Maniototo County Council

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 5 September 1924, Page 2

Maniototo County Council

SPECIAL MEETING. A Bpecial meetirg of the coonsil was held in the County Chambers, Nasebv, on Wednesday, 3rd September. Present —Crs Morgan (chairman); Nicolson, Lowis, Ramsay, Aitken, Davis, Hall| Bleach and Scott.

At the commencement of the meeiißg the chairman in appropriate remarks referred to the death of Mr John Cogan wbo for many years was a member|of the Riding of Serpentine, and the death of Mr Juhn Parker, one of fr e most highly respected residents of the district, and who also held the position of chairman of the Hospital Committee, in which office hie services were much appreciated.

The motion was carried in silence.the members standing.

Business

To confirm resolution to levy rate of five farthings for the year ending 31st March, 1925.

Moved by Cr Aitken, BDd seconded by Cr" Nicolson That the rrsolution agrned to st last meeting held on Ist August to levy a general rate of five farthings in the £1 for year ending 31st March, 1925, be confirmed. Carried.

This finished the business of the special meeting.

ORDINARY MEETING

The ordinary meeting of the council was held immediately afterwards, the same councillors being present. Minute?. The minutes of last special and ordinary meetings were read, and confirmed on the motion of Cr Davis, seconded by Cr Ramsay. Engineet's Report. Lauder.—Ordinary surfacing carried out. Csmbrian-Becks Road Gravelling Contract: Contractor Indsr promises to make a start on the work this week.

St Batnans.—Ordinary surf acing carried out. Instructed' surfaceman to have Downs road repaired, complained of by Mr \\ llliamson.

Mt Ida. Ordinary surfacing carried out. Ranfurly drainage contract is proceeding satisfactorily. Inspector Freeman, Health Department, and myself inspected the various premises t'.at will be required to connect up to tnp portion of the drainage now being carried out. Tne number is ten at the nressnt. Formation and gravelling in Caulfield and Tyrone streets now being cirri*d out. Gravelling contract in Bute and Pery Streets is now completed; «Iso the patch gravelling in Aitcheson's road. Work will be commenced next week in connection with extending the culvert, etc, near Dr Martin's, Waipiata. The Hogburn channel (Naseby) protective wall was inspected by the Alines Inspector and parsed; Blso the sum of £SO paid inio toe County Fund for cost of same

Idaburn. —Ordinary surfacing carried out. The footbridge at Hii.ves'a is now finished th« work being don* by .-.lessrs Hayes and surfaceman. Hayes's bridge Idaburn Main Read: The contractor is making good progress with this. Most of tba piles are«riv«n, alsoai! material is on site. If tha weather keeps good the contractor expects to have this bridge ready for traffic in about six weeks. Re Mr C. Kelcber's complaint in connection with the road to his place from the main Ida Valley road, I inspected this road and have to recommend 'bat he be written to informing him to make complaint to the Public Works D.-partment.

Kyeburn. Ordinary surfacing carried out Gravelling contracts in this riding are now completed. KyeburnWaipiata Road: Cr. Scott interviewed the Minister of Mines, Wellington, in connection with procuring a grant for repairs to this road, since the Mines Inspector, the Public Works Engineer, and myself inspected same, and decided that culverts and raising the road would get over the difficulty of floods, and expect a grant will appear on the estimates for the work. Shag River Bridge: This work is proceeding; on* abutment and centre pier nra completed excavation for the far! abutment is proceeding; all material is on site. Tbetwo small bridges between Swinburn and the Shag Rise.' require repairs and I purposa having -his work done after the contractor finishes the Shag bridge. Half cost of these repairs will coma from the Main Highways Account.

