ARROWTON: FEBRUARY 13, 189 G.

Lake County Press, Issue 695, 13 February 1896, Page 2

ARROWTON: FEBRUARY 13, 189 G.

Several little incidents connected with the last meeting of Lake County Council call for special WARRANTED comment, the first and principal beingthe decision criticism, arrived at by that body regarding the maintenance of roads by the contract system. Con siderable discussion was held over this matter. The Chairman, Crs M‘Bride, Rogers, and Cameron spoke in favor of the conti actsystem, while Crs Stanford, Fox, Graham, and Muirhead were in favor of day labor. was finally proposed by Cr Rogers, seconded by Cr M‘Bride—That the maintenance of roads be again let on contracts for three years as before. 51san amendment it was proposed by Cr Graham, seconded by Or Stanford—That the maintenance of roads be done by day labor. The • Chairman put the amendment first, which was lost on the casting vote of the Chairman —for, Crs Graham, Stanford, Fox, and Muirhead ] against, Crs M‘Bride, Rogers, Cameron, and George. Now, it has been palpably shown that the contract system in the past was an utter failure, but in the face of that several councillors spoke in favor of the system. Their reason, or rather their inclination to speak and vote that way is only known to themselves. From a common-sense point of view they cannot be panegyrized for the position they took in this instance at any rate. The main roads, as the Engineer remarked in his report, are gradually wearing out, and in a great many instances are very hollow in the middle. This is the result of the contract system, and nothing else. What will they be like at the end of the next three years 1 —the term for which the contracts are to be let—is a question that may well be asked, seeing the effects of the main tenance system during the past few years. The contracts, as a rule, are let at such a low rate (the result of competition) that the contractors cannot afford to keep the roads in tho repair that they were in when done by day labor, consequently they hardly ever see a particle of fresh gravel, and the ruts are merely filled up with the material taken off the roads themselves. The general opinion is that the Council have made a serious blunder, and if it were possible for them to rescind such resolution, and have the roads repaired by day labor as heretofore, their action would be eulogised instead of being characterised as folly by the community at large. Another matter of importance discussed was the new bridge for Skippers. Cr Rogers proposed— That the £SOO votea by Government on the subsidy of £ for £ by this Council be availed of at once.—Seconded by Or Stanford. It was then proposed by Cr M'Bride, as an amendment, seconded by Or Cameron—That this Council is not in a position to give £ for £ for the Skippers Bridge at present as funds would not allow the expenditure. The amendment was carried. However, the Engineer was instructed to put tho bridge in repair, and in the meantime a committee was formed to lay before tho Government and the member for the district, the urgency and necessity of reconsidering their decision re subsidy of £ for £ for the Skippers Briidge. Or Muirhead pertinently asked if the Skippers residents would be in favor of being specially taxed. Surely he was trying to be satirical. We consider the Skippers residents are fairly entitled to a new bridge, seeing the amount of revenue the Council receive from that part of the County, and their claim deserves all the urgency the Council can give in inducing Government to have tho new bridge erected as early as possible.

“ Australian and New Zealand delegates to the Medical Conference in Dunedin, and also their government wives, will be granted free passes on the railLiBERALXTY. ways,” was the news heralded out to the public a week or so ago. How liberal our Government is getting ! but in this instance they have started at the wrong end with their generosity. Why are the medical fraternity granted those concessions, when those attending other conferences, such as Dairy., Agricultural, and Mining are not given the same privilege, as we understand is the case ? Surely tho fostering of these industries will prove as beneficial to tho colony as the outcome of a medical congress. Was it not sufficient to .give the doctors free passes without extending the same privilege to their ladies? What benefit do we derive from the latter’s presence ? In future when delegates are attending some of

the co 11 Terences above referred to, we would strongly advise them to apply to our “Liberal Government” for free permits for their wives. We might also mention that in connection with the proposed trip to Mount Cook by a number of visitors to the Congress, the President, Dr Bachelor, mentioned that the committee in connection with the trip, realising that the accommodation would be insufficient, had wired to the Premier, asking him for the use of the Government tents, etc. In reply the Premier telegraphed to the Government representatives at the Congress : “ Kindly undertake arrangements on behalf Government for Mount Cook trip. You are authorised to procure necessary tents, horse boxes, waggonettes, etc., required to convey party and effects. See railway traffic manager and Colonel Webb.” Was not this very liberal of Premier Seddon 1 If it had been a party of miners wishing to prospect the country around Mount Cook would they have had the same concessions granted them? We think not!

With the present favorable ripening weather, the prospects of the coming harvest are much brighter, and the crops in a week or so many of the crops will be fit for cutting. Already some have made a start. Those of Arrow Flat and Junction, especially, are in a very forward state, and at these places harvesting will he general at the end of the present week. With regard to the probable yields, we think that we are safe in saying that it will be above the average, that is, taking Into account the weather will continue favorable for the maturing of the more backward crops. Referring to barley, specially there is a good deal under crop, and in most cases it is looking very promising indeed. If the prices, that are at present ruling, continue till the crops of this district are ready for market, the farmers should not have very much reason to complain. Speaking of the root crops, there is a greater area of land under turnips this year than any previous year, and we are pleased to hear that they are exceptionally good, owing to the moist weather that prevailed during the season. The reason, no doubt, for more attention being given to this branch of farming, is owing to the difficulty experienced by farmers last winter in providing food for their stock. They apparently sec now that it is useless to keep stock without making suitable provision for the severe winter months ; although it is to be hoped that they will never have to face such a long and trying winter as that of last year.