CLUTHA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3117, 10 December 1913, Page 8

CLUTHA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Clutha County Council was hold at Bale lath a on hnday afternoon; present—Crs J. B. Mitcnell (chairman), J. C. Begg, J. Edwards, J. Clarke. J. Cumming, VV. H. Smith, W. Quin, and W. Nicol. engineer’s report.' The Engineer (Mr J- Ramsay) reported as follows lor the period ending November 26: —South Moiyneux Biding: Bepairs are being carried out on the main and side roads; the grading on Swamp road will he completed us soon as weather The bridge on Randalls toad crossing Kororo Creek lias been < ompleted. Catlins Biding; The work of grading and repairing of tne various roads throughout tne riding is being curried out as quickly as possible. Plans have been completed tor road deviation through Mr Berney’s property, Catlins Lake. The washout on the foreshore at Pounawca lias been repaired. Ciutha Biding: The surfaceman has been engaged grading Jack’s road and repair.ng holes on Main South road, Wilson’s and Tc Houka roads, and letting oft’ water and repairing holes on Webb's road. Stone is being quarried for M'Kay’s road. Pomahaka Biding:’ A new culvert has been put in and the road widened on Miller’s road, near Pomahaka Biver, and seven now 6in culverts put in on Jones’s road. r J he metalling contracts on Pomahaka roads are almost completed Bichardson Biding : Work has been done on the follow ing loads: —Busli and School roads have been tabled and nicta! raked in; repairs to Clinton-Puerua, Fyfe’s completed, and a start made to put in new culverts on Cln-ton-Puorua read. Bepairs to Manning’s bridge are almost completed, and teams have* been engaged to grade Whte Plat road. Clinton Pviding; The nictalhm; contract on main Waipahi to Clinton road has bee'll completed, and the repairs to Kuriwao bridge arc being tarr ed out. V\ aipalii Hiding: I ho grading and forming of the Conical Hills Settlement roads are being carried out as quickly as possible, and the grading of other roads in the riding w.'l be completed as soon as the weather is favourable. Clyde vale Riding : The surfaceman has been engaged in repairing a number of washouts and filling ruts, etc., throughout the riding. Grading on the various orads will he gone on with as soon us teams are available. Balclufha Traffic Bridge: About 100 planks (20ft lengths M 8 x 4) will he required to repair the Balclutha traffic bridge. Quite a number of the decking planks are almost worn through. A motion was passed that the council, in conjunction with Bruce County Council and Balcluthu Borough Council, have the repairs on the Balcluthu traffic bridge carried out. —The report was adopted. MOTIONS. The following motions were passed That the chairman's travelling expenses (£39 2s 8d) for the year he paid; that the next meeting he held on Friday, December 19. and that the officers get the usual Christmas and New Year holidays, and the surfacemen four clays at Christmas and Jsew Year; that a Works Committee be set up consisting of the Chairman, Crs Nicol, Gumming, and Clarke-, that 250 yards of Logan’s Point metal be procured to metal the unrnotalled part of Kuriwao Siding road, and that the work ho carried out as soon as convenient; that tenders he called for about 20 chains of metalling on p.ae and Quartorman’s roads; that . the engineer call for tenders for gravelling on Go'rc-Waikoikoi road. White’s Hill; that the engineer he authorised to expend the Government grant (£ for £) on WaipahiPukerau road; that application he made to the Government for grant for £SO to complete metalling at AVairuna dairy factory, and also £SOO for the Clinton-Wyndham road. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr R. A. Johnston, secretary Land Board, wrote enclosing statement of “ thirds” and “fourths” and royalty, totalling £97 18s 3d, for period July 28 to October 25.—Received. Mr W. F. Marsh, for the Commissioner of Crown Lunds, wrote that, as the expended sum (£1338) for the Conical Hills Settlement roads, and the council’s estimate for the completion (£279 10s). would make a total cost of £1617 10s—£162 10s more than there was authority to certify for, under the cir-

cumstances he must ask the council to reduce the works apportionately to agree with the sum voted —viz., £1455. Considering the liberal manner in which the Crown had proceeded with the reading on this settlement, and the benefits that must accrue to the district by the increase in the number of holdings, it surely was a fair thing for the council to assume some liability and undertake the completion of any works the cost of which were beyond the amount voted by Parliament. —The clerk was instructed to explain that, owing to the very wet weather experienced and the consequent difficulty in making the roads, extra expense was incurred.

The District Engineer, Public Works Department, wrote asking if in future, when expending Government grants upon the metalling of roads, the council would see that in no case was metal blinded until it had been passed by an officer of the Public Works Department. Unices this instruction was complied with payment of claim might bo disal lo w cd. —Received.

1 ho District Land Registrar wrote asking information with regard to the formation of streets in Quakeriield (Owaka).—lt was pointed out that the council had never taken over the control of the roads in Quakerficld, although it was collecting rates from the township, and the roads had been surveyed for about 20 years.—Or Smith advocated that the council should take over the streets, and said it would not take much to form them to suit requirements.—On the motion of Cr Clarke, the matter was held over for a month.