Gimmerburn—Ordinary surfacing carried out. Re petition from settlers in c-opnection with the GimmarburnWedderburn Road; Cr Davis and myself inspected tbis road. Certain portions rrquired gravel but I will leave tha matter in Cr Davis's bands to report. Sharkey's Road Gimmerburn Creek: The chairman (Or Morgan), Cr Davis, the Mines Inspector, the Public Works Engineer, and myself inspected this crossing, and it was decided to place concreted culverts and raise the roal Tha Mines Department I feel sure .vill give the grant asked for in connection with same. Cr Scott elso saw the Minister in connection with this work.

Puketoi. —Oroioary surfacing carried out. —Have to recommend that a further 250 yds of gravel be placed on the ro«d from Wilson's bridge towards Puketoi Runs and also b pipe on the road. Seeing that the contractor is on the road, and the money will come out of Land Fund, it will be cheaper to have same done at present contract rates, which the contractor is agreeable to do.

Hyde.— Ordinary surfacing carried • >ut. Horeebum Brv'ge !;<-pa,rK: The material is on site an". •->. ok commenced Sanatorium road contract!? are now completed; als=' patch gravelling on Lake Road is com; le:ed.

Serpentine.— Ordinary surfacing carrier' out.

Main Highways.—We are now in a position to claim from the Board in ronnettii.n with work done on the Mam Highways Road from the Sbag to J aV.?,r, audi think it would be advisable to keep seperafe accounts for all work cone on this aho, seeirigtbat I have to report each month number of niMi employed and Rmount expended; also claims for same forwarded each period. See correspeedeDcei attached.

Ranger's Report. The ranger reported that during the month nine head of cattle and one horse were impounded, while 69 cattle and 11 horses were released before reaching tbe pound. He also enclosed a letter fronfetbe Naseby Commonage offering him the position of ranger provided the council had no objection. This position was previously held by the county ranger.

Cr Scott said be understood that there had been complaints that the ranger could not fill the two position* satisfactorily, and a fairly lsngtby discussion en.-ued Tbe trouble seemed to be that it took too much of tbe ranger's time to keep the commonage cattle from straying on to the roads, and it would be better from the council's point of view to impound all ca'tle straying thereon. The job of keeping tbe county roads clear and attending to the commonage was too much for one man. Mr Field, the commonage secretary, explained that they only wanted the ranger to keep tbe cattle from straying off tbe commonage. If the cattle strayed a few miles down the road they could be impounded if the council wished it. Ultimately,

On the motion of Cr Bleach, seconded by Cr Aitken, the ranger was granted permission to act as commonage ranger for a period of three months. Reports.

On the motion of Cr Lowis. seconded by Cr Bleach, the engineer's and ranger's reports were received.— Carried.

New Zealand and South Sea's Exhibition Company, Ltd. The secretary forwarded to each councillor a circular urging the support by way of exhibits, etc., representative of the industries of the county. Received.

Motor Vehicles Bill. The Minister of Internal Affairs forwarded copy of the proposed Motor Vehicles Bill. On the motion of Crs Aitken and Nicolson the matter was referred to tbe Farmers' Union.

Sanitary Inspection.

The Medicil Officer of Bealth wrote a lengthy letter respecting the duties of the Sanitary Inspector. He is new being provided wiib a car which will make his cost to the Department about £SOQ a year. Towards this amount tbe ten local authorities whom he serves contribute a total of £250, the Department paying the other £250.

Tbe Sanitary Inspector reported a case of scarlet fever at Gimmerburn.— Received.

In the matter of the registration of eating houseß, Cr Aitken moved and Cr Davis seconded Tost the clerk be iostructed to apply to Inspector Freeman, Sanitary Inspector, Clyde, to supply the names and addresses of owners of eating house premises, and that the date of the expiry of such licenses, including hotels, be June, 1924.—CarritcJ Removal of Hospital an 3 County Buildings.

On the motion of Cr Eall, soeonded by Cr Nicolaon, it was resolved That tne committee's report re Bhifting the County Chambers be received and tne committee thanked for the trouble they took in compiling same, but this council considers the present time inopportune for the removal of the buildings. (Report of discassiou b-.-ld over.—Ed.)

