WAIPAWA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Waipawa Mail, Volume VII, Issue 713, 5 December 1884, Page 3

WAIPAWA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The Council met yesterday, when were present: Messrs Hunter, W. C. Smith, Bibby, Youngman, Hall, Ross, Warren and Mackersey. The minutes of the special meeting having been confirmed, Mr Ross moved that Mr Mackersey be Chairman, and Mr Hunter seconded the motion, saying that he had filled the office before with credit to himself and satisfaction to the ratepayers. Mr Smith moved the adjournment of the question till next meeting, as Mr Dillon had not returned, and this was the only way out of the difficulty. He was afraid there would be a good deal of squabbling on points of order if Mr Mackersey was elected, and he felt it was very important that the Council and the member for the district should be in accord ; and he felt it well to mention this at once plainly, as they could not get over the fact that he was elected by a large majority, and held the dual capacity of Member of the Council and of Parliament, consequently he felt he could not put up with being ruled out of order continually, and he wanted the business conducted in a quiet way. Mr Hall seconded the motion. Mr Mackersey wished to say in reply to Mr Smith, that that gentleman had assumed the role of a prophet, and it was presuming to say how the Chairman would act. When he left office he received a vote of thanks which was unanimous, he believed, except perhaps by Mr Smith ; so that in making these remarks he reflected on the whole Council. His supporters knew well that he consented to stand again reluctantly and in deference to the wishes of a majority. There was a misunderstanding about Mr Dillon he felt sure. He concluded by moving that Mr Bibby be Chairman for the year.

Mr Smith seconded the amendment to get over the difficulty. Mr Bibby positively declined, and thought it would be well to wait for Mr Dillon’s return.

Mr Smith replied that he was not in the Council when Mr Mackersey was Chairman, but drew his conclusions from what was reported. He showed that there was no inconsistency or misunderstanding about Mr Dillon’s candidature, as until just before he was going away he did not know he would be a candidate, but had stated in Napier afterwards that he was now a candidate.

In reply to Mr Hunter, Mr Smith said he would not again ask for a postponement in January. Mr Ross and Mr Warren made some remarks, which were understood to explain Mr Dillon’s position. Mr Hunter was asked to take the chair for the day, but said he regretted that he would not be able to remain all day. Mr Smith’s amendment was then put and carried on division—Ayes, 5 : Messrs Smith, Bibby, Youngman, Hall, and Mackersey. Noes, 3: Messrs Hunter, Ross, and Warren. On the motion of Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Youngman, Mr Bibby was appointed chairman for the day. The minutes of the general meeting were confirmed.

Mr McMillan, Hampden, asked to have his name placed on the valuation roll in lieu of Mr Glass. On the motion of Messrs Smith and Ross the request was complied with. Mr Cole, Chairman of Makaretu Road Board, wote to the effect that all the roads in his district were bush roads, the full rate of fd in the pound was insufficient for urgent needs, and therefore asked a vote of £IOO as a grant-in-aid for general road work, being a, partial refund of county rates from the district.

Mr Boss moved that the request he deferned till after they had collected their rates, which only amounted to afcoui) £9O. He thought the applicant was aot aware of this.

Mr Mackersey said a return had been ordered, which would show how McS each riding had iso its credit.

The Clerk said it had been prepared and was before tbe Chairman. Mr Smith moved that the letter should stand over till the orders of the day had been disposed of. Mr Hall seconded, and it was carried. At a later period the letter was left over till next meeting. Mr S. Bridge, Fairfield, drew attention to a portion of the AsheottFairfield Road, near Hobb’s Yards, where after rain the road was very bad ; also to a part of the "Waipawa— Fairfield Road, which had been formed but not metalled, and would soon require doing again. Mr Ross said the river had changed every fresh, and the only thing possible was to clear away the boulders. He moved that the Overseer report on the matter at next meeting. Seconded by Mr Hall and carried.

The Public Works Department stated that £4,000 had been voted for maintenance of Seventy-mile Bush Road. That Waipawa County was concerned in about 30 miles for first half of year and 25 miles for second half, while Wairarapa East County was interested in about 50 miles, consequently it was proposed to apportion £1,350 to Waipawa County and £2,650 to Wairarapa, and inquired if the Council approved. They also asked for a list of the works upon which the vote was proposed to be expended. Mr Smith gave a lengthy explanation to the effect that the business was committed to his care by the Council and the course taken by the Atkinson Ministry, who decided not to give any grant. On the present Minister taking office, they applied again with the result that £4,000 was voted. They must now say if they required the £250 for bridges in addition to the £1,350. He thought that they should devote the £250 to the Kumeroa Bridge, the vote for which, £1,500, was insufficient.

Mr Hall said the bridge would cost £2,400. The main road in the vicinity of Woodville was in very fair condition now, and he thought it best to devote the £250 to Harding’s Road Bridge, and moved accordingly. Mr Smith suggested that a new list of works required should be sent to the Minister, and special mention made of the damage done by railway works.

