WAIT AT COUNTY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8664, 5 September 1891, Page 3

WAIT AT COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual meeting of the Waiteraata County Council took place yesterday, at Palmerston Buildings. Present Messrs. R. Mackay (chairman), R. Sinclair, I. McLeod, A. Wilson, A. Jack, J. H. O'Neill, H. E. Sharp, and Captain Macmahon. Deputations.At the morning sitting of the Council there were six deputations in attendance. The first consisted of Messrs. Cochrane and Shaw, of Waikomiti, who asked for the formation and metalling of a branch road, at an estimated cost of £35, towards which the settlers offered to contribute £15 in cash and labour. Matter was referred to the County Engineer (Mr. Wilson) to report thereon at next meeting. A deputation, consisting of Messrs. T. Lee, J. T. Poynter, Lord, and Lees, waited upon the Council to object to the proposal of the Council to let the Wade wharf and store by tender, so as to produce revenue, and to request a continuance of the present arrangements. The wharf is now uuder the supervision of Mr. Lees. The request was granted. Mr. Harrow waited upon the Council to request that the engineer might be allowed to inspect a quarrv on his land, in order to ascertain if it was fit for road metal purposes. Mr. Har- | row's application was granted. He also asked permission to remove surplus earth I and sods from road at Takapuna, for the purpose of making a road over a sandy patch. I Permission was granted under the supervi- | sion of the chairman. Mr. John Russell, of Henderson, made application for a new line of road to bo surveyed and dedicated, as the present track went over private property. The engineer was requested to report on application at next meeting. John Wisely, of Hobsonville, applied to be allowed to put a swing gate on an unused road. Mr. Bernicker opposed the application, and asked that the road be opened and fencod, and he would pay half the cost. Owing to the great cost of fencing the road \ on both sides, if opened, the Council allowed the swing-gate to be erected. Mr. Chayter, of Birkenhead, applied that his claim for damages, on account of injury to his horse and harness on the Riverhead Road, and which he had placed at £10, at the last meeting, be reconsidered. The Council declined to alter their former decision, and disclaimed anv liability whatever. Tenders.—The following tenders were received for metal for the Mairetahi and Wharepapa Roads, as invited by the Council: — ascoe and Rouse, 9s lid per cubic yard for 1000 yards on Mairetahi Road, and 10s per cubic yard for 300 yards on Wharepapa Road; William McLeod, Os 6d per yard for same quantities;. James Stewart and H. Poland, Ss 6d per yard, Council to pay royalty; James Larkins, 10s 9d per yard for 1300" yards of metal. McLeod's tender was accepted for the supply. Correspondence.Letter , received from private secretary to Premier (Hon. J, Ballance) acknowledging receipt of resolution of Council, in which they protested against the " one-man-one-vote " feature of the Counties Act Amendment Bill: Letter received. Communication from chairman of the Patca County Council conveying resolution ■ concerning the " oue-man-ono-vote " principle, and asking the co operation of the Waitemata County Council " against the ruinous and faddish legislation of the Government." The members of the* Council, though generally approving of the terms of the full resolution, thought the question of the land policy of the Government too large to deal with it off-hand, and discussion of the matter was deferred till next meeting. Land Rating and Absentees.—The proposals of Mr. Jackson Palmer, M.H.R., as detailed in Order Paper of the House of Representatives, of the 14th August, came up for discussion and consideration. Briefly put, Mr. Jackson Palmer proposed that an extra rating of 10 per cent, be levied oil landholders living outside the boundaries of the province, and 50 per cent, if they lived outside the colony. The secretary (Mr. Oliver Mays) said lie had written to Mr. Palmer and informed him that the Council had land on its hands for unpaid rates that it could not sell for the ordinary rate and legal expenses. Mr. Bruce strongly condemned the proposal, and his sentiments were echoed by other _ members. Mr. Jack moved and Mr. Sinclair seconded a motion to the effect that Mr. Palmer be informed that the Council objects to his proposed amendments in the County Council Amendment Bill with regard to the graduated rating of absentees. Makarau Bridge.—The Rodney County Council wrote desiring the removal of swing gate on bridge, owing to its being dangerous to travellers. The request was acceded to.. New County By.laws. — The Board's solicitors, Messrs. Russell and Campbell, submitted proposed by-laws to prevent obstruction and damage, and to regulate the traffic on roads and bridges within the Comity of Waitemata. The Secretary said they were devised to regulate the traflic, especially the timber traffic, and embody the suggestions made. It would be necessary to have a special meeting for the purpose of adopting them. Bridge on Mairetahi Road.—Mr. Alfred Buckland applied for a bridge to be erected on the road from Mairetahi to Kaipara Heads. The engiueer reported that it would be better to divert the road than build the bridge as proposed. _ Council adopted the suggestion of the engineer. Mr. Crow's Offer.—Mr. Crow wrote withdrawing the offer which he had made. Letter received.

