LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2659, 12 May 1908, Page 3

LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL

Special and ordinary meetings of the Lake County Council were held in the County Council Chambers on Tuesday, the sth inst. Present—\V. Eeid (chairman), Crs A. McCaughan, J. Cockburn, W. McKibbin, A. Lambie, J. J. Mcßride, H. Birley and Kobt. McDongall. On the minutes of previous meeting being read Cr Cockburn asked why a motion had been passed making P. Eeid an offer of £Q for wire rope that had already been purchased by the Council and paid for. Cr Mcßride said he voted against it yet he saw it stated by both papers that he was the mover of the resolution.

The Clerk, on turning up the motion, found that the proposer and seconder were Crs Baird and McKibbin. The Chairman said a voucher was sent over to him in the ordinary way and a cheque for him to sign. This he signed, but at that time he knew nothing about the transaction. The engineer had purchased the rope in good faith.

Cr Mcßride asked who had authorised the Engineer to buy the rope. It was not needed for any immediate work. The Chairman replied that he supposed he knew they would require the rope some time or another.

Cr McKibbin considered the rope was worth or more. The Engineer had purchased the rope, therefore, at a quarter of its value and had made a good bargain. When he purchased it he had every assurance that Stevenson had a right to sell. Stevenson was now in Sydney, and to bring him to book might be costly. He was against spending money in law. It would bo better to make the beat of a bail bargain and give the rope up rather than go into litigation.

The Chairman thought that the matter had better be held over. There was a

day declining their oiler and they could deal with the matter when they considered lii.; letter. Cr McDougall askod, se,iug that. th'> Council had taken the first steps towards obtaining the i;40U() loan for the Shotovcr bridge, whether they had determined on what mode to adopt in regard to taking it over. Would it bo taken over in one sum and a loan account opened or would it be taken over piecemeal iu sums of XIOCO or i&OO as it may be required. He should be in favor of the latter course if it could be arranged so as to save interest to the Council. The Chairman said this would be a matter for after-consideration. The minutes were then confirmed. Cr Baird wired that lie would lie unable to attend the meeting, and leave of absence grant ed. (J. M. Brooke and Co., Ashburton, and others forwarded circulars giving quotations tor poisoned grain.—l! -ceivod. Mr V/. ]J. llavvson. Manager Bank of New Zealand, wrote tint owing to the increase of r;ite-: for deposits he had to inform the Council that th" bank rate for advances to the Council from the l:st oi' May would be (i per cent, instead of 0.l per cent, as arranged some little time ago. P. Ilei-d wrote declining the Council's offer of ,2*i for the Arrow Junction head line, and asked that same b: returned at earliest convenience to the place it had been taken from. Cr Cockburn said the rope was the Council's as they had bought and paid for it and held the receipt. Let Mr Keid fight it out with the othei parties. Cr Birley considered that in making Eeid the offer the Council had somewhat recognised his claim. The Clerk said Mr Eeid wanted 20s per cvvt and there was about 13 cwt of rope. Cr Mcßride did not think it worth as much as that as it was in two lengths. He again asked who-authorised the Engineer to make the purchase and why was it bought when it was not required. The Engineer said it could be used for

the suspension bridge. Cr Mcßride then explained the position of the rope in the river. It uvs sunk with the pontoons and would never have been recovered without the pontoons being raised. Ho still thought that Stevenson had some claim to it. The rope in the river was worthless and it had been lying there for years.

Cr McKibbin said it wa j no good worrying over the matter. The rope was Mr Eeid's, so let him have it anu make the best of the first loss.

The Chairman considered that Mr Reid had got his rope out of the river very cheaply. The matter was eventually left over until next meeting, the Engineer in the meantime to interview Mr Reid and acertain what concessions he would give tie Council towards their loss. If no agreement be arrived at, Mr Reid to be asked to attend next Council meeting so that the matter could be arranged amicably. The Chairman said he thought it would be better for the Council to decide what amount of goods the Engineer could order without the Council's sanction. Cr Mcßride seemed to think that the Engineer ought to have got authority from the Council before making the purchase. The Engineer thought he was making a good bargain for the Council and bought in good faith, thinking that Stevewson had the right to sell. He thought the Engineer should be allowed discretion in these matters.