In reply to Mr Ross, Mr Hall said that bearing in mind that the road would be shortened, and what was already done and in progress, the £1,350 would bo sufficient, to put the main road in repair. The Overseer said the road between Danevirk and Woodville required a good deal of work, and he was applying for 4,000 yards of metal for it ; considerable repairs were also wanted at the Tarnaki and other bridges; and the timber traffic would cut up the road very much during next two years. The Chairman could not see how the £250 could be spared from the bridges on the Seventy-mile Road, but thought a separate grant should be applied for for the Kumeroa Bridge. Mr Smith moved that a reply be sent stating that the Council agrees with the allocation, but pointing out that the main road has been greatly cut up by the traffic caused by haulage of railway material to Upper Manawatu Bridge, and enclosing statement showing how the money was proposed to be spent. Seconded by Mr Hall and carried. Captain Preece, R.M., forwarded a translation of a letter received from Nopera Kui Kainga, Waipawa, as follows :•—“ Friend, I have heard of the decision of the County Council to take a road through my paddock at Eparaima. If this is true do you inform me. These acts must not be concealed from the Maoris. If the Government continue to do things in this way, it will become a cause of contention between them and the Maoris, and the Europeans will say the Maoris are the cause of trouble, instead of which it is the Europeans, who have failed to inform the Maoris of their acts. Listen, I am not willing that a road should go through my paddock. Other works of this Council are numerous. I have been over these works, and this Council would not listen to my words. I spoke also at Waipawa with reference to one of this Council’s works over my piece, and the Council would not agree. And now this Council is creating another cause for dispute between them and me. Why is this kind of work on the part of the Council carried on ? The Government dealings with this piece are, that they have three quarries. Formerly there was but one road, and now another is to be commenced. I have moved in all these affairs, and have had no compensation from the Government for all these things. But my friend, my opinion is that we should speak by word of mouth.”

The Clerk mentioned that some time ago Nopera claimed £SOO. The Chairman moved that the course suggested by the Resident Magistrate should be followed: That the Road Overseer should interview Ropera, with a view of settling the matter. Seconded by Mr Smith and carried. Mr B. B. Johnson wrote, saying that he advanced D. Cam mock two cheques of £5 each to enable him to tender for two contracts, one of which was accepted ; that next day Cammock withdrew one cheque, which was really his, and he had since repeatedly asked Cammock for the money or an order on the Council, but could not get satisfaction. He asked that any money coming to him should be detained.

Mr Ross did not see how the Council could interfere in the matter ; and Mr Smith said it was a very unfair proceeding, and the Council ought to bear it in miud if the man tendered again for work. The Chairman instructed the Clerk to reply to the letter, and added that he thought the only way would be for Mr Johnson to obtain an order on the Council.

Mr Lambert, Lambertford, informed the Council that he would give aright of road from Ashley - Clinton to Takapau on the same terms as formerly offered in respect to another route. The Chairman said the settlers were not satisfied now.

In reply to Mr Ross, the Overseer said the grades would be very much easier than the one laid off by Brown ; and he had not been over the old road surveyed by Ellison. Mr Smith read a letter from a settler showing that he did not approve of the proposed line.

Mr Ross moved that the Overseer report on the old line of road. Seconded by Mr Smith and carried. Mr R. Harding, Mount Vernon, wrote that he leased the upper portion of Ruataniwha Run from Mr J. Harding, containing 4,500 acres, and the valuation mutually agreed to was £12,000 as the valuation for rating purposes, which he requested to be put on the roll. Mr Ross moved that the alteration be made.

Mr Smith pointed out that the Council had no power to accept the valuation agreed to unless both parties sign a consent, hut must take the Property Tax valuation. Seconded by Mr Mackersey and carried. ROAD overseer’s REPORT.

Sir,—l have the honour to submit for the consideration of Council the following report, viz. :

Patangata Riding —The portions of roads in the riding which are under my supervision are in good order, with the exception of a portion of the Kaikora-Tamumu Road, opposite Mr White’s weolshed, and also a short portion of Kaikora-Patangata Road at a junction with Homewood Koad. Both of the above portions require forming and metalling.

Waipawa Riding —The roads through the riding are in good summer condition. Cammock’s contract ou til© WaipawaHampden Road is progressing favorably. Tim renewing of the bridge on WaipawaWaipukurau Road is in hand, and will be completed by Saturday the 6th inst. Ruataniwha Riding —l would recommend the formation and metalling of portions of the Waipawa-Fairfi. Id Road and Fairfield-Ashcott Road, as there are some very bad places on theso roads which cut up very much during the winter. The works on the above roads will be done cheap, as the metal is in close proximity. P. Jenseri, jun., is making satisfactory progress with his bush-falling contract on the Blackburn—Ashley-Cliuton Road. I would respectfully recommend that the remaining portion of this road, a distance of about 40 chains, be felled and cleared, as it will not be safe for traffic in windy weather until such is done. The remaining portion of roads through this riding are in fair condition for traffic.