Waimauku - Taupaki Road.—lt was agreed to defer the question of making bridges over creeks till next meeting, in order that the road might be defined. Awaroa Bridge.—Letter read from clerk of Helensvillo Town District, relative to redecking of bridge over the Awaroa. Mr. McLeod stated that he had inspected the bridge, and to re-deck and repair it would cost £40 or £50. He had arranged with Mr. Beecroft to look after the bridge and keep it in repair, at so much a year. It would be under £10. The Council had not the larger sum to spend at present, and this arrangement was the best possible under the circumstances. The Council approved of Mr. McLeod's arrangement.

Road, rig harm's--Creek.Mr. Johnston, of Katikati, wrote requesting a road to be defined at Brigham's Creek, so that lie could fence. The Council acceded to the request, and agreed to exchange roads, provided there were no legal difficulties. Russell's Bridge, Taupaki Station.— Messrs. Cottle and Soil called attention to the state of the western approach to Russell's Bridge, near Taupaki railway station, and asking if the Council would allow eight or ten trucks of good rough scoria to be put on tho approaches and new formation. They also asked permission to haul timber on road in October, if iu fit condition for the traffic. It was decided as to the first matter to get Mr. O'Neill to report on it, and as to the second request, to adhere to the by-laws, which specified November. Approach to Waimauku Railway Station. —Letter from Mr. Joseph Wilkins, requesting that a man may be sent to Waimauku to see to gateway to railway station. Referred to the engineer with power to act. Nortucote Town Hall Reserve.—Mr. G. N. Brasscy wrote asking for £5 for fencing of the allotment of reserve, iNorthcote Town Hall. A memorandum from Mr. Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands, stating that the matter had been referred to the Crown Lands Board, and it was resolved to recommend. the Government to vest the reserve in the Waitemata County Council. The matter was deferred till next meeting. Tea-tree and Furze. —Letter from Mr. C. C. Fleming, asking the Council to remove from the road frontage to his property at Norbhcote Point the tea-tree and furze between his property and the road. The matter was left in the hands of Mr. Bruce for settlement. Whangaparoa.-- I The clerk of the Whangaparoa Road Board wrote asking for assistance to enable the Board to form a road lately marked off by the Government surveyors. The road was situated on the NE. end of Campbell's property, whereas the present track went through private property. It is estimated that the cost would be about £15. Mr. Jack explained the position of affairs. On the motion of Mr. Bruce, it was decided to reply that the Council had no funds available for the purpose. Hellyer's Creek.—A petition was received from the settlers of Hellyer's Creek, relative to a portion of the public road leading from the main road to Hellyer's Creek passing through Mr. W. Dawson's section, having been closed by him. It appeared that Mr. Dawson considered he should have compensation on certain conditions. The matter was left over for the Engineer to report on at the next meeting. Wade Wharf.— Jack obtained authority to expend a sum not exceeding £1 in clearing away the silt at the Wade Wharf. Reduction in Valuation.—Letter from Mr. George Boyd, asking that a reduction in the valuation rate , may be retrospective. The Council decided to reply that the reduction would only date from the time the application was made to the Council. Waikomiti Road.—Messrs. W. Carter, sen., and W. S. Collins asked for metalling on road, Waikomiti. Mr. Sharp explained the matter. Referred to the engineer to report thereon at next meeting. Great North Road, ARCiuiiLL.--Mr. T. S. Armstrong called attention to the necessity for repairs on the Great North Road, Archhill. Referred to the engineer . with power to act,

