WAIPAWA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 2, Issue 129, 6 December 1879, Page 2

WAIPAWA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Waipawa County Council was held in the Council Chambers, Waipawa, on Thursday, 4th inst., at 10.30 a.m. There were present — Councillors Herrick (chairman), Levy, Johnston, Mackersey, Smith, Dillon, Rathbone, and Sowry. Before proceeding to the business of the meeting, Colonel Herrick said he thanked the Council for electing him Chairman. He thought the Council bad made a mistake in placing him in the position, as he did notconsider ho possessed thenccessary qualifications of a good Chairman, but he would endeavour with the assistance of the Council to fulfil the duties of the office to the best of his ability.

The minutes of the last ordinary and the annual meeting were then read and confirmed. A list of the outward correspondence for the month was read. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From James Lawrence, Homewood, stating his objections to the Council laying off the road through his property, and enclosing correspondence between Mr Ormond and Mr Weber on the subject. It appeared from the correspondence that the Government road through Mr Lawrence's property, which the Council now seek to open, was verbally given to that gentleman by Mr Ormond, when Superintendent of the Province, in exchange for the road now used from Kaikora to Homewood bridge, but the exchange had never been legalised, owing to the abolition of the provinces. Mr Dillon had had a conversation with Mr Weber on the matter, when he (Mr Weber) congratulated him on the steps he had taken in it. The road sought to be opened was the property of the Crown, and when the Engineer was instructed by the Couneil to lay it off, he considered it impertinence of Mr Lawrence to check him. If Mr Lawrence wished to make a test case of it in a court of law, he, as member for the riding, was quite prepared to abide the result. Mr Lawrence was the last purchaser of the Homewood property, and had not purchased until after the present road had been made ; the land, at the time the exchange was supposed to be made, did not belong to him. He moved, “ That the Engineer be instructed to carry on the survey, and the opinion of the County solicitor be taken upon the matter.” Mr Smith thought it was a pity the Engineer had taken any notice of Mr Lawrence’s objection. If the road was a public one, it should be opened. He seconded the motion. The Chairman said it would be better to obtain legal opinion before committing the Council. It appeared that the road was closed in good faith.

Mr Rathbone pointed out that the matter of these roads was already under the solicitor’s consideration.

Mr Johnston stated that during the time he was Chairman, he had had much conversation with Mr Cornford about these roads. The whole question was full of difficulty. The roads had not been properly surveyed ; the solicitor was not sure that the roads were sufficiently defined to enable transfers to be made. The legal point was clear that the Government road had never been legally closed. It may have been Mr Ormond’s intention to close the road, but there could be no doubt from his letter that it bad not been done. There was merely a verbal agreement to bring the matter before the Provincial Council. If the question bad been introduced, the Provincial Council and the settlers in Patangata might have objected. He thought the Engineer should be instructed to proceed at once with the survey; if necessary, Mr Lawrence could be compensated afterwards. Mr Rathbone thought no harm could be done by a re-survey of the

road. He moved (Mr Dillon agreeing to withdraw his motion) “ That the Engineer be instructed to survey the road, and that no public money be expended until the matter is satisfactorily arranged.” Mr Johnston seconded.—Carried.

Letter from J. AY. Knowles, Undersecretary for Public Works, replying to the Council’s request that the Government would open the railway bridge over the Manawatu for ordinary traffic, that the site of the bridge is not yet fixed. *

From the Clerk of the AVairarapa AVest County Council with regard to the same.

From R. McAlister, County Auditor, asking for vouchers in support of the balance sheet.

Mr Johnston moved, Mr Mackersey seconded, and it was carried “ That in the opinion of this Council, it is the duty of the auditor to come to the district and examine the vouchers.” From J. T. Fountain, Chairman of the AVoodville Road Board, with reference to the grant of £IOO made by the Council for Holder’s Road, Ntatiug that the Road Board were not sufficiently in funds to supplement this grant by another £IOO, but that the £IOO voted by the Council would suffico to make the road good for cattle driving, for which purpose it was used almost exclusively. Mr Johnston thought if the road was only used for cattle driving, the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Mr Smith moved, Mr Johnston seconded, “ That the vote be allowed to lapse.”—Carried.

From T. D. McCaffery, asking that the Council provide for the maintenance of Castle’s child.

Jt was agreed that the matter be left in the bands of the Chairman, Mr Levy promising to try and find out if any family will take charge of the children.

From John Burton, Napier, stating his willingness that the Council should take a portion of his property to make the proposed deviation on the AY oodlands road.

From the Treasury, AYellingtou, advising that £752 11s, portion of subsidy, had been placed to credit of the County. From the same, advising that £233 12s 20 per cont. of land revenue for the September quarter, had been lodged to the Council’s credit. From AY. I. Spencer, Napier, acknowledging £SO for charitable aid.

