TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XII, Issue 597, 14 January 1880, Page 2

TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

EVENING SITTING.

The County Council resumed at the County buildings on Friday evening, as mentioned in last issue. Present — J. Bennet, Esq. (chair), and Messrs Brown, Buchanan, Fraser, M'Nab, Oudaille, Mervyn, Rodger, and Tubnian.

TUAPEKA GOLDFIELI>S HOSPITAL.

Mr M'Nab said he had been informed since the afternoon sitting that the Bruce County Council intended to send two delegates to the proposed conference. In these circumstances, he thought they should send at least another delegate from this Council to act along with Mr J. C. Brown. He moved that their Chairman (Mr Bennet) should be associated with Mr Brown.

Mr Mervyn seconded. Mr Brown thought that, as Tuapeka County would probably have to bear a considerable share of the expense in any arrangement that may be arrived at, three delegates should be sent to represent them at the conference.

After some conversrtion it was resolved that Messrs Bennet and Oudaille should act as delegates along with Mr Brown.

COUNTY VALUATIONS.

The valuations of the various Ridings were received. It was mentioned that, although they have not yet been totalled, the amount was somewhat higher than last year.

SALARY OP CHAIRMAN.

On the accounts to be passed for payment being laid on the table, Mr Brown called attention to the fact that the Chairman's salary is stated at the rate of £200 a year. He reminded the Council that at a former meeting he had moved that the salary of the Chairman should be at the rate of £300 a year, and that motion was carried.

The Chairman said he had called the attention of the Clerk to the same matter, and was told that the reduction was intended to take effect as from the Ist of January. If this was not the correct reading of the resolution, the voucher should be altered accordingly.

Mr Mervyn said that Mr Brown's motion was that all the reductions should take place as from the Ist of January. Mr Brown — No ; the intention was that the reductions on the salaries of the officials — the Clerk, Collector, and Engineer — should take effect as from the Ist of January ; and that of the Chairman from the commencement of the new term of office of that official.

The item was accordingly reduced by £8 6s Sd.

MR M 'COY'S ACCOUNT.

This account was reduced by a guinea, on the motion of Mr Buchanan, and after considerable discussion. A SCENT!. Mr Brown moved — "That the accounts, with the deductions mentioned, be passed for payment." Mr Fraser seconded. Mr Mervyn moved — " That Messrs Haggitt Brothers and Brent's account be passed, with the exception of three items for conferences with the late Chairman (Mr Brown.)" He had referred to this matter at a former meeting, and had been told by Mr Brown that there were no such items ; that there was no charge in the accounts for any legal advice that had not been communicated in writing and been laid before the Council. Mr Brown, when he formerly mentioned the matter, had almost given him (the speaker) '* the lie direct •'' but the accuracy of the statement had been borne out by the accounts themselves. Mr Brown had also *aid if there were any such charges he would pay the amount himself. Mr Mervyn moved that the items referred to should be disallowed.

Mr Buchanan seconded the amendment, and in doing so reminded the meeting that when he was proceeding to refer- to this matter at a former meeting he had been peremptorily ordered by the then Chairman (Mr Brown) to sit down.

Mr Brown thought this was a piece of great assurance on the part of the proposer and seconder of this motion. It was beneath the dignity of any deliberative assembly. Mr Mervyn had charged him outside with conduct entirely unbecoming a Chairman. Mr Mervyn rose to order.

Mr Brown (continuing) would take no notice at this time of anything that might be said by Mr Mervyn. He then proceeded to explain the object of the interviews he had had in D lined in with Mr Haggitt, while holding the position of Chairman of this Council. Important questions had arisen as to the powers possessed by the Council over Crown lands within the County, and upon those questions a deal of revenue depended. The interviews in question were necessary in ascertaining the power of the Council, and the charges objected to were for interviews on that subject. The liability was incurred for the business of the Council and was such as was quite within the competency of a Chairman to incur, He was not at all surprised, however, at the action of Mr Mervyn ; but would characterise it as a piece of assurance and a piece of impertinence. The debt, he repeated, was one due by the Council. The money was very well earned. He had always maintained, contrary to the opinion of some, that the Council had the | power over Crown lands within the i County, and that day they had a letter from Messrs Connell and Moodie (Dunedin), with reference to the Waitahuna commonage, in which that view was corroborated. Mr M'Nab recollected the advices in question, and that Mr Brown had said he would not ask the Council to pay for anything for which there was not a written opinion. Mr Brown rose to a point of order, but was interrupted by Mr Mervyn. The former then left the Council Chamber.

