BAY OF ISLANDS COUNTY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8705, 23 October 1891, Page 3

BAY OF ISLANDS COUNTY COUNCIL.

The regular meeting was held at Kawakawa on Monday, October 12. Present: Hon. H. Williams (chairman), Messrs. J. Press, D. Anderson, G. F. Dickcson, J. A. L. Hall, W. H. Wind, Horace Williams, P. McAlister, tho county clerk (J. W. Williams), and Messrs. F. D. Triphook and D. Wilson,, engineers to the county. . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. . Auctioneers' Bill.—The Chairman stated that lie had interviewed Ministers, and also the members (Messrs. •Houston and Thompson) re reduction in county licenses, who had concurred that £40 was too much for county licenses. Alteration would have to be gazetted, -which, no doubt, would be done before payment of the fees would again be-, come due. Taumarere-Puiiipuiii Road.—A letter from the Hon. R. Soddon, stating that the £800 allocated to this road was now ready, and asking the application for the amount to be made in the usual way. Mr. Horace Williams thought that any engineering work necessary at this side of Puhipuhi should be given to the regular engineer of the.county (Mr. Triphook), instead of sharing with Mr. D. Wilson. Messrs. Hall, Ward, and others intimated that Air. Triphook had declined going beyond the Tirihonga Gorge, the work being more suitable for a younger man. Mr. Triphook, in explanation, said that , his refusal to go beyond the gorge was simply a matter of price. He had been offered but £10 per mile, and Mr. Wilson was at once given the work at £15. The Chairman said if any councillor would move in the matter the , Council would at once consider the question, bijt, as it stood now, Mr. Triphook had charge of the work so far as the gorge, and further on Mr. Wilson had charge. Messrs. Hall/ Horace Williams, and Press spoke in favour of no alteration being made, and no further action was taken. Dray Road to Parsons'.—Mr, Ward strongly recommended that a dray road should be formed as far as Parsons'; suggesting a few alterations to the present survey. By putting a side-cutting at a certain place, it would materially shorten the road. At the gorge the present width of the road was 10 feet, and he thought by making it 16 feet in the bends would, be money well laid out. Mr. Triphook said lie thought Mr. '• Ward's suggestions to be quite practical, and to effect the alterations £200 should be reserved from the vote, which would make it into a good and substantial dray road. Mr. Press moved, and Mr. Horace Williams

