PAHIATUA COUNTY COUNCIL

Pahiatua Herald, Volume V, Issue 552, 4 October 1897, Page 2

PAHIATUA COUNTY COUNCIL

Saturday, October 2,189 V.

Tho ordinary monthly meeting of, the above Council was held on Saturday last. Present—Cr J. Griffith (chairman), and Cr.s Whitcombe, Whyte, Perry, Manson, Smith, Marsh, Holton and llod^ins. CORRESPONDENCE. From C. A. Pownall, solicitor acting for Mr Walter Best, claiming the sum of L7UI 10s damages in coanection with the opening of the Mangamiro Road. The damages claimed are as follows :—Two miles of fencing which Best was forced to erect at las per chain, L6O; 17 sheep at 10s each, L 23 ; 9 head of cattle at L'2 each, L 18; GO acres oats at LH per acre, L 490 ; GO acres turnips at L2 per acre, LI2O ; total L7Ol 10s. Mr Pownali further stated that the claim is for special damages, and if the Council is sued he will also claim general damages.

From the Wellington Harbour Board stating that in view of the strong and adverse criticism that has been offered by the local bodies in respect to the proposed Bill it is resolved that no further steps ho taken until after a conference of the local bodies to amend the constitution of the Board.

From J. Griffith, County Chairman, stating that owing to the Fitzherbert lioad Board declining to make the portion of the road on the other side of the range the Pahialua settiers decided to let the matter stand over for the present. From the Department of Lands re the unsafe condition of the road leading from the Kailway Station to the Borough bridge, the Minister of Lands requesting the Council to state reasons for not maintaining this road. ~ From same re the Tutackara Village Roads, asking particulars from the Council as to the estimated cost of constructing them.

From tho Receiver of Land Revenue stating that the sum of L 970 lGs 3d, amount of deferred payment and perpetual lease thirds has been placed to the Council’s credit- in the Bank of X.Z. From the Council’s Committee appointed to inspect and report on Mr Greville’s claim for damages for tho alleged swamping of his land by the neglect of the Council. The Committee reported that it considers the Council is not responsible for any damage as claimed by Mr Greville.

From Mr Samson asking permission on behalf of the Anglican Church members at Mangatainoka to erect a church on a portion of the river reserve.

The Engineer reported as follows : Contract 411, Road formation Mangaramarama Road.—Much delay lias occurred in the starting of work on this contract, although let on August 7th, aud nothing had been done at the time of my last report, and work only just started on the 27th ultimo. Now contractor reports 33 chains cleared ; 17 chains partly formed.

Contract 150, ereetion of bridge near Ellraer’g, W’oodville-Tiraumea. —This work has been satisfactorily completed.

Contract 455, bridle-track formation, Kohiuui Road.— Completed on September 20th. Centract 45G, erection of bridge, Waterfall Creek. Nikau.— Completed-

Contract 464, Road formation, Hill road, Mangatainoka Village Settlement. Nothing had been done on this contract on September 20. I have written to the contractor oil the matter of the delay.

Contract 465, road formation near Kelly’s, Ridge Road 33b.— The contractor expects to finish in the course of a few days. Time for completion. August 31st. Contract 416. road formation on Bourke s road.— Completed.

Contract 479, bridle-track formation, Woodville - Aohanga. The contractor reports that the work will be completed at the end of the week. Final inspection not yet made. Time for completion, September 15th. Contract 483, approaches to Kilmer's bridge.— Will bo completed early next week. During tho month considerable metal repairs have been effected on the Main road, south, Tutackara road, bridge road, Rock road, Makakahi road, Mangaone and Wood-ville-Tiraumea.

Most of tho roads have had slips cleared and arc in fair order. Tenders are called to close at this mcetiug for formation, Mara-strect, Dudley Arms, and also a bridle track to Mouckton’s.

Works from the Land ml ar. being pushed oil with as rapidly a possible.

With reference to Mr Best's claim tho chairman said ho had placed the matter before the Council’s solicitor, and lie had suggested that a committee of the Council meet him oa the 9th inst. to discuss the matter. Tho chairman said that the Council had been very careful before taking over tho road in question.

Moved by Cr Griffith, seconded by Cr Marsh, That a special meeting of the Council be hold on the 12th October at'll a.m. to consider and determine the action the Council will adopt in connection with Best’s claim.

Moved by Cr Whitcombe, seconded by Cr Marsh, That llio road to station is in very good order, and there are very few roads in tho County in better order, and the Hon. tho Minister of Public Works when hero told a deputation from this Council that ho did not know of many better roads in the colony: That a few chains of arc being perhaps a little narrow for a groat deal of traffic or for furious driving. The County generally has miles of road much more in need of being made more safe for traffic. Or Smith said lie would vote against tho resolution, as ho did not wish tho Counoil to up|h ar rebellious in tho eyes of the public. To* road was not in a tirst-cla nrd r Cr Whitcombe sat 1 I was

not dangerous miles: L .. wore such idiots as to race to see v. ho should got ahead. Ho considered there was not a bettor road in tho County. Tho two accidents which happened woro entirely tho fault of those who sustained them. I'ho Borough Gounod should not lor ot that those who live in gift s h uso-i should not throw stones. Lot the Borough Council mend its own ro: ■ .

Cr White said that 4.2 ha I he. n spent on the road since last meeting.