From John Blackbourn, County Engineer, enclosing account for £34 14s, for Road Board work done under instructions from the Council, in terms of his agreement. Mr Johnston was of opinion that the Engineer had no claim against the Council for work done for the Road Boards while the money expended was County money, and the instructions emanated from the Council.

Mr Smith moved, Mr Sowry seconded, “ That the account be not paid.”—Carried. On the motion of Mr Mackersey, seconded by Mr Dillon, the Engineer was instructed to got the necessary qualifications of a licensed surveyor at once.

On the motion of Mr Rathbone, seconded by Mr Dillon, it was agreed that the Council purchase from the contractor for the Homewood bridge 1200 feet of surplus timber, provided be delivers the timber where it is required at 20s per hundred feet. Mr Mackersey said at the last meeting of the Council a sum of money had been voted for expenditure on the AYaipukurau-Tamumu road. As the expenditure had not commenced, he moved, “ That tho first expenditure of the vote be in making a ford across the Tuki Tuki river on the line of road.” It was useless spending money on the road if there was no crossing to tho river. Mr Rathbone seconded the motion.

Mr Smith moved as an amendment, “ That the Engineer report on the road.” The money should be spent where most needed. Mr Johnston said that the late Engineer had reported on it, and stated that £6O would make the ford. There was no seconder to Mr Smith’s amendment.

Mr Mackersey’s motion was then carried.

The Engineer asked for definite instructions to go on to Mr Russell’s paddocks and open tho road. Mr Johnston said the late Engineer had received instructions, but was unable to carry them out. He moved, “ That the Engineer receive instructions to open the road.” Mr Mackersey seconded the motion, but thought it was unnecessary, as money had been spent on it by the Road Board, although illegally. The road from AYaipukurau to Tamuinu was a County road. The expenditure would be useless to the settlers unless the ford was made good.—Motion carried. engineer’s report. Waipawa, Deccmb3r 4, 1879. To the Chairman Waipawa County Council, —Sir, —I have the ho” * to report that during the month the following works have bden attended to : Kaikorr-Patangata Road—l have during the month let 25 chains of metalling between Kaikora and the Homewood creek bridge. On the flats a 16ft bridge has been put in with necessary approaches and drains ; 30 chains of formation, 50 chains of side drains, and 3 culverts, have also been constructed. I intend to call for tenders for metalling about 50 chains of this road. The contract for repairs to Homewood bridge is completed. The contractor has a qnantity of timber over and above what was required, a portion of

which can be used for culverts elsewhere. Witherow’s bridge is complete. Tamuinu —Pourerere road. Tenders for two bridges and for formation will bo laid before the Counoil to-day. A party of men is now at work on road near Mr Ford’s house. Waipawa-Tammnu road.—Eight chains of side cutting and formation has been done on this road, and 3 culverts put in at Worst places. The formation let by contract last meeting h*s been done. Waipukurau to Arlington House. Work done—3s chains of formation, 2 culverts, 2 chains metalling, and 40 chains of side drains cleared out.

Pukukura to Porangahau boundary.—Road round Mr Ormonde paddocks lisa been repaired, and general surface work throughout attended to. Waipukurau Gorge.—Road where narrow is being widened and slips cleared. Waipawa-Tsmumu road (Waipukurau side of Waipawa river) —Work done—9 chains formation and 22 chains side drains. I intend to metal as soou as tho formation is ready for it. Ashley-Clinton Road.—The metalling contract let last month is in hand, about 15 chains done.

Woodville.—Tenders will bo laid before yon to-day for 28 chains of metalling on the Woodlands road. The tender for formation on the Victoria road, accepted conditionally last meeting, was not taken up, and as instructed l gave the contract to the next lowest tenderer, Mr Hutching’*, who has signed contract. I have inspected the proposed deviation on this road, and report separately on it. Whnkaratipu bridge. The contractor will have finished in about another week. Sorrensen’s bridge—The contractor has finished. Ross’s bridge I found to be in a very unsafe state, and made arrangements to replace by day work, and not wait until tenders could be received. Norse wood. The late bad weather made it necessary to employ extra labor to keep the main road open for traffic. Norse Wood-Rual line road.—Tenders will bo laid before yon for one mile of formation Norsewood-Ormondville road. Surface hands have been employed getting the road ready for metalling and opening up drains. The lower portion of this • road is still in a very bad state ; nothing can be done until it has dried up more.. The contractors for metalling were on tho ground early in the month, but bad weather prevented them starting before the 28th. Tenders will be laid before you to-day for a new bridge near tho Manawatu cutting, Norse wood. There is yet one more large bridge I am anxious to re-erect, if the money will allow of it, if so it will be advertised for next meeting."