Mr C. Capanvigian applied for permission to erect throe gates across the new road leading to Loclrndorb. —Ur Begg moved that this matter ho held over for another month, as tho now settlers at Lochindorb objected to the gates.—Agreed to.

Messrs Morris Bros, Pukerau, wrote that since the Southland County Council refused to do anything' regarding 1 the erection of a bridge at Purvos’s, they would suggest building a stock bridge, say, 10ft wide, and capable of carrying six tons, estimated to cost £l5O, of which they would pay £SO. as there was no reasonable outlet from their property.—ln reply to Cr Begg, the engineer said the site where the bridge was wanted was an awkward place to get into, and it would cost a good deal over £l5O to build it. —Cr Begg said he would like to do something for the applicants, as they were making a good offer, and they had very bad access at present.—The Chairman said that as it was a bridge it would have to be paid out of the general account, and it was therefore necessary that Cr Begg should be able to give more information as to the cost.—Cr Begg said that if the council indicated that it would he willing to bear the cost on a basis of £2 to £1 he would bo willing to got all necessary information, hut it would bo no use going to the trouble of ascertaining a probable cost if the council would not give anything. As there appeared to be an indication that the council would hear a proportion of the cost, he moved that the engineer and himself inspect the site and obtain all necessary information; also that the Southland County Council be again written to asking it to contribute one-third of the cost. —Curried.

Mr W. Shcat, Willowhurn, wrote complaining of no attention being given to the road in front of Willowhurn, and stating that as a result the road was in a bad state. —Received.

Messrs E. Clements and Son. Popotunoa, wrote offering to metal chains of road -at Popotunoa at £4 10s per chain.—Left with Or Clarke and engineer to deal with.

Messrs Coekhurn Bros., Whitolea, wrote asking when the council intended going on with the ercct’on of a bridge over the Kaihiku stream, as they could cart the material from the steamer landing when the horses wore not being otherwise used.— Cr Edwards moved that a light bridge ho erected on the place suggested by Mr Cockburn. —The Chairman opposed the motion. — The Engineer said that a bridge to carry two tons would cost over £3OO, as the concrete banks would require to be 20ft high.—Cr Smith ; flow many ratepayers does it serve?

-—The Chairman: One —Cr Nicol seconded the motion pro forma, and Cr Edwards was tit: l only one to vote for it.

Mr 1). FLiilayson s complaint (hold over from the previous meeting) about the etate of the road to Lochindorb iu> to Pucrua Valley was considered. —<'r Nicol (in the al> sonce of Cr Hay) moved that the load be attended to, tost not to exceed £2o. Agreed to. Mr Arthur T. Ward and mne others, Otekura (Ahuriri Flat), wrote drawing attention to the fact that the unmetalled portion of the Ahuriri Flat road running through sections 9 and 7, block IV. ( jlenomaru, had been in a very bad state all winter, and for months it was positively dangerous for light vehicle*. As surfacing had failed to make a good road of i‘; they asked that some work of a more permanent character be done during the inco’mivig summer, anti they hoped tho council would bo able to take advantage of the pound for pound grant of £SO put on the Estimates hist session towards metalling tins road. -Declined. . Mr J. Lindsay. Otckura, wrote ottering to metal about 4-> chains of the road to the Post Office for £5 a chain.—Declined, tho price being considered too high. Mr Arthur Onibler. Puketiro, wrote that the Oath ns Valiev—Puketiro road was in a deplorable state, and hoped that something would be done at once.—-Jo be informed that the engineer and councillor had inspected the road, and the council under* stands the Public Works Department intends to spent £75 on it. Mr Robert Falconer, Owaka, wrote asking that the road leading to section 44. block VII, Glenomaru, be made passable for sledging at least, by having two culverts put in on the small streams and the small bridge repaired —Attended to bv Cr Mr Alfred Harrison. Gavershaim wrote again complaining of the state of the road leading to his property on sect-on 28. block VI [, Gatlins, and c esc ibed the road as a disgrace. There was plenty of rock near bv "which would be quite good enough to fill «p the dangerous places.- -Being attended to . . , Mr Win. Gwvn. Ilompann, applied toi nerm-ssion to lay* a tramway along the roadlino from section 9. block VII. Tauluku, to the railway at Stewart’s corner. — I erm:ssion to be granted by chairman and enfineer subject to usual conditions. ° Messrs Sutherland and Dippie. I’uerua, wrote that tho site wh-re they had been e-ettin-r gravel for their contract on Swamp road had been scoured out, by -ccent floods, and asking if the council would sanction tho procuring of lyogan’e Point metal for the balance of the contract, at a price to bo agreed upon—l>ft with chairman member for riding and engineer to attend to. Leslie Gee, Glenomaru, wrote that part of M'Kcnzie’s road, blocks TII and X, Glen-

