TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL

Otago Witness, Issue 2051, 15 June 1893, Page 3

TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL

The ordinary meeting of the above-named body was held in the County Chambers, Lawrence, on Friday last. The following members were present— Crs Henry (chairman), Bennet, Cotton, Oudaille, Inglis, Livingston, Michael, M'Farlane, and Edie. THE LATE PREMIER. The Chaihman said that since their last meeting the Hon. John Ballance had passed away. He thought it was their duty to pass a resolution expressive of their deep regret at Mr Ballance's loss to the colony. He moved— "That this council desire to place on record their high appreciation of the public services rendered to the colony by the late Premier (the Hon. John Ballance) as a distinguished statesman, and to deplore bis loss as a public man to the country of his adoption ; also, that a vote of sympathy and condolence be sent to Mrs Ballance in her sad bereavement for the deep loss she has sustained, and that same be entered in minutes of council." Cr Bennet, in seconding the motion, said there was scarcely a meeting of the conmcil but the necessity arose for recording regret at the death of some old colonist of repute. But Mr Ballance's loss was one of an exceptional nature. He was a distinguished man — a man of very high character — who had rendered great service to the colony, and his loss was, therefore, a national one. Some of them may have differed from him in his opinions and methods of administration, but no one would deny, no matter what differences might exist, that his great desire, before all things else, was to promote the welfare of his adopted country. The motion was carried unanimously. A CORRECTION. Cr Bennet said he was not present at the last council meeting when the minutes of the previous meeting w> re read and confirmed, and, therefore, he had not an opportunity of taking exception to some remarks made by the chairman in his (the speaker's) absence. What he took exception to was this : The chairman had referred to certain expenditure in Beaumont riding, adding that he was not prepared to certify to the vouchers for that expenditure. He (Cr Bennet) de3ired to know if any unauthorised works were undertaken in Beaumont riding. The Chairman replied that he was not aware of any unauthorised works having been carried out in the riding referred to. CORRESPONDENCE. Thß Wellington Federated Trades Union Council forwarded circular and subscription list on behalf of the Ballance memorial fund. — Allowed to lie on the table. W. T. M'Farlane, Tapanui, applied to be allowed to purchase roadline (now closed) running through sections 17 and 18, blcck XI, Greenvale.— Cr M'Farlane moved — " That the roadline be surveyed and the request acceded to."— Carried. David Dickson drew attention to the state of the road between Pomahak* and Conical Hills.— To be attended to by the surfaceman. John Brown, on behalf of the Tuapaka Mouth Cemetery Trustees, asked i ha 'i the road to the cemetery be put in passable order.— Referred to the inspector of roads for report. John Howat and three other ratepayers living at Glenkenich requested that the Manse road be made passable. — Ordered that the surfaceman, with the help of the grader, put the road in ordfr. Peter Fuldseth and two other ratepayers at Waitahuna Gully wrote pointing out the necessity of doing something towards repairing part of the old coach road goiDg off at the top of the gully towards Round Hill. It was gravelled some years ago as far as Mr Bjorngaard's, and if continued to a point about 30 chains further it would make a good road for many years to come.— Cr Oudaille moved—" That the matter be referred to the inspector to report thereon." — Carried. Jeremiah Ryan, contractor for the Black Cleugh bridge, wrote explaining the dimensions of the stones needed for the bridge, stating that stones of the kind required were not obtainable in the vicinity of the bridge, and asking to be informed what to do under the circumstances. — The Inspector stated that there was plenty of good stone in the locality.— lt was resolved that the plans and specifications be adhered to. The District Land Registrar, Dunedin, wjote askiDg to be informed whether the council claims, on behalf of the public, any roadway through sections 20 and 21, block XI, Crookslon district, in the position shown on accompanying map. Both sections were under the Land Transfer Act. The certificate grant o? section 20 was in favour of H. Matheson, Crookston ; and the certificate of title was in favour of Joseph Clarke, Toorak, Victoria. If the council claimed any such road information was asked as to whether they intend to obtain a title to same by transfer from the registered owners, and early attention to the subject was requested — Cr M'Farlane stated that the land required for the road was taken from Mr Norman Matheson years ago, bub the road-

