PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 16, 5 June 1880, Page 2

PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Thursday, June 2.

The usual monthly meeting was held on Thursday. Present — Messrs. Dale (chairman), Brewer, Hunter, Gane, Partridge, Homer, Milne, and Winks. Mr. Harden, engineer to the Council, was also present.

MINUTE 3.

The minutes of the former meeting were read and confirmed.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Secretary of the Treasury, stating that the sum of £57 19s was due to the Council on account of land revenue.

From Moore Hunter, in reference to employing J. Bolf on the county road. — Comphed with.

From Mr. J. Barleyman, solicitor, Hawera, asking the Council to forward petition and plan re Hawera Road Board. — The chairman stated that he had attended to the matter.

From Moore Hunter, with reference to gravelling from T. Ecclesfield's to J. Prosser's comer, Hawera. — The chairman replied, stating that the funds were exhausted ; but he was in communication with the Government on the subject.

From the Public Woiks Office, Wellington, with inference to the Council's application for an advance on the Mountain road, and stating that no further payment would be made.

From the Secretary of the Treasury, stating that 3s had been posted to the credit of the Council, being balance of the Waitotara- Stony River vote.

From the Rev. J. Allsworth, with reference to the drainage in front of his property, near the Presbyterian Church, Waverley. — The engineer was instructed to prepare plans for drainage.

From Councillor Winchcombe, tendering his resignation as a member ot the Council. — Received.

From J. M. McLean's solicitor, Wellington, with reference to submitting his claim to Mr. Blackett, stating that the Minister of Public Works could give no information.

From Galvin and Co., Hawera, with reference to advertising public meeting in the Star. — The chairman replied that the letter was received too late.

From the Secretary of the Treasury, Wellington, stating that £462 4s 9d had been posted to the credit ot the Council, on account of the Mountain road, and that no further sum would be advanced, pending the settlement of tlie road deviation.

Prom J. Cheyne, "Waverley, stating that an error of 6d per year had been made in his contract. — Error rectified.

From W. Colson, Carlyle, asking for a transfer of slaughter-house license. — Granted.

engineer's report.

The report stated that, in consequence of the inclement weather during the past month, the works on the Manawapou hill had be n retarded, and several oi the gravelling contracts had been suspended. Contracts Nos. 23, 57, 58, and 60 were completed. He had, as instructed, taken the levels of Bedford-street, Carlyle, with a view of carrying the street drainage lower down the hill, a plan, and estimate of which would be laid before the Council. Regarding the Waitotara road crossing, he had left it untouched until last week, expecting that the Highway Board for the district would have taken measures to remedy the evil ; but, finding that the dangerous hole still existed, he had given instructions to have it filled in. The funds allotted to the Mountain road being exhausted, he had discharged all hands on that road.

Councillor Hunter asked the engineer if the holes near Hawera wotild not be better filled up? He thought the daymen might be employed.

The Engineer said be would like to attend to some bad spots near Hawera, Manutahi, and Waverley, as soon as he had funds.

Councillor Partridge asked when the Manawapou road would be finished ?

The Engineer replied that he expected to have it done by the end of the present month ; but he intended carrying the metal as far as Mokoia.

Councillor Hunter thought there was too much earth put on the metal. Where there was not so much soft earth the metal appeared to set better. . The Engineer remarked that that did not make any difference, especially at this season of the year.

Councillor Milne asked why the engineer had not reported upon the water which lay on tjho road opposite the Presbyterian Chmjjk/, Waverley ? The Engineer replied he was not aware that he was expected to report. " The water got into th parson's garden, and of course he did not like it."

Councillor Brewer asked if it would not be advisable to have more than two surface men employed between Waitotara and Waverley ? The Engineer* replied that decidedly it would, but all the money had been spent in metalling. Councillor Brewer asked how the engineer knew the financial position of the Council '? He was repeatedly teEing them " he had no money available — he had spent all the money," &c. His business was to report and see that the work was done.

The Chairman stated that he had asked the engineer to keep expenses as low as possible. As executive officer of the Council, he thought it right that ways and means should be looked to. Of course, if the Council decided otherwise, there could be some more men employed.