Cr Lambie considered there was no fault to be found with the Engineer. Cr McDougall said that before any action was taken it should be shown that the Engineer had blundered. This had not been done.

Cr McKibbin said that the Council must have faith in their Engineer. The matter then dropped. ' The Chief Engineer, Department of Roads, wrote in reference to the authority for ,£250 issued to the Council on the 24th February last for the Glade House to Lake Wakatipu track. He hid to inform them that it has been decided by the Hon. Minister in charge of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department that the work be undertaken by this Department as it was now too late to do the work this year. It would probably be put in hand next spring. Would the Council therefore please return the formal authority, which had now been cancelled.

The Clerk stated that the matter had been attended to.

E. Monson wrote drawing the Council's attention to the bad state of the track between Smith Bros.' and McLeoi's, a's ) from Muddy Creek Terrace to Campbell's hut as they were impassable to cattle and horsemen. A short time ago ho nearly last 10 head of cattle by falling from the tracl: into the Shotover. Cr Lambie said he knew the locality very well. The track near McLeod's had slipped into the river about a month ago. It was a very dangerous place not only for cattle but for pack horses and horsemen. He suggested that a new track should be cut. There was fair amount of traffic and it affected a good many ratepayers. The cost would not be much more than £lO. The Engineer stated that he had been over the track since the slip and could endorse Cr Lambie's remarks. lie suggested that it would be better to cut a new track. The cost of making a good job would be about ,£ls.

It was resolved, on the motion of Crs Lambie and McDougall—That <£ls be spent in forming a new track at McLeod's and at Muddy Creek, Upper Shotovcr.

The Mines Department, Wellington, wrote re Sogers and party's application for assistance towards the development of their claim at Sandhills and suggested that the party should do some more development work in the direction pointed out by the Inspector of Mines on his recent visit to the chum. In the meantime the application would he held over.—Received. Thos. I. Milnes made application for a hawker's license to sell goods in Lake County District; and as they did not intend to use it on the Kingston Biding the writer asked that a threequarter license be issued. The Clerk stated writer had already taken out a quarter license. —The matter was left in the hands of the Inspector of Licenses (Mr Ware). The Clerk read a letter from Mr Ussher, District Engineer, to Cr McDougall asking that gentlemen if he could secure the services of the County make surveys re the drainage of the swarßp from the Post office to McDougall's residence, Pembroke.

Cr McDougall said he had spoken to the Council about doing the work in connection with the drainage of the swamp but without success. He, however, had approached the Government on the matter and he thought ho would get the work done. He would now ask the Council if they would allow the Engineer to come over and make the surveys and give the information asked by the District Engineer. The Council gavo the necessary permission and the Engineer promised to go over next week.

The ranger's report was read and received.

Luncheon adjournment.

Special Meeting

ItJ WftS resolved on the motion of Crs Mcßride and McDougall—That in persuance of certain powers vested in them under the Local Bodies Loan Act, 1901, and Public Works Act, 1905,; a special rate of three-sixteenths of a penny be struck on all the rateable property of the County to pay the interest and all other charges on the JE4OOO loan for Shotover bridge.

It was further resolved on the motion of Crs Mcßride and Birley—That a special meeting of the Council be called for Wednesday, June 17th, at 2 o'clock p.m. to confirm the above resolution.

