GREY COUNTS COUNCIL.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3982, 3 June 1881, Page 2

GREY COUNTS COUNCIL.

Thursday, May 2, 1881. The third meeting of the County Council was held at their offices yesterday, at 10 a.m. Present — Crs Guinness (chair), Reid, Marshall, Clifford, Taylor, Foley, E'lis, Coase, and Madden. In consequence of one of yesterday's resolutions m reference to tolls not completely meeting the case, it was arranged that Mr Gotigh be allowed the difference in the charge for tbrea months, during which carriers have time to enlarge the sizi of their tires. On the application for the subsidy to the Literary Society coming on, Cr Madden moved that the subsidy be Lls. He thought that as the [Borough Council had reduced their contribution, it was a good example for this Council to follow. Besides, the institution was worked too extravagantly. Too much money went in management in proportion to the amount spent in books and newspapers. These institutions were worked a great deal more simply and economijally in the country. He would instance Maori Creek, which had over 400 volumes. The amendment not baing seconded, it was ordered that the usual subsidy be paid, as asked for by the hon. eecretary. A potition was received from a number of miners and others at Barrytown, Seventeen Mile and Razor Back, priying for the extension of a pack track about a couple of miles long, to whore payable gold had been found. The matter was ' ordered to stand over till the next meet- i ing of the Council. 1 A petition was read from Henry i Reynolds and others, of Maori Greek, i asking the assistance of the Council in ] improving the track, now rendered im- ] passable owing to the extension of mining ; operations in the river. — Cr Madden des- i cribed the nature of the grievance, and ( the hardship it was to the miners, as complained of. They were in danger of being -\ Ktu-verl out for want of provisions, it I b^ing perfectly impossible to got a horse 1 through. It was absolutely necessary i that something be done at once. He c therefore moved that the Road Overseer f

be instructed to take atepß to open the track at once. The petition was received, ;ind ordered to be considered when the Road Overseer's report was brought up. An application for a continuance of tho Council's subsidy to the Orwell Creek reading room waa read. — Ordered to b 9 received, The reports of the Public Works and Finance Committee were read and passed, the accounts of the latter being passed for payment. The Road Overseer's report on Peters's claim was read, but it required no action, the Council having previously dealt wilh the matter. The Road Overseer's report on an addition to a metaled track, between Lea's Ferry and Moonlight Creek, was read. The report recommended the purchase of a certain piece of knd through M'Gill's or King's property, and the formations of 35 chains of metalled track. —Report received, and the recommordation ordered to be carried out. The Road Overseer's report was read in respect to tracks between Lee's Feriy, diggings, Slatey Creek, and Big River. The report was to the effect that the construction of some tracks would have a beneficial effect. — Cr Reid said he was prepared to move that Borne assistance be ! afforded, how much he would not like to say. .At any rate something ought to be done. He would, however, move the adopt'on of the report. The Chairman moved that consideration of the matter stand over till nest meeting, and that in the meantime the present settlers and the intending ones be requested to contribute towards the cost of the required tracks, as these would be of very great benefit to the settlers. — The Road Overseer was authorised to continue the track at Kennedy's section to the Big River, and to make a foot-track from Slatey Creek to the diggings ; the cost of the whole not to exceed L7O, The Road Overseer's report was read in respect to bridges and culverts on the main Grey Valley road. It pointed out bridge and road repairs that would be absolutely necessary at Omotumotu stream and Wallsend, near Rocky Island. He suggested that the committee which had been appointed to go up country should examine these places on the way. Cr Reid moved, and Cr Ellis seconded, that the Road Overseer be authorised to call tenders for the construction of box culverts over two crocks near Rocky Island, and filled in a- ording to plans and specifications. — Agreed t). Kangaroo Track. — The Road Overseer's report on this matter was read. It pointed out that the work could now be done at one-third the cost of the lowest te ider submitted at the last mee*\ng. Cr ElUs thought about L3O would be sufficient to cover the cost of all that was required. A report was ako read in respect to a further extension of the track, and other matters relating thereto. The report seated that it would require about LSO to extend the track, and another L 59 to put it in repair. Cr Ellis moved that the sum of L3O be voted for the repairs t") tho extension of the dray to Ku'garoo, and that the surveyor be instructed to carry it out. The surveyor wr i aho authorised to carry out other repairs on the Kangaroo track at a cost of L4O; also certain minor repairs at a cost of not more than L 5. It was resolved that the Road Overseer be authorised to carry out the work necessary to clear the Liverpool track. Certain reoairs were ordered to be made to Limestone track, by day labor or local tender, at a cost not exceeding Lls. In respect to^ a road between Coal Creek and Seven-Mile, the Council were not prepared to deal with the matter by giving a definite reply to the Government on the matter bsfore a detailed survey was made by the Road Overseer, and an estimate as to the probable cjst of the work. The Road Overseer's report was read in relation to the maintenance contract for the road between Greenstone and Teromakau. The Chairman moved that only half the expense of the two deviations on the road b 3 charged to the maintenance contract. Seconded by Cr Madden. Cr Taylor said the deviation was only temporary, and he thought the contractor had no right to such consideration. It seemed to him that to act on the Chairman's motion would be laying down a dangerou3 precedent, as they might in future have all contractors applying for tha cost of temporary deviations. Cr Foley said the contractors had made two deviations for the convenience of the public, though he wa3 strictly only compelled to make one. Cr Boase suggested the caae shouli bs dealt with on ita merits. It did not do always to ba too hard and fast upon a contractor. The Chairman's motion was carried, the Council undertaking to pay half the cost of the deviations. The Road Overseer's report was read on ths claim put in by Hildreth and party for damage to their race by the piers of No Town bridge. The claim was Ll6, but the Engineer said L 9 would be ample if the Council gave anything at all. No action was taken, notice being required in order to bring forward a motion on the matter. The contract of Messrs Nolan and Rowan for the erection of a footbridge on Nelson Creek, and their application for an advance, was reported on by the Road Overseer. The terms of the contract were that payment should be made Bix months after completion of the work. Crs Marshall, Madden, and Taylor did not see how the Council could stretch a point in the matter, though they were quite willing to consider the position of the men, who, it was said, were poor, if they could well do so. Cr Foley strongly anpported the advance being made. It was decided on a division not to comply with the application. An extension of time was granted to Hayes and Lynch for ;he erection of a footbridge at Westbrook. The report of the C Hector of Rates tvos read. It pointed out tho great difficulty experienced in collecting rates :rom Chinese, who shifted about so 'reqnently ; also, the number of un"egistered dogs in the Marsden and Bohonu Ridings particularly, some laving as many as four or five. It was •esolved that the Collector hand the lames of the owners of unregistered dogs 0 the police to prosecute. It was resolved that it be publicly advertised that Messrs Phillips and Noonan lave been appointed Collectors and Registrars cf I)og Tux ; and that any ales remaining unpaid at the expiration 1 fourteen days will be sued for without urther notice.

