TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1024, 15 March 1884, Page 2

TUAPEKA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above body was held in the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. There were present— F. Oudaille, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs Bennet, Buchanan. Cotton, Fraser, and M'Nab.

The minvtes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Mt F. Fear requested that the road leading from Cumming's to his property be put in repair ; he was quite willing to do all tho carting required. — Request granted.

Mrs Charlotte Cook (Waitahuna) drew attention to the state of disrepair of the road leading to her property, and asked that it be repaired so as to fit it for carting grain upon.— Resolved, on the Chairman's motion : " That the Engineer be empowered to get the work done by day1 ibor at a cost of £3 or £4."

Mr W. Trimble wrote stating that if the Ooghill's hill road were carried roundas first surveyed by the Engineer, he(Mr Trimble) would be prepared to form fifteen chains as pointed out to the Engineer. — After discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Fraser, seconded by Mr M'Nab : " That the request be granted to the extent of £100, the work to be carried on as soon as practicable." Mr 3 Ilasmus3en (Wetherstoneß) drew attention to the state of the road leading to her dwellinghouse, and requested that it be repaired and made passable before the approach of winter.— Mr M'Nab moved : " That the letter be referred to the Engineer for report." — Carried. Mr D. Stevenson brought under the Council's notice the state of the road (which was overgrown with gorse) leading to his property, and requested that the same be cleared, in order that the surfaceman might be enabled to repair the road. — Mr Fraser moved : " That the letter be received, and the settlers whose fences encroach on the roadway informed that the gorse nuisance must be removed." — Carried.

Mr E. Johnston (in the capacity of Chairnvin of a public meeting held lately at Ihe Beaumont) requested that a faceman be employed to keep in repair the road from Beaumont to Millers Flat via east bank of river. It was pointed out that unless the table-drains were opened up, a gcod deal of the labor already expended on the road would be lost. — Resolved, on the motion of Mr Bennet : " That the letter be referred to the Engineer for report." Mr M'Nab (member for .Gabriels) repnrted that, at a meeting of ratepayers of Brown's Hiding held on the 25th tilt., it was resolved that the road be closed between sections 2, 9, 10, 13, 17, 20, and 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 21, and road-line between sections 8 and 18, block v., Tuapeka West, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Wuiks Act. — A motion to confirm the minutes of the ratepayers' meeting was approved of.

