TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 7

TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The above body met for the transaction g, ordinary business in the County Chambers, Lawrence, on the afternoon of Friday, 13th inst. Present— Crs Oudaille (chair), Livingston, Cotton, Inglis, Edie, M'Farlane, Miohael, Henry, and Bennett. The minuteß of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. The clerk of the Executive Committee of the Central Otago, Tuapeha, and Otago Charitable Aid Board requested to be famished with a re* turn of the rateable value of the rateable property in Taapeka County apou which the board is by law entitled to levy contributions for the year commencing Ist April uexfc. — Attended to. The railway department wrote stating that the only old ra Is which could be supplied to the council at; present were 2lffc lengths, weighing 40!b, the prine of which was £4 10s per ton for 10 toni, or if a less quantity £5 per ton{; terms, cash before delivery. — Consideration deferred. Moore Brothers, Berwick, drew attention to the state of tbe road leading from their property towards the township of Berwick. — Cr Cotton stated that the road in question was not in Taapeka county. — Letter received. Michael M'Carthy, Dnnrobin, wrote stating that in the year 1885 Mr Charles Kerse nnd himself waited upon the council with a petition praying th«t Mie road through seotion 8, block Xtl, Crookston, be declared open for traffic ; that the council unanimously agreed to the terms of the petition, and as the outcome ho took proceedings against Mr John Eadie to compel him to remove his gates off the road in question; that he was nob successful ia the action he took, and was oasfc in the costs ; that he was subsequently sued for ia 6a (Jd by the legal gentleman who conducted the case for him ; and that as he had been pus to a lot" of expense in the interests of the public in connection with the transaction from start to finish, he asked the council to pay the amount recovered against him by the lawyer. — Letter received; Mr M'Oartby to be Informed that th 9 council has no power to pay suoh claims. C. C. Rawlins, manager of tbe Island Block Gold Mining Company, stated that the company's boat is every day being used by the public croßßipg the river, and also by the children from

the Horseshoe Bend, the wire rope on which the choir runs being useless for that purpose. Mr Rawlins asked that the council should lend their' boat which is now being used by Messrs Edie and 1 - Kirkpatrick, the latter having a boat of their own. — Request acceded to. Thomas M'Oracken, mayor of Cromwell, detailing the legal Bteps recently taken by the Borough Council of that place with the view of plncicg a restriction upon the hawkiDg of goods from house to house, the legal expenses accounting to £38 ; and as the case alluded to was taken up as a test one in the interests of all local bodies outside Duuedin, the Tuapeka County Councili in common with other bodies, was atked to contribute £2 towards the expense. — It was resolved to acknowledge "receipt of the letter, and to inform Mr M'Cracken that the council had no power to render any assistance. Martin Joyce, Gabriel's Gully, wrote complaining tbt.t his services as surfaceman had bepn dispensed with by the member for Gabriel's riding, and a new hand put ia his place, though no com plaint had been made against him, and he had done nothing to deserve such treatment. — Cr Michael said he dismissed the surfaceman because there was nothing for him to do. Large contracts had lately been entered into for gravelling the main road, half of the expense being a charge as?ainnfc Gabriel't) riding; and as the abolition of the gold duty meant a big hole in the riding's receipts, he felt that it was incumbent upon him to lessen the expenditure ; hence the surfaceman's dismissal. George Murray, Tuapeka Flat, requested the council to do something to the road leading to hfs property, as it was quite impassable in ■winter time. — To be attended to by the surfaceman. John Bulfiti, Taapeka West, drew the council's attention to that part of the Corkscrew road between Messrs Leslie and Sheehan's. The road at the place indicated would require raising at tha culvert, and also putting a few shots in the rock or rubble immediately above it. The expenditure would not be more than a few pounds, and as there will be a good deal of haulage of grain after the harvest along the yoad, it was the wiah of the settlers that the matter should be tr.ken in hand at once.