seconded, "That tenders be called for removing slips in the Tirihonga Gorge, as per Mr. ' Tnphook's specifications." Carried. Mr. Press moved, and Mr, Ward seconded. "That plans and specifications be prepared for widening the Tirihonga Gorge Road to 10 feet in the solid, with ' turn outs' at certain places, to bo not less than 16 feet in the solid ; the specifications to be made after the contract for removing the slips should be completed." Carried. Mr. Hall moved, and Mr. Anderson seconded, " That Mr. Wilson be instructed to prepare plans and specifications for widening the road from Tirihonga Gorge to Parsons', so as to enable dray traffic, the cost not to exceed £260." Car ried. Mr. Ward moved, and Mr. Hal' seconded, " That Mr. Triphook bo instructed to draw up plans" and specifications for the road from Tauinarere to Tirihonga Gorge, tc bo under the direction of Mr. Ward; cost not to exceed £200." Carried. Counties Act Amendment Bill.The Chairman said the Act had been thrown out, and would not come into operation this session. Through Railway.—A letter from Mr. Hales, Engineer-in-Chief. The total cost was estimated at £150.000. The timber in Puhipuhi was estimated at £33,000. Road to Prospector's Claim from the Table-land.—A letter from the Department granting subsidy asked to complete this road. Disputed Boundary Between the Hokiakga_and Bay of Islands Counties.—The Chairman stated that he had interviewed Mr. S. Percy Smith on this subject, who said that if both counties agreed to accept the old parish boundary of Okaihau Block No. 2, it would no doubt be granted : but the Bill for altering county boundaries nad been thrown out by the Legislative Council. Russell Wharf Repairs.—A letter requesting copies of the proposed repairs to be sent to the Marine Department was read. A letter from Mr. Horace Williams, advising that special tenders be called for repairs to wharf, and also repairs in Wellingtonstreet and Long Beach Road. Thirds.Schedule was received of thirds derived from the deferred payment and perpetual leases (total, £4 16s sd), to be spent in the various localities whence such funds were derived. Maintenance of Ruapeicapeka Road, &C.From Mr. Dawson, asking payment foi one year's maintenance of this road, and offering to perform the same for another year at same price. A letter from Mr. R. M. Houston, M.H.R., re Government replies to a number of questions submitted through him by the Gouucil. From the Crown Lands Minister re ...nds and protection of local bodies in the matter of rates. From the Taranaki County Council re the one man one vote system. Through Railway.—A letter from the county chairman, Whangarei, in reply to a letter from this Council re amicable adjustment of the railway connection between the two counties. The following is a copy of letter received : — Whangarei County Council. County Office, September 18, 1891. Sir, —I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo re the extension of the railway, and in reply beg to state that this Council, under the circumstances, see no reason for complying with the request contained therein.—l have, &c., P. Sturt Brown, County Chairman. The Chairman Bay of Islands County Council." : Ruapekateka Road. Hall moved, and Mr. Ward seconded, "That the offer of Mr. Dawson to keep the Ruapeicapeka Road passable for one year for the sum of £3 bo accepted for twelve months from date." Carried. ' Spending Thirds.—Mr. Anderson moved, and Mr. Dickeson seconded, That the schedule of the Ist of August of thirds of deferred payments and perpetual leased lands due on 12th October, 1891, amounting to £18 3s 4d, be spent as per schedule. ' Carried. Doo Tax.— Mr. A. C. Steele, containing a series of resolutions passed at a meeting held in Waimate, and asking the Council to render assistance in the matter. Messrs. Hall and Ward said they distinctly understood that Sir Frederick VVhituker had told the natives at the last native meeting at Waitangi, when the matter was discussed, tint they were to wait until the great meeting to be held at Hauraki, _ when it would be finally settled. Ever since that time the tax had been shelved, and nothing further had been heard on the subject. The Chairman did not think the AttorneyGeneral had put it that way, but had meant to say that the matter rested entirely in the hands of the county councillors. Mr. Mitchelson had sent to the Council, advising them to stay their hand, not the Government. The Act was the law of the land, and was not permissive at all. At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Horace Williams asked permission to go into matters connected with the Russell wharf, as himself and Mr. McAlister would have to leave by the three o'clock train, it now beirg halfpast two. The Chairman said he was surprised to hear any councillor trying to disarrange the day's proceedings in this manner. Messrs. Williams and McAlister always made their appearance about eleven o'clock in the morning, and then a general rush was I made to bring Russell matters forward, I quite out of place, when they would go away, and the county entirely lost the benefit of their advice and assistance in other matters quite as important to the county. Mr. Bishop, R.M., would be there in a few miuutcs, by request, to explain as to the present position of the dog tax. [That gentleman then arrived.] Tile Chairman continued : We cannot detain Mr, Bishop long, so you really must delay your riding s affairs until afterwards. Mr. Horace Williams then reseated himself. , The Chairman then requested Mr. Bishop to inform the Council, so far as he recollected, why the dog tax had not been enforced. Mr. Bishop said that, so far as bringing the Act into force,.he could at once inform them that it was already in force, but officers would have to be appoiuted to see the law carried out. Some time ago certain natives had been sued, among whom was Maiha Paroune Kawhiti, who is now dead. He, being a leading man, was sued, and judgment had been given against him, and he (Mr. Bishop) informed him at the time that unless lie paid lie would have to go to gaol. Mr. Hobbs had corresponded on 'Subject, and at the meeting of the natives at Waitangi Mr. Henry Williams at last agreed to allow the matter to drop, as it would be so difficult to enforce the tax. It was always bad to run a man into gaol, but if the Council determined to enforce the Act, the _ magistrate's duty would be to issue a " distress," and follow the matter up. He thought Mr. Williams had acted very properly in shelving the question at that time, and Sir F. Whitaker expressed an opiuion that it would not be expedient to put it into force. He thought it would be very unwise for this county to impose the tax without the combined assistance of the other Northern counties, lie would suggest that no effort should be made by this county without the co-operation of all other counties through the North, and that the fees shoud not be made too heavy, which would remove much of the discontent which at present exists. The collectors appointed should be men of tact, not those who would try and bounce; * it should be left to the magistrate to do the bouncing, if any should be brought before him. Every facility should' be given the natives to destroy their dogs, as many would . rather have them killed than pay the tax. He was obliged to the chairman for affording him the opportunity to make the explanation, as it affected him as much as it did them, and the sooner the natives were made to understand there was but one law for each race the better it would be for all. The Chairman thanked Mr, Bishop very much, and fully agreed with him that the tax should be enforced with the co-operation of the other counties. Mr. Bishop, after receiving more thanks from individual councillors, then withdrew. A most lengthy and animated discussion then ensued between the chairman and others, particularly , Messrs. Hall and Press, as to any resolution j being put without notice of motion. The ' chairman ruled it being against the standing " orders, and the tax is consequently for the ■ present shelved.