Survey of Road, Waikomiti. — Mrs. A. Little wrote re survey of road, Waikomiti She wished the . road surveyed to her property, and could not find the old survey lines. Referred to the engineer for his report. Waikomiti - West Coast Road.—Letter from < Mr. Ussher calling attention to the condition of the Waikomiti - West Coast Road. The road in places was so narrow that a dray no wider than a Sydney tip dray, got stuck. Mr. Sharp moved, " That; the Engineer be authorised to expend £10 on tho worst part of the road." Carried. Litten's Claim.—Letter from Mr. John Douglas re Mr. Litten's claim for compensation for road through his land, lot 110, parish of Waiparewa. The chairman moved," That the Council withdraw its offer, and take the land under the Public Works Act." Carried. The "Thirds."—The Commissioner ,of Crown Lands forwarded a schedule of the " thirds" accrued from the deferred payment and perpetual lease lands in County up to Ist August. The money must be spent in the districts from which the " thirds" have been derivedthat is to say, Waitakerei, Mairetahi, and partly in Gkura. Total amount is £26 17s lOd. It was decided to ask the engineer to formulate a scheme of expenditure of money for next meeting. Road to Titirangi Schooliiouse.—Letter from Mr. 11. Atkinson, calling attention to the state of the road leading to the Titiranjji schoolhouse. If the road were formed, which would cost £15, the settlers would undertake to keep it in repair for three years. It was agreed to accept the offer. Dairy Flat - Lucas' Creek Road.— Messrs. G. Green and Son wrote re repairs to Dairy Hat - Albany - Lucas' Creek lioad. The eugineer was authorised to make the required repairs, at a cost of £3. A Dangerous Drain. — Captain Macmahou called attention to an open drain on the road at Mr. Vercoe's property, which was dangerous to horsemen. It should either be filled up or pipes put in. The secretary was instructed to call Mr. Vercoe's .attention to the matter.

Birkenhead - Lucas' Creek Road. — A petition was received from 38 settlers calling attention to the fact that the main road through Mayfield to Lucas' Creek was greatly in need of repairs, dangerous, and impassable. They noticed the Council had applied to Government for a special grant of £100, and supported that request. Petitioners also desired that the road from J. Hidor's place to Cut Hill be repaired, and the steeper grades metalled. It was decided to reply that temporary repairs would be effected at once, and the other matters left over till the season is further advanced. Slaughterhouse Act Amendment Bill. —Mr. Sinclair called attention to the restrictions in the above Bill placed upon country settlers, prohibiting them when they killed a beast for domestic use from selling any portion of it to their neighbours. Farmers had quite enough difficulty to live as it was without being deprived of the right to dispose of their own produce. He did not desire to interfere with the butchering trade, and a nominal license fee, and the right to the settler to kill one head of great cattle per month, and one sheep weekly, with right to sell the residue of meat they could not consume, would meet all requirements. According to the Bill, the settlers would have, after killing a beast, to sell part of it to a butcher at 1M per lb, and then buy it back again by degrees at 4|d per lb. The thing was monstrous. The Chairmao strongly condemned the proposed restrictions imposed in the Bill. Things had got to that pass with the farmers that they had to look to the sale of their stock in this way as part of their living, and it was as fair for them to dispose of their meat as their dairy produce or anything else. Mr. Bruce thought it possible that the promoters of the Bill might have been taken into consideration the protection of the public health, still the restrictions were mischievous. The Chairman said in country districts there could be no nuisance from killing beasts for domestic use if it were properly done. He had never heard of anything of the kind. A resolution _ was passed condemnatory of the restrictions of the Bill, and embodying Mr. Sinclair's suggestions. It will be forwarded to the Premier. Unclaimed Lands. —The secretary submitted a schedule of about SO sections, which had been selected by persons, Crown grants never applied for, or the applicants left the colony. The Government repudiated the idea of their being Crown lands, and the Council could not sell them for rates, as there were no Crown grants. No rates were derivable from these sections, and something should be done with them. Mr. Mays, as showing the difficulties which the Council had to encounter, said they sold some of the sections for unpaid rates, tne owners of which could not be found, and on the purchaser going to the Crown Lands Office for a Crown grant, he was told the land was Crown lands, yet ■ for a number of years the Property Tax Commissioner had been debiting two parties with the property tax valuations! . Mr. Sinclair said there was a section of over 100 acres at Kaukapakapa lying unclaimed for 30 years. It was taken up by land orders, and m addition £40 in cash had been paid. The owner had disappeared, and could not _ be found. He was desirous of utilising it as a reserve as it was becoming valuable. There were other pieces in the same position. It was decided to bring the matter under the notice of the Government, in order that these lands might be utilised as reserves or otherwise dealt with, as they obstructed settlement while " hung up " as at present.