" Mr Jno. "Morrison requested that the road leading from M'Kay's corner to Duffy's bush be put in repair before the cartage of this season's grain to Lawrence is commenced. The surveyed road-line is so cut up in places at present that teamsters are obliged to trespass on private property. — Resolved, on the motion of Mr Buchanan : " That the surfacemen be instructed to put the piece of road referred to in repair." Messrs Phillipps . and Tubman wrote requesting that the worst portions of the road between Mr S. Brown's gate and Beaumont ferry be put in repair before the winter season sets in. — Attached to the foregoing \v*as a memo, from tho Engineer, stating that the piece of road referred to was in a bad state during the winter months, and would require to be gravelled —probable cost, £60.— Mr Bennet recommended that the work be undertaken at once. The road had hitherto been in a wretched state in tho winter months. The Engineer reported that a survey of the road from Mackay Bros.' had been completed and plans prepared. Ihn length of road- formation required was 72 chains ; estimated cost, £300.— Mr liennet said it was not anticipated that the construction of the road would cist more than one-third of the Engineer's estimate. If the Engineer were to visit the ground before next meeting, probably another less expensive roue could be found. — The suggestion was approved. Mr Geo. Munro directed attention to the difficult approach to his land (section 7, block in., Tuapeka East), caused by the deep cutting through which the main road passes, and offered to provide pipes for culvert and give the use of his horse, conditionally that the Cminc.l .instructed one of the surfacemen to lend a hand to make the approach passable. — Request to be complied with. Mr Daniel Fergusson (Secretary to the Crookston Progress Committee) wrote stating that he had been instructed by that Committee to bring under the notice of the Council consideration of the following urgent works — viz., the gravelling of the worst parts of road from Matheson's corner towards Swift Creek railway station ; the opening up of road from schoolhouse to Cameron's, on boundary of sections 10, 11, and 12, Wock vn, Crookston ; and the gravelling* of about two chains and a-half on each side of culvert near T. Sim's property.— Mr Bennet (in the absence of Mr Herbert) said that the road was highly in need of repair, and urgently required attention. It was, the worst piece of road in the Riding. If a chain on one or both sides of the culvert were gravelled, it would meet the existing requirements. He moved: "That the letter be referred to the favorable consideration of the Works Committee." — Carried. Messrs Matheson and M'Donald acknowledged receipt of County Clerk's letter of 19th January re erecting culvert at railway crossing at the foot of the road leading f rom Clarks Flat to their,woolshed, and stated that they considered they had been treated with scant justice in this matter by the County Council. If the Council insisted, they would give the stone and cart all material free of cost in the eyent of the Council's erecting* the culvert.— Mr Fraser moved : " That the letter be received, the concession asked for granted, and the work proceeded with as early -as possible." —Mr Cotton seconded. — Mr M'Nab said the Council should not be too hasty in coming to a decision in this matter. It was decided at last meeting that Messrs Matheson and M'Donald should erect the culvert. He moved as an amendment : "Tnat this matter stand over until there is a full meeting of the Council."— Mr Bennet remarked .that the resolution agreed to at last meeting would have to be revoked before Mr Fraser's motion - could . be . accepted. — Mr Fraser : We can rescind the motion. — The Chairman : By giving seven day's notice. — Mr Cotton thought that when a private individual offered to give the stone requisite for building a cnlvert and undertook - to-cart material free of cost, that wa3 in itself a sufficient concession, and it was only to be expected that the cost of erecting the culvert wonld be borne by the Council. — Mr Fraser said that the erection of ,the culvert was a very small matter. The motion he moved at last meeting was to the effect that Messrs Matheson. and M'Donald be requested to assist in erecting the culvert, and not, as minuted, to erect the culvert themselves.— The Chairman sympathised with Messrs Matheson aud M.Donald, but would be obliged, if requested, to rule against Mr Fraser. — Mr Fraser said he would take the proper course, and moved : "That the consideration of the letter bo deferred till next meeting." -Carried. Mr John Bulfin asked that the sum of money voted by the Council at a previous meeting to repair the road below his place, also to erect one or two small culverts on the road to Lawrence, be expended as early as possible. --MrßuUhanSh^member for the Riding) said that as Mr Bulfin was in attendance, perhaps the Council would be pleased to give that gentleman a healing. — Mr Fraser was of opinion^ that the member representing the Riding should put such matters^ as these .before the Council. If the by-laws-were to be strictly adhered to, Mr*Bulfin, could not be heard.— Mr Bennet questioned if the bye-laws prohibited Mr „ Bulfin or, any other ratepayer from getting a hearing so long as the Council were agreeable.— Mr Cotton moved and Mr Buchanan seconded —"That Mr Bulfin ' be -allowed the privilege of addressing the Council." Carried.— Mr Bulfin said^ that two. years ago the Council promised, to perform the. works referred to in his letter. The works were 'not very heavy, but it was of great importance that they wera undertaken before winter would set in. — Mr Buchanan remarked that two years ago, some £50 of deferred payment money was due fo this part of the Riding, and he thought that that money should be expended in making a good road. — _The Chairman said whatever deferred-payment money was due would be expended as soon as the Council could get plans, &c, prepared. — Mr Buchanan urged that the works brought under notice by Mr Bulfin ought to be attended to without delay. — The Chairman : Yon can rest satisfied that they will be undertaken at an early date. PETITIONS. A petition, bearing the signatures of nineteen ratepayers of Gabrieh Riding, was received, requesting that the part formation and gravelling of the road leading frpm Wetherstones to Mrs Mills's (at the foot of Gabriels) be proceeded with at once. Attention was also drawn to the work at present being done on the road by the day-laborers, who were merely filling Jip the ruts, which was regarded by the petitioners as a waste of time and money unless the road were properly formed and gravelled. — Mr M'Nab moved: "That the petition be referred to the Works Committee for favorable consider-aJion."=-Cayried.

