Taranaki County Council.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 38, 9 November 1894, Page 2

Taranaki County Council.

The Taranaki County Council held its ordinary meeting in Mr C. T. Mills’ offices on Monday. Present —Messrs W. Bewley (in the chair), McCullum, Horrocks, Peters, McGrloin, Connett, Adlam, Okey, and Tate. ELTHAM ROAD. Mr Okey asked if the specifications for work on the Eltham Koad had been completed. The Chairman replied in the negative. The Council had only the other day received word that the road was gazetted, and the matter would now receive immediate attention. ADDITIONAL LAROR. Mr Okey drew attention to the fact that the Council, at its previous meeting, had passed a resolution instructing the foreman not to employ additional labor. Yet, according to the report, they found that a man had been employed in the Moa Riding for some 25 days. It was no good of the Council passing resolutions if they were not carried into effect. Mr Peters said that he was partly to blame. The foreman, be explained, had been engaged in repairing the bridges, and he had instructed him to employ labor to do work—necessary repairs—on the road. Mr Okey asked if the bridges were in such a bad state that they needed the constant attention of the foreman. The Chairman replied that the condition of the structures in that riding was serious, and if they were not carefully looked after it would mean a heavy liability on the Council. RICHMOND ROAD. The Waitara West Road Board wrote asking if the Council intended to repair the approach to Richmond Road bridge.

The Chairman said this road should never have been a county road. The Council was not in funds to do the work. Mr Adlara said that of course “ blood could not be obtained from a stone,”

but* the work would have to be done somehow. He moved that the overseer bo instructed to undertake the repairs, the cost not to exceed £B. The motion was seconded by Mr Tate and carried. NEW CULVERT. It was decided, on Mr Adlam’s motion that the chairman of the Tatavaimaka Road Board be written to asking if that body would agree to share half the cost of making a new culvert on top of Petone Hill; and the foreman was authorised to employ labor for work on the side tracks, the cost not to ex■ceed £5. ACCEPTED. On the motion of Mr McCollum, Mr Ching’s offer with reference to putting up fencing was accepted'with thanks. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE. Mr W. Ackland wrote asking who was responsible for bis son’s wages—now due for two years—on Mr Kelly’s contract. The writer said that he had written to Mr Franklyn, who said the Council was responsible. If the amount was not paid he would take proceed* ings against the Council. Mr Okey thorfght the Council was responsible under the Workman’s L;ea Act. Mr Connert said he was of opinion that the Council was bound to withhold a certain portion of all contixcfi money for a stated time. Me McCullum moved, and Mr MeGloin seconded, “ That the solicitor’s opinion be taken.” The motion was carried. At a later stage of the mee'.ing, Mr Roy, County Solicitor, waited on the Council, as requested. He stated that under the Act the applicant must commence proceedings within sixty days. If the contract was over two years, he did not see that a claim could be made. Mr McGloin wanted to know if this applied to storekeepers, &c., who supplied goods to contractors. The solicitor replied in the negative. The Act was meant simply to protect workmen. - CEMENT. The Secretary of the New Plymouth Sash and Door Company wrote asking what the Council intended to do with the quantity of cement that had been ordered some time ago, but had not been taken over. The Company would require to be recouped for the outlay made. The Chairman said he had seen Mr Snowboll, and had authorised him to sell it. So far only about £5 worth had been disposed of. Mr Peters moved, 11 That the Company be requested to furnish the Council with an account.”

The motion was seconded by Mr Okey and carried.

[Mr Connett, a shareholder of the Company, did not take part in the discussion.

A desultory discussion took place in regard to the disposal of the cement, it being finally decided that it should be left in the hands of the chairman. TELEGRAPH POLES. A letter was read from Mr Logan with reference to the removal of ■certain telegraph poles at Oakura that interfered with the traffic. The Chairjnan said that he had consulted the lineman, who would remove the poles immediately, with the assistance of the foreman. Mr Tate stated there were several poles at Bell Block that should be removed. Messrs Adlam and Okey objected to the foreman wasting his time in doing what was really the work of the Telegraph Department. " > A CLAIM. Mr Dixon waited upon the Council and made an explanation with regard to extras in connection with the Heimama Bridge. The Chairman said that the Council could not entertain this claim in the face of the engineer’s report, which was to the effect that he had no claim on the Council. ~ Mr Dickson stated that he could not let the matter drop there. He had been contracting for the last fifteen years, and had never been refused payment for additions of this kind. He was prepared to leave the matter to be settled by arbitration. , ' Mr Peters moved, seconded by Mr McGloin, and it was carried,“ That the claim be not entertained. ’

ELTHAM KOAD LOAN. Correspondence that had passed between the Colonial Secretary and the Chairman regarding the Eltham Road loan, was read. It was decided that the clerk should write to the Secretary, asking if it was necessary to re-adver-tise a special order ; also, that the engineer (Mr O’Brien) prepare plans and specifications for the bridges required on the Egmont Road, the same to pe submitted at the annual meeting on the 20th instant; and that he also report on the best way of expending the available balance of the loan. KATE ROLL. _ • The clerk was authorised to make alterations in the rate roll. RAISING RENTS. Mr Adlam stated that the old Council had reduced the rent on county property, ancThc would now suggest that the Secretary take the matter u$ with a view of raising the rents, and report at next meeting. . This was agreed to. APPOINTMENT. Mr H. Hamblyn was appointed foreman in the Parihaka Riding, and is to reside at Rahotu. —News.