsed for want of a seconder —Report adopted. The chairman explained having interviewed the Minister of Mines re vote on estimates for Macandrew Bridge. He promised money would be allowed if plans and specifications were satisfactory. The chairman explained having let contract 299 to D. Moran. Ferry traffic returns for March and April were laid on the table. The treasurer's statement of all transactions for the period 27th March to 22nd May 1895 showing an excess of revenue over expenditure of £230 Is lOd was read and adopted and laid on the table. Moved by Cr Denniston seconded by Cr Stronach, —That as the estimated ordinary expenditure of this council exceeds the estimated revenue by £IO6B, there is no remainder of annual income to be ap[j .mi-'j;ied amongst the several ridings as set forth in section 145 of the Counties ,-vct 1886. Carried, Council here adjourned to 7.30. On resuming dog registrar's report was read and adopted. Inspector of A uisances reported favorably of town ot Clyde,—Read and adopted. Engineer's report as follows : engineer's keport. The Chairman, Vincent County Council,— Owing to my having been fully occupied during the greater part of the interval, which has elapsed since last meeting, in making plans and tracings for the renewal of the superstructure of the Macandrew Bridge, in wood, I am unable to present my usual detailed report on the roads and bridges within the county. I will, however, report generally on such matters as have received attention. Macandrew Bridge Plans.—ln accordance with the wish of the Minister of Mines, 1 have forwarded to him detailed plans tor a new superstructure in both wood and iron. I find that a wooden bridge can be erected for ±1750, while an iron bridge will cost £1450. The difference in cost is more than 1 expected, but the advantages of the iron bridge are so great that, if the council can at all see their way to provide the money, I should certainly recommend the adoption of the more durable material. Perhaps the Government may be induced to vote a larger sum to enable the iron bridge to be erected. Ac present I presume nothing can be done until the Government have approved of the plans. The new beams ordered for the bridge are now on the ground, and I have to ask for authority to call for tenders for the work of putting them in the bridge. O'Connell Bridge.—l made inquiries as to the origin of the fire at this structure, and found that it was caused by a line of coal dropped from the fire-box of the traction engine drawing a merry-go-round. The damage done was slight, but might have been very serious if there had been a strong wind blowing, or if the fire had not been noticed by two boys, who were in the neighborhood at the time. These boys, named respectively Frank Raper and Joshua Jones, observed the smoke, and proceeding to the place, found the planking smouldering. As the readiest means of extinguishing the fire (no water being available) they cut away the smouldering wood with their knives. If this had not been done, the resulting damage would have been greater, and possibly the bridge would have been destroyed. I taxed the proprietor of the engine with having caused the fire, and he admitted it, but said he had taken all precautions. Alexandra to Boundary.—lt has been arranged between Cr Butler and myself to spend the Government vote of £l5O in grading two steep hills, one adjoining the Butchers' Gully Hotel, and the other between the hotel and Alexandra. Dry Gully Road.—l have to a3k for authority to call for tendors for work to the value of £3O, between now and the date of next meeting, as I have not been able to get it ready for this meeting. If the council sea lit, this request may also apply to the worka

mentioned immediately before. Clyde to Butchers' Gully.—The greater part of the sand dune near Clyde Bridge has been removed at a cost of £lO Is (jd. Roads from Quartzville to Carriek Range and Shepp ird's Creek to Smith's. —These have been repaired at a cost of £l2. Makarora Road Works.—l have been unable to visit these as yet, but intend going immediately after the meeting. I understand that the works are nearly finished, and as the contractors will certainly require money to unable them to pay their men, I would suggest the desirability of authorising me to issue progress payments before (he date of next meeting. I would also suggest that I be authorisod to employ wages men on the work of widening the dray road along the lake side, near the jetty. It is work which cannot be defined properly by specification, nor can plans be prepared for it, and i 3 therefore not suitable for letting by contract. Contract 290.—This contract was finished about the Bth April, and was consequently 52 days behind time after making allowance for the extension granted. The contract provides for a deduction £1 per working day. I have, however, only made a deduction of £2O from the final payment. I think this is sufficient, seeing that the public were not inconvenienced by the delay and, aa 1 understand, it is only the desire of the council to mark their disapprobation of the dilatory manner in which the work was prosecuted. Contract 298. —This work has been done in a satisfactory manner, and was completed within the extension of time granted by the Council. Contract 299.