omaru, wanted maintaining and if the surfacemen was too busy to attend to the road within a reasonable time the settlers would bo willing to quarry and spread the metal themselves and also clean out the holes at a reasonable cost. —The Engineer said the settlors were really responsible themselves-for the state of the road, as they did heavy carting in wet weather. —Held over. Messrs G. Hoffman and A. H. Stowcil, ratepayers of Finegand township, wrote asking the council to repair the road facing the township.—To be attended to. Mr Robt. Allan, Ratanui, wrote drawing attention to the dangerous statd of the road leading to his place. He was prepared to give pound for pound on the amount of his rates. —Hold over. Mr D. Stewart, Balclutha, applied for permission to erect swing gates on roads leading through his property at Sweetwater Creek; these roads were seldom used.—Permission granted, subject to usual conditions. , Mr A. K. Campbell, Nugget Point, wrote asking that the land fund (£4O odd) bo spent on Campbell’s Creek road, which was almost impassable.—Referred to the engineer and member for riding. Mr W. J. Keys, Toiro, wrote applying on behalf of Messrs Sheddan, Clarke, Sarginson, and himself for permission to erect a private telephone lino from the Toiro Post Office to their respective homesteads wherever necessary on the county roads. — Pernrssion granted, subject to the usual conditions ' TENDERS. The following tenders were accepted:— Carting about 125 cubic yards Logan’s Point metal tor Hanning’s road—Maginness and Osborne Bros., 2s per yard; carting about 2000 yards Logan’s Point metal for Owaka Valley road—R. J. Allison, 2s yard; carting about 250 cubic yards Logan’s Point metal for Shrub Hill road —Macginness, 2s per vard; dog collars, 1600 (more or less)- — R. Davis, 51d each.’. OTANOMOMO ROADS. Mr Thomas Heyce, farmer, Otanomomo, and 15 other settlers, wrote drawing attention to the state of the roods and ditches from the Otanomomo siding to the Pucrua. traffic bridge. All through the past winter, and even right up to September, % the roads were practically impassable, and a few days rain put them into u terrible state now. A contract was let three years ago to gravel the road from the Punt road up to Lauder’s corner, but the jot had not been commenced yet. Six years ago the farmers in the locality worked their teams for 7s a day, carting silt on the road from the punt to the Main Swamp road preparatory to the surfacing with gravel. This stretch of road was now just as bad as any other stretch and was just a. series of deep holes. Four months ago timber was carted down to make a crossing, and the timber was still lying where it was unloaded. Two years ago Messrs Sutherland and Dippie got a contract for gravelling the road from Lauder’s corner towards the Otanomomo siding for a distance of 2000 yards approximately, and a Government subsidy of £125 was obtained for the work. The job v was still unfinished. The petitioners considered that it was time for the metalling of these roads, and that the 30 chains from the Punt roa<l down to Melville’s gate ought to bo taken in hand at once, also from the Punt road up to Lauder’s corner. The ditches also were in a bad state. * There wore 12 now ratepayers in the district, and it was only a fair thing that a proportionately larger share of the county’s income should be spout on the roads in the district. —ln connection with- this matter a deputation, composed of Messrs A. Aitkennoad, T. Heyes, G. Bransgrove, P. Murray, R. D’Evolyn, and. J. H. Taylor, waited on the council, Mr Aitkcnhead acting as chief spokesman. —After hearing the deputation, the Chairman said that, unfortunately, the member for the riding (Or Hay) was not present, and the council could not decide on any definite action then. He moved that the matter be referred to the member for the riding, the engineer and himself.— The motion was carried. / Mr Heyes, on behalf of now settlers on the Otanomomo Settlement, spoke on the need of roads being formed and repaired .n the settlement. —The Chairman said that the council had no funds to do this work. The settlers should apply to the Government for a grant. A letter was received from the Commissioner of Crown Lands stating that he had received numerous complaints from the settlers in Otanomomo Settlement to the effect that nothing had as yet been done towards constructing the roads through the settlement. It had been arranged that the county engineer was to take charge of the works, tor which he was to receive a percentage for the supervision. The past few months having been so wet, the writer could understand that the engineer would have been reluctant to make a start with the formation, but it appeared that the council might well have attended to the cleaning out of the drains as a preparatory measure, and these were in a very bad state. As not only were the settlers who were already on tile settlement being put to much inconvenience for want of roads, but also the unsold sections were not being taken up, he asked that the council would give every opportunity to its engineer to proceed at once with the work of roadmaking, and to push it on with ail possible speed.—-Cr Clarke moved that the work be gone on with as scon as possible.—The motion was agreed to, and it was decided that information be sought as to whether the money voted for road formation included cleaning ditches, GENERAL. The statement of receipts and expenditure for the period ending November 25 show ed: Receipts, £657 19s 5d ; expenditure, £1327 19s Bd. Cr Begg gave notice of motion that in future the council hold its meeting at 1.30 p.nn, instead of 3.30 p.rn. The chairman and engineer were empowered to make-inquiries concerning the ingot non corrugated road culverts (for which Messrs Briscoe and Co. had forward ed quotations), and if , found suitable that a sample be tried. Dog registration fees were fixed the same as formerly—viz., 5s for ordinary dogs and 2s 6d fo>- sheep and cattle dogs.