line through Mr Robertson's property was exchanged and subsequently closed. He moved — "That the chairman attend to the matter, and at the same time see into the title of all similar roads in the county." — Carried. Malcolm Ferguson, Brooksdale, stated that it was impossible to get a dray or other vehicle along the main roadline to the end of section \, block IV, Greenvale, until such time as a bridge was put over what is usually known as Muddy creek. — Referred "to the inspector for report at next council meeting. James M'Harry, Greenvale, wrote objecting to the closing of the roadline from section 13 to section 10, block V, Greenvale, James riding, as it took about 40 chains of frontage off his land.— Cr Edie moved : " That the road be inspected and reported upon by the chairman at next council meeting."— Cr M'Farlane said that in his presence M 'Harry had expressed his willingness to have the road closed. The road was agreed to be closed at a public meeting of ratepayers.— Cr Livingston remarked that it would be a pity to close the road if it could possibly be kept open. He understood the road cost fully £700 to construct, and the new road would take £250 before it was completed, and even then would not be as good as the old one. — The motion was agreed to. James Bowdep, Miller's Flat, wrote informing the council that he could not cart gravel on the terms of his tender, but offering to do dray work at the same price as last year — viz., 11s per day for one-horse dray, 13s 6d for two-horse dray, and 15s 6d for a three-horse dray.— lt was resolved that the contractor be relieved of his contract. The Secretary of the Geraldine County Acclimatisation Society asked the co-operation of the council in impressing upon the Government the necessity of making small bird poisoning compulsory throughout the South Island, if not throughout the colony, at certain specified periods. It was found that the nuisance was becoming a serious menace to the agricultural interests of the colony, and it was considered that the only remedy was to make the laying of poison by every occupier of land compulsory on certain dates and within certain fixed periods. — Allowed to lie on the table. H. A. and J. Tamblyn, Coal Creek, wrote aßkiug the council for some assistance in constructing a sleigh track along the front of section 4- and part of section 2, block IX, Teviot — It was resolved, on the motion of Cr Inglis, to grant a subsidy of £10, subject to the council's approval of the specifications of the work. ROAD IN BLOCK XIV, GREBNVALE. Cr M'Farlane mentioned that the closing of the road in block XIV, Greenvale, in which Mr W. T. M'Farlane had been moving, had been opposed at the public meeting of ratepayers held to consider same. He (the speaker), therefore asked that the matter be allowed to drop. ROAD INSPECTOR S REPORT. Mr John Young, inspector of road 3, reported as follows : — Browns Riding.— The roads in this riding are in good order, excepting a portion of the main road near Carson's. I would not recommend anything being done to it at present. I wish to draw your attention to a lot of old dams in Tuapeka creek that are causing the creek to silt up. Unless these dams are removed, a very small flood would take some of the bridges away. Beaumont Ridiug.— The roads in this riding are in good order. , . ... James Riding.— The roads in this riding are in good order. „.-,. Tapaßui RidiDg.— The roads in this riding are in good order. , . ... Teviot Riding.— The roads in this riding are in good order. I have been instructed by Mr Inglis to report on road deviation through Mr Forbes s property towards Gordon's, Miller's Flat. I would not recommend anything being done to the deviation as surveyed, as it will cost about £40 to make this road ; whereas a good road could be obtained about two chains lower down that would require no expenditure whatever for some time; the length of this road is 12J chains. Gabriels Riding.— The roads in this riding are in good order. , . „ . .j. Clarks Riding.— The roads m this riding are in good order. Waipori Riding.— The roads in this riding are in good order. ■„.,. .-,. Waitahuna Riding.— The roads in this riding are in good order. . Tbe following work has been completed since last meeting :-Contract No. 374, Boundary road, Round Hill. The following contracts are still uncompleted :— Rubbling r^ad, Clark's Flat to Greenfield ; gravelling road, Henry's to Gorman Flat, Waitahuna ; Rankleburn bridge. COUNTZ CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. The following report was laid on the table by the county chairman : — I have the honour to report that, as requested by the council, I have visited the greater portion of the county since last meeting, and find most of the roads in passable order. Tapanui.