TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2387, 30 November 1899, Page 25

TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The annual statutory meeting of this council was held in the Council Chambers at noon on Wednesday, 22nd, and was attended by Crs Benntt (chairman), Bennetts, Cotton, Livingston, Oudaille, Ottrey, Sim, and Simpson.

As already reported, Cr Bennet was re-elected chairman for the ensuing twelve months. The council then adjourned till 2 p.m., when the ordinary business was proceeded with. George Murray, Finlay Munro, John Munro, and Kose Gunn, Tuapeka Flat, wrote asking that the road leading from Murray's to the main road should be made fit for traffic. — Resolved — " That "looyds of stone be quarried as soon as possible for the purpose of repairing the road." George K. Scott and Michael Whelan, Waipori, wrote requesting that the road leading from" the Golden Key mine, Mitchell's Flat, to the Lawrence-Waipori road, be made passable for dray traffic— Left to the inspector with power to act. The Secretary Sunlight Dredging Company wrote calling attention to the state of the road leading to tho company's dredge, and asking that it should be put in a state of repair. — To be attended to. A. E. Inder, general manager O.P.Q. mine, Waipori, wrote calling attention to the position in which the company was placed through the delay in completing the formation of the Waipori Bush road. — The engineer was authorised to lay off and call tenders for the road in question, and also visit and pass the present contracts as soon as possible, the opening of the road being a matter of urgency. The road into the Waipori Bush was also ordered to be attended to. From the Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, requesting that for the purpose of road deviation, block XVII, Greenvale Survey District, had been taken under " The Public Works Act, 1894," and that a proclamation to that effect had been issued. — Received. G. H. Stewart, Crookston, wrote that he had been asked by a number of settlers to call attention to the unfinished portion of the gravel contract near Mr Thomas Sim's gate. — The matter to be attended to. The Manager Golden Shore Dredging Company, Waipori, wrote calling attention to the ! lower crossing to their claim. — The inspector | was authorised to Teport by next meeting as i to the cost of formation.

The Secretary Enfield Gold Dredging Company wrote stating that the company were calling for tenders for a dredge to cost between £4000 and £5000 to be placed on the claim at Post Office Creek, Upper "Waipori. To allow of the heavy machinery getting on the claim, about 10 chains of the crest of the hill leading into the claim wouid require to be lowered slightly. — After discussion, the inspector was instructed to" report.

The following shows the expenditure on the various county works, etc., for the months of September and October : — Contract No. 486 (Government vote), Waipori Bush road, £35 2s; 487 (Government vote), "VVaipori Bush road, £30 12s; Browne Bros, (timber, etc.), £10 9s 2d; Herbert and Co. (sundries), £11 0s 2d; Jackson and Co. (timber, £2 15s 6d ; road pipes, £19 9s ; W. T. M'Farlane (timber, etc.), £68 10s sd ; Muir and Burley (timber, etc.), £G 5s 8d; cement, £7 10s; Thomson, Bridger, and Co. (sundries), £36 103 ; road labour, carting and grading, £457 4s lid; miscellaneous and Government votes, £1175 4s 2d. ■"• A CONTRACT DISPUTE.

Mr T. Dooley attended the meeting with reference to a contract he had taken on Waipori Bush road, and after explaining the circumstances under which the inspector had refused to pass the work, said he had been very harshly and unfairly treated. The inspector also made an explanation, stating that the work had not "been carried out according to specifications, and that in taking the action he did he was merely following the instructions of the engineer, who refused to sanction the work. — Resolved— " That Mr Dooley should get £25, and the balance when the work was finally passed by the inspector."

THE COUNCIL'S FINANCE 3.

The Chairman said he should like to impress upon members the necessity of being moderate in their demands for expenditure in their different ridings. Their financial position was far from what it should be. They should not, therefore go too far in pressing their demands. The necessity for retrenchment was forced upon them, and it must be nccepted until such time as they were in a better position. No doubt newly-elected members just come in from their constituents were anxious to Tedeem their proraises, and it waß on that account all the more necessary that he should explain the position of the council.

Cr Oudaille said he should insist that de-lej-rcd-payraent monevj as it came vj? t should

be expended. He should in like manner ask to have Government money expended when the necessary arrangements were made as to the works it should be spent on.

After a few further remarks the subject was dropped.

GENERAL.

The following tenders were accepted: — John Cruickshank, 502 and 251; C. Cassidy, 502 and 230; Riddet Bros., 505; X). Parker, 509 and 512.

Accounts amounting to £1371 19s 5d were passed for payment.

It was decided that deferred payments and "thirds" in Waitahuna Riding be expended therein, on necessary works, and that fenders be called for same next meeting ; also, that the Government vote be expended on the "Waita-huna-\yaipori road. It was resolved that Crs Simpson, Oudaille, Livingston, and Sim be members of the Hospital Board for the ensuing year.

It was resolved that Crs Bennetts and Ottrey sign cheques for the ensuing 12 months.

On the motion of Cr Sim, seconded by Cr Bennetts, it was resolved—" That a sum of £100 bo granted for expenditure on the main road between Crookston and Tapanui, a distance of nine miles."

Ho petition of John G. Sutherland, road through block IV, Crookston, to Heriot railway station, it was resolved to open half a mile of road for traffic.

It was resolved that the inspector visit and report on Heriot bridge for next meeting. It was resolved that four men be employed for two weeks on the road Shingle Creek to county boundary.

Resolved — " That the inspector- report to next meeting with reference to the necessity and probable cost of road from Elliott's station to Craig's claim; also, on small Bridge at Teviot Creek." — Tuapeka Times.