Cr Perry said he had been over the road complained of the other da. and hud not been bumped out of the trap, lie could understand Mr Job Vile complaining, as he was a coach proprietor. Cr Bolton said he agreed with Cr Smith that some explanation should be given the Government re ihc amount of extra traffic on the road which had caused the disrepair. The Chairman said tin- county had miles of road unfit for traffic, but he maintained that a number of ratepayers were compelled to travel over mud up to their axels. H the j Government wanted a better road they could make it better. lie admitted that some parts of tLe road ' wantc-d widening. Cr Wbyte .-aid tbat the Minister of Public Works, when in the dis • tried some time ago, said that it was as good a piece of road as he had ever travelled over. The motion was then put and carried.

Moved by Cr Bolton, and seconded i by Cr Perry, That the Engineer pre ' pare a plan showing the number of roads formed by the Government and not yet handed over to the Council and also roads now being maintained by tbo Government.— Carried.

Proposed by Cr Griffith and seconded by Cr Smith, That the u=e of the rope and cage be allowed Mr Matheson for temporary u e aapplied for in his letter and that lie returns same free of cost to the Council when required.—Carried.

The report of the works committee with regard to Greville claim was adopted. A deputation from part of the Woodvillc-Mangahao district wails-d on the Council in connection with certain loan money (£2OOO, loan 48j, raised for road making. The deputation wished for "the return to the Treasury of the balance, after the work has been completed.—The deputation was informed tbat the Council would return the balance, if any, when 'he work was completed. Mr Wright interviewed the Coun-

cil in connection with the Ottawa road giving access to his section. The Cbairmau said that there was a sum of 4120 to be spent on the road and the engineer was now preparing

tenders for the work on the reed. Moved by Cr Bolton, seconded by Cr Smith. Tbat this Council offer no objection to the thirds from Mr McKay's section, block 16, in the M.S.D., being handed over to the Kumeroa Road Board for expenditure on his access.—Carried.

Sundry accounts amounting £390 7s 3d were passed for payment. The treasurer reported as follow*: Count fund, dr., £2440 17 9J; county hypothecated thirds account, cr., i'GG9 5s lid; land fund, cr., £1491 9s 4d; Government loan account, er., £1289 6s 9d. The Works Committee recommended the following t -“solution?, which were adopted by the Council: Proposed by Cr Smith, seconded by Cr Manson. That the question of asking Mr Riddiford for compensation for removing the bullocks killed on the I’ahiatua-Palmerston track be referred to the consideration of the full Council.

Moved by Cr Smith, seconded by Cr Whyte, lhat Mr Wilson’s letter re cutting scrub and widening track on road 25 be left to the engineer to deaf with.

Moved by Cr Smith, seconded by Cr Whyte. That Mr O Neill's requi -t be recommended for consideration if there are funds to do the work.

Moved by Cr Manson and seconded by Cr Whyte, That Mr Cummingbe informed that the chairman and Cr Smith and the Engineer will visit Mr Cumming’s property and report to the Council as to whether it is responsible for the alleged damage.—Carried. Moved by Cr Smith and seconded by Cr Manson, That Mr Baggarley be informed that the Council will grjiut his request re the swing gale on the usual conditions.—Carried.

Moved by Cr Manson aud seconded by Cr Wliytc, That Mr Shekleton’s request re swing gate bo granted if it is erected to the satisfaction of the Engineer.—Carried.

Moved by Cr Whyte and seconded by Cr Smith, That Mr Kingdon be granted his accrued thirds for the bridge he asked for on condition that they are not hypothecated to pay interest on loan or scheduled for auy other work, and that this Council do not undertake to have anything to do with the' work ; further, that this Council will not hold itself responsible for any damage that may occur at auy lime to the bridge, and that this motion be brought before the full CouncilCarried. Moyed by Cr Smith and seconded by Mr Manson That Mr Huvhcs le

informed lhat the Council have no objection to bis doing the work he' requires douc on the Maugaramaraiua road if it is done at his ow n exp, nse. —Carried. Moved by Cr Whyte and seconded by Cr Smith, That the Engineer be instructed to form 10 chains of King-street, Kanawa.—Carried. Moved by Cr Smith and seconded by Cr Manson That Mr tjuinlanrequest re using part of tho road reserve be granted provided he removes the fence at any time the Council requests him to do so.—

Carried. Moved by Cr Whyte and seconded by Cr Smith, That the following tenders be accepted: Contract 441, W. Wiles; 485, 1). O’Brien; 487, J. Hall.—Carried. The Works Committee called the attention of the Council to the fact that the road near Xlr GrcvilleV was in a dirty state oil account of him allowing his cows to camp there over night. The Council decided that it had no power to grant permission to the Anglican Church members to erect a church on the rivor reserve at Mangatainoka. It was resolved tbat an account be

■ sent to Mr tiiddiford for the cost of leaving dead cuttle on tho road, and request him to solid a cheque at once. Moved by Cr Perry, seconded by Cr Bolton, That Mr Dunning's request re fonl bo hold over until next meeting, and the Government engineer be a-ked if lie intends to go on with other work which requires attending to at Makuri.—Carried. Moved by Cr Bolton and seconded bv Cr llodgius That the Makatro road from llalliday s towards the Mukairo bridge la' foruavd up and metalled, omitting for the tune being (lie pro post'd deviation, as soon as money is available. Carrie!. Mortal by Cr Whitcombe and - seconded by Cr linffiib, That liiw

Council authorise the expenditure, not exceeding £l9, for the purchase of sparrows’ eggs, the price for eggs to be 2d per dozen, and id a dozen for tbo birds.