PALMERSTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 105, 12 October 1878, Page 2

PALMERSTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Wednesday, October 9th, 1878. Present — Messrs. Thy nne (chair), McNeil, Halcombe, Sanson, Hewson, and Rockstrow. After the minutes of last meeting had been, read and confirmed, tbe Council formed itself into a special meeting to deal with a motion of which notice had been given at last sitting. Cr. Halcombe, m the absence of Cr. Macabthttr, begged to move the notiue standing fin that gentleman's name, to the following effect : — " That tho road between Feilding and Halcombe, by way of the Mangaone road, from the boundary of the town of Halcombe, and by way of Makino Road to Manchester street, Feilding, be declared 9 County road." The motion was carried without dissent. PBKCI3 OF LETTERS. From the Rangitikei County Council, requesting the views of the Council with respect to vesting the control of the Orepuki Bridge. — After a somewhat lengthy discussion upon the matter, it was resolved that the Council should suggest to the Minister of Public Works that tho Orepuki Bridge be vested m the Rangitikei County Council. From tho same Council m reply to a letter asking how bridge tolls were disposed of.— No action necessary. From the Public Works Office, re Orepuki Bridge, requesting the Council to confer with the Rangitikei Couuty Council upon the control of the same — -Matter already dealt, with. From Thomas Moffatt, Palmerston North, making application fora slaughtering licence for section No. 430 on the Rangitikei Line. Cr. McNeil stated that a petition from twelve settlers m the neighborhood had been laid upon the table at its last sitting, but as the application had not then been placed before the Council, nothing could be done. The application was now preferred, and he thought the Council should refuse to grant it. The ground m the immediate vicinity of the place indicated was of a very flat nature, with no facilities for drainage. Cr. Sanson said it was a vexed question, and a good deal might be said on both sides. There could be no doubt that butchers were a necessity ; people should be supplied with animal food, and m order that that could be done, it was necessary some provision should be made for the work of slaughtering. At the present time the butchers were placed m rather invidious positions by having no proper place to carry on their work. He thought the Council should make some provision, both at Boston and Palmerston, by erecting abattoirs on the banks of the Manawatu, River, where there were natural facilities for carrying off the drainage, and plenty of water for cleansing purposes. He did not think it. right. that applications should be rejected' without, the Council having first taken some steps •to help the applicants out of the difficulty, who were liable to fine, . Or. MoNsili would read the provisions of the Act bearing upon the .'uSj.iot, from which it would be seen that the -Council had no option m the matter. The Act specifically stated that such works could not be carried on m the locality where they were a nuisance; or an injury to health; With- regard to the particular. . place fur

which the application had been made, he wai.thoroughly acquainted with it, and could state that it was most unsuitable,jand there were plenty of other sites as near to. Palmerston, which would be far more eligible, about which no objection could be urged. Cr. Halcombe thought there was a great deal oi truth m what had been stated by Cr. Sansou, still he did not think the Council was m a position ;to incur the expense proposed. He thoroughly agreed with the ; Iti3b speaker, that; there were plenty of places suitable for slaughtering purposes, which would be a nuisance or annoyance to no one. In his opinion no license should be granted unless the sites for' slaughtering were possessed of three most important qualifications — .plenty of water, ample facilities for drainage, and carrying away tho offal, and sufficient unsettled land about to nullify any injurious effects arising from the smell. Cr. Rookstbow, wished to know if there were an Inspector of Slaughterhouses, but was informed that there was not. Cr. McNeil said that the site under discussion had none of these, and he would therefore move—" That the application of Mr Thomas Moffatt, for a slaughtering license on section 430 Palmerston North be refused, the site being totally unsuitable, a3 the petition of the inhabitnats set forth." It wa3 seconded by