Letters were received from Messrs' Phillips and Noonan respectively in respect to their duties. It was resolved that the County Overseer cause any gates erected on any County road without permission of the County to be removed; and, if necessary, take any legal proceedings that may be | required for the purpose. The Chairman moved that a general resolution be passed, authorising each maintenance contractor to lay such information as he may deem necessary for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the 97tb section of the Public Works Act, 1876, against any person infringing the provision of that section in respect to any road under a maintenance contract. Or Foley opposed. It was giving too much power altogether to maintenance contractors. Jf they did that the miners and the Council would be at loggerheads every day. He moved that the authority be given in to the hands of the Road Overseer and the Inspectors. The amendment was not seconded, and lapsed. The original motion was then passed. A letter was read from Wm. Adams, inspector of miners' rights, No Town, applying for his percentage on miners' rights and arrears of salary ; also informing the Council that in consequence of the recent influx of Chinese he will have to go over the district a third time, he having gone over it twice already; al3O asking whether the Council will instruct him to proceed against those Chinese who have not taken out miners' rights. A list of miners' rights (58), which he was instrumental in getting taken out, was atatttached. Cr Madden moved that the list be referred to the Mining Registrar for information as to the exact number Mr Adams was instrumental in taking out. His salary was ordered to be paid up to date, and it was resolved that he be authorised to issue summonses against any Chinese refusing to take out miners' rights, and that costs of Court be refunded to him. An application was made by Mr Drennan, asking permission to remove a fence off the old road, as it was no longer required, and place a fence and put up two Blip-panel gates along the new line of road that would be constructed. Cr Taylor moved that the resolution already arrived at by the Council in relation to the matter ba adhered to. Cr Marshall seconded, and the motion was carried. In referenca to an application made recently at Ahaura for a pastoral lease, the Chairman moved that application ba made under the Mines Act for authority to enable the Council to levy a rate of so much per head for cattle depasturing on this land, snd so obtain the revenue. He had been told that with such power they could get a revenue of about LBOO. On the motion of Cr Clifford, consideration of the question was deferred to next meeting. The time for bringing up the committee's report with regard to Card's track was extended to next week. In respect to some dangerous trees along the road from Twelve-Mile to Nelson Creek, Cr Reid moved that the Inspector pro along the road, mark all the dangerous trees, and call for tenders for falling them. — Agreed to. Cr Taylor brought forward the question of the Chairman's salary, which had not yet bsen fixed for this year. He moved that the salary ba the same as last year (L 225). Cr Foley moved, as an amendment, that in consequence of the Chairman having to wait for his salary so long, the amount be L 250. There being no seconder, the amendment lapsed. Cr Taylor's resolution was then carried. Cr Foley said the other day a man was summoned to Greymouth for L 2 10, and he had to travel 20 miles to attend the Court. He therefore moved that the Chairman be requested to write to the Government, asking that a Warden's and R,M. Court be held at Greenstone once a month ; a copy of the resolution to be forwarded to the Warden and the Miniister of J ustice. —Carried. Cr Madden moved that specifications be prepared and tenders called for widening that portion of the road bstween Greymouth and Maori Creek leading to the Eight-Mile. If the road carried away, traffic would ba cut off from Maori Creek altogether. — Agreed to. Instructions were given to the Clerk to write a circular letter to all the Inspectors, informing them that a great many Chinamen who had recently arrived in the district had not taken out miners' right 3. Some discussion ensued as to the payment of the Licensing Bench Commissioners. Cr Marshall moved that leave be cranted to rescind the resolution formerly passed, notifying th.9 Commissioners that they would ba paid no longer for their services. The Council not being unanimous, the motion could not be put. It was decided that tenders be called for keeping the Amuri track over the saddle open tn traffc for 12 months.. — Agreed to. The Chairman moved that the Road Overseer call for tenders for the construction of four cvlverts and repairs of about tour miles of the road commonly known as Card's. The Road Overseer said the cost would not exceed LSO, probably not more than L3O. Cr Taylor seconded. — Carried. Cr Clifford moved that the track from Blackwater to Sponheimer be repaired, cost not to exceed LlO. — Carried. Cr Ellis moved that tenders be called for the repairs of the Try-Again road for 12 months, commencing at Kennedy's Hotel 'and terminating at Nelson Creek Crossing. The work was most necessary, as the traffic on it was very heavy. Cr | Reid seconded, and urged the great need for the work. The original motion was amended by the insertion of the words "Hatter's Terrace township" instead of "Nelson Creek crossing," and agreed to. Cr Ellis moved that one acre of the ground surveyed by Mr Galway for a [ cemetery in the Riding of Nelson Creek, be cleared and fenced. — Motiou agreed to. Cr Reid moved that the sum of ,£ls be granted to Orwell Creek Library, as a subsidy for year 1881. Cr Madden asked if the usual conditions had been observed. The Clerk said he had received no balance sheet. Cr Madden would then oppose it. The notice of motion was then postponed t'll next meeting. Cr Reid moved that the sum of £5 be expended in clearing footpaths and grounds of Ahaura Cemetery. Cr Taylor seconded. Cr Ellis said the cemetory was in a disgraceful condition. The Chairman would oppo3<i the motion. The Council had already done enough for cemeteries in removing the big trees and fencing. If they acceeded to this request, they would have similar

