CRODNEY COUNTRY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9269, 3 August 1893, Page 6

CRODNEY COUNTRY COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the Council was held at the office, Warkworth, on Thursday, '27th July. Present: Messrs. King (in chair), Boler, Joseph Grant, Joel Grant, \V. Greenwood, Gubb, Moor, Sncll, and John Straka. The treasurer's balance-sheet was read and

passed. Altering Boundaries. — A deputation consisting of Messrs. Hood, Melville, and Morrison waited upon the Council in support of tlie petition presented at last meeting of the Council in favour of annexing tin; south portion of the Hoteo Riding to the Upper Mahurangi Road District. They objected to any alterations being made contrary to that petition. A protest from the Upper Mahurangi Road Board to the same effect was laid before the Council. Later in the day another deputation, consisting of Messrs." Sainsbury, J. I). Martin, A. Woodcock, and George Thomson, attended in support of the boundaries being altered as requested by two-thirds of the resident ratepayers in the petition ; also to urge that the main road, Wark worth to Ivotnokoriki, be opened as soon as possible by the erection of a new bridge at Tuthowe.u's, and in the meantime that a temporary road be made across Cherry's land, in accordance with the Public Works Act, 1882, clause 90, sub-section 11 ; at present they were quite shut in. The chairman said that an there was already a district road leading from the main road across the Falls, there was no need for inother. Plans and specifications for a new bridge were now in the hands of the Council. Mr. Boler moved, "That the resolution passed at last meeting of the Council to alter the boundaries of the Hoteo Riding, Upper and Lower Mahurangi, Puhoi, and Taufioa Road Districts be continued." .Seconded by Mr. Moor, and carried. \VarkWORTH Wharf. —Applications for theoiheeof wharfinger and caretaker were considered. The following had been received : —Charles Haimnersley, 1."»-» per week ;S. 11. Lees, 20s per week ; C. M. Bowcu, 20s per week. The Council declined to accept any, not feeling justified in spending the ratepayers' money to protect goods while so much is wanted on the roads. Mr. Boler moved, "That Messrs. f!ubl> and Grant be authorised to appoint someone at a nominal sum per annum to collect the wharfage dues at the Port Albert wharf." Seconded by Mr. Greenwood, and carried.

Main North Road.—Mr. Holer moved, " That this Council fully endorse the Northern members' endeavours to get the Main North Road metalled, the county funds being totally inadequate to complete, even necessary repairs." Mr. Greenwood seconded the motion. He said the money now spent in subsidising the mail coach would do more good it spent on repairing the road. They did not need a mail coach. It was too expensive. They could get three mails a week by the steamer, which was quite enough. The motion was then put; and carried. Deputations,— Mr. John S. Williams, re a stopped road ; Mr. L. Hey wood, re rate?; Mr. A. Crawford, re bridge"; Mr. G. E. Feuton, re wire fencing.

Finance.—The finance committee's report wa.s submitted :—To the Chairman of the Rodney County Council: Sir,—We have examined the accounts and find them correct. Accounts passed this day amount to £178 Us 2d.—T. A. Ginui, Chairman. Exceptions to Balance sheet.— Mr. Boler moved, "That each councillor pay his share of the £4 charged for expenses in connection with the County Council Conference, disallowed by the Auditor-General." Seconded by Mr. Greenwood, and carried. Thirds Perpetual Least, and Deferred Payment.— A petition from six settlers on Block X., Tauhoa S.D., was read: also a circular from the Commissioner of Crown Lands—imposing conditions mi the expenditure of the money derivable from tins source that would be very inconvenient and expensive to carry out.

Obstructing Roads.—Mr. Joel Grant moved, "That a copy of Mr. William Lawrence's letter be sent to Mr. A. Grant, with a request to remove the obstructions placed on the road at Arab'' Seconded by Mr. Moor, and carried.

Road Urviation.—Mr. Holer moved, "That the surveyor expected here on Saturday In l authorised to complete survey of road between the Kourawlicro ami Mr. .Shepherd's land, Hoteo, also deviation at Messrs, Canons, Phillips, and William Taylor's properties." Seconded by Mr. Moor, and carried.

HoSITiAI. and Charitable Aid.—Mr. W. Greenwood give notice, "That at the next meeting of the Council we take into consi-

deration the advisability of levying a poor rate to meet the increasing demands upon our funds by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board."

Wuahi-' Di:ks.— It was resolved, "That steps be taken to collect the dues and tolls tit Warkworth, Port Albert, M.itikana, Matakaiu Sandspit, and Puhoi, in accordance with the by-laws now in force in this county."

Noxious Wki;ps Bill.—Mr. McKenzie's Kill was considered and condemned, as pressing too heavily on the settlers, and making local bodies liable for half the cost of clearing the reserves and Crown lauds, which contribute nothing to local funds.

W.VUKWOKTII - Komokokiki Road. —Tin lawsuit brought by Mr. Cherry to test the title to that part of the rond running through his property was decided against him in the Supreme Court on the Gth dune, judgment being given to defendant-, with costs. Mr. Cherry has given notice to appeal, which will be heard at the next sitting of the Court of Appeal. It is expected this will be in October.

Next Mkktixis.—Mr. Holer moved,"That the next meeting of the Council be held on Monday, the tilth September, at 10 a.m. ' .Seconded by Mr. Greenwood, and carried.

CouKKSfoNDKNCi:. — Correspondence was brought from the Colonial Secretary, Mainene Road Board, A. Crawford, 10. Crawford, Dignau and Armstrong, Francis Dibble, Thomas Jennnings, J. Is. .lonian, jun., Win. Lawrence, C. E. heeds, J. Scholium, jun., B. Remiger, C. Sehisehkw., .1. Shepherd, K. Thompson, M.H.K., V. Wenzlick, also from Messrs. Paul, Tolhoph, and Becker.—[Own Correspondent.]