Waihemo County Council.

Otago Witness, Issue 1704, 19 July 1884, Page 15

Waihemo County Council.

The ordinary meeting of the above Council waa held yesterday at Palmerston, when there were present— Mr M. Todd (chairman), and Crs Bell, M'Laren, Robertson, Dent, M'Kenzie, M'Leod, Hay, and Fraeer.

DEPUTATION,

Messrs J. and A. Sutherland wrote with reference to the state of the Taieri Peak road, and Mr J. Sutherland appeared personally to request that something should be done so that access could be gained to the properties of deferred-payment settlers in the locality. Cr M'Kenzie moved and Cr Bell seconded — " That steps be taken to issue a proclamation, so that land could ba taken for a deviation of the Meadowbank road. — This was carried.

Cr M'Kenzie also moved that tenders should be called for the work, but this was negatived ; but another motion moved by him with referonce to instructing the clerk to ascertain the amount of deferred-payment funds available from the Dunback block was carried.

REPORTS.

On the motion of Or M'Laren, seconded by Cr M'Leod, the Finance Committee's report was adopted. With reference to the inspector's report No. 1, re the Fillyburn bridge approaches, it was moved by Cr Robertson, seconded by Cr M'Laren, and carried—" That Messrs Oakden and Begg be requested to make a survey on Connolly's road, and that written instructions be given as to the land required to be taken." No. 2, re the gorse spreading on the roads and obstructing the traffic. — The inspector was authorised to obtain the names of parties offending in this respect, and report tho same to the Council.

Report No. 3, on the state of the roads in general, was received. No. 4, re the Shag River bridge. — Cr Bell moved—" That the bridge be closed for traffic, and that public notice be given of the same." — Seconded by Cr M'Kenzik and carried.— Cr M'Kbnzie, in speaking to the motion, stated that in accoi dance with the regulations rails would have to bo placed at either end of the bridge to prevent any vehicle crossing. Several of the councillors thought that in cases of flood the use of the bridge should bo allowed for crossing light carts or buggies for which it was thought safe, provided, in the event of accident, the Council would not bo held responsible.

CORRESPONDENCE,

Circulars from the Treasury, Wellington, giving particulars of moneys paid to the Council's Bank account. — Received.

R. H. Browne, engineer, Maniotofco County Council, wrote stating that his services could not be available to do surveying as requested near Hyde, as the terms of his engagement with his Council did not allow any practice outside the county. — Received. In reply to the Council's application to the Public Works Office for standard drawings, E. R. Ussher wrote stating that he could not undertake to supply the same, but if application were made to the Engineer-in-chief for Public Works at Wellington they might be obtained.

Cr Robertson thought that as the standard drawings were of great value to the inspector they should be procured, and the same were authorised to be applied for.

Circulars from the Public Works Department re grants under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act were received. Several minor communications were received.

MOTIONS.

Cr Robertson moved— "That Crs Bell, Fraser, M'Kenzie, and M'Laren investigate the matter of roads to be made out of moneys received on deferred payments." Seconded by Cr Hat and carried. Cr Hay moved—" That the Council instruct the inspector to construct three culverts on Nenthorn road, to connect the two counties, at a cost not exceeding £6." Seconded by Cr Fhaskb, and carried. Cr Dent moved— "That the inspector be empowered to prepare plans and specificatiens for gravelling 10 chains road near Waihemo Hotel."

Seconded by Cr Bell and carried. Cr Fbaser moved— "That the clerk be authorised to ascertain the amount of funds due to the Council on deferred-payment lands." Seconded by Cr Hay and carried. Cr M'Leod moved— "That the inspector's attention be called fco the drain near Gilmour's property, and that he be empowered to open up the same when necessary." Seconded by Cr Robertson and carried. Cr M'Lkod moved— "That the clerk communicate with the Railway Department re the supposed improvement effected to drain at Mr Day's property, and ascertain what work has been done to repair the same." Seconded by Cr M'Labkn and carried.

The Council then went into Committee to consider the correspondence re the Kitchener trespass question, and Cr Bell mentioned that this was undertaken only on account of the matter coming shortly before the Supreme Court, and it would be injudicious that the public at large should know just yet the condition of affairs,

Crown Lands Department.

(FROM OUlt OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, July 9,

Some interesting and instructive information is contained in the report just printed of the Grown Lands Department lor the year ended March 31 last. During that period an area of 306,414 acrea of Crown lands has been disposed of on sale and settlement conditions ; but although that area ia 50,534 acres more than waa disposed of in the previous 12 months, yet the revenue is considerably less for that period. This is due to a much greater proportion of the land being taken up on the syHtem, of deforred paymenta than in any former year, and ako to the introduction of the perpetual lease system. The total receipts amounted to £394,025. Lands sold on immediate payments realised £66,192; lands sold on deterred payments, £85,305 ; and the pastoral rents amounted to £125,694. In regard to the deferred-payment system, the report dwells on its success as a means of settling the land. The greatest trouble in its administration is to obtain prompt payment of instalments at the appointed times. On the 31at March last, of the 3960 selectors then holdirjg land on deferred payment?, 991 were in an ears in the total sum of £23,898, being an average of £24 each, or about nine months behind in time of due payment. This, however, is not regarded as very serious. With reference to the perpetual leasing system, which has been on its trial in the two land districts of Otago and West Coast (North Island), the report remarks that its success in attracting, the attention of both has been conspicuous. Up to June 16 last, a total number of 159 selections, covering 35,039 acres, had been made. As all these, except 17 on the West Coast of the North Island, havo been taken up in the proclaimed goldiield of Otago, where there is no right of purchase, it would appear (says the rer/ort) as though the permanency and security of the leasehold tenure with valuation for improvements is a sufficient inducement for settlers to come under the RVBtem, without the option of purchase. Reference is made to the work of Mr Fedorli in connection with the establishment of subtropical industries, concerning which the roport remarks : "It is only a question of time, and that not very long, until silk, oliveoil, wine, and suchlike products will be cultivated extensively in the Colony, for tba country and climate are suitable, and there is a teeming population coming forward, many of whom will have a drifting, aimless life unless there is a greater variety of industries which they can follow than at present."