LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Lake County Press, Volume V, Issue 277, 19 January 1888, Page 3

LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL.

We continue our report of the discussions at the meeting of Lake County Council on the Bth inst., when there was a full attendance Mr J. O'Menra (chairman) pesiding. Referring to Mr Warren's letter, Cr Jenkins said lie hardly understood the nature of it. The request

was an extraordinary one. Mr Warren had an account in that day for £ls odd, while that of Mr Marsh who had the contract, was £4 only. Ic seemed to him that Mr Warren had been treated very well of late. As for his paper having the largest circulation, that was a matter of opinion. Or Aspinall asked whether Mr Marsh's tender had not been accepted for printing and advertising both.

The Clerk read from the minute hook advertising oidy. Mr Warren, who was present as a reporter, by leave addressed the Council stating that it seemed unfair that all the advertising should be given to one paper. There wen., notices that could not be ton widely published, such as balance sheets, etc.

Mr Marsh also asked to be allowed to say o few words on the matter of advertising for the benefit of the new members of the Council. He stated that, Mr Warren had made use of the identical argument* used by the speaker on a former occasion, when the late eh tirman had said he. had published the balance sheets in one paper only for reasons of economy. To settle a dispute tenders had been called for advertising, and in making his offer he (Mr Marsh) thought he was tendering for a monoply of the Council's advertising, and he was doing the work for next to nothing. It was not keeping faith with him, then, to advertise in another man's paper at that man's own price. Notwithstanding what Mr Black had read from the minute book, the original amotion (which was proposed by Or Aspinall) was—That the tender of Mr Marsh for all printing and advertising be accepted.

Mr Black said the motion was altered in the room.

21 r Marsh : But not at the meeting, for I took a copy of it. Cr Aspinall quite sympathised with Mr Marsh's position. The Council, having accepted his tender, were bound to keep faith with him. No time was specified for the duration of the contract though he thought 12 months' wa3 understood to be die time.

Mr Black said that he had inserted the advortisments referring to the elections in the Wakatipu Mail as Returning Officer, in which capacity he was independent of the Council. He had done so in order to comply with the law. Without wishing to dictate, Mr Marsh pointed out that allowing that what Mr Clack lind said was correct, yet, as Mr B'a:k was an officer of the Council, that body could have directed turn to insert his advertisements in the paper with which they had an arrangiuent. Ot Jenkins thought so. Mr Black said Mr Warren had charged only his old contract price, and had only inserted in the Mail advertisements for the. Queenstowr. division, while he had given those for the Arrow side to the Lake County Pkf.ss. Cr Elliott could not seo why Mr Warren was dissatisfied. Apparent ly he had got the lion's share of the County's vork. Cr M'Dougall siid it would he nothing short of dishonesty for the Council to break with Mr Marsh, but there should be some finality to the contract. Practically it ought to hold good for at least one year.

Cr Jenkins thought Mr Warren's letter was altogether out of place. : Cr George said that the Mail had the chief circulation in his quarter. Or Jenkins: Cut there are only some 20 ratepayers up there. There are the whole County's interests t3 , be considered. Cr George said it was not fair ; that they should be unible to see i what was going on in the County. Cr Elliott: Subscribe to the Lake ! County Press, then. Cr Aspinall said the statement j about the Mail having the largest I circulation was open to question. It might be disputed all round the table. No one could prove it. The Chairman several times pointed out that the discussion was quite outside the original matter. Resolved—That the terms of Mr Warren's letter be not complied j with. It was then moved by Cr M'Dougall, seconded by Cr Elliott— That it be considered by tin's Council that the engagement wirh Mr Marsh terminate on 31st December, 1888.

Regarding the petition of Renaud ar i others the Chairman pointed out, that it and the other petition w. re informal, the signatures not being verified.

Cr Aspinall : Not- a bad thing that about the being worn away.

Or M'Dougall : I don't like that kind of thing at all. ]t seems so exaggerated. Cr Jenkins said he could endorse most of what was said in the petition, though he did not know about the grass. The track was rig'it enough at present but there were times when the river was Hooded and it was impossible to ford the stream, and so a deadlock resulted for the timo being. Fresh companies were about to start up the river, and the track was worthy of some repair. The riding hud a right to such expenditure. Money was voted unscrupulously in

otliei quarters. [Or Aspinall: That is a hard word to say. Where 1\ There was nothing unreasonable in the request. It* not pur, in order during the summer, there would not he a passable track in winter. Or Elliott suggested that Or .Jenkins and the engineer should go over the track and report at next

meeting. Cr Scott: I think the chairman should go. He is more disinterested. Of course a man in a district might favor a work whether it was required or not. Or M'Dougall: Rather a reflection on the member. Or Elliott : I think it is.