Cr. Halocmibb, and carried. From the Town Clerk of the Borough of Palmerston, re license fees paid m error to the Council — Refund already made. From the Railway Manager, at Wanganui, forwarding free passes for Crs. Rockstrow and Hewson. From the Colonial Secretary's Office, stating that the request for a free pass for the County Engineer, while on duty, had been forwarded to the Minister for Public Works. From the District Engineer, Mr Stewart, requesting that the County Engineer should confer with him as to the best method of carrying water off the road line at the Kawau Stream — .Engineer received instructions m the matter. From Messrs. Brandon & Sons, solicitors, Wellington, with regard to the claim made by Mr Barton, against the Council, and stating that if it were not met, legal proceedings would to ensue. Or. McNeil said that the matter, had received very careful consideration when it was before the Council at a former sitting, and nothing sinoe had transpired which should make them alter the decision then arrived at. It had been the wish of the Council to deal honorably and fairly with Mr Barton, but if they were to be actuated, or swayed by the letter just received, it would justly be imagined that they had been trying to defraud the Engineer. For his own part lie was quite prepared to stand to the former action taken. (Bear, Hear.) Several Councillors followed, giving expression to the same sentiments, wuen The Chairman said there was no need of a motion on the subject. The Council had passed a resolution upon the subject, and evidently there was no wish to rescind it. From the Public Works Oifiae, re providing a punt for the Ohau Ferry, out of the inland revenue. From the Minister of Immigration, stating that as nearly 2000 mare immigrants were already ordered, tho Government did not consider it advisable to increase that number. From the Public Works Office re stoppage of charges for Gorge-road from the twenty per cent, land rerenue— The Chairman read to the- Council a copy of his reply, which fully dealt with the matter, but to which no answer had been received. From the Public Works Office, intimating that the control of the Waikanas- Furry had been vested m the Hutt County Council. From' Mr Peter M.msan, accompanied with a tracing of section No. 387, Palmerston North, agreeing to sell a portion oi. the same for tho sum of £500. The Chairman stated that the Engineer i had made repeated te3t3 of the ground granted by the Government as a gravel- pit, and had found it utterly worthless. Cr. McNeil said it was certainly singular that the remaining portion of the terrace was magnificent gravel land, but the particular part which had been granted was quite the reverse. ENGINEER'S REPO3T. " Since last meeting of this Council T have visited nearly every part of the County where roads are made, or being made, and hereunder submit report for the month of September. I have, according to your instructions (on 9th October), prepared an approximate estimate for work required to be done before next winter, and also for the maintenance of roads. . PEBKIES. " OHAtr. — I visited the ferry twice during the month. The boat employed on the river is not large enough, nor of the proper description ; and it is also leaky. I should recommend a boat about 20ft. overall, with about sft. 6in. beam, built to draw little water. This boat should be m the shape of a small whale-boat, and very strong, clinkerbuilt. The ferryman at this rirer I hear is very attentive to his duties, and obliging. He (the .ferryman) stated at times he could not hear the bell ring, it being so far away From his house. "OrAKi. — The complaints made against feiry I have reason to believe too true, as when I visited the ferry on the 23th September I shouted for ferryman for fully half-an-hour without any notice being taken. Coachman and others complain very much of neglect here. On my second visit I inspected the boat, and found same only 13ft. long, and 4ft. Bin. beam : very lightly built and leaky. There were too small paddles m the boat. This boat is not at all suited for the river, and I am only surprised an accident lias ,not occurred before this by the upsetting of the boat. I should recommend, as at Ohau, a good strong clinkerbuilt boat being placed on this river, of the same size ani shape recommended on Oh:iu river. A bell is also required at this river. " The working of these ferriea I should suggest as follows : — 1. That each ferry.nan be paid £ — per year over and above free licenses and fees, ferrymen to supply their own boats and gear, subject to spocificnlion furnished by County Council or their Engineer. 