PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 52, 9 October 1880, Page 2

PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Wednesday, October 6.

The usual monthly meeting of the council was held on Wednesday. Present — Councillors Dale (chairman), Milne, Homer, Partridge, Gane, Hunter, and Bridge.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From J. Beamish, Carlyle, asking that the culvert near his house should be removed. — Left to the engineer to report. From Buckley, Stafford, and Fitzherbert, solicitors, to J. McLean, telegram as follows :—" Your letter ambiguous. Are we to understand that our acceptance o the £162 is not to prejudice our client's claims either on No. 15 or any of the other contracts ? Reply at once." — Reply sent stating that the amount did not prejudice Mr. McLean's claims on the other contracts. From the Patea Garrick Club, asking permission to use the Council Chambers for private meetings. — Granted.

From C. T. Benzoni, Assistant UnderSecretary, directing attention to sections in the Public Works Act, 1880, relative to tbe stopping, excZiange, or sale of roads, "which it is thought will materially simplify the mode of procedure, and enable local bodies to complete these matters without direct reference to the Public Works Department at Wellington, as has been the case hitherto."

From the Wanganui Education Board, urging that the main road near the site of the school at Waitotara should be formed.

From the Secretary of the Treasury, Wellington, stating that 20 per cent, of the amount of the land sold, for the four months ended 31st July, had been placed to the credit of the council, viz., £198 14s. 9d. ; the total amount realised being £993 13s. lOd.

From the Under-Secretary, asking the amount paid in wages to hospital employes. From the Manawatu County Council, approving of the resolution in reierenpe to constituting county councils land boards. . From the Crown Lands Department, stating that, under the West Coast Settlement Act, the lands would be administered by a commissioner, and not by a land board.

From J. Barleyman, solicitor, asking that a certificate for closing Croftmoor road should be signed by the chairman.

From C. Quin, Normanby, asking for information in reference to road board affairs, as the newly-constituted road board at Ngaire was not yet in possession of Acts of Parliament and other documents.

From the natives at Mokoia, claiming compensation for metal taken from the riv- r near their land. — No action taken. (The 1 tters were written to Mr. Wray, West Coast Commissioner, and that gentleman forwarded them to the council.)

From the Under-Secretary, acknowledging the letter forwarding the names of the members and auditors of the Ngaire Road Board district.

From the chairman of the Waverley Town Board, requesting permission to place a culvert on the water-table of the main road running through the township. Granted.

From Dr. Keating, hospital surgeon, urging that the hospital grounds should be properly enclosed, and that the top stoiey of the building should be made suitable for the reception of patients. — No action taken.

THE HOSPITAL. Dr. Keating reported that during the month of September four patients had been admitted, and two discharged, leaving seven in the hospital, as follows : — John Boyle, phthisis; George Barron, ulcer ; Augustus Robert, heart disease ; Humphrey Pi,eese, tumor ; Bartley Eechal, erysipelas ; Wm. Richard, bronchitis ; and John Grangor, injury of the hand. The Chairman explained that John Boyle had been discharged during the present month, as he was in the habit of getting drunk ; but two more patients had since been admitted.

engineer's report. The engineer reported that little had been done during the month, beyond maintaining the roads, and spreading metal on at Mokoia, the latter having been completed. The bridge across the Waihi creek had been repaired. An estimate for required expenditure to 31st March, 1881, would be laid before the meeting, from which it might be observed that he had omitted all portions of the road which had been gravelled last year, in order to reduce the expenditure to a minimum. Owing to fine weather having set in, he had been able to reduce the staff on the main road, pending instructions from the council in the matter. Furze was encroaching on the main road adjoining the following properties : — Messrs. Powdrell's, Kakaramea ; C. Symes', Manutahi; Williamson's, Kakaramea ; J. Hare's, Waverley ; C. Symes', sen., Waverley ; Walkington's, Waverley ; D. Hunter's, Waverley ; Dempsoy's, Waverley ; Mitchell's, Waverley ; Durie's, Waitotara ; Hon yfield's, Whenuakura ; Homer's, Whenuakura; G. Bayly's and J. E. Lysaght's, Manawapou ; C. J. Toxward's, Manutahi; Ball's, Kakaramea; Bamford's, Manutahi ; H. McCarty's, Manutahi; J. Dickey's, Waverley; Iredale Bros., Hawera'; Hicks', Hawera; and Peacock's, Manutahi. Furze had b en grabbed out on the main road, adjoining the following properties : — Messrs. Lysaght's, McCarty's, Bamford's, and Peacock's. ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE, The following is the engineer's estimate for the year ending 31st March, 1881 : — £ s. d. Ketemarae to Hawera 375 0 0 Hawera to Tongahoe 150 0 0 Tongahoe to Manutahi 2,100 0 0 Manutahi to Burkes 350 0 0 Whenuakura 210 0 0 Waverley to Waitotara 487 10 0 Maintenance 840 0 0 Culverts and bridges, repairs, &c. 80 0 0 Total £4,592 10 0 Councillor Bridge asked why such a lar#e expenditure was required between Tongahoe and Manutahi ? I The Engineer explained that the place ' was destitute of gravel, and metal would have to be taken from the moutjh ot the Tongahoe. If they put a coating of 6ix inches on it, they would get a permanent road ; but they could not repair a piece here and there, the same as they could do with gravel. Councillor Homer thought the estimate for culverts and bridges was smalL