— l have inspected the road proposed to be closed near Tapanui (applicant W. J. M'Farlane, and objected to by Mr Potts), and arranged for a meeting of settlers to be called in order that the matter might be amicably settled between James.— ln this ridiug I visited most of the roads and find the proposed exchange of Dusky road will incur a very considerable expense to the council in forming a deviation, and recommend this matter be deferred for further inquiry. Teviot.— The roads in this riding were in good repair, with the exception of a small portion of the Main road, which I authorised the member for the riding to attend to. , . I Beaumont.— ln this district the roads are also in a good state of repair, and I gave the neoessarv authority to the member to have a few loads of gravel placed on the road to Tapanui at the most dangerous places. Browns.— The roads are m fair order, and, as requested, I had the punt removed to the new site. The contractor for Black Cleugh bridge has made a start, and is making fair progress. Waipori.— l visited this riding and found the roads in passable repair, excepting portions between Lawrence and Waipori (Boulger's Flat and Bungtowu), which require immediate attention. PETITION. A petition signed by 26 residents of Horseshoe Bend, was received praying the council to remove the suspension chair across the Clutha ! river at that place to a point higher up where the span was not so great. It was resolved that the matter be left in the chairman's hands to deal with. CHARITABLE AID. The Secretary of the United Districts Charitable Aid Board forwarded a return of the persons residing in Tuapeka county who are in receipt of charitable aid, and asking if the council had any recommendations to make. Relief was pfforded in 23 cases, there being 16 males and 11 females, exclusive of M children. In three cases the allowance was 10s each per week ; in four cases, 7s 6d ; in one case, 5<3 6d ; in 13 cases, s* ; and in two cases, 4p. The total amounted to £6 183 6d per week.—Received. ROAD THROUGH SECTIONS 3 AND 10, BLOCK XII, CROOKSTON. Crs Hbnry (chairman) and Livingston submitted the following report in regard to the above disputed roadline : — In accordance with the council's instructions, we visited the road throuph sections 3 and 10, block XII, Crookston, and also met a deputation of settlers interested. After heaiiug the statements of the parties concerned, and an inspection of maps, correspondence, and title deeds, we could come to no other conclusion than that there is no road through section 10.

J. Wood and J. Aitchison, Heriot, wrote asking for the removal of all obstacles on the road through section 3, as they had bought 200 tons of flax and could not get it without going through section 3. They employed 15 or 16 hands and two teams of horses, and if the road was not opened to them they would have to discharge their employes and clo3e up their mill. Charles Kerse, Dunrobin, wrote enclosing resolution passed at a public meeting held at Dunrobin on the 2nd instant, requesting the council to take the necessary steps to connect a road running through section 3, block XII, Crookston, with the road running through section 10, same block, when they are in funds, the settlers agreeing to assist by doing the ploughing and grading. James Sim and John Cullen, chairman and secretary respectively of a public meeting held at Crookston on the Bth instant, wrote enclosing resolution re dispute in connection with road deviation through block XII, Crookston, and recommending the council, before finally committing themselves to any line of road, to send a duly qualified engineer to report on the three proposed roads as to which is the most suitable to the settlers and the public generally. Michael M'Carthy, Crookston, wrote stating that he presented a petition to the council seven years ago asking to have section 3 road opensd, and was told by the council that it was already open for use. Mr Edie locked the gate on him, setting the council's authority at defiance, and refused to allow him to use the road. He took legal action against Mr Edie, but his suit was dismissed, and he was compelled to pay £7 7s costs ; and he now a?ked the council to return him the same. Daring the last seven years the loss of the road he estimated had cost him £30 a year. Cr Bennet said there was one thing that they should not pass over. He referred to the hardship Mr M'Carthy had suffered through section 3 being blocked against traffic. Besides, there was the heartless treatment he had received at the hands of Mr Edie, senr., in connection with court proceedings arising out of this matter. He (Mr Bennet) condemned the conduct of Mr Edie in the matter in very emphatic terms, and asserted that he had made use of his position in the council to further his private ends. The Chairman said that he and Cr Livingston had visited the locality, and as the result of their inquiries they concluded that there was no road through section 10. A deputation consisting of Messrs Kerse, Cooper, and W. Haugh were in attendance on behalf of the ratepayers interested in the opening of the disputed road. They asked that an acre bo taken off section 10 to connect the road with section 3. They stated that the meeting at Crookston on the preceding evening was attended by about 50 ratepayers ; bub the chairman of the meeting only allowed some five friends of Mr Edie's to take part in the proceedings. Cr Cotton moved — " That the acre of ground required be taken, and the road be defined by a surveyor." The motion was seconded by Mr Bennet. Cr Oudaille moved an amendment—" That a surveyor be engaged to determine which was the best route for the road." Or Michael seconded. Cr Livingston said that whatever the decision of the council might be, the matter was not likely to rest there. He suggested that Messrs M'Farlane, Cotton, and himself, along with the deputation, meet Mr Edie and endeavour to arrive at an amicable arrangement. This suggestion was agreed to, and the meeting was adjourned until the following day. MEETING OF UNEKPLOYED. A meeting of unemployed was held at the Town Hall on Fiiday morning, about 40 being in attendance. Mr W. Hutchison, M.H.R., received the men, and stated that Mr Pinkerton (who was unable to be present owing to his having to occupy the bench at the Police Court) had received a wire from the Premier in reply to the message sent him the other day. The Premier's telegram was to the effect that it was rather difficult at present, until Parliament met, to do very much, but that as soon as he knew the real circumstances of the case he would do the best he could in the meantime, though he could not do much till further appropriations were passed. Mr Hutchison added that the position of affairs was brought to the notice of the Colonial Treasurer on Thursday night as he was passing through Dunedin on his way to the Bluff, with the result that Mr Ward promised to wire yesterday morning before he left urging upon the Premier to lose no time in giving some assistance. He (the speaker) could understand that there was a good deal of privation, more especially in the prevailing weather and considering the sickness there was about, such as measles and fever, and he had no clearer opinion than that the Government ought to provide work for everyone who really needed it. But this duty was not laid upon the General Government only. He did not see why the municipal government should not also do its share. There were a whole lob of things requiring to be done about here, and the City Council ought to throw itself into the breach and co-operate in the duty with otter local bodies. The General Government did no!; profess to give work as charity, but simply to find the men in useful work, of which the corporation had an abundance to do. Mr Jehomeson said that there was a lob of work sent out of the country that, if done within it, would keep three-fourths of the unemployed goiDg. Mr Hutciiisos asked what work was referred to. Mr jERoaiESON replied that he meant fellmongery work. Look at the number of sheepskins sent away. If they were kept here till manufactured it would make a great difference. Mr Hutchison : But you are not all fellmongers. Mr Jebomeson : No, but we could make fellmongers of them. In answer to a question, the speaker added that he reckoned the exporting of sheepskins in a raw state meant keeping a thousand men idle. Mr Hutchison admitted that it would be better if we could manufacture the skins instead of sending them Home raw, but he doubted whether there were a thousand men of that business about. The figures could be got from the oensus returns. However, this was a big question, and they could nob deal with ifc just then. With reference to the remark that had bsen made that people possessed of money and property were employed on the Ofcpgo Central, he stated that names should bs given and the matter would be inquired into. Mr Stanley expressed the opinion that when a man had been on the Otago Central for a year he should retire and give another a chance. He for one, though a married man, did not care how far the work was away, he would go to it. Mr FitzLawkence said that when the names were called at the bureau for Catlins a lot of the men refused to go, and their names were called again for the Otago Central. That was not fair. Mr Cowan : Not all. Mr Farnie said I was struok out for not rolling up for Catlins.