Councillor Home proposed, — " That the chairman be empowered to confer with the Town. Board re the storm water at the top of Bedford-street, Carlyle, and the Council will consent to lay the box culvert, as proposed by the engineer, if the Town Board undertake to carry the water from thence."

Councillor Milne seconded the resolution.

Councillor Gane thought it better to let well alone. Drainage waß a ticklish matter to deal with.

Councillor Brewer would vote for the resolution.

Councillor Partridge understood the Town Board would undertake to carry off the water if necessaiy.

Councillor Winks thought it would be better to have something definite from the Town Board.

The Chairman said everything he had to do with the Town Board he always took care to have it in black and white, so that there should be no mistakes or disputes as to what had been' agreed upon.

Councillor Hunter thought the Council. . ought not to interfere with it, because nearly every councillor admitted that the • hole where the water lay had been there as long as Patea itself was there. The Chairman gave an emphatic denial to Councillor Hunter's statemnt. After some further discussion, Councillor Homer replied, and the resolution was _ carried. Councillor Milne moved, and Councillor *> Homer seconded; — "That the engineer prepare plan and estimate of cost to remove water from the main road opposite the Presbyterian Church Waverley ; plan and estimate to be laid before the Council at next meeting." — Carried. HOSPITAL REPORT. Dr. Croft reported that there were the following cases in the hospital on the 31st May: — Henry Baily, phithisis pulmonalis; Wm. Wright, gastric fever ; Wm. Brown, ulcer of leg ; Frederick Marsh, gastialgia ; Henry Barstow, wound' of leg ; Frederick Arding, fracture of arm. All were progressing favorably, except Henry Baily, who, since the cold weather set in 5 had been getting worse. FINANCE. The Treasurer stated that there was a balance in hand" of over .£2OO. There was about i! 1000 due by Government to the Council for hospital, Mountain road, " and other things. *" TENDER. The tender of James Smith, for building chimney, was accepted. : GRAVEL PIT AT WAINGONGORO. Councillor Partridge moved, "That a charge of one shilling per cubic yard be made for all gravel taken from the pit at the Waingongoro gravel reserve." Private parties charged for gravel, and he (Councillor Partridge) did not see why the county should not do the same. Some of the contractors took the gravel out in any way they thought fit. Besides, there was a good deal of traffic on the road, and the amount collected would help to keep it in repair. Councillor Homer seconded the resolution. In answer to Councillor Gane, Councillor Partridge said he did not wish to charge contractors any more than other people. The Chairman thought they should prevent the gravel being taken by contractors or anybody els?. There was no good making a charge, for he felt sure it could not be collected. The best course would be to insert a notice in the Hawera paper, cautioning anybody against taking; the gravel. He questioned whether it was the intention of the Governm. Nt to give them the gravel reserves for the purpose of making revenue from them. The reserves were granted for road purposes only. Councillor Partridge thought it would be hard if private, were prevented from taking a few loads for their yards or footpaths. Councillor Hunter did not consider there would be much difficulty in collecting the money. Councillor" Winks thought it unfair that '. the County Council should charge Is., whilst it only allowed 2d. for what it took from private persons. . _ _^-j' The Chairman asked whether the^pit was inexhaustible, or likely to run out in a short time ? Councillor Winks replied that there was a large quantity in the pit, and- if it- Hid', run out, there was another gravel pit on ' the other side of the river. Councillor Gane thought it would be very arbitrary if the council prevented people from getting a load of gravel for their private use. He considered that it should be given at 2d. a yard. Councillor Winks said that if people were prevented from taking gravel from the Waingongoro gravel pit, they could go down the other road and get it from Mr. Douglas. That would cause quite as much damage, if not more, to the other road. The matter was allowed to fell through, after some further discussion. WHENUAKURA AND WAITOTARA ROAD. Councillor Brewer moved, " That the engineer bo instructed to employ another surface man, to be employed between Whenuakura and Waitotara." The engineer appeared to know everything about their financial affairs, but he (Councillor Brewer), for one, had not very great faith in the engineer. He considered that the council was quite capable of looking after its finances. Councillor Milne seconded the resolution. Councillors Winks and Gane suggested that one of the men north of Patea should be sent down to the Whenuakura-Waito-tara road. The Chairman stated that the engineer had been acting under his instructions. He had informed the engineer that the funds of the council we're exhausted, and had requestedlihnto keep down txpenses as much as possible. The motion was carried. THE SUBSIDIES TO LOCAL BODIES. Councillor Homer moved, " That this Council having seen with much concern the intention of the Government to withdraw the subsidies hitherto granted to the counties and road boards, desire the Government to carefully reconsider the matter, as it appears evident that the roads cannot be maintained unless the subsidies are continued — at least until the traffic is transferred to the railway." He (Councillor. Homer) felt very' deeply oa - the question. He heard people on all sides saying, " If the Government will not subsidise the rates, we will not pay the rates. We have put the roads in a much . better condition than when the Government gave them to us." The settlers would have to pay in any case, whether to the Government or the local bodies. They could bear the withdrawal if it was done gradually, and the railway carried through. Councillor Milne seconden the resolution. It would be almost impossible for a young district like this to maintain such a long length of coast road if the subsidies were withdrawn. Councillor Hunter supported the resolution. He thought, from the Hon. Mr. Hall's speech, that districts so situated as theirs was, having a large quantity of Crown lands and native lands lying alongside, would receive some special provision. He thought the forwarding of the resolution would do good. Councillor Gane said that, exceptionally situated as they were, with large tracts of native lands paying no rates, and the settlement of the country having been kept back through the native difficulty, if the Government did not continue the subsidies, or take over the main road /

