OTAMATEA COUNT COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9230, 19 June 1893, Page 3

OTAMATEA COUNT COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the Otamatea County Council was held on the 25th May. Present: Messrs. Isbister (chairman), Ariell, Birt, Colbeck, Linnell, and Stewart. The balancesheets for the half-year ended the 30th September, 1892, and for the year ended the Hist March, 1893, having been retvrned, certified by the Controller and AuditorGeneral, with the exception of the contribution of 30a towards the coat of the conference of County Councils held at Auckland, which ho declared to be an illegal payment, were laid upon the table and examined. With regard to the objection raised to the payment of the 30s, after some discussion it was decided that each councillor contribute a share, which was carried out, and the amcunt was refunded. On the motion of Mr. Ariell, seconded by Mr. Birt, it was resolved, " That the balance-sheets, which allow the finauies of the county to be in a healthy state, be adopted, ana that they be signed by tllO chairman." Tile chairman, in accordance with the resolution,signed the balance-sheets, and it was ordered that it be publicly notified that tlioy ajo open for inspection. _ Ordinary Meeting.—A general meeting of the Council was held on the same date, at which the abovenamed councillors were present, as were also Messrs. Fitness and Smith. The minutes of the last meeting having been read, Mr. Ariell stated that his name did not appear as opposing "the resolution to take the road through Mrs. Gloyn's, and he wished the correction made, which was allowed. Mr. Fitness stated that a mistake was made, evidently through a misapprehension, relative to the increased valuations of Messrs. Eves and Aiken's property, at Tokatoka, and also of Mr. John Northwood's. The former should only bo increased £410, instead of £700, and the latter should be increased £8,1, instead of £125. These alterations having been made, it was resolved that the minutes so amended bp adopted. . . > Petition.— Messrs. C. Davies and J. B Mason presented a petition, signed by the majority of the ratepayers of the Wairau riding, protesting against the decision of the Council to make the road connecting through Mrs. Gloyn's, and said that it was unreasonable _to devote tho money of the Wairau riding to nay for compensation, etc., for a road which would be of no benefit to the district, and that the Whakapirau. riding had already three outlets to the main road without this one. Mr. Colbeck pointed out that on the present used road tho large bridge was in a dilapidated state, and when it became impassable the funds of the Whakapirau riding would be insufficient to erect a new one, and besides that, the connection through Mrs. Gloyn's would give them more direct communication with the main road, and would also be a benefit to the Wairau ratepayers by giving them a connection with the road leading down to deep water. After considerable discussion, it was moved by Mr. Birt, and seconded by Mr. Linnell. "That the Council does not set; sufficient reason to alter its decision of last meeting." An amendment was moved by Mr. Fitness, and seconded by Mr. Smith, "'That the Council being under the impression that the procuring of the road through Mrs. Gloyn's was the unanimous wish of the ratepayers of the Waiiv.u riding, decided to fall in with their views, but by tho petition now presented, finding that such impression was erroneous, that further consideration of the matter be deferred till the next meeting." There voted in favour of the amendment, Messrs. Fitness, Smith, and Ariell. and in favour of the motion, Messrs. Isbister, Birt, Linnell, Colbeck, and Stewart, which was therefore declared carried. Mr. Colbeck asked why the decision of the Council had not been carried out and the first instalment of the compensation paid to Mrs. Gloyu. Mr. Smith replied that he had requested the treasurer not to pay over the money until the meeting of the Council. The Chairman stated that no individual councillor had any authority to stay the orders of the Council. Electoral Roll. — Mr. Henry Culleu made application to have Mrs. Cullen's name placed on tho roll of electors for he Wairau riding, and he was told to lodge his application with the clerk to the Resident Magistrate's Court. lukowhiti Cheek Bridge.—Mr. Marnier attended on behalf of Messrs. Marnier and Bradley with a view to have the dispute concerning the erection of the bridge over the Kikowniti Creek, at Mareretu, amicably settled. After considerable discussion, it was arranged that Mr. Mander get a strong log bridge 10 feet wide erected at once, and that the Council will contribute £5 towards the cost; also, that approaches at both ends t j the bridge be made passable for horses and cattle. _ It was decided that either Mr. Worthington or Mr. Billings be requested to acts as inspector over the works. It was also decided that specifications be prepared for the use of the inspector. It was resolved, ' That, on Mr. Mander agreeing to have the bridge at once erected, the Commissioner of Crown Lands be requested to issue the timber-floating license." A letter was received from Mr. A. McLeod threatening to fencc across the crossing-place over the creek if steps were not at once taken to erect the bridge. Mr. Mander also stated that he regretted the logs had been placed ou the Homestead Road, at Maungaturoto ; that he had tried to get. them removed during the paxt summer, but could get no one to do the work. However, if any damage was done by them, he would malic it good. The objection to the logs being on the road having bevu withdrawn, the matter dropped. Tenders.