County Council.

Pahiatua Star and Eketahuna Advertiser, Volume 5, Issue 410, 8 July 1890, Page 2

County Council.

The Works Committee of the above met yesterday morning, when there were present—Crs Vile (chairman), Pinfold, Miller, and Whitcombs.

The following tenders were dealt with :

Contract 80, strong room—T. Nishet, 10 x 6 L 75 15s, 8 x 6 LSI; D. and W. Mclnnes, LSB 6» and L 55155; J. Dawson, LSB and L 55 (accepted) ; J. Thacker, L6O Contract Hl.—John O’Brien, L259* 14s Bd, culverts 8s per foot, drains 12s (id per chain ; H. Cornelias, Ll7O, culverts 2s 6d. drains 10s 6d (accepted); J. McCarthy, L 346 16s, enlrerts 2s 4d, drains LI; /*

Rees*. 1.174, culverts 2s 9d ; T. I’. (Jird wood, 1.215.

Contract 82.—T. I’. Oirdwood, 10s per chain; R. Thompson, 1.1 2s 8.1: H. Cornelius, 11s (accepted); Carmichael and Johnston, 14s lid; McMahon and McCarthy. LI Os. Contract 88, —T. I’, Oirdwood, 1.155 ; John Barron, 10s lid per chain; Joseph Bull 8* 1M formation, 10s 0d culverts; H. Cornelius, 10s 5d formation, clearing 7s per chain (accepted i ; T. Teeedale, 18s culverts, formation 12s (M; McMahon and McCarthy, 8s clearing, XI 4s formatiou and culverts. ORDINARY MEETING. The ordinary Council business was then proceeded with. CORRESPONDENCE. Letter from A. W. Sedcole, resigning his position of Clerk, Treasurer, Returning Officer Ac. to the County; also Returning Officer for the Licensing District; and asking for salary due. He was not nwnre that he held all these offices, but according to the riding of the R.M it w as possible he might.— Moved by the Chair man and seconded bv Cr l'mfold. That the resignation of A. W. Sedcole as Returning Officer to the Council be accepted, and that he receive 1.1 Is for his services in connection with Licensing matters. — Cr Whitcombe said through the stupidity ot the Council, Mr Sedcole had been let in for about LlO expenses, and the Council ought to make it up.—The Chairman pointed out that it was not so.—The resolution was carried. From Hawke's Bay Rabbit Board, nsking for a refund for constructing part of road along the Woodvilie-Tiratiniea. The work had been done in error, but they thought they were entitled to payment for it. — The Engineer said the fault was entirely on the Board's part ; they had been cautioned beforo the work was commenced ; some of the road would possibly be of service in time.—Referred to the Engineer to report at the next meeting. From United District C. A. Board asking for quarterly contribution. From N. P. Olsen asking that his wife's name be placed in the rate roil for town secton, Kaitawa.—Agreed to. From North County, forwarding resolution re maintenance of maul road between Eketahuna and llawera.— From County I.icensing Clerk, forwarding resolution passed by Committee recommending that the Clerk receive 1,1 Is for each meeting or 1.4 4s per annum. — Cr Whitcombe moved the LI Is be paid for each sitting of the Committee.— Seconded by Cr Miller and carried. From North County, enclosing the following resolution :—“ That in the opinion of this Council power should be given to County Councils to levy spocial rates over the whole county for the purpose of providing interest on loans to renew bridges of the value of 1,400 and upwards without taking a poll of ratepayers.” The co-oporation of the I’ahiatua Council was invited.—lt was decided to co-operate. The Council adjourned at I. and resumed at 2. From J. McCarthy, stating that it was impossible to complete contract 75, Makuri, owing to the bad state of the weather, anil asking that the contract be held over.