Gimmerburn Forest Reserve.

Mr Galbrnith, Commissioner of Crown Lands, wrote, —to at on 27 tb Jan , 1920, and again on 2nd May, 1922, the council was" communicated with respecting sections 6 and 7, block VI, Gimmerburn District, which are vested in tbe council, for afforestation purposes, with a view to your council allowing the cancellation of reservation in order that the land may be made available for permanent settlement.

Moved by Cr Hall, snd seconded by Cr Bleach That the matter be left with the chairman to" interview the Commissioner of Crown Lands. Carried.

Oturehua. Mr L. 0. Beal, authorised surveyor, Dunedin, forwarded statement of accounts for survey work between the new road as surveyed with th 6 railway on one side, and between the new road and Idaburn on tbe other side, amounting to £72 4s. Messrs Nicolson Broß. agreed to pay half cost of the work. In connection with the above Meßir9 Nicolson Bros, wrote stating that thay bad received an account for half cost which they consider out of all proportion to the work asked for, and asked who authorised Mr Beal to undertake the work. Had they known tbe cost would have been so great tbey would have withdrawn application for the survey.

On the motion of Crs Low is and Nicolson, tbe matter was held over till next meeting. Timber Roy.:ltie?.

The clerk, Taumamnui County Council, wrote regarding timber royalties and requesting the council to pass a resolution in support of tbe payment of half of all revenue derived from the sale of timber to counties from within whose boundaries the revenue is derived, and *.o forward copies of such resolution at an early date to the member for your district, to the Hon. Prime Minister, and the Hon. tbe Minister for Lands.—Received. Oiurehua.

Mr J. Becker wrote stating that tbe price of horse hire in tbe cunty is under paid. He thought there should be aa allowance of 2s p»r day for each implement or else supply implement?. Received.

Waipiata

Messrs Thos. C. H'.well and -V. Johnston wrote thf.t the road leading through pec ion 23 25. block X, and section 4, block XVII. is in very bad repair. They woul<i like something done as soon as p.'ss ble. Moved by Cr Bleach, and seconded by Cr Aitken—That the engineer b=- instructed to have the worst portions of roa-"i complained about put in proper order.—Carried.

Sections 10 and 12, block VII, Blackstone S. D.

Mr Robt. T. Sadri. wrot* slating that the above sections sre held by Mr F. A. Haig on yearly licenses for grazing purposes and he intended making npplicetion to them on occupation license. One of these sections was marked as a gravel reserve but did not contain very

suitable gravel nor bad it been used fer that purpose. Tbe only place waß tbe southern corner where two acres might be left to inclose any gravel that iray be there. The other was marked as a quarry reserve and one acre or less could be lelt to include the i.incrop of rock. The above sections were only map reserves and had not been gazetted Or vested in pour council. Moved by Cr Nicolson—That tbe letter from Mr it. Sadd on behalf of MrHA Haig, stating that Mr Haig intends making an application to hold sections 10 and 12, Block 7, under an occupation le»?e be received, and be be informed that Mr Haig already has a grszine license over same, and this council will object to him obtaining any further title for the reserves.

Approaches M'Leud's Bridge. Mr J D Watt, Acting Resident Engineer, Public Works, Alexandra, wrote in response to tbe request of tbe council for a report on the approaches of M'Leod's bridge: I proceeded to tbe bridge site on Monday, 11th inet. The chairman of your council and Cr Davis accompanied me. I made a careful measurement of the filling in both approaches, and I find that the east approach contains 23 cubic yards and tbe west approach 120 cubic yards of material. I must point out however that these quantities cannot be regarded as an acenrate measurement of tha actual quantities in the approaches. Owing to the absence of any longitudinal section and cross sections of tbe original ground surface, I was obliged to assume that the ground surface sloped evenly between the ends of the cross sections taken by me. This would mot necessarily give a correct result. As caß bo expected in all fillings, both approaches and particularly tbe east approach, showed signs of settlement. In this connection it would perhaps be advisable to point out that a measurement of tbe volume of the approaches at tbe present time would necessarily- be lei's i than a similar measurement carried . out immediately after tbeir completion j A long discussion took place on tbe j matter. The engineer read the conj ditions of contract, and pointed out I that he did not make up the condi- | tions of contract but compiled them from a set that was in use in the county in 1595 and probably before. The same clause giving tbe engineer power to vary the conditions, or alter the contract- was in them. Cr Bleach said tbe amount involved was not great but the question was, was the engineer entitled to alter the conditions as he did. The contract was for 400 yds of filling, and when the