—The following tenders for works wero opened and dealt with Work on wharf at 'lokatoka : Only one tender was received for this work, from Messrs. Haswell and Donaldson, but it was not accepted. Work on orthington's Road, Mareretu : W. If. Sykes, £'20; .1. W. McCarroll, £.'55 ; 11. Worthiivgton, £'24: V. A. Birt, £'24 17s 6d. Resolved, "That the tender of W. 11. Sykes be accepted." A Dangerous Road. —A letter was received from Mr. J. McCarroll, stating that there were several dangerous places ou the road between Mareretu and Paparoa which required looking* after. Decided that Mr. Ariell be authorised to have them repaired. Cooksey's Culvert. —In reference to the culvert over Cooksey's Creek at I'aparoa, the chairman stated that the man who had undertaken to do the work had left, although it was not quite finished, but it would be completed by those who were working with him. The delay in commencing the work arose through tho action of Mr. Ariell, and through the non-arrival of the pipes. Had the pipes not arrived at the time cliey did, he should have sent the man back to Auckland, and deferred starting the work till the spring. Also, that Mr. Ariell, in opposition to the expressed desire of the Council, had again written to the Chief Surveyor (a copy of which letter was received from the Survey Ollice, and read), making statements concerning this culvert which wero not true, and altogether endeavouring to throw the work into discredit with the Government. Mr. Ariell had forwarded a notice to the County office of his intention to again write, but his letter to the Chief Surveyor was written on the same day that he wrote the notice, consequently the Council could not accept it as being in accordance with Mr. Arieil's promise, lie (the chairman) had been three or four times a week at the work while it wis in progress, and although the weather was very wet, he never found more than six inches of water running through the pipes. Mr. Ariell stated, in reply, that he never promised to the Council not to write to the Government offices; that he was prepared to prove the statements contained in his letter to the Chief Surveyor; and that the ratepayers of the Paparoa Riding were determined to petition the Minister of Public Works against tho expenditure. lie also said that he considered there was no necessity for sending to Auckland for a man to do tho work, as he understood that Mr. S. Cooksey, of Matakohe, was quite competent, having done similar work at the Wairoa. After further discussion, it was moved by Mr. Colbeck, aud seconded by Mr. Birt, " That we, the majority of the Council, deprecate the action of Mr. Ariell, in corresponding with the Government offices in opposition to the expressed desire _of the Council, and which tends to bring it into disfavour with the public offices, and put obstacles in the way of useful works being executed, and request the chairman and clerk to write to the Chief Surveyor aud refute the charges laid by Mr. Ariell, and to show that they are both misleading and untrue." There voted in favour of the motion Messrs. Isbister, Colbeck, Birt, and Fitness, and against it Messrs.'Ariel! and Smith. Stoney Creek Bridge.—The Chairman stated that Mr. Webber ha 3 finished his contract for the erection of a bridge-over Stoney Creek, Matakohe, but that it was not in accordance with the specifications. However, he would advise the Council to authorise the treasurer to pay him the contract price, retaining his deposit until the work was properly completed. This was agreed to. Mr. , utsford's Neglect. — The clerk stated that Mr. H. C. Nutsford had not yet forwarded tiie agreement giving land for deviation of road to Mareretu. The Swamp Road.—Mr. Birt stated that the work of making the road across the swamp at Mareretu was not being undertaken, as a petition signed by a number of ratepayers was lodged asking to have the road closed. The petition was received and read, anil it was decided to defer consideration of it until the next meeting, and Mr. Birt was requested to post notices that it is proposed to close the road. Tub Road at Tokatoka Wharf.—A letter was received from the chief surveyor declining to undertake the survey of the road from the wharf at Tokatoko, and it was decided that the clerk be instructed to engage a surveyor to do the work,

