MURCHISON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13510, 2 July 1914, Page 3

MURCHISON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Murchison County Council was held on Saturday, June 27thj all the councillors being present. Twenty-seven Maruia settlers petitioned the Council asking for the extension of the telephone service to Mr. A. Hill's.—Resolved that petition be endorsed.

Another petition was received asking for the removal of a gate on Newman's road. In connection with this matter, Mr. L. Bai^eut waited on the Council and contradicted the statement of the petitioners that he had four gates across the Owen road. —After considerable discussion, it was resolved that no action be taken in the matter1. Ayes: Crs Brown, Monahan, Page, Rogers, and the chairman. Noes: Crs. Thomson and Win.

The offer of Mr. A. Thomson, sen., of £7 for the old Fern Flat punt was accepted, there being no other tender. From Thomson Bros., asking permission to erect a swing gate on old road to Fern Flat ferry.—Permission granted

From H. Bunn and others, asking that some metalling be done in Hotham street.—Resolved that a little metalling be done to enable pedestrians to use the street, and that an effort be made to secure a grant for the work.

From Messrs. Hogg, Harris, and Shields, asking the Council to fill in the hollow in front-of the Commercial Hotel. —Resolved that the Council pay £ for £ for filling the hollow in the, street, but that it cannot undertake to^ carry out the filling outside the street boundary. W. H. Moxey wrote asking that some gravel be placed in front of his hairdresser's and tailor's shops.—Resolved that work be done.

From School Committee, asking that a few loads of gravel be put on the road in front of the, school. —Overseer to attend to the matter.

From Mr. S. Fournier, regarding the Rappahannock track to the Caves.— The Overseer stated that there was little to complain about concerning this track, and that the Mines vote had not been misspent as the writer stated.— The .writer to be informed that any money available will be- spent shortly. From Commissioner of Crown Lands regarding Woodfordand Robinson's letter. —Resolved that the Commissioner be approached again. From same, stating that a stock reserve would be set aside in Block viii, Maruia, provided the settlers interested fenced and grassed the land. From same, as "to road exchange in block viii, Burnett.—The chairman was authorised to sign tracing submitted consenting to exchange. From Valuer-General, as to valua-. tion. —Resolved that he be again written to and asked for a revision for 1914-15.

The Minister for Public Works wrote stating that he was obtaining a report on Gilroy's road. From Minister of Railways, stating that he had instructed the officers of the Railway Department to look carefully into the matter of revising the timetable, in order to give Murchison a more frequent mail service. From Rabbit Inspector, stating that the matter of rabbit-proof fence on Lewis Saddle was receiving attention. From Nelson Harbour Board, as to inclusion of Murchison cQunty in Nelson harbour district. —After some discussion it was resolved that a public meeting be held in Murchison on July 10th, and in the meantime the Council ascertain as far as possible the opinions on the matter of the ratepayers in the duter ridings. From Nelson Hospital and Charitable Aid Board as to vacancy on Board. — Resolved that the Council approve of the appointment of Mr. J. Corder. Resolved that the matter of Williscrof'fs road be brought before the Commissioner of Crown Lands, and that it be pointed out that this is an urgent case and one of great hardship. Resolved, that the Council endorse the action of the Overseer in ordering removal of barb-wire on road reserve near Mataki bridge. Arising put of the Overseer's report, the following business was transacted: Resolved that Diseren's and Burt'a maintenance contract on Lake road be renewed. As to Dryden's contract, Newman's road, it was resolved that a further 35 chains be let at the original price. _

Resolved that £6 be spent on repairs to Matiri road (west bank), same to.be charged to thirds account. It was decided to spend £10 on a new culvert and road repairs near Hunter's station. . "

The matter of Mataki road near Mailman's was deferred. The Overseer was directed to attend to cleaning out water-tables in Maruia north riding. Regarding Howard block road, the Overseer was authorised to let the balance of the work to the present contractor.

The chairman referred to about 10 chains of bad road in his riding near Lammas's. —Tenders to be called for the work.

■Cr. Win stated that some prospectors in "the Howard, wanted a chair" across the Buller at the rocks, Station creek. —Resolved that the rope and chair at new Buller bridge be transferred to that locality, those interested to erect same.

It was decided to hold over the consideration of objections to electoral rolls till a later date.

Resolved that £ for'£ up to £5 be granted to Murray" and others to cut a track at Lewis creek.

Cx. Page referred to a bad hole on Grassy road.—-Overseer to attend to same. .

The offer of Mr! Dinwiddie to provide gas for a street, lamp .if Council removes and repairs it, was accepted. Resolved that all owners of unregis-

tered dogs be sued .at first court after July Ist, 1914. The clerk asked for an increase of salary. He stated that during the five years ho had been in -the Council's employ his salary had been increased by only £25—from £125 to £150—or at the rate of £5 per annum.

After some discussion the Council decided that, owing to the smallness of tho revenue, no increase could at present be granted.

Accounts as read were passed for payment.