Cr Aspinall : When a member is elected, he is supposed to possess the confidence of ratepayers that ho will act fairly. Three motions were proposed respecting the petition—by Cr Jenkins to have the work done as early as possible, by Or M'Dougall to have, a report from the engineer at next meeting, and by Oi's Aspinall and George—That the petition of Ramud and others be held over, at present.— Carried.

The two first wore lost, and Or AspinalPs motion was carried. Those voting against it, however, wereCrs Elliott, Fox, and Jenkins.

The Nevis petition was held over for enquiry. Cr Scott explained that a sum had been voted by Vincent County, and if Lake County also voted a sum. the people would apply for subsidy on the total amount from Govern ment. Dealing with the Arrow Borough'sapplication for refund of mining lease moneys, Or Aspinall asked if the Borough Council had paid the whole of the proportion of the bridge contract money. The Chairman: No; it might be as well to deduct that sum if possible before paying. Cr Aspinall agreed, as it had been stated that the Arrow people were rather a tough lot. They seemed to know their end of the rope. Or Jenkins pointed out that the Borough Council had done all that had been required of them up to the present, and that they had promised to pay the balance if they could legally do so. Cr Aspinall said if they did not pay, it would be remembered against them. It had been stated that they were helped before, but failed to keep their engagement. Cr Jenkins said he would like to know Cr Aspinall's authority 1 After further discussion, Cr M'Dougall proposed, Cr M'Bride seconded That the clerk make examination as to the bona fides of Mr Caviu's letter, and, if found correct, send the Arrow Borough Council a cheque for the amount.— A', r re d to.

Long discussion ensued regarding the letters from the secretary of the Domain Board and Arrow Hospital in reference to trees.

It was stated that the bodies hid taken the trees in the belief that they would not be charged for them. The Chairman read an extract from Mr Batkin's report. Cr M'Dougall thought the opinion of Mr Batkin was very questionable. In consideration of the Government granting subsidy the Council had undertaken to supply public bodies with trees free of charge. This was the practical agreement—that, as an equivalent for the Government money public bodies should be so supplied. That was not opposed by the Colonial Secretary, but the auditor simply gave his opinion. Mr Batkin's letter did not go for much—not for much. The idea had been to cultivate a taste for beautifying. It was stated that other bodies in the County had been charged for and paid for trees, Cr M'Dougall adding that the advertisement referred to had not been published last year. Cr Jenkins thought that, it being the case that other similar bodies

having paid, the Domain Board and the Arrow Hospital also should do 60. The Clerk stated that it had been agreed that no body inside or outside of the County should get trees free.

It was then proposed by Cr M'Dougall, seconded by Cr Aspinall, and unanimously agreed to —That payment of all accounts issued for trees whether to private or public bodies be demanded. The Chairman said Mr Batkin's report was very good, and ail the members of the Council should read it. Cr M'Dougall: I don't think it is. He is an official, and has nothing before his view but what is strictly legal. The letter from the manager of Dank New Zealand was minuted as received. John Loft's application to depasture cattle on Cardrona commonage wus agreed to,. Regarding Mr Turton's letter, The Chairman said it might bo desirable that the matter should be considered in committee. Some members might wish to say something which they would not do publicly. Cr Aspinall thought no opinion should weigh which could not be expressed in public. The Chairman said that personally he did not care whether the Council went into committee or not.

It was a matter of indifference. Ho had merely mentioned it for the Council to decide.

