Taranki County Council.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 20, 7 September 1894, Page 2

Taranki County Council.

The usual meeting of the Tftranftki Countv Council was held on Monday. Present: Messrs Peters, Horrocki, Adlam, McGloin, McCullum, Okey, Tate, and Connett. CHAIRMAN. In the absence of Mr Bewleyi-Mr Peters was voted to the chair. FINANCIAL SCHEME. Some discussion took place on thfl question of keeping the accounts of th« different ridings. The Chairman asked the clerk if he had made out the accounts. Mr Mills replied that he had pre* pared them as far as he was able. Mr Okey said that in order to make the scheme workable, the Council would have to arrive at a starting

point. Mr Horrocks replied that the scheme had been fully discussed and adopted by the Council. It was agreed that the old liabilities of the Council should be wiped out, and that the £soo—the sum estimated to be received—be divided pro rata among the ridings. Mr Connett stated that it was another case of grab. Because the Waitara Riding had not gone in lor a system of grab in the past, the riding would suffer. They were now in the unfortunate position of wanting the bridges in that part of the district repaired, but were unable to get the work done. Mr McGloin agreed with the efficacy of keeping riding accounts, but he did not see whj the ridings should be screwed down to a certain amountt He thought that the ridings should be willing to come to each other's assist* ance.

Messrs Tate and Adlam also spoke on the subject. It was poiuted out by the Chairman that, owing to the way the accounts were kept by the late Council, it was very difficult to make a starting point. If any mistake was made, the! accounts could be adjusted. The statements, as laid on the table, were received, and tbe subject then dropped.

balance-sheet. Tbe balance-sheet, as certified to, was adopted.

A PUZZLE QUESTION

Mr Okey brought up the question of clearing the furze from bridges in the Parihaka Biding. Mr McCullum said this was one of those matters that had been brought before the Council before, and a resolution passed, but there the matter had dropped. If the resolutions of the Council were not carried out, what was the use of meeting. Mr Adlam considered that the furze should be removed at the expense of the Council, as it bad been planted near the bridges by the original contractors. He moved a resolution to that effect, which was seconded by Mr McCullum and carried. The Chairman said that the complaints made by Mr McCullum should be referred to the executive of the Council, Mrßewley. making valuation. A reply was received from the Government regarding contributing towards the cost of valuation. The Government could not see its way to entertain the petition. Mr Roy, solicitor to the Council, was present, and pointed out as certain material parts Bating Act, 1893, did not come into force till Ist January, the Council could not make tbe valuation until after that date, and it would have to be completed by 15th February. This was, of course impossible, and a local body in the South Island had discovered the fact and made representations to the Government, with the result that they received a reply to the effect that a consoldating Bill was now before the House, and that valuation could probably be made towards the end of this month, which would remedy the defect. Mr Roy mentioned the question to prevent the Council taking any action to which objection on technical grounds might afterwards be taken. in committee. The meeting went into committee to consider matters pertaining to the financial position of tbe Council. A refund wanted. Mr H. Clough wrote, claiming a refund of 18s 6d, amount of tolls paid during July, or for a free pass for one month. It was decided not to recognise the claim. heimama bridge. Mr A. O'Brien wrote with reference to the Heimama Bridge. He stated that a difficulty had occurred with the contractor as to the length of the piles to be used, but the matter had since been settled. On Mr McCullum's motion, it was decided that Mr O'Brien be instructed to proceed with the planking up and filling in of the bridge. AN OFFER. Mr McGloin mentioned thUt tbe settlers in his part of the district were willing to pay £2OO, the cost of the bridge, in consideration of the Council not erecting a tollgate between Punehu and the boundary of the Taranaki county. • The matter was allowed to •stand over until the special meeting on Monday next. ARREARS OF RATES. Mr Horrocks said it was advisable for the Council to take action in connection with the uncollected rates. Out of £2520 only £1043 had been collected, and he thought notice should be served threatening immediate action. He moved that notices be inserted in the Council's advertisiug mediums that all rates unpaid within 14 days'will be sued for. The motion was carried.—News.