and maintain it, or push on the railway, so as to relieve the traffic on the main road, it would be impossible for them to carry on. Councillor Partridge agreed with the resolution, but, at the same time, he did not think that the proposed action would do any good. The resolution was carried unanimously, end Councillor Hunter suggested that the chairman, in forwarding it, should explain their position with regard to native and Crown lands. MAKING COUNTY COUNCILS LAND BOARDS. Councillor Milne moved, " That in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable that County Councils should be constituted Land Boards — they bung elective bodies, are more likely to push on the sale and occupation of the waste lands of the colony than the land boards, as they are at present constituted ; and that the chairman communicate with the other county councils, asking their co-operation in this matter." They were rather peculiarly situated. They were, so to speak, the fag-ends of two provincial districts. The New Plymouth Harbor Board received 25 per cent, from the greater portion of the land sold in the Patea ccmnty. The members of the harbor board had all their interests in New Plymouth, whereas, if the counties had the management oi the Crown bonds, they would do all in their power to settle the people upon them, as it would be to their interest to do so. By that means taxation would be reduced. Councillor Hunter seconded the resolution. Councillor Gane thought the resolution premature. The Patea County Council had made some mistakes already, as, for instance, providing work for people out of employment. He would be averse to the Council taking over any more duties, unless he could see some cheaper way of carrying on the work. At present the land boards were paid for by the colony, ■whilst if the county councils took the administration of the lands over, the expenses would fall upon the ratepayers. Councillor Milne replied, stating that the Council could administer the land with its present staff, and would be more likely to do it than a body which had no interest whatever in the district. The resolution was carried. POOR BATE BILL. Councillor Milne thought that from •what had already transpired it was the intention of the Government to introduce a Poor Bate Bill. If such a thing were done, that Council, and all the other local bodies, should resist it. THE CLERK'S SALARY. Councillor Partridge asked whether the chairman had received any information as to the salaries paid to clerks in other places ? The Chairman replied that the clerk's salary was iJBO in Wanganui, and J2OO in New Plymouth. In the latter place the ■clerk had not to collect the rates. Councillor Gane 6aid that the clerk in ■Wanganui had to provide office accommodation, which cost £80 per annum ; therefore his salary was only equal to £50. The clerk in New Plymouth had to provide his own house. Councillor Winks stated that the clerk in Wanganui had to collect the rates. Councillor Hunter moved, — " That the cl rk be given notice that the present agreement' with him shall cease at the ■end of three months, and that tenders be ■called for doing the duties of clerk; tenders to be in by the 4th of August." Councillor Hunter pointed out that the work of the Council was likely to decrease, as the Government had taken over the Mountain road and other matters. With the prospect of the withdrawal ol the subsidies, they would have to curtail their expenditure, as their income would be decreased at least one-third. Councillor Gane thought they could not afford the luxury of a clerk all to themBelves. He would support the resolution. Their expenditure was very large, as compared with their receipts. In the Hawera Boad District there had not been more than £150 Bpent, although the Board had an income for the past year of over £1600. Councillor Milne agreed with what had been said. Biit the clerk had given thorough satisfaction ever since he had held the position, and had got them out of many difficulties. The Council ought to reduce the salary to what they considered fair, but they should give the present clerk an opportunity of accepting the Sosition or otherwise at the reduced gure. The Chairman said ho would oppose the calling for tenders for performing the duties of any office of the Council. They would get applications from some men to do the work at a nominal salary, but as soon as they were appointed they would then immediately ask for more, and say that they had no idea there was such an amount of work to do. He considered tendering for the sendees of officers of the Council a very bad practice, and he would always oppose it being done. Councillor Hornor spoke highly of the way in which Mr. Black had discharged his duties, and, although he (Councillor Homer) felt the necessity of retrenchment, he agreed with Councillor Milne that Mr. Black should have an opportunity of keeping his post, if he thought fit. Councillor Brewer said he did not think it fair, when work commenced to get Black, to part with an old and faithful servant. The officers oi the Patea County Council had more work to do than those of either the Wanganui or New Plymouth Councils. The Chairman said Mr. Black not alone worked during the day, but he frequently worked two and three nights in the week as well. He was clerk, treasurer, returning officer, dog-tax collector, registrar of brands, and he had to attend to the hospital, which was an entirely separate affair in other places. Councillors Gane and Winks said they did not wish to find fault with Mr. Black ; but they considered they could not afford to pay £250 a year to a clerk any longer. Councillor Hunter replied, stating that if Mr. Black was offered £500 a year by the Government, he would have no compunction in giving the Council three months' notice. He (the speaker) could not agree with the chairman's remarks as to tendering, because they were dealing with public money, and should, therefore, give the public an opportunity of "tendering ; but if Mr. Black's duties were as ieavy as they were represented to be by the chairman, the Council would probably receive higher tenders for performing the duties. He quite agreed with all that