— Cr Henry moved : " That the chairman and the member for the riding be authorised to get the necessary work done at a small outlay." — Carritd. J. A. Kerr and three other ratepayers in Teviot riding directed attention to the necessity of making a road through sections 2 and 3, block XII, Benger, as the owner of the Sections named intended to fence same in, which would result in the roid b- ing blooked. — On the motion of pr Inglts, the chairman was empowered to attend to the aiatter at once. Thomas Andrew, Mayor of Roxburgh, wrote apprising the council of the ' fact that the ' Roxburgh bridge was on fire one day recently, ivud would probably have been destroyed were it not for the promptitude with which it was', extinguished by himself. His attention was" fije^directed to the occurrence by Mr Vincent Pyke, "who-also cajled attention to the danger likely to arise to the bridge from an accumulation of litter along the corner of the gravel beams. Mr Andrew suggested, as a practical remedy against the danger of fire, that the bridge be swept twice a week during the summer months, thus making it difficult for a lighted snatch thrown carelessly down to ignite the woodwork. — A communication was also read from Mr Pyke calling attention to the same subject, and stating that the fire probably arose through a lighted match having .been thrown carelessly down by some passer-by. — It was resolved to thank Messrs Andrew and^ Pyke for directing the council's attention to this matter. The Clerk of the Ofcage Land Board wrote stating that Mr D. J. M'Donald had applied to lease 5400 acres of Gabriel's commonage adjoining Bnngtown, and that the board resolved to remit the application to the council for considertion. — After considerable discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Cr Michael — " That the Land Board be informed that the council has leased the whole of the Gabriels commonage for a period of 12 months, the lessee keeping down the rabbits in consideration of receiving the whole of the fees for depasturing cattle, and . that until such time as the existing lease expires no applications be entertained for leasing'any portion of the commonage for grazing purposes." John Hogg wrote stating that his tender .for the rubbling of 54| chains of the main road, from the main road to Docherty's bridge, was opened by the council and found to be lowest, yet a higher tender as the successful one was accepted for the contract. This actkm on the part of the council had caused him loss to the extent of £20, and unless that sum was paid by the 20bh instant legal proceedings would be taken against the council for the recovery of that amount. — The Chaieman explained that Mr Hogg's tender was lodged some time after the hour for receiving tenders had closed, and in addition some of the parties who had lodged their tenders in time objected to Mr Hogg's being received. Ho (the chairman) consulted with the member for Gabriels, and they concluded not to open Mr Hogg's tender. Tbe clerk, however, subsequently opened the tender to return Mr Hogg his deposit money. — After considerable discussion, it was resolved that in future no tender be received after the hour specified.— Mr Hogg's letter was minuted as received. OHAHITABLE AID. An application for a renewal of a weekly allowance of 7s Gd was granted to a woman at Blue Spur. An applicant at Roxburgh was informed that as he resides within the borough of Roxburgh, the county council could not assist him. Mr Clulee, secretary of the Ofcago Benevolent Institution, wrote stating the trustees could not Bee their way to grant more thin 12s 6d per week to Mrs M'Cormack and family of Blue Spur. The allowance was in excess of what the trustees allow persons in a similar position in Dunedin. — Received. I Mrs Charlotte Cook, Waitahuna gaily, wrote, j on behalf of James Faskinson, recommending, that be be admitted into the Benevolent Institution. — Resolved accordingly. TENDERS. The following tenders were accepted : — Contract 348: John Buchanan. Contract 349: J Ryan. Supplies : Sundries, Herbert and Co. ; coal and firewood, Browne Bros. ; blacksmith's work, James Middlemiss (Gabriels and Browns ridings)..T. Whelan (Teviot), M'Allister (Tapanui); dray work, P. Tracey (Gabriels), A. M'Leod (Browns), A." Stevenson (Beaumont), James Bowden (psrt Teviot and James), Michael Ryan (Waitahuna). It was resolved to invite fresh tenders for contract 347 (formation 90§ chains road through Elliot's property, Glenkenich district). A BETUHN. A return showing the expenditure on day labour and carting and the number of men employed on county roads for the months of January and February was laid on the table. The total expenditure'amonnted to £338 10s Bd, apportioned as follows :—Waitabuna riding (one surfaceman), £19 Ss 6d, including carting- 18s ; Waipori (2^), £41 63 2d ; Clarks (eight-ninths), £.16 9a ; Browns (one and four-fifths), £35 6s 9d