Makaretu.—The whole of the Government grant, £560, has been expended, together with £67 out of the Riataniwha Riding Funds. General. —As instructed, I went down to Kaikora to lay off “ the lino of road from Kaikora to Patangata.” Ibis road has never been opened. Mr Lawrence, through whose land it runs, met me on the ground, and protested against tho work, and I herewith enclose his letter, and reasons for doing so.—l have. Sir, tho honor to be your obedient serva'p^ John Blackbourn, County Engineer. Waipawa, Nov. 26, 1879. To tho Chairman Waipawa County Council, —Sir, —I have the honor by direction to report having inspected the proposed deviation of the road on the southeast boundary of section 35, Victoria Block, Woodville. It was stated that if the road wag taken down the south-west boundary of section 34, and then southeasterly, joining the Victoria road at a point 30 chains or thereabouts from tho main Bush road, a very considerable sido cutting and saving in money would l bo effected. I endeavored to see Mr Tuley, to whom I was referred for information* but he was away from home. After eoing over the proposed deviation, which I found to be level ground, I inspected tho present roud and hill, up which sido cutting would have to be made. I would strongly advise that no deviation be inado in the present line of road, for the following reasons :—l. That £lO an ac»e would* have to bo given for 40 chain® of tho proposed road. 2. That the proposed road would require felling, clearing, and forming for at least 85 chains in length,, one 14ft bridge, and two or three small culverts. 3. That the proposed road on the south-west boundary of section 34 would run parallel to the existing road at a distance of only 34 chains, and would in the first instance cost more to make, and would hereafter remain an unnecessary permanent charge on the-district. 4. That stopping the main cross road (i.e_ south-east of section 35), as proposed, would seriously interfere with the settlers- . of this and the adjoining block. 5t That so far as I could learn, the settlers, >yith the exception of Mr Tuley, are opposed to any deviation. Mr Campbell, to- whom I was referred, informed' me that his name was made use of without his permission ; that ho did not care about theproposed road, and considered it not wanted. Mr Hyde, whose land joins Mr Tuley, is against alterations, and consider* it would be no benefit whatever to the district. Mr Holloway said that it made no difference to him, and he could see no reason for alteration. 6. That tho cost of a side cutting four chains long on the present road would not exceed £2O, and that only one-tenth of an acre would have to be bought from Mr Campbell. The cost of the 20ft. span- bridge at the foot of the "cutting would be little more than the cost of tho 14ft. bridge and culverts on the proposed deviation.—l have, Sir, the honor to be, your obedient aer- ’ vant, John Blackbourn, County Engineer. Mr Smith, pursuant to notice moved, (1.) “ That the resolution of 7 thAugust, that all roads in the Qountv be declared County roads, be rescinded.. (2.) “ That in order to effect a large reduction in the expenditure of theCouncil, after the 31st March next,, all moneys raised in a district, after deducting pro rata share of expense* of keeping open the Bush road, bo handed over to the Read Boards in the district in which they are raised.’* In a lengthy speech Mr Smith pointed out that it was understood, when passing the motion of 7th August, that if anything cropped up before the Ist January, tho motion could be lesoinded. He would ask the attention of the Council to the*

laucitl view of tho cane. It was gem. understood that the subsidies after next rear would cease, and then a 2s rate would be imperative. A rate of Is gave a revenue of £4SOO, £4OOO of which, he stated, would be swallowed up in expenses. He held that the Road Boards did their work very much more cheaply than the Counties. The Council, Mr Smith urged, have no power to take over all roads in the County, and if his motion was not carried, he intended to ask for the solicitor’s opinion on the point. The effect of the motion making all the roads in the County County roads, Mr Smith thought, would be to cause the Kofed Boards to cease their existence, and he contrasted the working of the Road Boards with the Council, to the latter's disadvantage. If his motion was carried, and the Engineer’s department swept away, the licenses and the dog tax would pay the expenses of the Council ; there would not be so much printing required, and it would not be necessary to meet every month. If the Council rejected his resolutions, and the present rate of expenditure was maintained, a 2s. rate would be necessary- Mr Smith quoted an array of figures to show that when the subsidies are discontinued, |unlesa a 2s rate is imposed, there will be very little to spend on public works, and concluded by moving the first resolution. Mr Dillon seconded the motion. Following Mr Smith, he said there was no necessity to go into figures. He was qnite certain the County could not carry on the pre scut expenditure, and had no doubt, after this year, the Road Boards would cease to exist.

