Taranaki County Council.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 175, 6 March 1896, Page 3

Taranaki County Council.

The ordinary meeting of the Taranaki County Council was held On Monday. Present: Messrs W. Bewley (chairman), Tate, Adlam, Connett, Horrocks, McCullum, Peters, Okey, and McGloin. OKATO COTTAGE. Mr Adlam reported that he had visited the cottage at Okato, and he found that the pump had been removed by a Mr Swaysland, who declined to give it up. On Mr Connett’s motion, it was decided that Mr Swaysland should be asked to return the pump immediately. HARBOR BOARD GRAVEL. Mr Cornett suggested that an endeavor should be made to make arrangements with the Harbor Board re the removal of gravel per year for a lump sum. He moved, That the Chairman interview the Board as suggested. Seconded by Mr Peters and carried. MOA RIDING. The Moa Foreman’s report pointed out the repairs needed to the Piakau bridge, and it also dealt with the various works in hand. He also reported that timber had been removed from the Waipukn bridge by a contractor in the Stratford County. A letter was also read from the contractor in question, who stated that he had removed the timber in mistake. The Council decided to make a demand for the timber. BREAKING STONE. On Mr Peters’ recommendation it was decided to call for tenders for stone-breaking; the price not to exceed 3s per yard. HEAVY TRAFFIC, &C. Mr Connett mentioned that with regard to heavy traffic, referred to by the foreman of the Moa Riding, in Canterbury the local body provided boards, which could be used by the public. The Chairman said the suggestion was one that should be considered when by-laws were drawn up regulating heavy t.r Tc. Mr Horijc s pointed out that it was desirable someone should be employed to collect the loose stones on the road in the Moa Riding. He moved a resolution to that effect. Seconded by Mr Peters and carried. ACTION CONFIRMED. The Chairman’s action in making a progress payment to D. Todd was confirmed. WAITARA RIDING. The Foreman pointed out the necessity of widening the approaches of a bridge on the Richmond Road.—He will be instructed to carry out the work.—With reference to the work near Mr Honeyfield’s gate, Mr Salway had offered to supply three cart loads of clay, if the Council would pay the driver.—A sum of £2 was voted for the purpose. OMATA RID T "!G. The Omata Foremen reported on the works in hand, and gave details of the work in connection with protecting the Tapuae bridge. The Chairman stated that he visited the place in company with several others, and had gone into the matter. The work would, he said, cost between £6O and £7O.

Mr McCullum said be had inspected the ■work with Mr McGloin, and they were both dissatisfied with what was being done. It was finally decided, on Mr McCollum's motion, that the engineer be instructed to inspect the bridge, and chairman aud members of the riding were empowered to act. It was also stated that the Katikara bridge needed attending to. Mr Adlam did not think so. He considered too much stress was laid on the matter. The Che’.rman asked Mr Adlam if he had a resolution to move. The Council ha... got into the way of entering into a long discussion on every little item, which considerably prolonged the proceedings.

Mr Adlam : Then am I to understand that I can’t speak without making a resolution ?

The Chairman : You must move a motion, and then you can it. Mr Adlam: Weil, Mr Chairman, I can’t say I agree with you. A short discussion often does away with the necessity of submitting a resolution. The Chairman : Well, Mr Adlam, I have given my ruling. Mr Adlam : Of course, if you rule so, I’ve got nothing to say. Mr Okey also differed from the Chairman’s ruling. Mr Peters ; I hope the suggestion of the Chairman will be respected. It is rather awkward for members to sit in the Council aud hear the Chairman’s ruling disputed. Mr Horrocks : Hear, hear. The Council finally decided, on Mr Okey’s motion, That the Engineer should report on the bridge. OAKUEA COTTAGE. The Council’s cottage at Oakura was leased to Mr Watson. PAKIHAKA RIDING. The Foreman’s report on the above riding was also read. TOLLGATE CHARGES. Mr J. Tarry wrote, pointing out the hardships he .. is put to in having to pay the ive toll charges, and asking that one gate be allowed to clear the other. At present he had to pay 4s per day, and unless a reduction is made he would have to give up the coach running. Pursuant to notice given, Mr McCullum moved the motion standing in his name, that where there are two tollgates in any one riding, the payment at one gate shall clear the other. In speaking to the motion, he said the existing state of things pressed rather heavily on a few, and he thought it would be a wise step to adopt the suggestion contained in his resolution. Mr McGloin concurred, and seconded the proposition. Mr Connett regretted the motion had not been brought forward before tenders were invited for the leasing of the tollgates.

Mr Peters supported the proposal, and stated that the system at present in operation was rather severe on the ratepayers in the Moa Riding. The Chairman did not agree with any alteration in the present system, but he thought the Council might give relief to people situated as Mr Tarry was.

Mr Adlam had always advocated a proposal such as tka suggested, and would support the n o’ on. Mr Horrocks always favored the motion, if it could bo shown that there would not be a shortage in the revenue.

Mr Tate pointed out that there would be a diminution in the revenue if the resolution was carried.

The resolution w'as put and carried on division —Ayes (6): Messrs McCullum, McGloin, Adlam, Okey, Peters and Horrocks ; uoes (3.): The Chairman, Messrs Connett and Tate. Mr McCullum then moved, and Mr Okey seconded, “ That fresh lenders be called for the lease of tollgates in the Parihaka and Moa Ridings.” _ A Committee was appointed to deal with the tenders. The resolution was carried. A COMPLAINT. Mrs Cummings, Carrington Road, wrote, complaining of a nuisance near her house. The Clerk said ho had written to the owner of the land, on which the nuisance complained of was. The Chairman stated that he doubted whether the Council had power to interfere. Mr McCullum said be thought the Chairman was a member of the Health Committee. On Mr Adlara’s motion, it was decided that the Clerk should look into the matter. STONECRUSHER. Mr Tarry will be allowed to lease the stonecrusher. OKATO. The question of assisting in forming the approaches to Gosling-street Omata, was discussed. Several Councillors objected on the ground that the Paribaka Riding bad no funds. Mr McCullum : It’s only thirty shillings, Mr Chairman. The money was voted. NATIVE BATES. The Chairman stated that a reply had been received from the Public Trustee, intimating that he wbuld shortly answer the question with regard to rates on Native reserves. WAIWAKAIHO BRIDGE. The Chairman said it would necessary to close the Waiwakaiho bridge for traffic two days aud -two in order to effect the necessary repairs. Notice will be published of the date. In reply to Mr Peters, the Chairman gave explanation of bis remarks with regard to the Waiwakaiho bridge. NO ACTION TAKEN. * Mr Harrison wrote with reference to the heap of sand near the Waiwakaiho bridge, pointing out that it was a danger to horsemen. No action was taken, RATES OUTSTANDING. In reply to Mr Peters, the Clerk stated that there was between £SOO and £6OO outstanding in rates. Mr Peters considered that steps should be taken to get the money in. He moved, “ That £2O be voted to take out summonses against defaulting ratepayers.” Seconded by Mr McGloin, and carried. TENDERS The following teuderr were accepted : —W, 1, 96, J. Curd, h. boulders aud Is 6d carting broken metal; W, 2, 96, no tender was accepted, the matter being left in the bands of the Chairman ; W, 8, 96, R. W. Bond, 4s per yard. Accounts were passed and the Council adjourned.—News.