—Work postponed till summer. From same, asking that a permanent road from metal pit at Kaitawa be made. Referred to Engineer to deal with. From Mr Geo. fieetham M.H.R., enclosing letter lrom Survey-General agreeing to accept the County Engineer’s certificate with reference to the Mangaramarama oiertlow works.—Letter from Mr \V. C. Smith, M.H.K., on the same subject, and expressing surprise at Mr Beetham interfering, as it was likely to lead to complications. He wished to know if the Council had instructed Mr Beetham in the matter.—Letters of thanks were ordered to be sent to both gentlemen. From Surveyor General stating that although the County Engineer could give certificate, plans would have to be gent to the department before tenders were called. —-The Engineer was instructed to go on with the work as soon as the plans were approved and all signatures obtained. From S. ltisset, asking for access, Mangaramarama Valley ; also for permission to fell road line.—The latter portion was agrcod to. From five settlers, Rock Road, protesting against any money from the Rock Road loan being spent on Mangaramarania Valley Road.—H. H. Knight and F. J. Hamilton waited personally on the Council in support of the objection.— The loan proposal was read, which showed that the money was borrowed for the Mangaramarama Road as well as the Rock Road.—Mr Knight complained that the Council had done very little for the Rock Road settlers, who got nliat hail been done by raising a loan.—Mr Hamilton said when they voted for the loan it was under the impression that the Rock Road would be widened and metalled before anything was done to the Mangaramarama Road. —Moved by Cr Whitcombe, seconded by Cr Avery, and carried. That this Council does not see its way clear to alter the resolution passed at last meeting re Rock and Mangaramarama Roads. From G. Bottomley, putting in an amended application for slaughter license. Corporation Endowment.—The Chairman did not see anything to prevent the Council granting a license within half a mile of the town district.—License granted. From Surveyor-General, re leserve near Tiraumea Bridge stating that it could not be vested in the Council; but a small portion could be used for stacking timber. From Treasury, stating that the Council would have to reduce its application for balance of loans by X2BO, as this amount was over and above what could be drawn in one year (X6ooo).—Agreed to take the amount off the Tiraumea Valley Road loan. From Treasury, notifying that X2OOO had passed audit, balance of loans. From Treasnry, demanding interest on loans—Xlo4 7s 8d on account of Road Board loans, and XB2 5s 8d on account of County loans. From Receiver of Land Revenue, forwarding statement of deferred thirds. From District Survey Office, stating that ths Makuri Gorge Road was handed over in good order —Moved by Cr Miller, seconded by Cr Whitcombe, and earned. That a reply be sent to Mr Merchant that the Makuri Road was in very bad order, there being a number of slips on the track; also that the culverts, being made of dead pungas and the bridges being made of taws, are dangerous to life and limb ; and that this Council will not hold themsslves liable for aay damages that may be brought forward. From G. Avery, asking that the road through his section be altered, there nowbeing a considerable amount of traffic.— Referred to Engineer. From J. J. f.’oady, re felling road line, Masterton-Mangahao.—The question of felling road lines generally in the Mail-