Mr Qudajlle expressed regret that tlje motion had been brought up, Unquestionably tlje ponfprenpes objected to were in the interest of tl*e Cpunty. Thp question was whether the County had power pver the Wajtahuna Commonages, and a

very important question it was.— (Hear, hear, from Mr Mervyn.) He submitted that it showed very bad taste to oppose the passing of this small sum, only about £4. The Chairman of the County Council has power at any time to call on . any lawyer for advice regarding County matters. The present Chairman has that power as well. He regretted very much that this matter should have cropped up here to-day. Mr Fraser concurred with the last speaker in thinking it a great pity thia matter had been brought up. Objection was made to a small charge for legal advice ; but Mr Mervyn had always opposed these depasturing regulations ever since they came into force. Mr Mervyn rose to order. The member had no right to impute motives. Mr Fraser imputed no motives, nor did he profess to have the extensive knowledge of public business possessed by Mr Mervyn, who had been a member of Assembly. It was thoroughly understood the Chairman was entitled to take advice. Mr Mervyn in similar circumstances would have himself done so. It is altogether a very small matter but is a sore point with Mr Mervyn. - ' *

The Chairman reminded Mr Fraser that he must confine himself to the matter ■ in debate. ■ i Mr Fraser (resuming) said the Council must certainly pay the items in question, and Mr Mervyn would be doing a graceful act were he now to withdraw all further opposition. The Chairman explained his recollection of the circumstances, and specially remembered that Mr Mervyn had been told by Mr Brown he was telling an untruth. The opinions got were with reference, he believed, to Tuapeka Month. Mr Fraser— No; they referred to all the Crown lands within the County. •■* \ The Chairman said undoubtedly the accounts must be paid. — (Hear, hear, from Mr Mervyn.) When those opinions -.were got they were adverse to what the Council had been led to understand. He was sorry that Mr Fraser had shown so much personal spite. Mr Fraser rose to order. He usually said what he had to say. There was no I feeling of spite with him, nor did he bear malice. It was all over at the time. The Chairman — In future I shall take care that all opinions I may get shall be in writing. Mr Mervyn had no desire to press _the motion. His object was to afford Mr Brown an opportunity of explaining how he came to give him (the speaker) almost " the lie direct." Mr Mervyn then recapitulated what had formerly taken place to show that what he had said was strictly correct. With the consent of his seconder and the meeting, he would withdraw the motion. Mr Fraser objected to the withdrawal. A vote was then taken, the motion was lost, and the Council resolved that the account be paid. ; Mr Brown then re turned to the Council Chamber, and the business proceeded as before. • ;

CLAKKS AND BROWNS RIDINGS. . Mr Fraser moved — "That all resolutions passed by the Tuapeka Cou'rity Council regarding the amalgamation: of Clarks and Browns Ridings, so as to return ouly one member, and giving extra representation to James Riding by allowing two members, are hereby rescinded in accordance with section 87, of the Counties' Act, 1876." ■ ..':' Mr Brown thought there was little need fur the motion. He was certain no action can be taken on the resolution proposed to be rescinded. He seconded the motion. Mr Rodger spoke to the same effect."* Mr Buchanan was of quite a different opinion. Till rescinded, every motion may be acted on ; and at any rate there was no harm in rescinding it. , ■ < >l The motion was then put and carried. ROAD AT MEVZION BURN.

Mr Brown moved, seconded by Mr Mervyn, that the Engineer be requested to call tenders for the formation and completion of the road from Menzion Burn through the deferred-payment block, such expenditure not to exceed £500 ; being a special vote by the General Assembly, and to be paid on completion of the work. After some conversation the motion was put and carried. . _, IMPOUNDING CATTLE.

Mr Mervyn mov fc d — " That the Ranger (Mr-Gideon Smith) be empowered to impound stray cittle found on all enclosed roads in Teviot and James Ridings." Mr Tubman seconded. — Carried.

ROAB TO HORSESHOE BEND.