2. That the said ferries be let for three years, to be terminated on either side by giving six months' notice m writing. Should boats be out of order for over two days, rent to be stopped for time boat is out of order up to one week, when double rent to be deducted for each und every day that boat, remains out of repairs ; six months' rent to be kept m arrears, from which the deductions, if any, may be stopped. " Waieanab FBRiir. — I cannot say much about this ferry, as the Hutt County Council have moved m the matter. Tho boat is quito useless, having several holes m the bottom and a great, number of the planks split. It. is impossible for the ferryman to mako use of this boat : as at Ofcaki, it is only 18ft. long and lightly built. GltWEIi PITS. "The gravel, pit at Government reserve, Palmerston, is a failure. I had two men ftinking a number of trial holi'3. and also oltiiir-iiig »ivvay f u-e at terrace. One of these holes was put down 6tt. dejp, then a rojl driven another 6ft., iii-pll 12t't., and no signs of gravel. At' the terrace the gravel was 10ft. under surface. { Several of the other holes were sunk 4ft., and a rod driven another 4Ft. to % s|b, buK no indication of gra-" vel. I should judge, there would b.j 10:'%

to 14ft. of clay stripping; then again, there | is standing-bush on the reserve, and a drain would have to be cut through the ground to the creek 'at foot of terrace, to get water away, the ground being very wet m winter. " A gravel pit at Sandon is greatly wanted. At present time we have to procure gravel from private pits, and I believe the County have had [heretofore to pay royalty for any gravel carted on to roads from above pits. It would be very much cheaper and better to have a pit of our own, near the bush, on Sandon- Foxton road. " Mr Rooerts, of Anderson's line, Palmer-ston-Q-orge road, has consented to allow gravel to be hauled from terrace on his ground, providing the face of terrace is left with a slope of H horizontal to 1 vertical. This gravel would be of great use to us on the first three miles of main xoad from Palmerston to the Gorge. ROADS. " Palmerston to G-orge.- i -On this I have nothing further to report. If you decide to adopt my recommendation of last month, I will take levels and prepare section of same. There has been one maintenanceman employed on this length. " Palmerston!- Oroua Bridge. — -The metalled part of this road I am having put m thorough order : large stones raked off, to be hereafter broken for repairs, and watertables cleared out, &c. "From metalled road to JaokeytownStation.—'l have prepared an approximate estimate for this work, but shall be able during the coming month to take levels and prepare section, as I have now visited the County throughout that requires visiting, and shall be able to settle down to steady work.. The price of gravel quoted is, I consider, a fair price, with railway carriage added, and should certainly be delivered and spread for the estimated amount. "Oroufi Bridge should be pulled down and another bridge erected m its place. j "Simpson to Carnarvon Junction. — The work sanctioned last month I am having dono on this road, and to keep expenses down I have taken a man off road from Palmeriton to Awahuri Bridge to assist on Simpson's road. " .Racecourse cutting to Foxton Ferry. — I have prepared estimates for this work, anditaken levels of road from Awahou Bridge to ferry. The price of gravel I have fixed high, on account of railway charges; it should be delivered and spread for amount quoted. . " Foxton Ferry. — This ferry is m good: working order. Road from ferry to beach has been put m repair, except the high level road around Manawatu river; this the ferryman is going to start at once. He asks that a part of tbe cost of this work should be borne by the County.. At river bank I should recommend manuka fascines 6ft. to Sft. long and lft. m diameter, tied m two places with wire ; those fascines to be placed along river bank and fastened down with manuka binders tied to stakes driven into ground. This would be- a permanent job, and prevent the washing down of said river bank. Cost of this work furnished: The manuka work to be carried 4ft. high above beach. "Kimbolton Koad.