A petition was received from Mr Ged. Murray and several other Timpeka Flat settlers, asking that the road leading off the main road towards Finlay Muuro's, and a few chains on the flat above the house, be gravelled, so that the parties would be enabled to get mills in totbras'i their crops. — Referred to the Engineer with power to act. THE WETHEJRSTONES COMMONAdE QUESTION. A letter was read intimating that a deputation consisting of Messrs Whelan, Cowie, M'lnnes, and Donnelly, had been appointed at a public meeting to interview tho Council on the qnesMon of the Wetherstones portion of the G .briels depasturing district being over-run with sheep. The deputation, being in attendance, was introduced by Mr M'Nab. Mr Whelan said that the commonage question had been causing a good deal of grumbling among the settlers. The complaint was that sheep were allowed to graze, to the detriment of tho people's cattle. Ostensibly they had a Ranger, and it was undoubtedly his duty to administer justice to the settlers ; but he (the speaker) believed that he seldom visited tho place. Seeing that the Council were receiving a large revenue from the commonage, it would bo only reas'mablu that they should assist to fill up the holes on the commonage. Such would bo tho means of saving the lives of a great many cattle. He thought that a small amount should be spent in improving the commonage, and that the time had come when a limit should be made to the number of cattle depastured. Messrs R. Cowio, Donnelly, and M'lnnes followed in the same strain. Mr M'Nab said there was a letter to the Council from Messrs Mathtson and M'Donald who admitted the trespass to a certain extent, but said that it was impossible for them to keep their sheep off the commonage until they had erected a boundary fence. A letter was then read by the Clerk from Messrs M'Donald and Matheson asking that the Ranger be instructed not to proceed against them if .any of their sheep are found trespassing on tho commonage at Bungtown until they have had an opportunity of erecting a boundary fence. It would take fully eight weeks to erect the fence owing to the difficulty of getting material along the boundary line. Mr M'lnnes asked the"; same permission, as his fences were in bad order, and he was very busy. Mr Cotton said if Mr M'lnnes would take the same precaution as previously, he would move that the concession in both cases be, granted. Mr Donnelly said that if this concession were made it meant the loss of their cattle. Mr Fraser was in favor of granting the concession. Mr Whelan thanked tho Council for the reception accorded the deputation. For his own part he withdrew any objection that might have arisen regarding Messrs Matheson and M'Donald's sheep. He spoke as a cattle-owner. The Chairman said the Council would do their utmost to give the people satisfaction. The position of the Ranger was a very unenviable one. ' Mr M'Nab : Seeing that Messrs Matheson and M'Donald have admitted the trespass, the Ranger has certainly not been doing his duty. Mr Cowie : The fence they purpose erecting will only be -round a small portion of the comoionage. It- was ultimately resnlved to allow Messrs Matheson and M'Donald, and others similarly sicuated, time to erect fences. THE TUAPEKA PLAT AKD BEAUMXJNT ROADS. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Darton and Kepple, wh.i had been appointed at a public meeting-of ratepayers held last Monday evening at the Tuapeka Hotel, appeared to urge upon the Council the necessity of putting the Tuafteka Flat and Beaumont roads in passable repair before the approach -of winter. Both members of the deputation' spoke at considerable length, and were listened to attentively by the Council. ~:Mr Fraser pointed out that it would be a matter of impossibility to keep the road iv decent order unless wide tires were to come into general use. He intended moving in this direction at a later stage ; and the deputation, after being assured that the Council would give their recommendation due consideration, withdrew. PROPOSED ROAD THROUGH BLOCK VII, WAITAHUNA EAST. Mr.W. Livingston (Waitahuna) made application, for the following reasons, for a re-hearing of his objections to the construction of the proposed road through his property — sections 6, 8, 15, and 67, block vil, Waitahuna :— (1) That the cost of constructing the road would be out of all proportion to the amount of benefit to be derived by the proposed expenditure ; the road would only command 100 acres of Mr J. Sutherland's land and 50 acres of Mr J. _Cowen's,.and would be of no use to himself — rather a disadvantage, as he would be obliged to open two gates every time he went through his property. (2) That when he arranged with the Engineer it was for a road-line 33ft. wide— not 66ft ; and that it never occurred to him that if the road-line* w.ere carried ~ through his property, it would deprive him of water during the summer months for grazing stock on 150 acres of his land. (3) That the length of the existing road from Mr Sutherland's homestead (which is centrally situated on his section) to the Waitahuna railway station is 280 chains, and by the proposed new road 290 chains, so he (Mr Livingston) could not see the necessity of a new road being constructed, especially as the undertaking would be a heavy one. If a new road were actually needed, it could be taken through sections 58 and 45 at less cost than the one proposed, and would be of greater benefit not only to himself but to Messrs Ooweu and Sutherland. In conclusion, the writer suggested that two or three members of the Council should visit the ground, and report as to the advisability or otherwise of constructing the proposed road (which would entail so heavy an expenditure) through his property. Mr Fraser moved : " That the letter be received." Nothing could be done in the matter unless the resolution passed at a former meeting relating to this road were rescinded. " Mr M.'Nab was of opinion that the Council had come to a conclusion without being made fully aware of the facts in connection with the opening of the proposed road through Mr Livingston's property. - Mr Livingston, who was in attendance, produced a tracing showing the length and course of the existing road, and the one now proposed to be constructed. He assured the Council that the new road wonld be unfit for dray-traffic ; in fact, it could only be used for a bridle track. Mr Buchanan asked if the road would benefit anyone else excepting Mr John Sutherland. The Chairman/said that it wquld benefit

