County Councils.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5259, 15 May 1895, Page 4

County Councils.

MACKENZIE.

The Mackenze County Council met at Fairlie on Monday,, all the members being present. The Engineer reported that the works at Pukaki Bridge were completed. Other smaller works were reported on in detail. The Mount Peel Road Board -sent terms for a mutual arrangement regarding the oversight of two boundary river bridges and fords. The terms were approved and adopted. The Lands and Survey Department gave notice of the payment of -£300 for road construction from Fairlie to Pukaki, and of £300 for a like -work from Pukaki to Omarama, and the Engineer was instructed to confer with the Coaimiasioner of Lands as to its expenditure. Mr 0. Q. Tripp wrote regarding the-movement to annex Mount Peel Roai District to Mackenzie County. It was decided to ask him to arrange to send someone to represent the viewß of all the local bodies interested. Some discussion took place regarding'tbe rate of wages paid by the Council. At the previous meeting the rate of wages of the road gangs had been reduced by Is a day to 6s for pick and shovel men, and 7s for horse drivers.' The men complained that this made their wages lower than those paid by neighbouring local bodies, and Mr Ross gave notice to rescind the resolution and revise the rate. Inquiries bad been made of other bodieß and rates obtained. The Chairman BUggeßted that the old pick and shovel hands should be given 6s 6d, and any new. ones 6s a day. It was resolved that the rates should be— Shovel hands 6s 6d, drivers 7», foremen 7s 6d, casual hands 69, foremen in charge of more than one gang Is per day extra. Accounts amounting to £447 llfc 4d, and Pukaki Bridge final -payment, £270, were passed for payment.