Mr Mervyn moved—" That the Engineer be instructed to survey the road from Menz : on Creek to Horseshoe Bend, any assistance required to be supplied by the surfacemen." Mr Bennet seconded. Mr M'Nab wished to know, if this work was to be gone on with, why the survey up Gabriels Gully should not be gone on with as well. After some convers ition, Mr Mervyn said if the work could not be gnne on with except by extra labor, he saw nothing for it but for the settlers to turn out and lend the Engineer a hand. That's the plain way of speaking. The Chairman saw no possibility of the work being done for some time. The matter had better stand over. Mr Brown— The whole question resolves itself into one of expenditure. If the surfacemen could be spared from the : ir ordinary duties on the road, it would'be better to discharge them altogether. But if the settlers will lend their assistance, so much the better. Mr Mervyn— l think so too. There is nothing else for it, and the Council should put it to the settlers in that way. The motion was then carried on that understanding, ROAD AT BEAUMONT HILL. Mr Brown moved—" That the Engineer be directed to throw open the new road over the Beaumont Hill for traffic as early as possible." Mr Bennet seconded. ' The motion was after discussion (when it was pointed out that the Council is not yet in possession of the contract) put to the vote, and lost by five to two : — For : Brown, Buchanan. Against : Tubnj^L. Fraser, M'Nab, Oudaille, Rodger. \^ ranger's application

Mr Brown moved—" That Ranker Matheson be allowed £17 83 6d for Crown lands rangership." Mr Rodger seconded. After discussion, a vote was taken ami the motion was lost by the casting vote nf the Chairman.

ROAD AT TAPANTTJ. : .' The letter from Mr James. §|im (Segre 3 tapy tp th,e Qrookston. Progress. ppm r mfttee), forwarding the resolutions rei ferred to. in our las.t issue, was considered j als.o letter from Mr XV. Quin, Town, Clerk of the borough of Tapahuj,

Mr Rodger supp-irted the applications at considerable length, arguing that it was absolutely necessary they Bhould be acceded to before the summer is over. Mr Mervyn seconded. Mr Oudaille asked for a ruling whether this was in order. Is this not a case' of additional expenditure which the Council is for the present debarred from authorising? The Chairman said it was not in order ; but he would suggest to Mr Rodger the propriety of letting the matter stand over. Members were aware that a Bum of £101,000 had been voted to be expended on new works, on the recommendation of MrM'Kerrow, Surveyor General, if this motion were postponed, he would see whether these works could not be included in the vote. Mr Brown would no doubt give his assistance in the matter. Mr Brown said every penny of the vote referred to is already appropriated.

Mr Rodger again urged the special necessity of these, and was followed by ~Mr M'Nab who protested against members standing up at that stage to press for new work. They had heard the Engineer's report of urgent works that day, and at the same time the Council is told the expenditure must be reduced more and more.

The Chairman said none of the members doubted the necessity of the works in question ; but reminded Mr Rodger of the resolution debarring new works until the B aumont bridge money is paid.

Mr Rodger said the work will have to be done whether there ia money or not ; and after further ineffectual attempts to get the work passed, Mr Rodger gave notice to rescind the resolution referred to, in order that the expenditure asked for may be brought under consideration at next meeting of Council. Subsequently, Mr Rodger made an effort to have Simmers' contract proceeded with at once.

The Chairman thought it was perfectly useless to press the matter. The resolution was that the work should be done as soon as possible. Mr Rodger moved— " That tenders be called for the execution of the work."

Mr Mervyn seconded the motion pro forma, in order to enable him to say that no one can support it in present circumstances.

Mr Fraser said if the Tapanni people think the work so necessary, why not make a small special levy 1 The Chairman said there was a difficulty apparently in getting payment of the rates already levied. The motion was then withdrawn with the consent of the seconder. RO \D AT COCKLESHELL. Mr Buchanan adverted to this work, which is urgently wanted. The cost would noteiceed £40. It was not a new work, but had been authorised by the Council long ago. Mr Rodger — There is no motion on the table about this road. Mr Buchanan said it was not necessary to intimate a formal motion. He had been asked to let it stand over from last meeting. He again pointed out that no money would be required for three months. The matter then dropped. DEPASTURING REGULATIONS. Mr Mervyn called attention to the resolution passed at a former meeting amending these regulations, and pointed out that, in order to give effect to this, it was necessary to have fresh regulations made out. The Chairman undertook to have this attended to. • TBNDERS JPOR SUPPLIES. The Engineer forwarded a list of articles required by the Council during the next twelve months, and suggesting that tenders for supplies and repairs of plantfor Lawrence, RoxburghandTapanui be called as usual. Agreed to ; the items being slumped in the advertisement, on the motion of Mr Mervyn, seconded by Mr Fraser. ROUGH MINUTES. The Clerk then read the rough minutes, and the Council adjourned at eleven o'clock p.m.