gahao was left to the Chairman and Engineer. From H. Wainwrright, complaining <>f the state of the track loading to Ins see turn, Scarborough, and requesting that something be done.—l>eall with in Engineer’s report. From G. R. Bcninson, asking to be paid at the rate ot X2 jwr sere for felling road line, Slasterton-llawera. —To be informed that he will be paid XI 10s per acre. From B. Riley, requesting that the road between J. Sinclair’s and Rallanco he made at once.—On the motion of Cr Pinfold, seconded by Cr Whitcombe. the sum of X 5 was voted to aa-nsl in making t,wck. —The Chairman pointed out that the money would not be spent on the road, but on a trark ; however, it would greatly help tile settlers. From W. Souness, asking that hollows be filled up on the Makuri Valley Road. —To stand over till October. From several settlers on Hill Road, Mangatainoka, asking that something be done to ths road.—Referred to Engineer to report upon at hit leisure. From \\ . Close, asking for half cost of constricting track. Referred to Engineer. From E. Whitcombe, asking (wnnission to erect fence 2 feet on Tiraumea Valley Road to enable him to plant livo fence on Ins boundary.—Granted. From D. Donald, urging that works on the Makuri Valley Road lie pushed on ; also that the subsidy for Makuri bridge bo applied for without delay, as it might he found difficult to get it if the present Government go out ofnffice.—To l>e informed that the Council will do all in its power. From C. L. Stokes, asking that a rage be put across the Mangatainoka river to give access to the West Village settlers and others.—The Chairman thought it would not be a bad thing to have a ferry boat; whoever had the ferry could make a charge.—Cr Whitcombe thought they might iinve a cage at the end of Hall’s Road.—The Chairman pointed out that they would want two cages, as there was a creek running through Mr Hall’s that could not lie crossed at flood time.—Referred to Engineer to report as to belt site. From A. Birnie. applying for the right to advertise on frames around trees on main road.—A similar application was received from A. W. Sedcole. — Resolved to call for tenders lor the right to advertise on the frames. From J. H. Walker, stating that owing to the bad state of the weather he had been unable to complete his contract on Middle Road, and asking for extension of time. —Letter received. From W. Tosswill, re transfer of Mr Whitcombe’s portion of the Mangaone Valley Road; he bad tendered the transfer for signature amt also the balance of purchase money, but Mr Whitcombe had declined to have anything to do with the matter. He asked for instructions from the Council.—Mr Whitcombe, who ha 1 retired, was called in to state Ins objections to carrying out the original agreement. — Mr Whitcombe said he objected to complete the transaction because the original agreement had not been carried out by the Road Board ; they could not convey to him the old road.—The matter was allowed to remain m abeyance. It was stated that it would now rest with Mr Whitcombo to stop the road ; in which case the Council would take legal proceedings to establish its rights.—Cr Miller said lie would like to see the matter settled, and he would advise Mr Whitcombe to stop traffic. treasurer's REPORT. The Treasurer reported the accounts as follows :—General account, dr, X 576 3s Mil; Land Fund, or, Xlt) 11 (Is 5d ; Loan, cr. X 2416 11s 4d : Interest account, cr. £650. ORDER -IN-CODN' 11.. The action of the Works Committee in dealing with tenders when no quorum was present was endorsed, and the tenders were accepted by tho Council. ENGINEER'S REPORT. The Engineer reported as t.illnwe ; The number of contracts in hand within the County up to (late is 31, divided as follows : —Makuri Riding, 9 ; l’uketoi Riding, 8; M&ngahao Riding, 7; Man. gaont. Riding, 7; I‘ukemiku Riding, 3; and 2 general contracts for road maintenance and bridge painting. I have during the month taken over as complete the following contracts:—No. 45, clearing nnd stumping YVoodvilleMangahao; 47. road formation, Tiraumea Road, Kaitawa; 57, ford crossings. Ac.. North Tiraumea Road ; 70, clearing bridle track, Masterton-Mangahao ; 73. constructing bridges. Bridge Road ; 55, clearing track, Makairo Road. The following contracts will be completed in a few days :—No. 42, constructing bridges, Mangaone Valley; No. CO, clearing and stumping lower road from Scarborough to Bridge Road, and making fords; No. 72, clearing bridle track from Onslow’s towards Wyatts. With regard to the contract for formation and metalling Main-street, I‘ahiatua, I have to report that the work has not yet been completed according to specifications, mere particularly as to the quantity of metal to be delivered, and breaking stones on that already spread. The work on this contract has been considerably cut tip owing to the exceedingly heavy traffic passing over in many places fillings only just completed, the metal not having hail time to set before the wet weather came on. As I considered it inadvisable for the contractor to do further carting at this late season, 1 have proposed to him to take over the contract and complete tame when fine weather sets in. deducting troni his contract price an amount to cover cost. The formation of the Cemetery Road has been completed, but I have postponed the metalling until the spring. On the road from Scarboro’ to Bridge Hoad fords are being made at the creek and nver crossings, aud it would be as well if funds are available to widen the present bridle track through Scarborough to the river and to the Mangahao Hoad. I would point out to yoor Council the necessity of taking steps to renew the bridge planking at the Ton lea and Middle Road bridge; also new hand-rails on that and Macara’s bridge. Il is also oecessarv that the old culvert on the main road near the crossing of the Toritea Road be removed, and a small bridge substituted ; also an embankment made at Ngawapunia, and old bridge pulled down. On receiving inatnictions from the Council I would make arrangements to have the bridges. Itc., constructed, so as to interfere as little as possible with the traffic along the main road. _ I beg to draw your attention to the advisibility of at once "topping the practice which is now becoming general, of persons removing the sand on the bank near Mangalainoka bndge, thereby endangering the pier on the south side at times of flood. On the Makuri Valley Road I still have two men employed clearing slips. Ac., and should be glad to know whether it is your intention to keep these men on through the winter mouths.