committee appointed to measure it tiid so, he made it 176 yds— a big discrepancy. No one would cavil at slight alterations, hut could the engineer alter so that only work

was done and the full amount of money be paid? Cr Davis endorsed the remarks and explained that the contract was for £23 and a little more- had been added Before the job started Mr M'Leod offered to do the horse work gratis with the assistance of surfaceman and grader. Considerably less filling had been put in. A chaffcutter and engine got stuck going over it, and pulled a plank oft*. A considerable amount of work must be done for light traffic. Half the stuff supposed to be put in was not there.

The chairman explained that when the dispute started the bridge could not be touched aud extra filling put in Cr Bleach said that under the specifications the council had uo authority over the engineer whatever. The engineer's word was final.

To Cr Ramsay the chairman said nothing had been put in writing about certain work being done gratis, but Cr Davis said three parts of it had been done and a good job made. Cr Nicolson said the engineer had power to make alterations and he could not see that he had done anything wrong, .and would move—That the contractor be paid. . The engineer laid a statement on the table showing how the money was made up—vi 2 . Approaches £ll 7s Od seven chains formation £3 10s Od, eight yards stones 16s. sidling two days £2 SsOd, tilling two days £2 Ss Od, channel ditching £1 4s Od, fixing netting 10s, scrubbing £l 17s0d. Total £24.

Cr Hall asked why the engineer could call for tenders for 400 yds of filling if ouly 150 yds were required. The engineer declined to say any more. Their own regulations gave him power to make alterations, and value was given for the money. If they objected to his having the power they should change the regulations, but they were only what was generally accepted and the Public Works and Mines Departments might object to any great changes. Cr Scott said no doubt the contrac tor had earned his money. The council had to leave the carrying out of a job to the engineer, aud perhaps he Mas blameable to the extent of not tak ing full advantage of Mr M'Leod's offer. He would second the motion.

Crs JRainsay, Lowis and Morgan expressed somewhat similar views, and the motion was carried. Stopping Road.

Messrs Geo. Duncan and three others wrote Applying to stop mad starting in frent of section 22, block VII, Mani-<-toto Survey District, and running in a northerly direction between sections 22 and 19 on the one side end sections 18 and 20, hbek VII, on the opposite side, then<-e between sections 8, 7. 22 and 21, block 111, on the one side and sections 23 and 24, block 111, en opposite side, and terminating with its junction with tbe Naseby-Waipiata road in front of section 21, block 111.

Moved by Cr Bleach, and seconded by Cr Davis—That this letter be received and the u">nal procedure carri d out by the elerk.—Carried. Gimmsrburn.

Messrs J. W. Armour and Feven other ratepayers rEsic'ent in th? Oimmtrburn district petitioned tbe council to h»T$

the road gravelled from Higb'field mail box towards Gimmerburn school, and across the hill to Mr Davis's gate. Tbis road was almost impassable at times bat there, was plenty of gravel right alongside the work. A small part of the said road is the main road to the coalpit which serves a great number of the ratepayers.

Moved byCr Davis, and seconded by Cr Aitken That the member for the riding and the engineer inspect and report on same to next meeting—Carried.

