WAITEMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8610, 4 July 1891, Page 6

WAITEMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Waitemata Council was held yesterday afternoon. The following members were present : — Messrs. R. Mackay (chairman), Bruce, Sinclair, Jack, Sharp, O'Neil, Wilson, McLeod, and Captain McMahon. Riding Accounts.—The following are the appropriations for each riding for the year ending March 31, 1892 :—Wainui. £260 17s ; Takapuna, £598 10s 4d ; Northcote, £491 15s { Id • Birkenhead, £286 6s Id ; Kaukapakapa, £410 16s 5d ; Helensville, £237 4s 6d ; Mairetahi, £390 11s 7d ; Waitakerei, £558 0s 7d ; I Waikomiti, t'543 15s. The expenditures from April 1 to July 3, 1891, tiro as follows :— Wainui, £247 3s Id ; Takapuna, £108 6s lid ; Northcote, £83 14s 9d ; Birkenhead, £:« 5s lid; Kaukapakapa, £54 7s 3d ; Helensville, £62 16s 6d; Mairetahi, £94 16s 3p; Waitakerei, £62 2s lid ; Waikomiti, £196 16s Id. Finances. — Amounts received to date were publicans' licenses £275, and arrears of rates £56 17s 4d. The amount of overdraft, including accounts to date, was £1281 8s Gd. TENDERS. —The following tenders were "received for repairs to Black Bridge, Henderson's Valley Road:— J. G. Carr, £12 7s Gd ; R. Hill, £14 17s 6d; Russell, £13. The tender of J. G. Carr was accepted. Comhknsation , . — Some discussion took place in reference to a case for compensation coming before the Court at an early date. It was suggested that the amount of compensation offered be increased by £10, in order to avoid litigation. The meeting, however, refused to agree to this course, and resolved to adhere to the previous decision. Whau Bridge.—lt was resolved that this bridge be put in repair according to the engineer's suggestions, and that 14 days' notice be given to Mr. Casey to reduce the weight of his loads, so as to come within the limit of the by-laws, or to make a composition with the Council in terms of the Public Works Act. Remission of Rates.—Messrs. Foster and Fulljaiues asked for reconsideration of their application for remission of rates, on account of work doue. The Council had formerly • refused to recognise any such claim. It was resolved that the previous decision be adhered to. The amount due was £14

Swanson Falls Road. —Mr. Sisam wroto requesting that a deputation from the Council wait upon him to see the beat course to pursue for the forwarding of tho Swanson Falls Road. It was resolved that the engineer make a preliminary survey, and report to the next meeting. Road.—Mr. Mills wrote drawing attention to the state of this road. He asked that a culvert be constructed to prevent water from flooding his property. It was resolved that the Council shouid supply the pipes on condition that Mr. Mills does the work himself. Mr. Megsou also applied that the same road be repaired in front of his store. The engineer reported that this was a matter of drainage, and would cost about £4. It was agreed to defer the matter to next summer. A Bridge.—Mr. Alfred Buckland applied for the construction of a bridge on the Mairetahi-Kaipara Heads Road. The cost would be about £10. The request was granted. A Bad Road. —Mr. S. J. Frost drew attention to the very bad—in fact, impassable —state of the Waimauku-Taupaki Road. Two of the bridges had been washed away. He did not think much should be done at prfseut, but the bridges should be put up. The engineer reported that there was not sufficient traffic upon the road to warrant the construction of the bridges. It was resolved, " That the engineer be instructed to discover whether the work asked for be on the line of road, and report at next meeting ; also, that he carry out forthwith any very urgent repairs." Muddy Creek. —A letter was received Mr. $.nnstrong, mail contractor, describing the boggy state of the Muddy Creek-Huia Road. The engineer reported that nothing could be done with advantage until the spring. It was resolved that further consideration be deferred till that time.

Waikomiti Road. —Mr. Cochrane applied that 10 chains of the Waikomiti road be metalled. He was prepared to give £10 towards expenses. The carrying out of this work was deferred.

Taupaki Road.—Mr. Russell complained of the bad state of the drainage ot this road. It was resolved, " That the Council supply the pipes if Mr. Russell would consent to do the work."

Closed Roads. —Mr. Napier wrote with reference to certain closed roads in the Takapuna district. He contended that the gates erected on two roads should be removed. They ought never to have been allowed to be erected in a populous locality, and they caused a depreciation in the value of property in the neighbourhood. The secretary pointed out that one of the roads was in reality a road leading into private property, uid that the other led to a swamp. It was resolved, "That the previous decision of the Council in this matter be adhered to."

Upper Waiwera —The Wainui Road Board applied that the Upper Waiwera Road, in front of the Waiwera Hotel, be metalled. The Board were prepared to pay the sum of £10 towards the cost. The chairman pointed out that only recently about £160 had been spent by the Council in this vicinity. The application was refused. The same Board also drew attention to the way in which the Wade waiting-room was kept. Sometimes the room was full of potatoes, and other soode to the annoyance of the inhabitants of the district. It was resolved. "That the matter be left in the hands of Mr. Jack, that gentleman to report to next meeting." An Explanation. — Captain McMahon drew attention to a letter written by Mr, ■Jack to the Weekly News, in which that gentleman stated that it was a mis-statement by the reporter that he " expressed regret" for his action in connection with the AuditorGeneral's report. The Council, with the exception of Mr. Jack, considered that the newspaper report was correct. A Petition. —A petition was received from certain residents of iiirkenhead stating that a portion of the public road to Hellyer's Greek passing through Mr. Dawson's section had been closed by that gentleman. he petitioners urged that the Council inspect the road. The matter was referred to the engineer to report to next meeting. Claim by Mr. Brassey. —Mr. G. N. Brassey wrote as follows: —1 want that £5 for fencing of allotment on reserve at Northcote. I want to fence where I am. Kindly have the amount voted to-day. I want to get on with my work." The question was deferred for a mouth. : Misgvellanicods. Mr. Viiile's application for an extension of the Henderson Valley Road was deferred for the present. With regard to an application from Mr. Thorpe, as to a grant for road, it was resolved that the Council adhere to its former decision of "ranting £5. An application from Mr. Laing for a road was also received. ■ The engineer.reported that the work was being attended to. ■ • • < ■ Electric Light. —Messrs. Hcsketh and Richmond forwarded copy of Electric Lighting Bill, with an explanatory letter. The letter was received. :