Tue,J3hgineer replied that lie had about 10,000 feet of timber on band.

Councillor Hunter asked how it was that the road between Hawera and Normanby had got into such a bad state. The engineer would remember that some six or seven months ago he had made a statement to the effect that he wished all the other roads in the county were in such good condition. The Engineer stated that the road was a green one, but if one or two men had been kept at work on it, the road would be as good as any in the county. Councillor Hunter thought the fact of banking the road up with earth, and cutting the grass away, was the cause of the road giving way to such an extent, and he had pointed it out at the time. The Charman said that, if he was not mistaken, a distinct resolution had been passed by the council to have the work done. ESTIMATE OF RECEIPTS. The following estimate of receipts for the year ending 31st March, 1881, was read by the cha.rman : — £ b. a. i Subsidy for 4i months 543 8 7 Outstanding rates 271 12 0 Subsidy from Government for hospital 276 17 6 Miscellaneous receipts 250 0 0 Total £1341 18 1 PRESENT LIABILITIES. £ S. d. Overdraft 57 7 5 Waverley recreation ground ... ... 67 5 3 Mokoia recreation do. 6 12 10 B alance of contracts and debts due 475 0 0 Total £606 5 6 That would leave a balance of £735 12s 7d, without striking a rate ; but out of that would have to be deducted the amount for the maintenance of the hos- i pital. j ROAD BOARD VALUATIONS. The valuation of the road board districts for the past year amounted to £52,736. Councillor Bridge could not understand the statement. Two months ago he was told there was a balance of over £100 in hand. Now they were informed they were over £600 in debt. The Chairman replied that the business of the county had been carried on for two months since then, without receiving any rates. Had it not been for a portion of the land fund which they had got, they would have been still more in debt. Councillor Homer said the engineer had not made allowance for lowering the grade of the Patea hill. That would cost about £380, which would make a considerable difference in the estimate of expenditure. clerk's duties. The following report from tbe committee appointed to inquire into the clerk's duties, and the rate of salary, was read : — " At a meeting of the committee, held on Wednesday, 6th October — present, Messrs. Dale (chairman), Homer, and Hunter— it was resolved (Councillor Hunter dissenting) — That, having inquired into the work performed by the clerk, we find that, in addition to the ordinary duties performed by clerks to county councils, he acts as secretary to hospital, registrar of brands, registrar of dogs, returning officer, and collector of rates. We consider tTiat the salary should be JE22O per annum." The Chairman stated that the only difference between the members of th • committee was as to whether the clerk should give the whole of his time or not to the council. Their clerk had to attend to the hospital, whilst in other counties it formed no part of his duty. Mr. Black also did the work pertaining to the offices of returning officer, registrar of dogs, registrar of brands, and collector of rates. In other counties, the clerk had not to collect the rates ; and taking Mr. Liffiton's basis of calculations, at 5 per cent., there would be an expenditure of £65 for that alone. Councillor Hunter dissented from the report: he thought the salary ought to be £200.

Councillor Hunter said he made up the £200 salary as follows :— Clerk's duties, £70; collector, £65; dog tax registrar, i&5; hospital £30; registrar of brands, £5 ; and returning officer, £5. Councillor Bridge thought the dog tax registrarship might be done away with. At present, they lost a good deal of fees. The b tter course would be to let it out by tender. The Chairman, in replying to Councillor Hunter, said it was not absolutely necessary for the office to be kept open every day of the week. But he (the chairman) believed in paying a man a fair salary, and demanding the whole of his time.