Tb* report n« 11. W«invn(h( tn b* informed m answer to hit reqnest |lull DO bint* are available for efprruiiI ire, ibal p»rt»oB lo ba •liiumilai frotu the report. wrorm. am<»uniiiig to A 1*27*2 16i lid wrn piuei lor jav uu>uL by Cr Whitcomb#, aamnded by fr Miller, an 1 ramed. Trial aand i* not t«» b ul'-n fro:a the river lank, or any ot*i#r of th# Council r#*erxes. iiimviMi. Mftvnl bv Cr Wmtc««uibe. ••oonial by Cr M liter. That tan l#ra b# called for mamIwnnre of tn* f blowing metali*-! r.»a«D : r«r tea. North Tirauui**. Mangabao an i part t'entral. Uork and Makakahu - After ron« lerabi# discussion th# resolution a u lost. roar t>mc* tin. Moved by Cr Whitcomb#, seconded by Cr M l*er. That tbia Council offer th# l.lmasw General a quarter acre between t!ie Council Chambers and Chns* tansen*. on c#nditiou that a l*o#l Odkc# M ereeled. Tli- Chairman and Cr Avery did not «-*» how th# ('ottfil could give or aril any petian of th# a#ctinn. Hi. mover and aecondar thought it could be done. The r*"«olution waa loat on diviaion. * V.le, refold, and Avery. arri;B*t*<» omen. Moved by Cr W utcoinbe, leconlH by k*e ap | intei K*t«rning Officer for tbe County, also for the I.censing District. at a remuneration of 41 la for exsrx <4#rUon hciJ. M >ved a« an aruen itu nt b v Cr Vile, **r ided bv Cr Avery, That Mr Georg# Moor# be appointed. Cr WbiUanikbe sail the whol# thing was only carrying out wnat he had heard that Mr Moore aaa to get a riw aoon after h;% apnoritmenL Cr Pinf >ll gave the statement an e»nj' u:.r t. mal. and lie was surprise 1 to bear i r'n •tat- urnia thrown in their teeth m« « ling after Hireling. ( • ft vary and Vile also protested against tin* statement. Toe anven iin#nt was camedon division. \ 1 • : Avery. \ No##— M;I er aud Wiuicouiba. Cr Whitcomb# aaked that the Clerk be req I#«t. 1 to pax into the County fund the :n it hi revived f*r hi-* e\|*en**es at a recent Court case in Woodviile. TRACK. liesolved that t#nd«*r» be called f»r fell■ig track to s*-ctM»n *2. 1 thick Id, Manga Dimnova Moved bv Cr Miller, seconded bv Cr Whitcomb#, an I earned. That Mr Tosswill b* request-* 1 to get all the delations in hand legalised at once. WORKS. The Engineer wa* authorised to let • . . 1 - i. \.. Woodviile- Mangahao. ■ate. Moved by Cr Vile, seconded by Cr Avery. That it i« th# intention of this Co incnl to atnke a general rate of twottiird# »»I* a |*ennx over the whole Connty. t * U due and payable in one sum j on the Ist ttclober. M *ved by Cr Whitcombe as an amendCl II n»AI H is I the intention of this Council to strike a ! »;-n-r*< rste of id and a separate ruling rate »*f « i in tlve £. The r vol ition was carried. « HARITOU aid. Th* u*'ial ciusrttabJe and grants were Tini ie. This one! i led the bnaine-a.