-— The contractors of Nos. 1 and 2 contracts have started work, but complain of the scarcity of men. On No. 2 contract there were thirteen men at work, and on No. 1 about 8 or 10 men. The ground has dried up very much since my last visit. I should strongly urge the necessity of having the metal put on directly formation is finished " Otaki. — A part of the road leading through Otaki is undor water through a water-course being stopped up with raper and mint, &c. This requires to be cleared out, and I would ask you to sanction its being done at once, as it not only keep 3 the ' road wet, but m a sanitary point of view the water requires to be carried away. " I herewith submit a sketch of a laborsaving apparatus, for cutting grass sods off sides of roads. This machine will, I believe, work wall, and save the County a large sum of money, as the present mode of grubbing is both costly and slow." From the Colonial Secretary's Office, stating that the Government had received grave complaints as to the manner m whHi the Ferry afc Otaki was being worked. ; Cr. Hewsen slid he would like to offer a few renvirks with regard to the matter. The Otaki was a peculiar river, for if thera was anything like a fresh you could not cross at the mouth of the river, and if there was not, there was no need of a boat, canoe, or anything else. In his opinion the proper crossing should be three-quarters of a mile up. He certainly agreed with the suggestions embodied m the Engineer's report with rogard to the formation of culverts at the creeks m order to carry off the water. There was a half-caste, named John Harvov, who was a rao3t experienced ferryman, and who would be willing to undei'take the duties for the small remuneration of £20 per year. With regard to the Oliau, which wn3 a deep rive*, a punt was the most suitable thing, and certainly the ferryman dearly earned all he got, as he was continually putting men across who had no money. The Chaibmast said the (government were somewhat m a quandary about thereserve. It was not freehold, but had been leased for for two year 3, and as unfortunately the rjnt had not been paid regularly^, some" little difficulty had arisen. A shor time since he" had interviewed the owner, and striven to coma to some arrangement, without avail however. He might state that, not long ago, he had been speaking to Mr Morgan Curkeek upon the best site for the ferry, and he had confirmed tho statement made by Cr. Hewson that the ferry . was out of place at the mouth of the riier. Again, {the same gentleman hud further stated that for the passage of such a river as the Otaki, there was no conveyance to equal a canoe. Mr Oarkeek was a gentle* ruau who had vast experience m the exploring and crossing of rivers, was well competent to give an opinion, and one which should carry great weight with it. He thought it would be well if a small piece of land of about half an acre were either leased or purchased, upon which a cottage could be erected. It was quite evident that the man now m charge had sadly neglected his duties and he thought it would be well to ask the Government to cancel his £5 license. Ci?. Sansojt did not see that because a man sold grog he was a bit more suitable for the ferry, and if a trustworthy person could be obtaiued to take over the charge at the moderate anm named by Cr. Hewson, he would be willing to support, the proposition. He did pot, however, agree with the suggestion for the substitution of ft canoe. TtTey were no dou'»t excellent things for tho3e who knew how to manage them, but not one person m 'n'Ffcy did so, and he was afraid if the change were made, it would ba found a mistake. Cr. Hewsox verily believed that travellers of the. present time expected caper Bailee to their mutton and oyster sauce to their steaks: He remembered having had to wade through the Wangaehu up to his nack, and those who were called upon to travel should expect to have to put up with some little inconvenience. : Or. MoNbii. thought the discussion somewhat irrelevant or premature. He thought it would be as well" to see. whether t he ferry T man to be appointed thoroughly understood the inanagemant of a canoe; For his own part he considered trusting tlie management of a canoe to a person who had no