It was agreed to deal with the matter in o pen meeting. Or M'DougMl said oh at, as a notice of hi'i'ion concerning the matter stood in his name, it was incumbent on him to say a few weeds. Ihe position had arisen from the fact of Mr T. Scott, Smith (another solicitor) having made an application, and he quite agreed with Mr Smith's or any other solicitor's right to {make application for the appointment of County solicitor. it Mr Turton occupied the position which he thought he ought to occupy, that would quite exclude Mr Smith. The speaker had consent) 1 to open the field to anyone who c.io.se to apply. Ho was not aware if Mr Turton had an application in, out the opportunity should he given to him of doing so. lb was quite prepared to go the length of moving a resolution on the matter. He had thought that Mr Turton occupied a delicate position from the fact that he was Crown solicitor as well as the Council's solicitor. It might happen that he would thus be precluded from giving his advice, to the Council. The members of Council had a little experience of this some short time ago, when they were unable, to appeal to him. The point was whether he should continue for all rime the Council's solicitor. No man had a right to occupy the post conrinuously. That should be clearly understood.

Cr Aspinall thought it was right that Mr Turton should know it the Oouncil had a complaint against liiin. It was behoved that the step was being taken owing to Mr Turton having acted on the Government's behalf regarding the surcharges against ind vidual members of the Council [Or M'Dougall : Wrong. ' You misconstrue what I said]. If Mr Turton had not acted, some other solicitor would have done so. There must be something, and it struck him that it was oh account of the surcharges that some of the members proposed to terminate Mi Turton's engagement.

Or M'Dougall said that, if in the confusion he had appeared tosayanything against Mr Turton, he wished to withdraw ir. As to any appointment to the post he would be free to vote as he pleased. Cr George quite agreed with Cr M'Dougall that it was right to put the solicitors on an equal footing. Cr Jenkins's opinion was that the Council should keep themselves free in the matter, so thxt they could, if they-wished, obtain advice from the best source—from a man in Dunedin, Wellington, or elsewhere. Cr Elliott asked how the solicitor was paid 1 Was he retained by the Council at au annual f< i e 1

The Chairman replied only by fees from time to time. Or Elliott failed to see the use of making an engagement with a solicitor unless he would keep them straight generally on matters of law —to correct them like a teacher. The Council should retain a solicitor.

Cr M'Dougall explained that what lie meant to say was this—The Council knew that Mr Turton was their solicitor as well as Crown solicitor. Lt was possible that he knew something of their doings, and, if he had trone out of his way to put them ri"ht as County solicitor, he would be taking the bread out of his own mouth as Crown solicitor. Mind, he did not say that Mr Turton had done this—he did not, believe he had ; but that was merely his position. When referring to the delicacy of Mr Turton's position that was what was in his mind. He quite believed that Mr Turton's action had been thoroughly honest and conscientious. But he thought that when Mr Turton saw they were going wrong'he should have come and told them, and put his charge in for the advice.

Cr Aspinall said Mr Turton was a very old officer of the Council, and if they were to remove him some very tangible reason should be criven. The same thing might apply to Mr Black. Some other person might want his billet. Was that any reason why he should be discharged ? Or Scott: I have listened to the discussion, and I agree with Cr Aspinall. We should not ask him to resign if he has given satisfaction. I think I agree with Cr Aspinall.

Cr M'Bride said there was such a thin" as keeping a servant too Jong. All employers of labor knew that. Servants in such cases often come to the conclusion thait they could not be done without. The Council could do no wrong by rescinding Mr Turton's appointment.

Cr Aspinall did not believe in doing thing 3in a hole-and-corner style. Mr Turton was unaware that an appointment was to be made. Such an appointment would moreover be irregular, as there was no present vacancy. Cr M'Dougall proposed, Cr M'Bride seconded —Thatall previous minutes relative to the appointment of Mr Turton as solicitor be rescinded.—The motion was carried, Ore Aspinall, O'Meara, and Scott voting against it. Or M'Dougall proposed, Cr Scott seconded —That Mr Turton bo appointed solicitor for this Council during its existence —ending November 30, 1890.

Cr M'Dougall said it might be asked why he had moved this motion. It was merely to clear the way for another appointment if necessary, ami to affix finality to Mr Turton's term. It was hotter to select tin devil they knew than the devil they did not know. He moved the resolution because he thought Mr Turtou was the best legal gentleman available.

The Chairman pointed out chat there had been no reference to fees. How it was proposed to remunerate the appointee ?

Or Jenkins would vote against the manner of the proposed appointment. He would do so if even his own brother were concerned. The Council should not pledge itself to any man for a term.

