Taranaki County Council.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 193, 8 May 1896, Page 3

Taranaki County Council.

The ordinary meeting of the Taranaki County Council was held on Monday. Present: Messrs W. Bewley (chairman), J. B. Connett, G. V. Tate, J. McCullum, H. Okey, H. Peters, Horrocks, McGloin, and Adlam. REPORTS. The reports of the foremen of the Omata and Opunake Ridings were dealt with. The Chairman stated theat he had driven to Opunake recently, and was in a position to see the road in its worst state. There was a deal of draining urgently required and other work was also necessaay ; "in fact," added the chairman, •« I wasn't able to sit down comfortably for two or three days after I made the visit." (A laugh.) Mr McGloiu pointed out the desirableness of enlarging the pipes for draining the water away, and he moved a resolution in that direction. The motion was carried. Mr McGloin also drew attention to some work needed on the Eltham Road, and he suggested that the overseer be instructed to pay a man for a fortnight to attend to the water tables, and man with a dray for a couple of days. D.P. THIRDS. A communication was received from the Land Department, of money accruing from d.p. thirds in the Parihaka Riding (£ll 2s). On Mr Peters' motion it was decided that the members of the riding should report where and how the money should be expended. The Clerk was also instructed to see the Commissioner of Crown Lands re thirds on Roberts' land.

REMOVAL OE GRAVEL. The Secretary of the Harbor Board requested the Council to state what amount of gravel had been removed from tbe beach for which the Board is responsible. The Chairman will wait on the Board. A CONCESSION W/NTED. Mr Cooper wrote, asking for a reduction in the amount paid by him for the tollgate on the Junction Road. The Chairman said he doubted whether the Council could make any concession. Mr Peters : The only way would be for Mr Cooper to " throw up the sponge." If we grant this request we will have a number of applications. Tbe Council decided that it could not make any reduction. OPUNAKE TOWNSHIP. Correspondence was read from the Clerk of the Opunake Town Board relative to taking over the control of that portion of the county road running through the Opunake township. Mr McGloin moved, That the Council take tha necessary steps to hand over the road, according to the Cou ities Act." The conditions offered by the Town Board were not very favorably considered by some of the members, one of the speakers designating them as so much rubbish, while others they were very unreasonable. A desultory discussion took place, and it was ultimately decider, on Mr Okey's motion, that the Board's proposal be not accepted. A CLAIM. Mr Vickery wrote, pointing out a mistake that had been made in the measurement of certain gravel. It was decided to pay Mr Vickery the sum of Is 3d in satisfaction of his claim.

A STATEMENT WANTED. Mr McOullum moved, and Mr McGloin seconded, That the clerk prepare a statement of the moneys expended in each riding.—Cau'ied. A TOLLGATE QUESTION. Correspondence was read with reference to the evasion of payment of to" : on the Junction Road. On Mr Connett's motion, it was decided that Mr Morris be written to, stat : jg that the Council wi . pay all costs : aci red in recovering payment. ENGINEEBSr It was decided that the resolution appointing Mr Davies engineer for the Moa and Waitara ric ngs be rescinded. Mr Connett then moved the motion standing in his name, " That '. esh arrangements re engaging engineers be made ; and that a practical man be engaged when required." Mr Tate : Well it is rather a jar on the engineers. Mr Connett said it only meant ceasing their permanent engagement, and to employ them as requ'red. The motion was carried. TENDERS. The following tender was accepted on certain conditions: Contract P—--10—96, Cameron and Watson, £1 19s and £2 ss. Fresh tenders will be called for the tunnel at Oakcra. OVERDBI?T. The Council's overdraft of accounts passed, £575 Is 2d) is £4034 lis 9d.—News.