The ordinary meeting was then resumed. Mr W. Turton, with the permission of the Council, brought under their consideration the remarkably effective agents in the reduction of the small birds pest which little owls of a certain breed have proved to be in the fruitgrowing districts of Central Otago. He pointed out that the Vincent County Council had paid some .£l5O less this year for birds' heads and eggs. He thought the four local bodies should cooperate and introduce owls to this district. The Otago Acclimatisation Sooiuty were importing 30 which were expected in November next, the cost being JBI per head. This climate would be suitable and he thought that 'if local authorities joined forces a supply might be got and distributed throughout the district at a small cost to each body. The Chairman thanked Mr Turton for his valuable information and the trouble he had taken and said that the matter would ,be considered at the next meeting of the Council. Mr Turton asked permission to make a few remarks re the expenses of the witnesses in the recent case of Mcßride v. Lake County. In the firstjdace he did not think he had too many Councillors subpoenaed—each one had separate evidence to give which was material to the case, and they got for their expenses the same allowance as they did for attending any ordinary meeting of the Council. None of the gentlemen were willing to come and he had to subpoena them. To Mr Haines he gave 10s per day and Is a mile for 32 miles; this was the distance regulated by the Court. Re his charges of £3 3s, he had been employed 12 days in working up the case, besides which he attended the Court all day, and £3 3s was not too much for that. He saw nothing in the charges to call for the remarks of Cr Mcßride at List meeting a3 reported by the local papers. It looked as if Cr Mcßride wanted to get at him. Cr Mcßride said he had no intention of " getting at" any one, but he thought the and he still thought so. A few more words passed between the two gentlemen and Mr Turton retired, after thanking the Council for hearing his explanation. The financial report was then laid on the table. This showed receipts to be .£457 8s 3d, expenditure £472 lis sd, bank overdraft after paying accounts before the meeting £2574 9s Bd—being £764 under the bulk limit. The Chairman said the Finance Committee recommended that the accounts to be brought before the meeting be paid and suggested that a five farthings rate would meet the requirements of the forthcoming year. On the motion of Cr Birley accounts amounting to £496 18s 2d were passed for payment. The Clerk stated that he had made an estimation of the probable receipts and expenditure for the ensuing year based on a five farthings rate, the receipts being £3183, the expenditure £3164. He thought that the five farthings rate would bring in sufficient revenue for this year. Queenstown riding had been revalued and he understood the valuation was somewhat higher. Cr McCaughan thought it a very small margin to leave. Some time ago the Councillors had to guarantee the overdraft to the bank for £IOOO. They ought not to be placed in this position again. Then, for the last five years they had been working under very favourable circumstances. This might not last. There might be floods and other unforeseen circumstances to contend against and it was not wise to cut the thing too fine. Cr McDougall was in favour of as small a rate as possible, one consistent with their being able to give the ratepayers good roads. The farmers and others looked for good roads. He did not think the average ratepayer would object to pay a six farthings rate if they got it back again in the shape of good roads. Again, they ought to make some provision for any contingencies that might arise, such as floods, etc. What would an extra farthing mean to the average farmer a year. (Cr McKibbon—perhaps 253). It was far better for the farmer to have good roads, even if he paid a six farthings rate or an eight farthings rate. Cr McKibbon said he should support a five farthings rate. The farmers' interest should be studied. They helped to a great extent to keep up the Council. Cr Cockburn said the roads of the County were newer in such good order as now . and he thought that councillors could congratulate themselves. When he came into the Council it was on the verge of bankruptcy, and now their bank overdraft was considerably under the limit, their finance was in a good condition, and the roads were in better

order than at any previous time in his recollection. There was no doubt the purchase of the grader had generally conduced to this. If the business of the Council could be carried on with a five

farthings rate he did not see why the ratepayers should be burdened with a six farthings rate. Cr Mcßride said Cr Cockburn seemed to be congratulating this Council in the good roads and good finance, and throwing a kind of disparagement on former councils. There were as capable men in the Council then as there were now. As to the roads, they were no better than they were

10 years ago—for instance, all the roads ap Glenorchy way, the Skippen road and all other roads where no Government money had been spent. The main roads might be in good order bat these had been made oat of Government money. Cr Lambie said he would support the five farthings rate. He had gone carefully over the estimate, and he thought they would be as well off at the ena of the year with a five farthings rate as they were with a six farthings rate in the year past, aathe increased valuation would bring in almost as much fevenue,

Cr Birley was of the same opinion as Cr Mcßride. The roads were no better than they were ten years ago, excepting those that had been repaired out of Government money. The Chairman said that as a rule he was not in favor of a low rate. However, he thought that this year they would be safe with a five farthing rate. The roads were in good condition and better than they had been for some time. He thought that to the Council was due some credit for this state of affairs. They saw that all the Government grants were expended, whereas past Councils had let a lot of Government grants lapse because they did not expend them within the stipulated time.