The motion was put to a vote wi(h the result that (he following were in its favor:—Crs Aspinall, ¥ok, M'Dougall, and Scott ; against, Crs Elliott, George, Jenkins, and M'Bride.

The Chairman said he would give his vote for it forth*; sake of precedent. Sitting as chairman it was his duty to prevent appointments being upset, unless for rery good reason. The motion was therefore carried. Dealing with the Engineer's report. The Chairman said Healy's rond was a very necessary work. I. should have been done long ago.

Proposed by Or Jenkins, seconded by Or Aspinall—That the necessary works mentioned in the engineer's report lie carried out. —Agreed to. Cr IVl'Dougall proposed, Cr Aspinall seconded—That two tip druys be procured for this Council. Or Jenkins was against procuring horses and drays. Tiny would want a man to look after them, and they could be hired as required with more economy.

Cr M'Dougall pointed out that there was no allusion to horses in the motion. There were no tip drays in his quarter to be hired.

Cr Fox would like anyone to explain the difference between hiring a horse in the one case and a horse and dray in the other ? If they got a dray it might be left at a spot where it was not wanted.

On being p llr ' to :1 y ote only Ors George and Jenkins voted against

Cr Elliott proposed, Cr Jenkins seconded That Mr Black be authorised to spend £\o in repairing the road from .Sawyers Gully to Advance Peak, Macetown.

Proposed by Or »' reorge, seconded by Or Aspinall—That no <m<"3tiori likely to entail an expenditure of over £2O be considered unless placed on the order paper at a previous meeting in the form of a notice of

motion excepting in a case of accident through Hoods or otherwise

which the Council may consider urgent. —Carried. Cr George spoke in support of his motion, saying that by the means he proposed members would have an opportunity of knowing whether works wer< necessary or not. At present they often voted f<>r worka about which they knew nothing.

The motion was carried after the sum mentioned had been altered to read £SO instead of £2O.

Dealing with the Chairman's report. Cr Aspinall proposed, Cr For: seconded—That the chairman and clerk go over the bye-laws with a view to have them altered at our next raeetimr.— Carried.

Further it was agreed, on Cr M'Dougall's motioa, seconded by Or Aspinall—That all the publicans' licenses be endorsed by the chairman prior to being issued. A long discussion ensued on the report on the Nursery (ordered by the chairman) being considered. Cr M'Dmgall said it would be quite proper to add to the statement that some of the receipts had been made away with. There was no profit and loss account in the statement.

Referring to some of the items in the statement [published by us last week] Cr Aspinall said : I should like to go into this. The Chairman : You can't. They are passed. Cr Aspinall : Who passed them 1 The Chairman : The late Council. Cr Aspinall: Is this you, Mr M'Dougall ? Cr M'Dougall: ISo; my son. Cr Aspinall: 1 should like to go into some of the particulars.

After continued discussion, it was proposed by Cr M'Dougall, seconded by Cr M'Bride—That the chairman ask Government to take over the County Forest Nursery, and ascertain what compensation it is prepared to award the Council for the property if taken possession of.— Carried. Regarding the matter of rents in arre.ir on mining leases (referred to in his report) the Chairman added that he thought it wuu:d be well to sue all parties, and on the strength of their statements upon oath the recovery should or not be pressed for in accordance with the justice of each case. In many instances no doubt the rents were levied unjustly, as "round had been abandoned after having been proved to be unprofitable to work.

Cr Jenkins spoke against people being sued indiscriminately. It would be most arbitrary to do so. It would put a number of poor people out of their homes—men who had

spent their all iu piOßpvcting ground

and who had finally to abandon it. Government: had been to blame .for not having cancelled the leases.

Cr Elliott substantiated what Cr Jenkins stated, pointing but that Government cancelled the leases of runholders when they did not pay re Mrs.

The Chairman would be very glad if any one could suggest a way out of the difficulty. lie quoted as an instance of hardship the case of a widow who did nos know that sh<* held any mining interest until she received notice that she would be sued for rent in arrear. Cr Jenkins said the matter had already been taken up by the public. Government had it in hand, and be recommeded that the Council should do nothing further. The matter vfonld then right itself.

Crs Aspinall nnd M'Dougall spok© in favor of tenta being sued for because of people taking up areas f< r the mere purpose of shepherding, holding land until such time a>- something was struck by adjoining claimholders.