1— carting £2 8s ; Beaumont (1J), £27 Bs—carting 9s ; James (2s), £62 13* 9d— carting £19 4s ; Tapanui (If), £36 15t- carting £11 11s ; Ttviot (4s), £85 19s 6d— carting £6 2s; Gabrieh (f ), £13 7s 9d— carting £1 6i 3d; chairman's beport. The following report was submitted by Mr Oudaille, county chairman :— I have the honour to submit the following report on roads and works for the months of January and February last : - Greenvale District, near Dusky.— Meesrs Kempthorno and othera waited on me bs a deputation re road deviation. The road suggested would b9 two mile* Fhor'er than the prf sent one, and the owner (Itfr Xempthorne) offers to give the land free of cost, ateo to ience the roadline. Being no expense to the council, I thetefore icstmcted t^ie surfaceman to do the nenesaarv work. Road Deviation through Mesers J. P. Herbert and others' land —Messrs W. M'Kay and J. A. Kirke wnited on me, and offered their portions of land rfquirecl free. Mr Werbprt was not at home, but I have since heard that he would not deviate from his former proposal. The formation of the road would ' require a email outlay, but the fencing is very expensive. The deviation would, I consider, go through about half a mile of land, whereas the present road 5b two miles Io"3g. Mr Herbert would therefore gain the coat of one and a-half miles of extra fencing,' co that his offer is not sufficiently good for the council to acoept. Beeing that he would gain about £200 between land and fenoes la the meantime, the settlers are in a very bad state, having no outlet ; and if fair arrangements cannot be znade with Mr Herbert, then I would strongly recommend that the old road be repaired. Shingle Greek Bridge.— l found the deoking of this bridge to be in a bad state, and ordered the necessary repairs. Anderson's Bridge, Teviot.— This bridge is in bad repair, and I ordered timber to bo forwarded as soon as possible. Teviot River Bridge, near Roxburgh.— l examined this bridge, and find it require? wedging and the wire ropes tightened. It could bo made seoure at a cost of £5 or JBIO. Main Hoad. Taviot to Coal Creek.— There are come dangerous holei in this road, and I ordered same to bi filled in at a cost o£ about £10. Main Road, Beaumont Riding. — This road requirea patching at several places. M'Cunn's Bridge. — The beams in this bridge are broken, and I ordered the surfaoeman to strengthen same by putting in supports. Bridge at Stevenson's.— This bridge is in a bad state, and requires attention, : Bridges Main Hoad to Beaumont.— These bridges all require repairs more or less, and it would be well to give the necessary attention to same before the winter season cc's in. Miller's Flat Punt. — This punt requires new stages, the present ones having decayed. Road Deviation, Benjrer, through Messrs Gordon and Dalton's — Messrs Gordon, Jopp, and Carlo w waited on me as a deputation concarning the above. The deviation would go about 10 ohains through Dalton's property and 10 chains through the otners —in all 20 ohains. Messrs Gordon and Oarlaw|are willing to give their land free., and Mr Dalton will charge about £8 per a'creY Arrangements * can be made for the total coat to be about £30 for fencing The road is a natural one, and no formation will be required At present the settlers are only able to take one-third of an ordinary load, and the deviation: would therefore beagreat benefit to them. - I "would reoommend^tneTOouuQil to carry- out this work. ' .«■■.! ~ : ' Road Deviation ac Herlot;' Crookston district ( James riding).— This deviation! goes through Messrs ! Sin), Fleming, and othersilanctland If formed would shorten the distance to Heriot railway station by ceveral miles. * Messrs Sim and Grant are willing to give the land free if the council fence the same. Contract. 339, 'parapet wall, Dumbarton Rock (M. Whelan, contractor).— This contraot ban been completed satisfactorily, but requires an extension oL two chains to make it safe. Some protection is also required near Teviot bridge, at these portions of the road I consider dangerous to the travelling publlo. In the meantime, I .would 'recommend that fences be- erected at the wont places. J The chairman was authorised to get Stevenson's and M'Kay's bridges on the main road put in repair at once. s • - - On the motion of Mr Inglis, it was resolved that the chairman get the deviation of road through Forbes' property completed without delay. The chairman was empowered to get new stages for the Miller's Flat punt forthwith. ACCOUNTS. The accounts for the months of January and February, amounting to £930 18s 6d, were passed for payment; TBACTION ENGINES. Cr M'Faelane said he understood there were certain conditions which had to be observed by owners of traction engines whilst traversing the public roads. He suggested that the chairman publish the conditions, as tbe engines were a source of considerable trouble and of danger to equestrians. BEADJUSTMENT OP BEVENUE. Cr Bennett suggested that the chairman look into the matter of the county revenue, with a view of readjusting same. A large amount of revenue that he knew had been received was not credited to Beaumont riding. GENERAL. It was resolved that a list of the new as well as the closed road lines in the county be obtained. The clerk was instructed to write off all arrears of rates outstanding over two years. Cr Cotton moved — "That a return of the .revenue accruing from Waipori riding.be compiled by the clerk and published." — Carried. The clerk was appointed returning officer for the licensing committee election and local option poking. This was all the business.