and be used by Messrß Sutherland, Oowan, and Kells. Mr Buchanan stated that Mr Livingston had offered to pay the expenses of a deputation to visit the ground, and as it was a small matter, he thought it should be agreed to. After further discussion, it was resolved to niiiiute the letter as received. THIS HAVBLOOK VIADUCT. The following petition, bearing nine signatures, was read and received :—": — " We, the undersigned proporty-holders and residents in the ' township of Havelock, Waitahuna Riding, view with alarm the intended action of the Council in constructing a viaduct and erecting a retaining wall on the west side of the Waitahuna river, as by carrying out such works there is every probability of the river being diverted from its present course in times of flood to the imminent peril <>i the township. We, therefore, respectfully request that you will defer the consideration of the acceptance of tenders until further enquiry be made as to whether the work is actually required or not, and how, if carried out, it is likely to affect our ;nteresta." The Chairman said a deputation, consisting of Messrs Coghill and York, Iwas in attendance to support the petition, and 'he asked that a hearing be granted these gentlemen. Mr York said that he objected to the present plan unless a retaining wall were erected to force the water into its natural channel: During a recent freshet in the river there were two inches of water in his house, although he had raised tho building 18 inches higher than the highest watermark ; and if the road were raised on the west side of the river, it would force the water on the east bank to the detriment of property-holders residing there. Mr Coghill remarked that if a viaduct were erected, it would meet with the requirements of the residents ; but if a bridge were built and tho road raised on the west bank, it would cause the water to flow on to his property. The river was silting up very rapidly. The County Engineer mentioned that it was contemplated to raise the roadway on the west side of the river, but this would not prevent the water from flowing over the road. He explained that the country was low-lying and in times of flood the whole of the flat was under water. Mr Coghill would have objected previously to the erection of a bridge, but was under the impression that a viaduct was to be erected. In a matter of this kind, the ratepayers should have been consulted before action was taken. Mr York and Mr Coghill both inquired if the Council would take all responsibility in the event of their properties being injured by flood. If not, they would object to the work being carried on. A wordy fight here ensued between the deputation on the ouo hand, and the Councillors and County Engineer on the other, with the result that the former retired without any satisfactory arrangement being arrived at. CONTRACT 170— BEAUMONT BRIDGE. The County Engineer wrote :—": — " 1 have to report for your information that the time agreed upon for the completion of contract 170 (Beaumont bridge) expired on the 31st January last, and that very little over one-third of the work required by contract was completed up to date of last return— viz., 29th February; and that the penalty provided for in the general conditions is £10 sterling for every week the work is delayed beyond contract time." A letter was read from Mr W. Buchanan (contractor for the erection of the piers and abutments of the Beaumont bridge) asking for an extension of contract-time. Mr Eraser : I presume the customary notice has been served on the contractor by the Engineer. The Council so far h;is had to pay the cost of inspection ; and if the contractor wants an exteusion of time, I think he should be obliged to bear the expense. Mr Bennet moved : "That Mr Buchanan's request be acceded to, and that he be informed that he must push on with his contract." Mr Fraser remarked that if Mr Bennet would amend his motion, limiting the time to two months, he would support it. Mr Bennet did not think it possible to complete the work iv les3 time than four months. He moved to the effect that an extension of contract-time for that period be granted. Mr Fraser moved as an amendment : " That two months' time be allowed instead of four." Mr M'Nab seconded Mr Bennet's motion, The difficulties connected with the carrying out ofsuch an important contract were very great. He- would not agree to call for tenders for the superstructure of the bridge until the Conncil was in a better position financially. The Chairman said]that he purposed asking the Council to permit him to call for tenders by next meeting for the'superstructure. THE CHINESE CAMP. The Health OflTcer (Mr J." J. Woods) wrote as follows : — I have the honor to report — in reference to complaint of petitioners residing at the Chinese C.impand presented, at last Conncil m/»etin:j— tha6, in accordance", with ypur instructions, L vitiitedthe places referred to and also inspected the nuisances complained of, and recommend, that a main drain or sewer be constructed, capable of being flushed at intervals, which woulil provide an outlet for the stagnant refuse aud drainage matter at present decomposing, aud contaminating the atmosphere in the immediate vicinity. After conferring with several of the parties who signed the petition, I gave fourteen days' ootice .to the Chinese owning piggeries either to dispose of their pigs or remove them to other quarters not objectionable to the petitioners. At my suggestion, the Chinese have started a subscription-list in aid of the drainage fund, which I believe will reach the Rum of LlO or more. In conclusion, I would -strongly recommend that immediate action be taken to provide a main drain, as the wells from which water is taken for domestic purposes are, in some instances, in dangerous proximity to these noxious sewers. The Chairman said that some £5 was handed to the Treasurer. He considered that it was not the duty of the Council to expend the ratepayers' money in making of drains for the benefit of private in-, dividuals. He would suggest that when the £10 referred to by the Health officer is to hand, a drain be cut at a cost not exceeding £15. — Approved of. TENDERS ACCEPTED. The following are tbe names of the successful tenderers for contracts set opposite their names : — Contract 191— Construction of bridgo and approached, Shingle Creek, situate in block Vjcil., Teviot district. — The' Engineer recommended that fresh tenders be called for this contract at next meeting. Contract 192— Construction of viaduct near Railway Crossing, township of Havelock. — Andrew Mood}'. Contract 193— Formation and metalling 67 Chains 5,0 Links of the road Edio's to Dunrobin situate in blocks TUT. and XH-, Crookstou District,— y , and XtK t Anderson,