Engineer's Reports.—Mr. D. Wilson gave in a report as to state of roads from Tirihonga Gorge to the Comstock Hotel thence along the Air Line Road to the county boundary. He also stated that the success of the Puhipuhi silver , field would ultimately prove ot great benefit to all, though at present it was in a bad state, and that the old saying was correct—" that it takes a gold mine to develop a silver mine." Returning Officer for Russell Riding. —A letter from Mr. J. B. Williams, accepting the appointment as returning officer for this riding. Charitable Aid.—Mr. Ward notified that Mr. Godwin had been sent to the hospital for treatment; also, that Mrs. Donohue was about to be removed to the same place. Mr. Press moved, and Mr. Dickcson seconded, "That with reference to the natives'application for damages through loss of a bullock, Mr. DicUeson be requested to inquire into the circumstances, and report to the chairman." Carried. Application from Maoris.—At this point a letter was read by the chairman from some Maori chiefs outside the county chambers, requesting to be heard in regard to the do" tax. They were informed that the Council would receive the deputation after the busi; : ness of the meeting was completed. i Tenders.—Tenders were ,opened for cer- ' tain repairs in Wellington-street and Long Beach Road, Russell. W. Williams, £14 ss; Thomas Howe, £12. Mr. McAlister moved, and Mr. Anderson seconded, " That T. Howe's tender for work at Russell for ' £12 be accepted." Carried. Two tenders were sent in tor supplying totara piles for

Russell wharf. Mr. Hall proposed, and Mr. Dickeson seconded, "That Ng-iwhati's tender be accepted for £194 15s Bd, as being strictly in compliance with the terms of the plans and specifications." Carried. Mr. Hall proposed, and Mr. Ward seconded, " That Messrs. Hall and Ward be authorised to open tenders for Kawakawa roads, thecost not to exceed £10." Carried. Slaughter-house License.—Mr. Ward proposed, and Mr. Hall seconded, " That the slaughter license applied for by T. Hedley, of Ruapekapeka, be granted." Carried. Russell Wharf.— Horace Williams proposed, and Mr. McAlister seconded, " That, owing to the weak state of some or the piles, headstocks, and stringers in Russell wharf, immediate steps be taken to carry out the repairs, as laid out in plans and specifications prepared' by Mr. friphook, and that tenders be called for the same as ■ soon as plans are approved by the Marine Department." Carried. Road from Warkworth to Kawakawa. Mr. Ward proposed, and Mr. Hall seconded, " That the clerk be instructed to write to the Government to ask what portion of the grant for Kawakawa-War kworth Road is available for expenditure in this county, as part of the road in Waiomio district is very bad." Carried. Kaikoiie Road.—Mr. Dickeson moved, and Mr. Hall seconded, " That a grant of £200 be allocated for repairs to the Kaikohe Road," and said that the portion of road between the post office, Ohaewai, and Kaikohe was in such a bad and dangerous state that the rates must be increased, if the amount could not be voted without. Only the other day the mail coach got bogged, and it took no less than six bullocks to drag it out. Mr. Press asked if the Council would not take steps to prevent bullock drays running on the roads. Native teams were continually ploughing them up in all directions, and no rates can be lifted from them. Mr. Hall quite agreed as to the bad state of the road in question, but the Towai Road was in just as bad condition, Mr. Anderson said he would support the motion if reduced to £150. Mr. Ward suggested that Mr. Blundell be instructed to estimate what it would cost before any sum be voted. The Chairman warned councillors not to spend more I money than they had, or they would, when the auditor came round, become individually responsible. He could not see his way to grant tiling for it at present. Mr. Dickeson then withdrew the former motion, and substituted the following, which was seconded by Mr. Anderson:—"That a sum of £100 be spent between the post office_ at Ohaewai and Kaikohe, to be spent from time to time, as the money is available, Mr. Blundell to prepare the specifications." A division took place, resulting: Ayes, Messrs. Hall, Anderson, Press, Dickeson, and Horace Williams; noes, Messrs. Ward, McAlister, and Hon. H. Williams. The motion was, therefore, carried by five to three. Notices of Motion.- Mr. Hall to propose, and Mr. Ward to second, "That the Council make and levy a rate of one halfpenny in the pound on all ratable property in the county for the year commencing on the Ist of April, 1891, and ending Ist March, 1892, and that the said rate be due and payable in one sum on demand on the 14th December, 1891." Mr. Anderson to propose, and Mr. Hall to second, " That a sum of £10 be spent in repairing road near Whitworth's, which has been carried away by landslips." Mr. Anderson to move, and Mr. Press to second, " That a committee be appointed, consisting of the chairman and Waimat? councillor's, for the purpose of devising some means of preventing the encroachment of the Waihou River on the main road, Waihou, which is now in a dangerous state." Returns Wanted.Mr. Horace Williams moved, and Mr. McAlister seconded, " That the police be authorised to obtain a list from the clerk of the County Council of all carriers who have paid their vehicle licenses, and to take proceedings against such as are now plying without licenses." Mr. Horace Williams moved, and Mr. McAlister seconded, That the revenue derived from goldfields, received from the Broken Hill mines, be earmarked for the development of the road to that place in the future." Carried. Mr. McAlister proposed, and Mr. Press seconded, " That the accounts as laid on the table, amounting to £187 16s 7d, be paid." Carried. The chairr-an considered this ended the business. The native deputation re dog tax was introduced, and your reporter retired.—[Own Correspondent.]