CONFERENCE OF THE Borough and County Counoils.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 633, 22 February 1879, Page 2

CONFERENCE OF THE Borough and County Counoils.

According to arrangement, a Conference of the County and Borough Councillors was held in Townley's Hall, at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. There were present on behalf of the Borough : Captain T. W. Porter (Mayor), Councillors Adair, Morgan, Smith, and Townley ; while the County ropresentatives were : Councillors J. Woodbine Johnson, Locke, McKay, and Graham. On the motion of His Worship the Mayor, Councillor J. W. Johnson was voted to the Chair. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, stated that the object of the Conference was to devise some plan of utilizing the rails possessed by the County, and to fully discuss the matter, pre vious to any further steps being taken. The question before them was whether they would simply utilize the rails for the purpose of constructing the main road, or whether it was advisable to lay down a permanent way at once, and then, after the completion of the tram, to proceed with the formation of the road. His idea was, that if tenders were called for the construction of the road only, and if it was understood that contractors were permitted to have the use of the rails for the purpose of conveying metal, the work would be done cheaper, and they would have a tolerably good permanent way at the same time. Others were of opinion that a permanent tramway should first be laid down, which, of course, should be done if there were sufficient funds to complete the work. Then, again, the rails received were of an inferior description, being only 281b., rails, and unsuitable if a, permanent tram were in contemplation. It was for the Conference to discuss the matter, and arrive at some decision — not necessarily at once — but after every enquiry had been made by practical and professional persons. Captain Porter said that there was an impression abroad, that they were to have a railway from Gisborne to Orm^nd. The public wished to be enlightened in the matter, and they were met now to decide what had to be done wit'rv the rails presented by the Government. It was understood that they were to be laid down as a permanent way, on the line of the main road from Gisborne to Ormond. It was necessary to know what the Council contemplated, and for the present Conference to suggest something concerning the matter. Information was wanted on certain points, viz. , the amount of funds at their disposal, and the authority of the Council to carry a line along the main road. He was of opinion that a special Act weuld be required, empowering them to lay a tram on the main road within the County boundary. Inside the Municipality such was not necessary, as they had full control of all matters affecting the Borough. The Chairman thought that the funds at the disposal of the County was sufficient for metalling the main road, and, by utilising the rails for the purpose, they could get the road cheaply constructed. He had his doubts as to the power the Council bad of occupying the main road with a tram, and had, previous to coming to the Conference, thought it advisable to get a legal opinion on the subject, which he would submit to the meeting. Counsel's opinion was, that the Covvnty had no avithority to do so, except a special Act were passed for the purpose. Tins cmild pasily be procured, and is no real difficulty in the way of carrying on the work at once. Councillor Graham thought it was undesirable to have a permanent tram dine on the main road. It would tend vtp"spoil it, and would materially depreciate property. The whole thing was in a very crude state, and wanted careful consideration. He thought the ratepayers should first be consulted, before they decided upon a permanent tram. He was of opinion that a rond, properly constructed, would be preferable to a line of tram taken along the main road. Councillor McKay said that asthey had got the rails, the better plan would be to carry on a permanent tram line to Ormond. and further if the rails would | reach. They had now about £14,000 at the disposal of the county, which would, he thought, be more than sufficient to fomplete the work. They wanted metal for the roads — both County and Borough, and could be supplied with any quantity, delivered at any point along the line if it were laid. Other roads would require construction, and they must look at the facilities for supplying metal, at various places resulting from a permanent tram. Captain Porter said that there were different routes proposed for the tram line, but that if it were carried along the main road no compensation would, be asked, which possibly might be the case if the line were carried direct to Ormond, through private property. The Chairman thought it would take all the money they had to metal the road, and that it was a necessary work whether they had a permanent line of tram or not. He would suggest that the best and cheapest way to utilize the rails, would be to advertise for tenders for the road, and that the contractor be permitted the use of the rails. Councillor Graham, said, that if the Engineer's opinion agreed with that of the Chairman, they should first have a good metalled road. The tram which would be laid down by a contractor might be of a permanent character, and they would thus have a road, and a permanent tramway as well. Captain Porter requested to know whether the contractor would not charge accordingly. He thought in the end it would cost more money, as it could not be expected, if a permanent way be not contracted for, that the contractor should make one. He would like to propose to make the |tram, and then

call tenders for the construction and metalling of the road. Councillor Morgan thought it very undesirable to do what was proposed by the Chairman. It would add a third more to the cost of both works, that is the tram, and road ; and, besides, the rails, when once used, would be worthless to lay for a permanent tram. Any person undertaking the works, would, if a suitable and substantial permanent way were stipulated, charge enough to cover the cost of doing it. He was in favor of a permanent way being at once laid, and then to proceed with the road. Councillor Locke said the Goverment were kind enough to give them rails, which, lie was informed, were unsuitable for a permanent line, and would not be serviceable for more than 3 years. Now that they had them they ought to be utilized. He expressed an opinion that they would require a special Act of Parliament, and that they were not in a position to proceed with the works until they obtained the necessary authority. He thought the AttorneyGeneral should at once be consulted relative to the matter. With reference to the proposed tramway line, if it was a part of a system for opening up the whole county as far as Waiapu and the Lakes, he would be favorable to a permanent line. After condsiderable discussion, on the subject, Captain Porter said, that as none of the Councillors had come prepared with any practical suggestions, it would be better to adjourn the Conference ; and, in the meantime, to think the matter over. He would propose — That the Conference stand adjourned to this day month, and that the Engineers of the Council and Borough be instructed to enquire and furnish information on the following points : (1). Be power to make a permanent tram along the main road. (2). The probable cost of a temporary in comparison with a permanent line. (3). How long 281b., rails wear, and what weight of engine could be run on them. (4). Should the line run along he centre or side of such road. (5). Where the terminus should be? (6). What proportion of the expenses would be chargeable to the Borough, if the Council undertook the works. (7). Whether it is possible to obtain land (private) adjoining or parallel to the main road. (8). Would cross sleepers be necessary. (9) How far would the rails in possession of the County reach— to Ormond, or as far as Kaiterataha? (10). Where would sleepers be obtained from 1 The Conference was adjourned to the 21st March.