A Legal TiTLE.r-Sever.il _ letters were received from the county solicitor in reference to the difficulties concerning a legal title to the road through section 10, Tokatoka. The chairman stated that it seemed strange that Air. Samuel Burgess had never hinted to the Council during the time that the question of compensation was under discussion, that the land belonged to his son Harry Burgess, who was a minor, and that now complications had arisen over the question of title. Mr. Fitness stated that he believed Mr. Burgess did not consider it necessary to state that the land belonged to his son, as he was acting throughout on his behalf. Mr. Dilworth's Compensation.—A letter was received from the chief surveyor stating that he had forwarded a copy of the Council's f'fcter to the Surveyor-General, and recommending that the amount of compensation claimed by Mr. Dilworth for road going through his property at Mareretu be paid. - Road Surveys.—Mr. Birt stated that the surveys of the roads at Mareretu were not yet undertaken. The Kauri Timber Company.—Letters were read from the Kauri Timber Company enclosing £20 towards tho cost of work on the tram road at I'ukekaroro, and stating that the timber for tho bridges was being prepared. Tub Grant for Mareretu Roads.— clerk stated, that, in accordance with instructions, he had written both to the Minister of Lauds and to Mr. Thompson, concerning the re-instating of the £300 grant for roads at Mareretu, and also concerning the grants for the Palii- Waikiekie Road. Pahi-Waikiekie Road. — A letter of authority was received from the SurveyorGeneral with a letter, statin"; that a further grant of £220 had been given for expenditure on the Waikiekie Road. It was moved by Mr. Birt, and seconded by Mr. Fitness, " That the chairman be authorised to call for tenders for contracts Nos. 1 and 2, Mareretu, to bo paid for out of the last grant." An amendment was moved by Mr. Ariell, seconded by Mr. Smith, "That the calling for tenders for ; these works be deferred." There voted in favour of the amendment Messrs. Ariell and Smith, and in favour of the motion Messrs. Isbister, Birt, and Fitness. ■ ' | The Great North Road.— clerk stated that no specifications for work on the Great North Road at Kaiwaka had been lodged for approval by the Chief Surveyor, and that two tenders bad been lodged for work on the same road in Wairau riding, and that of Samuel Taylor at £99 10s had been accepted, on the understanding that the work would not commence uutil the spring, owing to the wet weather. Road Deviation.— chairman stated that Mr. Parker had not purchased Mr. Thomson's laud at Matakoho, consequently the question of deviation of road through section 31 was not settled. . It was decided to leave the matter in tho hands of the chairman. Mangawai Gorge Road.— were received from Messrs. Hannah and Ryan complaining of the dangerous state ot the Mafigawai Gorge Road. The clerk was instructed to refer the matter to the councillors for the Kaiwaka riding. A Kaiwaka Road.—ln reference to Mr. Gibbons' letter relative to the deviation of the Mountain Creek Road through his mother's property at Kaiwaka, the clerk stated that it was a legal road, having been proclaimed such in 1886. Decided that this information be conveyed to Mr. Gibbons. Gates ok Roads.A lotter was received from Mr. Morrison, of Kaiwaka, concerning the removal of gates on road, but as Mr. Linnell had left no action was taken. Wharfage Dues.—No reply having been received from the Northern Union S.S. Company's concerning the proposed increased payment of wharfage dues, it was decided that the company be allowed two weeks to decide. A Road Connection.— clerk stated that Mr. Hannah had made the road connection through section 163, parish of Wairau, but that the survey of the road through the education reserve was deferred for the present. News Deviation. — Mr. Ariell stated that Mr." New had not yet sanctioned the deviation of the road through his property at - Paparoa. Objection to Valuations.—Letters were received from Messrs. Kvcs and Aiken, and Mr. W. Simpkin, objecting to the proposed increase to their valuation?. Mr. A.riell put in a letter he had received from Mr. C.J. Clark, of Tokatoka, on the same subject. Resolved, " That Messrs. Eves and Aiken be informed of the alteration in the amount of the proposed increase, and that Mr. Simpkin be informed that the Council considers that the additional valuation for new buildings is reasonable." Levying Rates.—As the clerk had not time to have the rate-books compiled for this meeting, it was resolved, " That the time for confirming the levying of the rates be extended to the 29th of June, and the date ou which' they shall become due to the 15th July." Mr. Fitness being appointed inspector over the works at Tokatoka, stated that T. B. Rogers' contract for chopping bush on the road lino was completed :-ud passed; as was also the contract of Messrs. Bingham and Mort for work on the road between the tramway and Mangapai Bridge, and Mr. W. Simpkin's contract 011 Simpkin's Road. He also recommended that a progress payment of £15 be given to Messrs. Bingham and Mort 011 their contract 011 road between Clark's and Fitness', which was sanctioned. A Reduction in Fees.—'The clerk stated that the chief surveyor had kindly struck £3 l()s out of the account due for examination of plans of roads in Paparoa. Charitable Aid.