Mr FitzLawrence further observed that h0 had heard, though he did not say it of his own knowledge, that three single men from Melbourne were sent to Catlins. Mr Hutchison : I think it unlikely. Mr FitzLawrence said that he knew of on« who came from Melbourne, though he had been in Dunedin before. Mr Hutchison: He had nob been long in Melbourne, I suppose. You must remember that Mr Farnie has a very difficult job with so many men, and sometimes they cheat him. Several of the men here observed that they knew Mr Famie did his best. Mr FitzLawrence : But I think that when I a man refuses to go to one job his name should be put to the bottom of the list. Mr Hutchison: That would be rather a hard thing. Catlins is a heavy job, and Mr Farnie was ordered to take only strong men. Mr Thomas said that that was true. He had been down there, and knew what the work was. Mr FitzLawjrence was still of opinion that it was not giving everybody a fair chance to call one name twice, and Mr Hutchison remarked that if there were such cases perhaps they were very necessitous. Attention was directed by Mr Thomas and others to the charge made for packing "tucker" to Catlins and the Tautuku, but the meeting here drifted into general conversation. After a while Mr Hutchison said that he had spoken to the mayor about clearing gorse, and asked him why he could not give the unemployed a chance with that work. The mayor answered that the work was contracted for; that some men had taken it at £4 and others at £4- 10s per acre, while now they were getting £6 103. Mr Stanley said that this work was offered to men at £2 10s. Those who made such an - offer did not want to let a man live. Further conversation took place, at the close of which Mr Stanley said the sooner the men got some work the better, or they would have to come on the charitable aid. The men were genuinely in want of work, and if any doubted it let them send an inspector to make inquiries. Mr Hutchison said there could be no doubt about it. It was only the newspapers and their friends of Bond street who said to the contrary. Ag the assemblage dispersed, those present were counted to the number of 60. Mr Hutchison subsequently waited on Mr Farnie and made inquiries as to the chance of work. That officer replied that he could nob do anj thing more till further instructions came to hand. The works were full-handed everywhere. With regard to the Cheviot, he supposed the work there would be reserved for the Canterbury unemployed. After the meetin i, Mr Hutchison, M.H.R., telegraphed to the Minister for Labour (the Hon. W. P. Reeves) .— " Urge on other departments immediate work for unemployed. I know its absolute necessity. Severe weather, measles, fever intensify privation." On Saturday afternoon he received the following reply from Mr Reeves :— " Very sorry to hear distress so bad. Will do all I can." THE MANAGEMENT OF THE RAILWATS. The following is the circular signed by Mr John Grigg, president of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, referred to in our article in page 8 :—: — At a meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, held on Thursday, June 8, the following resolutions were adopted, viz. : — "That the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association is of opinion that the railways should continue to be managed as at present — viz., by commissioners, — and strongly objects to their being placed under political control, and for the following reasons — the first economical, and the second a political reason : — " Practically, it was admitted by all political parties that management by the Government of the day bad been a failure, inasmuch as expert knowledge was absolutely necessary to the economical management, also that a continuous policy was equally necessary, and both these conditions are obtained under the commissioners. "Politically, the present system was the outcome of 'wise mistrust of themselves by the people' and the conviction that party government could not best manage a system so involved as the Railway department. 11 The proposal to give the power to veto the decisions of practical railway experts to a Minister who may be totally unacquainted with the management of railways seems inconsistent and impracticable. Experience of past Governments has proved the truth of this conclusion." 1 ' That the freedom and liberties of the railway employes would be seriously menaced under any mode of direct political control ; but under the present system the employes would continue to receive more equal and unbiased treatment, as they are now by the requirement of the act to be judged by no other considerations than that of their qualifications and energy in the service." " That the continual applications to members of Parliament to obtain some local and personal advantage had become so objectionable that all parti°s readily joined to get rid of the evil. That several colonies other than New Zealand had been forced to the same conclusion." BALLOTING FOE LAND. Eight subdivisions of the Ben Lomond run in North Otago, which was recently reserved by fie Government for settlement purposes, were thrown open for application on the 7th inst. Six of the runs were applied for on the date on which the land was submitted by a total number of 55 applicants, and a ballot was taken yesterday morning for the sections for which there was competition. The following are the names of the successful applicants, with the number of applications in each case : — M \EREWIIENUA DISTRICT. -a v, a a Rental Appli- Successful ±urn. Area. acre> can t s . applicant. 17 2356 6*d IS ... Fredk. Wm.Thiele 17a 4457 fiVd 1 ... Stewart Richmond 17n 712 lsOd 5 ... Walter ß.Sinnpter 17e 482 Is Id 17 ... Thomas Dickson 17b 1 35S Is Id 8 ... Henry M'Quade 170 393 Is Id 6 ... Thomas Beck On the day after the subdivisions were i>pene<3 for application, run 17b, containing 28S? acres, was applied for and secured by John Roberfc Murray, under the small grazing run system, the annual rental beiDg 63d per acre. A RUDDY GLOW on cheek and brow is evidence that the body is getting proper nourishment. Whcu this glow of heallh is absent assimilation is wrong and health is goiug. Golden Remedy No. 2 increase the appetite, it excites into healthy action both the nerves and muscles, by means of which digestion of the food taken is assisted and its perfect assimilation promoted. By taking Golden Remedy No. 2 you will not only feel strong, but you will ba strong and well. Sen<J for ok outers and. euros,