WHAKATANE COUNTY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9009, 23 March 1888, Page 6

WHAKATANE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The general monthly meeting was held on Monday, March 12. Present: Messrs. J. B. Gow (chairman), A. Parkinson, R. Wright, and F. P. Drury. The minutes of the last monthly meeting were read. Mr. right regretted that he was not present at that meeting and stated his objection to the minutes by which the Council hands over moneys to other local bodies without any control further, that he has always fought this matter out on principle, and considers it derogatory to the dignity of the Council merely to fulfil the functions of a tax collector. Hence his objection, which he would wish to have recorded. Objection recorded accordingly. The minutes were then confirmed.

Correspondence.-—The following letters were received From the Crown Lauds Office, Auckland, asking the Council to furnish a tracing of the proposed road through lot 158, parish of Waiotahi. The clerk informed the Council that this has already been done. From the Opotiki Road Board informing the Council that a deputation will wait upon them with a view to obtaining assistance to erect a small bridge across a creek on the proposed Waiotahi Road. From the Public Works Department stating that in response to the Council's application the district engineer has been instructed to proceed with the completion of the Opotiki-Whaka-tane Road, round the head of the Ohiwa Harbour. From Mr. R. S. Bush, R.M., reporting that Hira te Popo has been duly elected as native assessor for the Waioeka licensing district. From the _ Treasury Department advising the Council that £84 17s 6d has been placed to Council's credit at the bank for rates on the Crown lands for the year 1887-8. From the Public Works Department replying to the Council's application to have a portion of the vote on the estimates for East Coast roads expended in the re-erection of Whakatane bridges, stating that the Minister of Public Works considers this an ordinary work of maintenance, which should be undertaken by the county. From the chairman of the Raglan Council asking the co-operation of this Council to effect an amendment in the Public Works Act, to empower County Councils to compel the eradication of gorse and briars. From Messrs. English and Son applying for a private slaughtering license to be exercised upon section 140, parish of Waioeka. From Mr. S. Crapp, district engineer, enclosing tenders for repairs to Mill Creek Bridge, with that of Messrs. J. and W. Parkinson for £32 18s, accepted ; also reporting the Waioeka Bridge embankment completed by W. McCarthy, and enclosed his account for same, £4 ss. From Mr. A. M. Ross, Waiotahi, asking the Council to effect certain repairs upon the OpotikiWaiotahi Road where it passes through the gorge near the river, and undertaking to erect a small bridge and repair 50 yards of embankment at his own expense if the Council would do the rest. From S. Crapp enclosing tenders for repairs to a portion of the main road at Whakatane, namelv, S. Wilson, £44; P. Brown, £33. Mr. S. Moody, chairman of the Road Board appeared in company with two other members, and applied for the Council to construct a bridge across the Tarewa Creek to enable the settlers to reach the upper farms on the Waiotahi Valley from the beach, produced plans and specifications, and explained the advantages to be gained by such works, if effected. After considerable discussion, Mr. Wright proposed, Mr. Parkinson seconded, " That this matter be held over until next monthly meeting for further consideration." Carried. Mr. English appeared in person in support of his application for a private slaughter license, and explained the particulars to the Council. Mr. Wright proposed, Mr. Drury seconded, " That the license be granted subject to the usual conditions, namely, the yard be built to the satisfaction of the inspector, the fee to be 408 per year, payable in advance, and the Slaughter-houses Act generally to be complied with." Re the portion of the main road round the head of the Ohiwa Harbour about to be constructed bv Government, Messrs. J. B. Gow, F. P. Drury, and R. Wright were .appointed a deputation to wait upon the district engineer to confer with him upon the advisabilitv of having that portion leading from the Waiotahi side of Ohiwa through the Waimana constructed first. The question of the reconstruction of the two bridges at Whakatane was discussed, and Mr. Crapp's report of February 14, 1887. read ana considered. Finally, it was resolved, " That the sum of £5 be expended in putting new planks in the Whakatane bridges, and that this amount be debited to the allocation to the Omataroa outlying district for 1888-9." Letter from Raglan Council re noxious weeds extermination. Resolved, " That the letter be acknowledged." Resolved,, " That the clerk see Mr. Crapp re dangerous plank on the Waioeka Mill Creek Bridge, and, if the contractors are not starting work immediately, to have a board nailed over the dangerous place." Resolved, " That the two tenders for the Whakatane main road be returned to Mr. Crapp with a request that, if he considers the lowest one suitable, to accept it, and have the work done." A letter was received from Mr. A. M. Ross asking for repairs to a portion of Opotiki-Waiotahi Road, offering to do certain repairs if Council would effect other works on same road. Resolved, " That the clerk interview Mr. Ross and ask him for a plan and specification of the proposed work, and ascertain whether he will execute the work for £10, and that the plans be submitted to Mr. Crapp for his opinion and report."

Accohxts.The following accounts were received :—S. Bates, advertising account, £9 4s (xl; W. McCarthy, Waioeka Bridge embankment, £4 ss; C. D. Litchfield, commission on rates, £10, M. Downey, painting notice board, £2 10s; R. S. Bush, returning officer, £1 Is C. D. Litchfield, license election, £2 (is 6d; C. D. Litchfield, legal expenses, 10s Cd: W. P. Brown, returning officer, £1 Is. The above accounts were then passed for payment.

A Ferry.A letter was received from Witere Hakopa asking the Council to appoint him as ferryman at the Matata River at a salary of £10 per annum. Resolved " That a reply be sent to the effect that the Council has not the control of this ferry." Road Matters.—Resolved, That the allocation finance committee be also authorised to further consider the Road Board's application for a bridge at Waiotahi, and report at the next monthly meeting." Resolved, " That Messrs. Gow, Drury, and Wright wait upon Mr. Crapp with a view to bavin" the road from the Waiotahi side of the Ohiwa Harbour through the Waimana constructed before the Whakatane end, as the former would pass through settled land." [Own Correspondent.]