—A letter was received from the North Auckland Hospital and iritahle Aid Board requesting that the amounts owing by liaimoua Rewiri and C. Wedge for hospital fees be collected. The clerk stated that he had written to these parties claiming the amounts due. A Mistake.—A letter was received from J. H. Ryan, of Mangawai, relative to a portion of his land, which was in the assessment roll under another name, being in the hands of the Registrar of the Supreme Court for sale for non-payment of rates. Permission to Quarry.—A telegram was received from the Hobson County Council asking permission to quarry and remove metal 011 the banks of the Wairoa River at Hukatcre. It was decided that the chairman visit the place, and use his own discretion whether or not the permission should be granted. Gum Digging on Roads. — The Clerk stated that some time since he had received a telegram from Constable Moir to the effect that some persons had been digging for gum 011 the roads at Mangawai, aud wishing to know if he would offer a reward for their detection, and that he had replied instructing him to offer £5. Bad Roads.—A letter was received from M r. Tibbits, complaining of bad places on the roads at Paparoa, and it was decided to inform him that 110 funds tire available for repairing them. The Homestead Road. —A letter was received from Mr. Chad win, drawing the attention of the Council to several very bad places on the Homestead Road, Wairau, and offering to put in two culverts, etc., for £2 10s, and to wait three or six months for payment. Resolved, " That Mr. Chadwin'a offer be aceepted, also that he be authorised to repair culvert at junction of roads, etc., for an additional 10s or 15s. . Compensation.A letter was received from Mrs. Mary Murphy, declining now to abide by the agreement entered into with the Council for the payment of £4 as compensation for deviation of road going through her property at Toka Toka, and demanding £10. It was resolved, " That the road as surveyed be at once taken under the Public Works Aot, and that the old roads be closed." Tender Accepted.—Mr. Ariell was authorised to accept a tender at £37 lodged bv Mr. James Simpson for work 011 the PahiWaikiekie Road, but not to allow him to start work until the weather is favourable. Bridge at Mareretu.—A letter was received from Mr. Reay, stating that Mr. D. McKenzie had completed his contract for the erection of the Taipua bridge at Mareretu, and the chairman was requested to inspect the work, as also the other coutracts in the same riding. Miscellaneous.—A letter and tracing for closing a road at Kaiwaka was received from Mr. Angus Stewart, but consideration of it was deferred. An application for a further progress payment of £30 on his contract at Maungaturoto was received from Mr. Taylor. It was moved by Mr. Ariell, and seconded by Mr. Smith, " That the money be paid." There voted in favour of it Messrs. Ariell aud Smith, and against it Messrs. Isbister, Birt, and Fitness. The question of the pro rata apportionment of the expenditure over the ridings was discussed, and it was resolved, That in the outlying districts the amount of the separate rates in each be taken into account." The clerk was instructed to wriite to Mr. Thompson, M.H.R., relative to obtaining a grant from the Government, to enable a road to be made from the Tokatoka wharf through the township. _ A letter was received from Mr. Cliff, requesting payment of £1 a year as rent for the use of the hall at Paparoa, for public meetings, and it was resolved that the request be granted. ' . Finance.— treasurer reported having paid accounts for authorised works since the last meeting amounting to £73 17s 6d. Resolved, " That the treasurer's cash statement, as examined, be adopted." Accounts amounting to £235 17s 2d were passed and ordered to be paid. An account for £24 17s, for costs of survey of roads in the Whakapirau riding, was received from Mr. Hannah. As the riding had not sufficient funds to meet it, some discussion arose as to the payment of it, but eventually it was passed. _ Messrs. Isbister, Birt, and Fitness voted in favour of it, and Messrs. Ariell and Smith against

it. In another account, lodged by Mr. Hannah, an item 'of £1 Is, being cost of plan of deviation of road at Wairau, proposed by Mr. Cullen, was struck out, as Mr. Cullen had made himself liable for all expenses connected therewith. An account for £10, for the erection of a bridge over the Okahu Creek at Tokatoka was received from Mr. P. Jones. As some uncertainty arose about the payment for this work, consideration of it was deferred. Resolved, "That the next meeting be held on the 29t.h June." Statement op the Ridings Balances on the 25th May, 1893-—General accounts: — Dr.: Wairau, £29 Is ; Paparoa, £105 Is sid; Great North Road, ss. Cr. : Kaiwaka, £220 15s ljd; Mareretu, £17 183 lOJd; Whakapirau, £18 7s s}d ; Matakohe, £33 3s4|d; Tokatoka, £30 lis 4d. Separate aocounts : — Cr. : Kaiwaka, £115 Is 11 Ad ; Wairau, £13 2s 7d: Paparoa, £96 16a lAd; Mareretu, £4 6s 3d; Matakohe, £10 16s 3d ; Tokatoka, £81 j Is Id.—[Own Correspondent.] j =========== I