—This work having been left in the hands of the chairman and myself to deal with, we let the formation only to D. Moran for the sum of £39 6s. I have since received an offer for gravelling from the same person, the sum being £39 43. This is slightly in excess of my estimate, but, I think, might nevertheless be accepted. Contract 302. —I have received word dated 2nd May, that this contract was completed. The contract time euding on January 30th, the delay has amounted to 77 days. I have made a deduction from the voucher of £5. I have yet to inspect and pass the work. Contract 303.—Repairs to Devil's Creek bridge. The work has been done in a satisfactory manner. He Macandrew Bridge.—Moved by Cr Parcell, seconded by Cr Cowan,— That the work of putting the beams on the bridge be proceeded with at once, day labor to be employed. Re O'Connell bridge.—Resolved that £1 each be paid to the boys. lie Alexandra to Boundary, Dry Gully, and Makarora roads.—Engineer's recommendations agreed to. lie Contract 297. A letter was read from Messrs Kinney Bros, explaining delay iu contract and requesting that payment be made in full. Cr .Naylor explained the difficulties contractors had to contend with and the public were put to no inconvenience through delay. Moved —that the amount be paid iu full, seconded by Cr Butler. Cr Denniston moved, —That a fine of £5 be inflicted, seconded by Or Parcell. For the amendment, there voted Ors Denniston, Parcell, and Stronach ; against Ors Naylor, Butler, ,'owan, Kane, and Sheppard.—Motion carried. lie contract 299.—Engineer's action endorsed. Re contract 302.—Proposed by Cr Butler, seconded by Cr Kane—That if the engineer find the work satisfactory the full amount be paid. Cr Deuniston proposed and Cr Stronach seconded, —That a fine of 25s be inflicted. Amendment lost, councillors voting exactly us on former motion. The motion was then put and carried. Cr Stronach mentioned that the road near the Luggite was in a bad way, through a race being lately cleaned out. making a big drop. It required a culvert. He moved—That the Engineer make inquiries as to who is responsible, and, if the council is, to have the work done.—Seconded by Cr Kane and carried. The council here went into committee, and on resuming reported that accounts amounting to £623 16s Id had been passed for payment, and Mr John Taylor's account was hj Id over for further inquiry, lie Mr John Syraon's claim. Resolved that the council was not to recognise his claim. Re Mr 8. Graham's claim.—Resolved that the amount in dispute be paid. Several cases, relating to Charitable Aid relief, were also dealt with. Council adjourned to 10 o'clock on Thursday. Thursday, May 23rd. Council met at 10 o'clock, same councillors in attendance. Or Naylor moved motion on Order Paper—That a sum not exceeding £3O be expended in forming and gravelling Coquet Street, Clyde, between the County buildings aud the Clyde Domain.—By leave of the council he amended his motion to £ls.—Carried. Cr Sheppard moved—That a road be made from Messrs Duggan, Wallington, and others to the township of Matakanui, at a cost not exceeding £4o.—He explained that through a former road being washed away, great inconvenience was experienced by several settlers in getting to the township. After some discussion, he, by leave of the council, added to this motion—That provided the engineer can devise a suitable road. Cr Denniston moved, as an amendment —That the council agree to subsidise the road £ for £ up to £2o. Seconded by Cr Stronach. For the amendment there voted : Crs Denniston. Stronach, Kane, and Cowan. Against: Crs Sheppard, Parcell, Butler, and Naylor. The Chairman gave his casting vote against. The motion was then put and carried.

Cr Stronach moved—That Ibis Council take the necessary steps, under " The Locil Bodies Loaus Act, 1886," to raise a loan of £2OOO, such loan to be applied as follows : —Macandrew bridge, £600; Alexandra bridge, £700; O'Connell bridge, £000; expenses of raising said loan £loo. Cr Stronach strongly urged on the council the necessity of this loan. Rims were about to be surrendered, which would mean a big loss to the County revenue, and as the money was to be r.Hstributed over the County, greater interest would be taken in the matter, and people would roll up and vote. Cr Butler seconded the motion 2>ro forma, but he did not agree with it, lie thought it better to jog on with the ordinary revenue than run into debt. Cr Naylor spoke very warmly against the motion, being entirely opposed to borrowing, rle thought the County shovld go in for getting more work done for what money was spent, and instanced the maintenance contrasts. If these were done by day labor, enough would be saved to keep all the bridges in repair. He challenged the council to show that any motion was ever passed, authorising these maintenance contracts. Crs Deuniston and Kane supported the motion, the former remarking that the Borough of Alexandra should be made contribute towards the maintenance of Alexandra bridge. Crs Cowan, Parcel!, and Sheppard were opposed to borrowing. The latter could not see the use of speuding £6O or £7O, and then would not get the vote carried. Cr Stronach, by leave of the council, withdrew his motion. Cr moved—That the prayer of the petitioners re track to Butcher's Poiut be granted. After some discussion, the motion was altered, by leave of the council, to—That the engineer report as to this track next meeting.— Ca'iied. Cr Cowan moved—That a sum of money not exceeding £45 be voted for repairing the road from Cromwell to Dead man's Point.—Secouded by Cr Kane and carried. Cr Deuniston moved —That tenders be called for the purchase of Rocky Poiut bridge, to be dealt with at the next meeting.—Seconded by Cr Butler and carried. This coucluded the businoss, and the con noil then rose.