Tee petition presented by Cr Davis to last meeting on behalf of 15 ratepayers of Gimmsrburn and Idaburn Ridirgs, asking for improvements to that portion of the Wedderburn- Gimmerburn road between Black Pinch and the Maniototo Station, was considered. Cr Davn said it had been held over /or the engineer and himself to inspect and report. He would like to correct the statement of the petitioners that since it was formed.2o years ago practically nettling bad bean done to it; five or six years ago the whole of it was regradsd.

Messrs R F Inder and W Dowling waited on the council in connection with the matter, and the former suggested that an improvament could be made by a slight deviation at th* top of the hill. Mr Dow ling said it was the second mam road in Maniototo, being the coal road for Patearoa. Petitioners did not expeGt it all to be_gravelled st once but asked that as much as possible be dons. Cr Davis said that on inspection they found that portions of tbs road were bad. It had not been gravelled before owing to the scarcity of gravel About eight hundred yards between the top of the hill and the bridge needed attention He would mfve that tenders be called for supply of 800 yards of gravel to be spread where required on the roai mentioned; tenders to be dt>alt.Wub at next naeetiog.—Seconded by Cr Nicolson and carried.

Otorebus. Cr Lowis r_ad and presented a petition, signed hyJLE'liza Jana M'Keeman and four other ratepayers, asking to bave the road frem H Agnew's to M M'Knight's gats and thence on to Oturehua gravelled, to afford them an outlet all tbe yesr round. The difficulties of travelling on the read were explained at length. Cr Nicolson also presented a letter on tbe same Bubject. On the motion of Messrs Lowis and Nicolscn, it was resolved that 'be chair man, engineer and Cr Lowis inspect and report on game to next meeting. Wedderburn.

Cr Lowis also presented a petition singed by Mr R J E Smith and ten other ratepayers in the Wedderburn district, drawing attention to tbe state of the White Sow Valley roQri between the railway ov?rbridge and Mr P MLaw's residence. Water-tables, potholes, stones, and culvert 3 required attention. On the motion .of Crs Davis and NicoLon, it ,wus resolved —That the member for the riding and engineer inspect and report to next meeting Eweburn. •

A letter wa* read from Mr Albert Millar asking "permission to plough a portion of the roadline fronting the property occupied by him to eradicate the gorse roots thereon, the roadline in question being the msio Kyeburn-Wed-derburn road. Moved by -Cr Bieacb, seconded by Cr Lowis and carried—That permission be granted subject to tbe satisfaction of the engineer.

Ranfurly Mr James Mitchell wrote askingpermission to make sundried bricks in Caulfield-street, noar the Nursery. J On the motion of Crs Bleach and Aitken, it »ai resolved—That farther information be supplied to the council through the engineer. Blackstone Survey District.

Mr R. T. Sadd wrote that he. had j been requested by Mr E-. Williamson, j the lessee of Ran 224, Blackstone 8.D., j to lodge an application with the Ota{*o j Land Board to lease the above section, j As it is marked as a gravel reserve it is necessary to ascertain if council requires this area or any part, of it for gravel purposes. Mr J. Beattie has! bad the use of this section for many years without title or payment of rent, and Mr Williamson would be prepared to lease the same and pay rent to Land Board. Moved by Cr Nicolsori and seconded by Cr Ramsay—That the letter from, Mr Sadd stating that be intends to apply for section, 12, block X, which is • gravel reserve, on behalf of Mr E. Williamson, be received, and he. be writtsn to ard informed that this council requires all the above area for tbe purpose for which it was reserved. —Carried. Extension and Enlargement of § Water Race. HMr W A Bodkin, solicitor, Alexandra S, wrote enclosing copy of application by Messrs Leask and Armstrong for extension and enlargement of water-race from Lander Creek He understood that the proposed water-race crosses the county road in two places The parties have seen yonr County Engineer who has consorted provided the work is : erformed to his satisfaction Moved by Cr Morgan, and by Cr Hall —That the request be granted subject to the satisfaction of the engineer—Carried Notice's of Motion