Mr Mac kersey would not attempt to follow Mr Smith, whose arguments were based on a false assumption. The position was very simple. The Council had passed a resolution that the rates raised in a riding be spent in that riding, and had determined that the Road Boards not being properly constituted, the more/ should be ex pended,only under the supervision of the County staff. The roads for which monies were most required were not County roads, and month after month roads were being taken over by the County. The Council then saw the only plan was to take over all roads, not to abolish Road Boards, but to give the Council power to make the expenditure on the roads. Mr Smith had spoken of extravagant expenditure of the Council, but did not show in what l-Jtcr position the Courcil would be if i is resolutions were carried. Tbc motion of 7th August need not effect tho Road Boards. Under any circumstances, it was only a temporary thing, pending the amended Counties Act, which the Government have promised to introduce. If the Road Boards were properly constituted, he would bo quite prepared to hand over the revenue of the Council for those bodies to expend. Mr Johnston said tho question was fully discussed before, and it was useless to go into it again. The roadß were taken over to enable the Council to spend money where they thought proper. He did not see why the Council could not work ns cheaply as any Road Board. If the Government stop the subsidies, there would be no difficulty in dispensing with the Engineer’s services, if found advisable, but he was not prepared to recommend that course.

Mr Levy challenged Mr Smith’s figures, and did not believe the Road Boards wished the motion before the Council to be carried.

Mr Smith, in reply, stated his figures were absolutely correct, and predicted at the end of the year there would be a bank overdraft of £I4OO. He pointed out that though the present overdraft was only £SOO odd, works for large amounts are in progress or are authorised. He was sure that if his motion were not carried, the ratepayers, at tho annual elections in July, would not elect new Road Boards, and a very largo increased expense would thus be entailed on the County, For the motion—Councillors Smith and Dillon; against Councillors Mackersey, Johnston, Herrick, Levy, and Sowrv. Mr Smith called attention to that portion of the AVaipukurau-Walling-ford road, between AVaipukurau and Arlington. He censured the Engineer for getting the gravel from the river-bed when good gravel was found near at hand, and for misleading the contractors by telling them that tenders for the river-bed metal only would be accepted. Mr Mackersey defended the Engineer. saying that he had acted upon tha instructions of the Council, and used his own judgment as an Engineer.

Mr Smith asked that the consideration of the deviation in the A'ictoria Block road be postponed till next meeting.—Agreed to. Another lety was received from the Engiueer, ’(advising that the County be diviA d into three districts, each to be superintended by a road overseer, under control of the Engineer.

Mr Mackersey said that certain things, which recently came to light, showed that overseers were not a great acquisition to the County. The present overseer had stated' in his evidence, in Tyne's ease, that he was for three years overseer under the Council, and for several years in a similar position under the Provincial Government, and had never examined the culverts on the Wallingford road. He thought the services of overseers

might be dispensed with, and gangers employed instead, when required. Ultimately, after much discussion, on the motion of Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Johnston, it was resolved that no change be made in the Engineer’s department at present. Mr Mackersey moved, “ That tho expenses incurred by the Council in defending the action against W. Tyne be paid bv tho Council.’* He argued that though the Council had won the case, they should pay the expenses of their own witnesses. The Council had forced Mr Tyne into the action. Tho County solicitor had said the claim was legal, and when Mr Tyne applied for payment, the Council objected to pay.—Carried. Mr Mackersey moved, “ That the Engineer be instructed to prepare a report on all the bridges and culverts in the County.”—Carried.

Mr Johnston drew the attention of the Council to an advertisement in the WiirawA Mail notifying tho closing of the road passing through Captain Howard’s land near the Homewood bridge. He moved that Messrs Howard and Tod be consulted with the view of keeping the road open, until steps could be taken to have it opened under the “ Public Works Act.” He also moved, “ That the Engineer be instructed to survey a road through the land in question, and report as to the quantity of land required to bo taken, in the place of that washed away by the river.” Both motions were seconded by Mr Dillon, and carried. Mr Smith moved that tho Chairman be requested to write to the Government asking that a sum be placed on the supplementary estimates for the support of the County Hospital.— Carried.

Accounts amounting to over £IOOO were passed for payment.

TENDERS. Norskwood Riding. Manawatu Cutting Bridge. J. McDonald (accepted) ... £199 0 0 N. Campbell ... ... ... 209 0 0 CS. Sft*w.irt ... ... ... 236 0 0 J. Adams ... ... ... 237 0 0 Woody ills Riding. Formation Woodlands Road. Section 1. G. Smith (accepted) ... ... £44 11 0 Section 2. E. Groves (accepted) ... £G6 0 0 Norsewood Riding. Formation Norsewood-Ruahincs Road, Section 1. J. Andersen (accepted) ... £19 0 0 Thirteen other tenders received. Section 2. J. Andersen (accepted) ... £18 0 0 Thirteen other tenders received. Tamumu Ridino. Formation Pourerere Road. A. Cooper (accepted) ... £39 0 0 G. A. Clark ... ... ... 40 0 0 T. Price ... ... ... 45 0 0 R. Hope ... ... ... 50 0 0 Construction of two bridges Pourerero Road. G. A. Clark (informal) ... £238 0 0 C. Stewart (accepted) ... 289 0 0 J. Adams ... ... « ... 294 0 0