Councillor Gane said the days of luxury were passed. If tbe office were kept open two days a week, it would answer all requirements. It was useless to say the office was kept open cv ry day. He had called eight times to pay his dog tax, and he could not find Mi*. Black. Lots of other people made the same complaint. They talked about the expenditure of the Government, but they were out-Heroding Herod. There was no necessity to go in for show. What they wanted was utility. He would move, — "That applications be advertised for the office of clerk; the office to be open for two days a week." Councillor Milne seconded the resolution pro forma. Councillor Partridge understood the Biib-oominittee had al9o to consider the salary and duties of the engineer. The Ch airman replied in the negative. Councillor Bridge was surprised that the chairman did not rule the motion out of order, seeing that they had a by-law to the effect that the office should be open every day. Councillor Homer said, if they took away the registrarship of dogs from the clerk's work, that would reduce the salary to £190. The question then was : Were they to ask the whole of the time* of their clerk at £190 a year ? Mr. Black had proved himself a most efficient officer, and be (Councillor Homer) would be sorry if they were to lose his services. Councillor Hunter said that, judging from what the Wanganui County Council paid to their clerk, he thought it only fair that Mr. Black should be prepared to do the duties for a similar amount, on the/basis laid down by that body. He (Councillo • Hunter) thought that if they gave £200 a year they would be doing very well, and as much as their funds would warrant. • Councillor Partridge was of opinion

that the duties of clerk, and engine©' should be combined. Councillor Gane said that had been bis opinion for some time past, but he. could not get any of them to . move in the matter. ■ r . Councillor Milne considered'tbey were* paying too much money away. .As Councillor Bridge had suggested^ a much better course would be to call for 'tenders for the dog tax. The hospital rations might be served out by the doctor, or by the steward. The sum of £65 would be" too much to pay for collecting the rates. Councillor Bridge said he did not v feel disposed to vote for -either. Councillor Gane's amendment, or for the report of the committee. Mr. Blaok was^a most efficient officer, and he (Councillor Bridge) should be sorry to lose his services! But he (the speaker) considered that if the office were open two days in the Week — in fact, one day would do— it would answer all requirements. If they handed over the registration of brands to the sheep inspector, and the hospital to the doctor, he thought that £150 would be sufficient. Councillor Partridge had been waiting' anxiously for the reportof the committee. He agreed with Councillor Bridge's remarks, and he did not want to Vote, for Councillor Gane's amendment, or for the report of the committee. Mr. Black had done his work well, and he was of opinion that some definite offer should be made , to their clerk before they advertised lor notber. ■ . The Chairman said that it must be clearly understood that, in agreeing to tbe resolution p ssed by the sub-committee, it was on the understanding that the clerk would have to perform all tbe duties set down. If they did not ask him to do some of them, then they should decrease the salary. Councillor Gane, in reply, said be did not find fault with the clerk, but they had not enough work to do for the money paid. The motion, on being 1 put, was lost oath c voices. Councillor .Bridge — Who collects the rates for the Wanganui county council ? Chairman — They have no collector. They have struck no rate. Several councillors (together)— Happy council! Councillor Partridge moved, ''That notice be given to the clerk that his salary will be reduced to £170 per annum"; the office to be kept open for three days in the week; to take effect from the end of the present year." They ought to make Mr. Black that offer, and if be did not. accept, he (the speaker) felt sur ■ that lots of competent men could be got for even less. Councillor Hunter seconded the motion. He was of opinion that would be a reasonable salary, when they struck ofl some of the duties at present performed by their clerk, Councillor Gane moved, as an amendment, "That the present clerk be offered £150 per annum — the office to be, open two days per week ; £30 of tbe above to be charged to the Hospital ; and the clerk to be relieved of the duties of collector of dog-tax and registrar of brands." He (Councillor Gane) thought that would be a fair salary.Councillor Bridge seconded the amend* ment. Councillor Partridge, in reply, said that bis proposition was a medium one. He did not believe in cutting down the> salary too much. ' / ■ ' '?' The amendment, on being put. was lost. Ayes; Councillors Bridge, Gane, and Milne. Naes .* Councillors Hunier, Partridge, and the chairman. Councillor Bridge proposed that £30 of the salary be charged to tbe hospital, and that the clerk be relieved of tbe duties of dog tax collector and registrar of brands. Councillor Hunter seconded the motion, which was carried. . KECEIPTS AND EPPBNDITUEB. Councillor Gane moved as follows: — That tbe clerk make out a statement of accounts from the commencement of the 1 Patea council, to the 80th September, as follows : — Receipts— -1. Amount of rates from each riding ; 2. Amount of subsidies from each riding ; 3. Licenses of all kinds from each riding ; 4. Amount received on account of Mountain road; 5. Amount received on account of hospital. Expenditure — 1. Eoad contracts within each riding; 2. Day laborers in each riding; 3. Mountain road contracts ; 4. I>ay labor on Mountain road; 5. Hospital; 6. Salaries. Councillor Hunter, in seconding the resolution, said that he had asked for the return some time back. It was not a settled thing that they were to be governed by counties, and tbe return asked for would be valuable, as showing the amount that it took to govern them. For his part, he objected to large areas. The Chairman looked upon the production of such a return as unnecessary work. If councillors wanted to see the details asked for, they could get them in the office. . The principal items could be obtained from the different balance-sheets. They went in for reducing the clerk's salary, and yet they wanted to give him a lot of unnecessary work. Councillor Bridge said that, when tbe resolution was read, be bad some doubt as to supporting it ; but after what had fallen from the chairman, he would vote for it, seeing that everything could, be got so easily. Councillor Bridge wished to know whether there was a return in the office, showing the amount that had b en spent in the various ridings. The Chairman replied in the negative. Councillor Homer was of opinion the return asked for by Councillor Hunter had been furnished. Councillor Hunter — Yes; but only for six months. The resolution states from the commencement of tbe council. Councillor Gane, in reply, said that he only wished to ascertain what system was the least expensive. The motion was carried. DOG-TAX. Councillor Bridge moved that tenders be called for the collection of the dog-tax in the different ridings throughout the county. Councillor Gane moved that tbe matter ■be held over till next meeting. — Carried. Councillor Gane then moved— "That tenders be called for 350 dog collars ; tobe in by next meeting. " — Carried. THE ENGINEER'S SALAKY. Councillor Partridge moved—" That the engineer's salary be reduced to £200, after the Ist January next." Mr. Hardens predecessor had received £50 of an addition, because he had to attend to the Mountain road, and had to keep an additional horse. Good men could be got to do the work for £200 a year.

APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR. Cownciilot Bridge moved— "That a Committee, consisting of the Chairman, Councillors Milne and Hunter, be appointed to lay before the council an estimate of appropriation for the year ending March, 1881 ; to report at the next meeting ; two to form a quorum." After some discussion, the motion was carried. j THE MO.UNTAIH ROAD. j The following notice of motion, given by Councillor Hunter, came up for con- . Bideratdon : — " That the Governor be requested to revoke the Gazette notice, proclaiming the Mountain road a Government road, so far as it affected that portion commencing at its junction with the county road at Hawera to where it joins the Austin road, on the bush side of Normanby, so that it may be taken over by the county and made a county road." In < speaking to the motion, Councillor Hunter said that their part of the county felt more interested m that road than in any of tbe others. He had written to Major Atkinson and the Minister of -Public Works, BQ& te'efeived replies to the e£fect , that there was no money available for the work. The road would have to be repaired by somebody, and the sooner it was done the better. In reply to the chairman, Councillor • Hunter said the Austin road was the one leading up to the mill. He (Councillor . .Hunter) understood that the majority of the settlers in the Ncaire district were in i iavor of metalling the Boylan road, which was originally proclaimed the < Mountain road, but had afterwards been changed. The grades were easier, and the bash had been felled for some time. Councillor Partridge seconded the resolution. Seeing that the Government bad called for tenders for the gravelling of tbe Mountain road, as far as Mangawhero, be (Councillor Partridge) thought there • was little chance of getting anything done to the part referred to in the motion. It was only fair to their end of the county that something should be done to that road. All tbe timber and firewood, for < the use of Hawera, came by it, and there waß a great deal of traffic continually upon it.

The Chairman said that, if they took over the road> they would be establishing' a precedent. Be'ore the Government had taken over that toad it was a district one, and if taken back from tbe Government,

it ought to become a district road again.

By the same process of reasoning as that .urged by Councillor Hunter, one of the roads in the Patea West Riding, and another in the Waverley Riding, should be taken over by the County Council, because timber had to be carted over them. It

- vr&B a question of district versus county. •i ' Councillor Partridge said that the road was, to nil intents and purposes, a county road. It was the main road from Wanganui to New Plymouth, and all the trafiic was on it. Therefore, it was different to the others: Councillor Gane agreed with Councillor Partridge. The council ought, to maintain the road. Councillor Bridge supported the views of the chairman. They were situated in exactly the same position at-Waverley. The step was a false one. He would prefer seeing the road boards and the town boards taking over the main roads, and . .maintaining them as they did previously. He would move as an amendment — " That the' road boards and town boards within the county be written to, asking if . they are willing to take over the portions -of the main road in their several districts on IBt April, 1881, on condition that tbe .. council hand over all rates raised in- each district to the several districts, together . With any subsidy that may be received upon rates." Councillor Gane seconded the amendment; but he would suggest that the matter should be postponed for a month. It was accordingly agreed to postpone the discussion till next meeting, the . Chairman stating that the subject would probably be ventilated in the Press in the meantime.

ACCOUNTS.

The following accounts were pasßed for payment :-rJ. Jacob, £8 ; J. Kenvrorthy, , £8 Us. lid.; A. Black* £1 10s.; Patea . Mail, £1 17b. 6d.; H. I. Davis, £4 10s. ; ' vases, £106 Is. ;.S. Taplin, £59 13s. 7d. ; Q. D. Hamerton, £1 13s. 4d, ; Galvin and Co., £7 18b.