TAIERI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11957, 2 February 1901, Page 11

TAIERI COUNTY COUNCIL.

An ordinary meeting of the Tnieri County Coiineil, held yesterday, was attended by Mr J. Harrison (chairman), Crs Sam Eon, Robinson, Chisholm, Douglas, Peat, Todd, and Gibson. ekcineer's report. Mr B. B. Couston, county engineer, reported that the heavy rains of the. past fortnight had interfered considerably with the contracts in j hand, apd only fair progress had been made I with, the various works. Part, of the_Owliiro--1 Gladfield road, near Mrs Stewart's section, was i at present impassable, and required a good : covering of clay and gravel to make it fit for traffic. There were, however, no funds avail- ; nble for the purpose, and, moreover, the ground was not in a fit state for any works at the present time. He recommended that the road be closed for traffic from the bridge at Mill Creek to Wright's boundary near tho railway crossing, till the means are forthcoming to effect rc--1 pairs; and that a temporary fence be erected : and notice boards placed at either end warning the public that they use the road at their own risk. The Main South road from Saddle Hill to tho Mosgiel-Outram road was again, as far as the- boundary, in a bad state of repair, and near the top of the hill a blind culvert had been inserted and some metal broken over in the worst of the holes. He asked permission to obtain 30 yards of metal to fill up the ruts and keep the road in safety till next year's allocations_ Wife made. The outlet to the culvert . crossing the sSme road at the water trough was being scoured t out-, and required pitching. .The box drain crossing the road-at'Neili's corncr, I Outram, was falling in, and a new 12iii culvert) ; 45ft long was required. The approaching gra- \ dients to the railway crossing over the B drain road were about 1 in 8 and 1 in 10J, and could be improved to 1 in 15 at small expense. A considerable portion of the work was, however, within railway land, and ho suggested that the council ask the Railway department to improve ; the crossing within their boundaries or con- : tribute towards the cost of same. He drew the council's attention to the advertisement .of the I Secretary of the Department of Agriculture appearing in the Otago Daily Times re-operation of "Tho Noxious Weeds -Act, 19p0," especially clauses; 3 and 9. Many complaints were being made of tho neglect on the part of landowners throughout the county to comply with the law regarding the removal of gorse and other plants from the road lines. The road concerning which Mr Filmic had so often approached tho council was the Breakneck road at Saddle Hill, from his gate towards Brighton, and there were some 50 chains in a very bad state. But to form the road would be a matter of considerable expense, and to melal it in its present condition was only throwing away money. To forih and metal'tho SO chains would cost at least iC"2s,Q,.and tMr.JTinnic's-leqiicat was that a.certain amount of this work should be done yearly. He had conferred with tho chairman of the Henley River Board, with a View to reporting on the cost of removing part of the present embankment between B drain road and the site of tile old Henley bridge, and making it suitable for both road purposes and protective embankment. About eight clmins of the hank (opposite Blair's and Grey's) had been encroached upon by the river, and the bank was left exoosed with a perpendicular face to the stream ? two points where the.force of the current in Sod time was the greatest, and unless some tttion was taken before another fresh more of Be embankment and.road would be scoured away, and a big flood would in all probability j break through altogether It was proposed to ' split the bank,.face the batter exposed to the ! river with rough stonework to the level of -the natural surface of tho land, and make- up the roadway on the inner side. The Road Board asked the council to prepare plans and specifications for putting the road in proper repair, !tbey contributing a subsidy of pound for pound towards the cost. The cost of shifting the bank, forming connection at each end, and raising the level where the washouts have occurred liMn would be about .£SO. There was, however, very little land remaining to carry on the work without having the batter of the bank inside the present fenco line, and tho landowners would 3 have to bo approached for permission to carry 5 011'thc works, or tho necessary land purchased, unless the council decided on taking the stand | that the river carricd with, it a right to tho j chain reserve. 111 any case the area of land j required would bo very small, and in no case j would the encroachment exceed a few feet. The J River Board further asked that the council bear a half the expense of raising tho bank from tho I old Henley bridgo to the B drain road. Tho j height of the bank was being constantly lowered | through the wear and tear caused by the traffic, and it was argued that the council was responsible for the bank's maintenance. Raising the bank an average height of 15in would meet the board's requirements, and the' cost of doing this and generally trimming up the bank would be an aditional .