It was then moved bv Cr Aspinall, seconded by Cr M'Dougall—That the chairman write to Govern inert, urging the necessity for collecting all outstanding mining rent;-. Carried, Crs Elliott and Jenkins, voting against it. Cr Jenkins asked that a return showing deferred payment thirds due on the Crown Terrace block should be brought up at next meeting

On Cr Pom's suggestion, the engineer was instructed to see to the opening of a surveyed road near Yan&en's, Lower Sliotover, reporting on same at next meeting.

Cr Jenkins brought up the matter of the representation of the Greenstone riding, which the late Council had recommended the new Council to dea! with. It would, he thought, be wise to tack that riding on to either Shotover or Kingston. It was expensive to work, and no injustice would result if this were done. [Or Aspinall : Mr George will have something to say to that.] It is not Mr George or Mr Anybody Else. I mean no disrespect to Mr Gaorgt. The late Council discussed the matter, and seemed agreed that something of the kind was necessary. Cr George spoke protesting against the proposal. The riding was very small. It had nothing in common with Sliotover. It would cease to he represented unless it had a special

representative. The Chairman said the discussion was irregular, as the matter was one that could only be dealt with by special order, whereupon it »ua dropped. Resolved on motion by Or Scott, seconded by Or Elliott—That tenders be called for collection of dog tax for the year 1888-9, the Council to supply collars and badges. ProposeH by Or Aspinall, seconded by Or M'Dougall—That tbengineer on his next visit to Skippers report on the best method and probable expense of improving tha road from Skippers Creak to ths Gallant Tip. Mine, with a view to it 3 being done at an eariy date.— Carried.

Accounts and wages for the two months totalled £4Bl 18s 9d, the accounts passed being as follow : —W. J, Marsh, -£-i 18s 6d; W. Warren, £l3 18s; W. Warren, £1 7s; J. Morgan (dog collars), 17s Gd ; iieid and M'Dowell, lls7d; D. M'Bride, £lO 15s 7d: D. &'Bride?, £1 Hs ; J. Salmond (carpenter), £8 ; \V. G. Donne (cierk of licensing bench), £1 Bs. The meeting ended with the usual courtesy to the chair. A G-raat Problem. — Taii all tne Kidney ana Liver Mcdictntt, —Take all tho Blood purifiers, —Take all tiie Jiheumatie remedies, —Take all tuc Dyspepsia, and iiidige»tioa Gart*y —Take all tho Ague, Fever, i-.i-.ti tiii~ lious Specifics, —Tako all the Brain and Nervtj for*.* revivtrt r —Take all the Great Health restorers. all these, and tho — best Qualities of all the best tnediciues in the world, and you will £nd that Dr Scab's American— Hep Bi'Urn have tfao> bes; curative qualities arid powers of all — Concentrated —ln them, aud that they will cure whoa any other or ad of itiese, singly or

— Cctr.biv.cd —Fail. A thorough trial wiii giv« positive proof of tiii*. Hardened Liver.

Five years ago I broke down with kidney and Liver complaint arid rheumatism, since then I hava been unable to bo about at all. My liver became li&r.i like wood } my limbs were puffed up and iiutu with water.

Ali the best physician;) agreed that nothing could cure mo. I resolved to try Dr Soule a American Hop Bitters ; 1 ha?e used seven bottles ; tile tlat'dues* liao ..11 gone from my liver, the swelling from my umtis, and it haa worked a miracle iu my case ; otherwise 1 would bite been now in my yrrave. J. W. MoUi:Y, LurtUio. Oct. 1, !S3B. Poverty and Suffering. "I was dragged down with debt, poverty ana suil'ering lor years, canst d oy a sick family ami largo bills for do - toriug. '•j. was completely discoursed, tmttl one year ago, by the advice of iny pasuir, 1 commenced using t)r hi ale's American H.'p iiitters, and iu one month we were ail well, and none of us have seen a sick day since, and I want to say to all poor men, You can keep yonr famines well ft, year with Dr Souiu's American Hop fritters for less than one djct»i * visit will cost. I know it " —A Woiuu.su Mas.

<£3J" None genuine witfesuk i bun«h of gitx-u haps ou the *"bjue label, and Dr Souie's name blown in the bottle. Butt'a. ut of nil the vile poiautmu •c«jf Umdtf tv UUIUU lilo *liwVC