had been said in favor of Mr. Black, who was a most efficient and trustworthy officer.

On a division, the motion was lost by the casting vote of the chairman. Ayes — Councillors Hunter, Gane, Partridge, and Winks. Noes — Councillors Brewer, Homer, Milne, and the Chairman. Councillor Milne then proposed, and Councillor Partridge seconded, " That Mr. Black receive notice that the salary of the Clerk be reduced to £150 per annum, three months from the present date — office hours, three days in each week." The Chairman moved as an amendment, " That a committee, consisting of Messrs. Homer, Hunter, and the mover, be appointed to consider the question of reducing the Clerk's salary, and report to next meeting." If the committee were appointed, they could then go into the matter, and they would have a better idea of what the duties were. Councillor Brewer seconded the amendment. Councillor Gane asked why the whole of the Council were not included in the proposed committee. He suggested that Councillor Winks' name should be added to it. He only wanted to see the Council get value for its money, but at present he did not think that was the case. On be.ng put to a division, the amendment was carried. TRAVELLING EXPENSES. Councillor Milne moved, " That the sum allowed to councillors for travelling expenses be reduced to 10s. for each sitting." Councillors were going in for reducing their officers' salary, and he thought they should begin with their own honorarium. In fact, he would like to see it knocked off altogether, because some people said that they only went into the Council to get 30s. a day. After some discussion, the resolution was carried unanimotisly. chairman's salary. Councillor Winks moved, — " That the chairman's salary be reduced to .£lO per annum." Councillor Gane seconded the resolution. The Chairman thought the motion was slightly out of order, as the salary had been voted for the year. It made no difference to him, because he did not take th salary for himself. Councillor Homer thought they were entirely out of order. They were cutting about without any order or method. There was no system in what they were doing. After some conversation. Councillor Winks withdrew the resolution, it being the general opinion that the proper time to deal with the mitter would be when they were appropriating the chairman's salary. The meeting then adjourned.