" Contract 194— Construction of 115, chains of road through Wniporißufhb 'tween Oottoi.'a bridge (near hut) and Manuka Busl . -John Orawford'a tender to extent of £200 at schedule rates was accepted. Mr Dunikowßki's tender was accepted for dray-work in Browns Riding. No tenders were received for dray-work in /Waipnri Ridiujf. KATE RETUJ&NS. The Rate Collector reported having received since last Council meeting the sum of £675 8s sd, being Crown land rates (£633 Is 6d) and geueral rates (£42 6s lid). Mr Woods also forwarded a summarized statement of rate arrears due to dale for several Ridings as under :— Waitahuna (one ratopayer), 7£d ; Waipori (4), 5d 5d ; Clarks (l), 2s 6d ; Gabriels(9), £2 Is 10U-, Beaumont (2), £7 "Is 3d; Tapanui (9) £13 4s 7£d ; Browns (14), £26 13s ll£d ; Teviot (2), 3s 5£ ; James (10),'£49 12s 1M —total, £89 5s 9|d. PONT RETURNS. The following are the punt returns for the month of February :—: —

The fees received for the month were as follows : — Beaumont, £6 6s 5d ; Millers Plat. £2 33 ; Roxburgh, 6s -total, £8 15s 6d. EXPENDITURE -UPPEB AND LOWER RIDING 3. The Engineer submitted a return,showinij the expenditure on County works for the month of February to be as follows : — Lower Ridings, £332 10s 4d ; upper Ridings, £341 18s 9d ; Government votes, £975 8s 6d— total, £1649 17s 7d. ACCOUNTS. The accounts for the month of February, amounting to £1713 53 4d were passed for payment. [We are obliged to hold over the remainder of our report till next issue.]

Passengers ... Vehicles Horses Cattle Sheep and pigs. Beaumont 5635 456 2207 136 1137 Millers „ . , Flat. Koxbursh, 3242 4807 218 306 978 1003 46 45 1036 155