£7O. There was 110 necessity to S encroach on tho fence for this woik. The council's expense in carrying out the Henley River Board's requisitions in full would be £60, or of merely making good tho breaks £25, both estimates being exclusive of any purchase of land. With reference to the road through Hugh Cameron's land, section 59, block V, Dunedin and East Taieri district, he found that thero was no record of the same on any of the maps, at the Survey Office, iior had any deduction been made from Cameron's title. The road in question was part of what was known as the Bush road, and served as an outlet for the secj tions it intersected, and was, moreover, used as the most sheltered route to Wharo Flat. A track was originally formed ouHhe present line, by tho Halfv/ay Bush Road Board, and after being taken over by the county the formation was widened throughout. So far as he could ascertain, none of the road line (about 80 chains) was vested in the county, but the later title deeds of some of the sections showed a reserve, and the council had letters from the original proprietors of these sections giving the land. The other owners, he was led to understand, also gave their permission at the time the road was first formed. Should the council decide on acquiring a title to the road, Hugh Cameron's offer should be accepted, forthwith, ns there was a likelihood of section 69 changing hands. But, with a view of having tho whole length vested in the county, the other landownerswould have to be approached, and after obtaining their acquiescence, surveys made and plans deposited, and the land taken by proclamation. The matter could be left with the county solicitor and himself to see through; and the Maori Hill and Roslyn boroughs, through whoso districts the road runs after leaving tho Taieri boundary, might bo approached to take joint action in the matter and have tho whole length from tho junction with the Main road to Woodside estate recorded. He had conferred with the-three men most interested in regard to the proposal to close the ditch at Miller's road, near tho Leo Creek, and they would all agree that the ditch be blocked at the rise in tho ground at .Kenwood's road; that the box at boundary between Bolitho and M'Neil's be opened, and that Miller fill up the ditch to tho pump to the level of the natural'surface of land to the extent of 20ft. Tliere were, however, other landowners who might claim to be affected by flood water should these ditches be so dammed, and who would probably hold the council responsible for any damage suffered in flood' time that" might bo attributed to theso works. The qdestion was purely one of drainage, and ho was of opinion that no action should be taken in the matter without legal advice. The decking of the Allanton bridge was in need of repair. He recommended that an additional longitudinal be placed on either side of tho double decking and the remaining space covered with Uin sheeting. The cost of these works would be about £85, and the repairs would put the bridge in a condition for light traffic for some time to come. It would be advisable to limit the traffic on the bridgo to five tons. Tho footbridge over the Nenthorn, near Stewart's, was not yet completed according to .specification, and lie recommended that the contractor be instructed to complete the contract within the month. Part of the decking and diagonal bracing ofthe Sutton bridge was far through, and a few planks and joists were required for the Deep Stream bridge. Two small bridges over the Fortification Creek, near Carnie's, called for immediate attention. Tho bridges were absolutely unsafo for traffic, and the cost , of replacing them would bo about £150. If no money was available for tho purpose he would re- . commend that the bridges bo taken down and temporary fords constructed. Another water opening at the back of Smith's, on the road to the peat bog, had been carried away by the flood. A 10ft opening was required, at a cost of £40. The bridge over tho Lee Creek on tho B dam road, along with two other small openings, to which the council's attention was called at last meeting, would cost almost as much to put in repair as to erect a new structure. One of the openings might be done away with altogether. Should the council decide to erect a new bridge over the Leo Creek, tho best of tho timber from the old structure could be utilised in forming tho other small opening over tho drain leading to the Henley pump. The cost of the works would be about £300.—1t was resolved that notices be put up on the Owhiro- j Gladstone road that tho rqad was unsafe, and j that the public would use it at their own risk; ! that tho box culvert recommended (in the Main road at Outram be put in; that 30yds of metal bo procured for the Main road at Saddle Hill; that the Railway department bo asked to make the railway at B drain road passable; that the necessary notice required by "The Noxious Weeds Act, 1000,*-' be given; that it be an instruction to the engineer to continue cutting the noxious weeds off the roads for this season; that the engineer prepare nlaris, etc., of the work recommended on the Henley River bank, and ascertain what amount, if any, would be required for compensation, and report to next meeting; that the matter of Cameron's road bo referred to Cr Gibson and the inspector to report to next meeting; that no'action be taken in regard to the matter of filling in ditch near| Miller's, and that the chairman obtain the j solicitor's opinion with rcspcct to same; that! the engineer's recommendation with reference f to Allanton bridge be given efi'ect to, and notices | posted limiting the traffic to five tons; that | Mt John Whyte,' late inspector, bo asked 4o Sj meet the chairman and clerk and furnish infor-! mation as to " thirds" and " fourths " exoeii- ij dituro; that Mr John Fiildlay be allowed to | 'Clean the ditch on Mosgiel-Outram road; that p the engineer mark off tho road that had been ij already taken through M'Lay's small grazing E run;-that the engineer report on Mathesou's c application for footbridge nt' Sutton tanks; S that the engineer, carry out instructions given 8 to the late inspector re bridgo nt Wpodside, E near Fulton's; that no action be taken re tho