gates," coupled with the names of Bros. Handyside and Mason. . . Bro. Mason briefly returned thanks. Bro. Pish proposed " The Pastoral and Agri- i cultural Interests " in a neat speech. He coupled with it the name of Bro. M'Lennan. " The Ladies," and " Tbe Host and Hostess" were duly proposed and responded to. Daring the evening songs and recitations were given by Bros. Whelan, Hopcraft, Ibbotson, Miller, Praia, Geddes, Wrenstett, Eskdale, Hyde, Black, Beissel, Sligo, and Miller, and all present joined ia singing " Auld Lang Syne."

SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. The monthly meeting of the Otago School Commissioners, held on Tncsday, was attended by Messrs J. F. Maitland (chairman), T. Denniston, J, Green, and the Hon. W. H. Reynolds. An application from Mr John Anderson, lessee of sections 17, 19, and 20, block XI, Moeraki, to transfer his interest in the same to the Otago and Southland Investment Company (Limited), was approved. A letter was read from the manager of the Otago and Southland Investment Company, requesting consent to the transfer of interest in sections 17, 19, and 20, block XI, and lof 44, bjock 11, Moeraki district, to Mr James Boss, and asking that the lease of \;he last named section be issued to Mr Ross. — The transfer was approved, subjects to the arrears, amounting to £1 5s 8d on the section referred to, being paid. | The transfer of the lease of seotion 13, block XIV, Town of Waitahuna, from Mr John Thompson to Mr John Ward, was approved. Mr F. W. Platts wrote, applying for the consent of the commissioners to the transfer of section 262, Fort Chalmers, from Mr G. Chick to Mr J". Yoang.-rTbe transfer was approved. Mr R. Simmers, lessee of part of section 24, block IX, Glenkenioh, applied to have 10 acres, which the Education Board was prepared to giye up, added to his lease, and also applied for a redaction of his rent. — It was resolved to rescind the previous resolution setting aside the area in question as a school site, the Education Board not requiring it, and to inform Mr Simmers that if the commissioners accepted a surrender of his lease the new lease would have to be submitted to auction. The draft report of the commissioners' proceedings for the year ending 31st December 1890 was approved. Mr J. L. M'Donald forwarded an application from Mr Donald Ross, lessee of section 3 of 243, Hokonui, to have his reduction of rent continued to the end of lease! — It was resolved that the redaction to Is 6d per acre be continued for three years. A similar application from Mr A. Noble, lessee of section 2, block 11, Wyndbam, was received. — j It was decided that the reduction to 5s per acre be continued for three years. i Mr M'Donald reported on an application from the Southland County Council for the lease of a small piece of section 35, Qreti, for a road. He recommended that half an acre be kept off tbe section when leased again, with a view to its being used as a road.— lt was resolved to exclude the area from the lease when it falls in, Mr M'Donald reported that Messrs Bain and Denniston had met and decided to' invite tenders for the construction of a flood-bank in block XIX, Invercargill hundred, and that they had instructed Mr Sharp, C.E., to prepare plans and specifications for the work. It was farther suggested that Mr Denniston be authorised to accept tender.— lt was decided to authorise Mr Denniston to open tenders and forward the same to the chairman with recommendations, the chairman to have power to accept any tender. Mr M'Donald recommended that Mr Gil* lander's tenure of rons 827 and 327b be continned for another year. — It was deoided to continue the tenure on the understanding that the commissioners might submit the run to auction on Ist September if they so deem. A letter was received from Mr A. Small, lessee of sections 2 and 6, block VII, and section 1, block VIII, South Lumsden, asking to have a road half a chain wide reserved or taken off the same to give access to the north parts of seotion 1, 2, and 3, block VIII, and also for a contribution of half cost of shifting the fences. — Mr M'Donald recommended that Mr Small be allowed a redaction of rent for the proposed deduction of half a ohain on condition of it being a public road or right-of-way to all the tenants. — Tbe suggestion was approved. Mr J. Fickens wrote, on behalf of Mrs S. Fickens, transferee of section 5, block VIII, South Lmnsdsn, asking that the redaction in rent be continued to the end of lease.— lt was deoided to continue the reduction of rent for three years longer. Mr Vincent Fyke wrote applying, on behalf of Mr F. Morrisey, to lease seotion 21 and 24, block 11, Tiger Hill.— The matter was referred to the Commissioner of Crown Lands. Mr M'Donald reported that Mr Winning had intimated that he would continue the lease of sections 3, 4, 5, and 6, block X, Mataura bridge, at the reduced rent'of £2 per annum, in terms of the commissioners' offer. — Offer agreed to.