It was then resolved, on the motion of Cr Mcßride, seconded by Cr Lambie—That a vote of five farthings in the JB be struck on all the rateable property in Lake County for the year 1906-09, and that the above resolution be confirmed at the next meeting of the Council on the 17th day of June.

The Clerk was instructed to draw up a written agreement for Mr P. Olscn, Garston, to sign re the grazing right over 2} acres near Nokomai crossing. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr McKibbin, seconded by Cr Cockburn— That tenders be called for the construction of the Lower Shotover bridge as soon as possible after the legal form re the loan has been gone through, tenders to be advertised in England, America, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Resolved on the motion of Crs McCaughan and Cockburn—That contracts numbering 301, 307, 302, 300, 294, 297, 293, 288, 299, 305 and 204 be signed by Cr Mcßride and the Chairman, and the Council's seal affixed thereto.

Cr Birley asked that the roadman at Glenorchy be provided with a pair of gum boots as he was continually working in water, clearing out ditches, etc. The roadman was doing good work on the roads.

Cr Mcßride supported the application.

Cr Cockburn considered they were spending public money. The men would be wanting to be supplied with overcoats next.

Cr Lambie had no objection but he thought it should apply to all. The Skippers roadmen also ought to have them.

It was resolved, on the motion of Crs Mcßride and McKibbin—That the Engineer be empowered to provide at his discretion not more than one pair of gum boots per annum each for the surfacemen, who he considered required them to perform satisfactory work for the Council. Cr Birley stated that the Earnslaw track to the Government hut needed some repairs.—Left in the hands of the Engineer. It was resolved, on the motion of Crs McDougall and Birley—That £8 be allowed for the improvement of the road from Pembroke to the Vincent County boundary. Engineer's Report.

To the Chairman and Councillors, Lake County Council. Gentlemen, —I herewith beg to submit my report for the period ending sth May, as follows:

Contracts. —The following are completed since yoar last meeting:—296, gravelling at Braden's, Frankton; 297, gravelling at Jenkins to school, Crown Terrace; 298, gravelling Mayne's, Lake Hayes j 307, widening Bucklerburn track. This contract is completed with the exception of ono point. 308, formation Scott's Lane requires a few loads of gravel to finish; 294, Bees Valley Cliff Hut formation will be completed in the course of a day or two. 301, Shotover Valley extension. Fair progress is being made with this contract. The material for contract 304, repairs to Gentle Annie bridge, is coming forward and the contractor expects to get a start with the work next week. lam inserting advertisements to-day in the 'Cromwell Argus' and in the two local papers giving notice that the bridge will be closed for traffic as per notice attached. Contracts 305, Ben Lomond Boad and 306 Matuki suspension bridge are not yet commenced. —The road from Cunningham's crossing has been surveyed and specifications prepared and tenders called for to-day therefor. The work has been laid out in connection with thirds received from sections 20, 21, and 22, blofek 3, Kingston.—The matter of gravelling the new railway crossing approach at Garston station has been attended to. Bo ads and Wobks.—The gravelling on Arrow-Macetown Boad which is being carried out by day labour is progressing satisfactorily. The two drays for which I was instructed to place an order with Mr Murphy of Arrowtown have been ordered. Bobs Covk Tback.—Several points require blasting at this place and this work I propose to carry out by means of the roadmen ; also some fern cutting on the track. Re Abbow Biver, Tobin's Tback.—l conferred with the Mayor of Arrow Borough and we came to the decision that the best protection would be obtained by putting in in a rough groin below the approach on the Arrow side of river at a cost of about £3. Gravelling Pbiobt Road, Glenorchy. —Owing to the soft nature of the road over which the gravel would have to be pulled this work has been held over for the present. Formation at Mr A. Fraser's has been completed satisfactorily.—Cemetery road contract is not yet completed. Chas. C. Wabk, County Engineer.

The Engineer's report as read was adopted on the motion of Crs Cockburn and McCaughan. The following tenders were received for contracts : 309, gravelling at Garston, F, W. S. Butson, £22 7s 6d; W. Cunningham, £23 2s. On the motion of Crs Mcßride and Cockburn Mr Cunningham's tender was accepted. The next meeting of the Council was arranged tor Juue 17th. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.