applications from all parts of the County. Besides, it would be going outside their functions to subsidise in the way asked. A fee vra.a charged in the Grey mouth cemetery which enabled it to be kept in repair. Or Madden thought the General Government ought to cront tribute in the case of cemeteries. Cr Marshall supported the motion. The amount asked for was a mere trifle, and the plan was much better khan appointing trustees, as sugpested by the Chairman. Cr Clifford would suppovt the motion, but pointed out the advantages which would accrue from the appointment of trustees, such aa keeping a record of the people buried and the position of the graves. In some of the cemeteries it was impossible to tell after two or three years where any particular grave was. — Motion agreed to. Cr Marshall moved that the foot track from Granville to Half-Ounce be repaired at a cost not exceeding £10. After the LlO was spent npon the track nothing would be wanted for many years. Cr Reid seconded. He considered the work very necessary. — Agreed to. Cr Makshall Amoved that the County Surveyor be instructed to survey a continuation of Brandy Jack's track to Orwell Creek, via the head waters of Brandy Jack and Hatter's Creeks — as this route will open up a large extent of goldbaaring country. He would have brought this matter forward before but for the financial position of the Council ; and he would not have asked for it if the work was likely to cost much. Cr Reid seconded. He knew the country well, and such a track would be a great assistance to the people in the district. ,' The track would not be more than four miles long. — Motion agreed to. Cr Taylor moved that tenders be called for patting in repair the track, Brunnerton to Langdon's. There was a good deal of traffic on the road, which was now in a very bad state. Cr Madden seconded. The Chairman also supported the motion, which was carried. Cr Taylor moved that arrangementa be made with Mr Kinsella, or other resident at the Blackball, to keep the track up the Blackball Creek to the diggings in repair for one year, for a sum not exceeding L 25. The Road Overseer said, in reply to a question, that the track would be of great use, and the amount was not ex« cessive. Cr Clifford seconded. Or Madden considered the principle a bad one. They had nothing to go by, as admitted by Cr Taylor, but the word of -Mr Kinsella. Cr Reid warmly supported the motion., -„ The motion was then agreed to. Cr Ellis asked leave for Gal way and party to construct a tunnel under the road ac Try-Again Terrace, the tunnel to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Engineer.— Agreed to. ■> r •: ; It was resolved . that the Chairman be authorised to prepare an estimate, required under section 7 of the Act, and that notice be given of the intention of the Council to strike a rate of Is in the £, at the next ordinary meeting of the Council. The date of the next ordinary meeting wa9 fixed for the 19th July, at 7.30 p.m. ' The Council then adjourned.