The following motions of which notice bad been previously givpn were move': i &Cr Lowis—That a reporter attend I all meetings of the council. — Seconded by Or Nicolsoc and carried. jj Cr Scott—That the council take inio consideration the advisability of the purchase of a suitable tractor for the purpose of grading and ivgrading those roads in tbi county where the work is necessary: ♦'be (ractor to be .'employed daring the summer in filling up potholes parch work and gravellii.g generally Cr Scott epoke at some length on the necessity of getting up to date machinery tr replace the pick and shovel

which were too slow for present day m requirements and cope with mot r * traffic. He would move that tie chairman, Crs Aitken and Davis, together with the engineer, be a committee to go into the matter of ascertaining the cost of a plant and the best means of raising a loan which will be necess-ary to nuet the cost of sßrae. (Cr Scott's game was added to the committee by

request). He also referred to the work \ he bad seen done by tbs little Ferdson I waggons, which ware worked by two / men. They would spread half a" mile J of gravel in a few days. - ] Cr Lowis seconded the motion. ' ( The chairman also spoke in favour arid said that in connection with the Main Highways, it bad been suggested that two three counties might

amalgamate to purchase a plant. Cr Scott gave notice that at next meeting he would move—expenditure in connection with the Main Highways in Maniototo Couns*sbe a charge on the general account. Ranfurly Drainage

Moved by Cr Bleach, and seconded by Cr Aitken —That the clerk prepare and furnish b return to the council giving the number and names of all. the ratepayers in the township of Ranfurly, the rateable capital value of their several properties, and the amount of rates paid by each ratepayer for the past'ysar.:—Carried The mover explainad that tbiß information would be required in connection with the differential rating for drainage Moved by Cr Aitk?n and seconded by Cr Bleach—Tnat all premises witi in 100 ft of the drainage at present being constructed a£ Ranfurly by the County Council be given notice that under the Act they are compelled to connect with same.—Carried

General. Cr Aitken referred to a request made to Tuapeka County for some information in connection with runs on the boundary, and to which no reply had been received. lie moved —That the clerk again write to the clerk of the Tuapeka County pressing for a reply to the council's resolutien of May 2nd, 1924.—Seconded by Cr Hali and carried. On the motion of Cr Hall, seconded by Cr Davis, it was resolved that the engineer be authorised to have a little mors : ravelling- done oc road from Wilson's bridge to Puketoi runs while the contractor is in the locality. Cr Bleach moved, and Cr Nicoison seconded—That the engineer be instructed to Save 10 chains of read in Barney's Lane repaired and made fit for traffic.—Carried.

Cr Scott moved, and Cr Nicoiaon seconded—That where gorsa and broom are encroaching on any road within tba county to the extent of impeding traffic the adjoining lundholders be notified to have it cleared at once.—Carried.

Several councillors spoke of places that were a ctangef to motor traffic and a difficulty to driving stock.

Cr Scott said the Taieri Lake Domain Board had a fence around a 3 acre gravel reserve. They intended to fence this area out, and wore prepared to leave e fence.at present en the ground if allowed some compensation for it. The reserve wouli then be ring fenced, and it would be a convenience for drovers who wanted to leave stock in it" overnight— Jt was left to the engineer to value the fence.

Cr Blench brought up the question of a bridgs at Waipiata which needed repairs. Fie moved—That the enginaer be instructed to report to'the council at next meeting on the cost of a motor bridge to replace the old one, a heavy tra'ffic bridge not being necessary at the spot; and at the same time he could apply to the Government for assistance in building it —Carried. County Clerk.

Fifty-seven applications were received for the position of County Clsrk. The Council wept into Committee to consider them, and Mr FA Lloyd ot Welliagton was appointed.

,- Finance. Accounts amounting to £l3lß 6a Id were passed for payment.