experience, was Yflry much like giving a loaded musketr into the hands of a*ohild. Cb. Haicombe was of opinion that there should be a ferryman appointed inland j m fact, there ought to be two— one at th» mouth of the river, and a second a little higher up. The Ckaibhax said that eren at halftide the passengets were unable to cross at the mouth of. the river. The old Maori who had charge had had his canoe — for ; which he receired £12 a year— swept out to sea, and as he had not since replaced it by another, the £12 would be saved and go towards the proposod salary of £25. Cr. Sansos then proposed, and Cr. Hbwv soif seconded— " That John flar,vey be ap« pointed ferryman at the Otaki river, on and after the 14th of October, at a salary of £25 per year, said ferryman to find hit own canoe at the above-mentioned sum, and that he be prepared to enter into an agreement with the Chairman as to. the coadi* tions, &c." . rainless. Cr. Saxsox read a petition from the ratepayers of Awahou, but at its conclusion it was found that it was not m accordance with the Standing Orders, inasmuch as it had not the words, "and your petitioner* will for ever pray." The.OHAißitAir said the petition could, not be receired on the grounds stated. ■ ■ Cr. SAJraoar would ask the indulgence of the Council m over looking the omission. The petitioners he felt quite certain had penned the document with- a due sense of respsot, but were not posted up m the for- • malities of procedure, or technicalities of e«* pression. ' '"■'['■"■ '"• '■'- .■'■■ ■'- -.',•. . ; v\: : / : -..' Cr. JtfoNwL must ob^eofc to the reception of the petition. Councillors would remain, ber a very important one which had beet* ■ presented by the settlers of Stoney Creek, and tbe Council had steadfastly refused to receiveit until it had to be referred back to the- J j petitioners for amendment. Ha sympafclmedi with the signers of the petition then presented, but to act with any amount of con*, sistency it should berejected. The CHAiiwtAH: said that h& would hare, to act mi such a manner as not to give a, handle to persons, who wera" inclined to,, cavil to his actions. He could not allowthe reception of the petition, neither could it be amended until it had been referred.; back to the signers. Presenters of such, : document should make themselves aware of any informality before placing them m the handa of the Councils ■ : . ' - : : -.- .•.-',■ Cr. Sahsos explained- that the petition had been placed m, his hand after he nad ex> tered the Council Chamber; ' Cr. MoNbil pointed out that although; the Standing Orders would noi admit of the; reception of of the petition, it was perfectly m order- for Councillor Saiyon to embody its object m a resolution, and have it dis- ; cussed m that manner. He- offered that suggestion,' which if acted upon he would; ■ be mo3t happy to support. .V Cr. Sansom accepted the hint, and moredi. seconded by Or. RocKSXOVT— "That tho, resolution passed at the lasb meeting of th& Council, re a vote of £100 to be laid out or* the road from Foxton to 3d[oto», be carried out immediately, the said sum to be ex* | pendedin accordance with th.c instructions of the JBJngineer." Carried 1 . . . Or. RooKaTaow read a petition from Ofcaki, but it was also ruled informal on the,' same grounds -as the precedingohe.. | EBBOIITIIOSS PASSED. ,• , Proposed by Cr. Sxxsas, seconded by [ Cr. HiACoatßß— ." That the Engineer Hb* requested to obtain a suitable. v beU fop thb; Lo wer Ferry at Otaki, an.d to. have sauia. r put up at most convenient placa."— 'parried. Proposed by Cr. MaJTuiL, seconded by? Cr. Halcomb'e-^" That a special meeting; bs called for the 6th Noveinbßr-at ; X.3s) p.m.;,; for tht, purpose of striking; a rate of 6d f orI the County."— Carried.. 0 Proposed by Or. HoN"Bni,,Baconded by.Cr. Halcoiiqb— ." That; the Engineer be allowed a sum not exceeding d&JO, to> got % plough built, as per sketeli, and to experi- : ment with it, for the purpose of cutting; the grass oa the sides o£ metalled roads, belie ving.it would save a great deal of mpaey- ; to the Council. "-^Carried. _ <■ Proposed by Or. McNeil, seconded -by. Or. RooksxboV— " That the Engineer b£ : allowed th» privilege of making plans and; specifications for improving th,a. P-aluxowton. Square." —^Carried. Proposed by Or. TBjxm, seconded byby Or. MoNßri-^" That £tt) be paid to, thY Man.anatu Highway Board to assist- them. m forming a road to, the Foxton. Cemetery. I*'1 *' — rOivrried. • Proposed by Or. Sansox, seconded by Or; HAicostßa— " That the eatiniivtes laid beforathe. Council by the Chairman be approved, of." — Carried. . Proposed by Or. Tfinrxßi seconded bjf- ; Or. MoJfßiL.—" That the next meeting, of the Qouneil be held od the 6th of Noveinv. ber, afc 3 p. in/—C arried. ...... Marios o? motiox. ; • Cr. Halcomqe to move-— That as the-slaughter-house on the Awahuri road, nearFeitiling, is unlicensed, and is a public-, nui- ' sance, steps be taken to." "restrain owhera. from using tbo premises- ia question for the purpose of slaughtering. ,; ' ;