proposed cattle road from Owhiro to Allanton; anil that Crs Douglas and Todd and the engineer inspect and report on the road from Hhand's to Allanton. SANITARY INSPECTOR'S REPORT. Mr B. Bain, sanitary inspector, -reported that the Kailtorai Stream still continued in very fair condition, although there was no improvement in the discharge from tho city abattoirs. -On the 17th lilt. Mr J. Bayley was before the court on a charge of polluting the stream, but tho information being badly drawn up, the case was dismissed. However, since then a little more attention than previously had been given to the settling pits at his works. During the past month one wagon and three drays had received their heavy traffic licenses.—-The report wis approved. CORRESPONDENCE. • Mr J. H. Hosking wrote with-regard to tho subsidence of the Fernhill road, stating that lie thought the City Corporation was bound to keep its race in such a state, as to prevent leakago during damage to a public road. He also suggested that tho public should be notified that the road was unsafe for traffic, and forwarded a draft of a letter to be sent to the City Corporation.—lt was resolved that a copy of the letter drafted by the solicitors be sent to tho Duncdin City Council, and that the engineer inspect tlife road and report. Cr Robinson reported with reference to the letter fiom tho Maungatua Land Drainage Board as to erecting clams and drains —It was resolved that no action be taken in regard to tho matter in the meantime A circular was received from the Public Health department inviting the co-operation of the council in carrying out the provisions of < the new Health Act.—lt was resolved that the circular lie 011 the table till next meeting. Mr A. M'George wrote denying that he was unwilling to allow the public to use the boat at Mt. Allan for crossing the river.—Received. The Clerk of the Roslyn Borough Council wrote intimating that tho council had no funds for improving Bennett's road, Brockville.—Received. :■ Mr John Stevenson wrote renewing his application, made at last meeting, for tho formation of a road to connect B drain road with C and D roads.—Received. The Clerk of tho Dunedin City Council wrote intimating that Mr Hay was arranging details for tho carrying out of the abattoir drainage scheme.—Received. Mr William Grant wrote asking permission to place a line of iin pipes through culvert in front of Gladficld steading to carry water to stock.—The request was granted, subject to the approval of the inspector. Mr John Bell wrote asking that something be done to the road deviation through Ewing's property, Wharo Plat, to give him an outletReceived. . •Mr John M'Coll wrote calling attention to the state of the road from the creamery to his place.—Referred to the engineer to report. Mr James Callender wrote giving reasons for being unable to finish the painting to the Nenthorn Creek bridge.—Received. Mr Dugald Matheson wrote complaining of the stray cattle nuisance in Strath-Taieri district.—Referred to the ranger. Mr Thomas MolTstt unci two others wrote asking that the road between M'Neill's and R. Bremner's, through the old lagoon, bo mado up on the north side—Referred to tho inspector to report. Mr W. Jepson and 1G other ratepayers wrote offering to contribute .-£l4 10s Gd towards the cost of metalling the road between the Otakia . railway station and the Otakia traffic bridge.— It was resolved that £15 bo subscribed for the work, .-£ls taken out of the Otakia riding funds, and £15 out of the general fund. Mr T. Ewart and 20 other ratepayers in Mount Hyde district wrote, requesting that some action be taken to replaco the footbridee on the Leo Stream that had been carried away j by the late flood.—lt was resolved that tho engineer be asked to prepare plans and specifications and tho ostimato of tho cost of a bridge. Mr John M'Donald wroto objecting to the granting of the road recently applied lot by Mr Murdoch Graham through sections 110, 31, and 37, block IV, and section 8, block Y, and suggesting a different route.—That the Land Board be notified to stay further proceedings, and that in the meantime the engineer inspect and report. Mr Thomas Gordon wrote intimating that lie would wait 011 the council with a statement re the Lower Lee bridge, which had been swept away.—Received. MOTIONS. Cr Samson moved—" That no extras be allowed on any contract let by the Tnieri County unless such extras be duly placed before the council and sanctioned by them, and that the expense of any extras allowed by an inspector before first being authorised by the council be borne by the inspector." The Chairman seconded the motion pro forma, and, after some slight discussion, Cr Samson agreed to withdraw the motion. Cr Samson moved—"That a committee bo set up to inquire into our clerk and treasurer's alleged neglect to carry out matters of detail in connection with the business of tlie council." Cr Chisholm asked the chairman's rvling as to whether tjhe motion was not out of order, seeing that no neglect had been alleged. The Chairman ruled that the motion was out of order. TENDERS. ' The following tenders were accepted: S';pply of 1200 dog collars—S. Chesney, 37s per 100; collecting dog tax—A. Birt-le, 6d per dog; supply of 300 yds of gravel from Irishman's to M'Grcgor's—D. Leishman, Is 3d per yard; | supply of 300 yds of metal from Halfway Bush to Wharo Flat—D. M'Millan, 6s per yard; I road formation and metalling, Outram—Ste-! venson and Palmer, £96 4s 2d; supply of j 1000 yds of metal from Clark's to county boui.dary—E. O'Connell, .-£2O 16s 8d: formation Tis•dale's road, Middtemarch—E. O'Connell, .£2 Is.