Norseicood Riding —l have let the widening of road near Gundie’s saw-mills, on the Norsewood-Ormondville Road, as instructed at last meeting of Council. That portion of road from Makatoku Railway Station to junction with Makatoku Road will require to be opened, by felling and clearing the road for a distance of about 17 chains. Tbe railway authorities have recently fenced in the line, which completely shuts out the increasing timber traffic from the station on that side of the line. Seventy-Mile Rush Road. Peebles is making good progress with his metalling contract on the Masterton Road, and will finish early in the present month. There is a portion of road dangerously narrow, near the Catholic Church, which will require widening at an early date. This is caused by so many horses and cattle going down the bank to drink at a creek alongside this place. A portion of the road has slipped away on the first angle rising up the Matawhie hill, which has reduced the road to a very narrow width. I would recommend that the road bo widened in the solid bank, as there is a creek running below the lower bank where the slip has occurred, which would prevent the road being made wider on that side. The bank on the eastern end of the Tarnaki Bridge has washed away during ihe late fresh in that stream. This endangers the landing span of the bridge ; and unless immediate steps are taken to remedy the evil, the next flood will carry it away. I would recommend the insertion of four landing piles, and abont 15 feet of sheet piling, which will prevent any occurrences of a like nature in future. I would have put this work in hand at once, only that the cost of the works required would exceed the amount which the Coimcil allows me spend without their sanction. I would again respectfully remind the Council of the necessity for metalling portions of this road between Tahoraite and Palmerstou Gorge, as all the traffic will be confined between the abovementioned places for the next two years. I would also recommend the insertion of a four foot culvert, and also the strengthening and deepening of the discharge drain near Allardice’s Hotel, Danevirk, as the stagnant water lving at this place is a constant source of complaint by the people residing around it. I have let the widening of the road opposite Danevirk Station siding, as instructed at last meeting of the Council. The remaining portion of this road from Danevirk to the old Railway Hotel, Takapau, will require no further expenditure for the next 12 months, except about three days with a cart, to fill in some holes on the road between Norsewood and the old Railway Hotel.

Woodville Riding —The roads through this riding are in a worse condition than for the last four years, more especially Harding’s Road, and Oringi Road, which has recently been gazetted as County roads. Both the above roads are very much used, as they tap a large extent of country. Tbe traffic has increased very much within the last 12 months. 1 would recomrrtend tire formation and metuliiog

of 120 chains of the Harding Road, and an equal distance of the Oringi-Kuraeroa. At the present time the traffic to Oringi station is all but stopped. This has partly occurred through the road having recently been fenced in, thereby confining the traffic within the chain of road ; and unless immediate action is taken to form and metal the worst portions, the necessary heavy traffic to and from the station will be stopped. The Harding Road is not passable, even for horsemen, during nine months of the year. I would respectfully recommend the necessity for the above works to your favorable consideration, as during the next three months is the only time in the year in which formation and metalling can be carried out successfully. On the above roads, I have been informed, the Danevirk Road Board would be willing to subsidise any expenditure on the OringiKumeroa Road Board. I have carried out instructions by inserting new culvert in the Pinfold Road.

Porangahau Riding —Neilsen’s formation contract is completed. I would recommend that this portion of road be metalled, as the loose ground on this hill is liable to wash into deep ruts during heavy rains ; and by putting metal on at this time of the year, the metal and formation would have sufficient time to consolidate before the winter rains set in. I have arranged for a new ferry-boat for the Porangahau River, which I expect will have been delivered by this time. The sale of the old boat is also under negotiation.

Eparaima Riding —The roads through this riding are in fair condition at present. The surface-man has been employed during the month in raising a portion of this road near Motuotaria Gate, and also in patching some bad places on the road opposite Mr Ormond’s bullock-paddock, and also round the siding. Robinson has made a start with his carting metal contract.

WaipuJcurau Riding —The roads in this riding are in good order. There has been a surface man employed cleaning out water tables, and doing other necessary work during a portion of the past month, on the Wuipukurau Road.

Tenders will be laid before you to-day for 51 chains formation and metalling on Kaikora-Patangata Road, and also 31 and 21 chains of formation on the \Vaipawa-Tamumu Road. Also 13 chains of formation and metalling through the Herbertville Township, Wainui, and 20 chains of formation on Webster’s Road, Makaretu.

It is my intention to reduce the number of surfacemen employed on Seventy-mile Bush Koad, and Eparaima and Porangahau Ridings, as I consider the improved state of the roadß running through the above ridings will justify tnis course during the snminer months. If my actions in this matter do not meet with the approval of the Council, I hope to receive instructions on the matter.—A. Gilmour, County Road Overseer. TENDERS. Tenders were .accepted as follows : Waipawa-Tamumu Road, No. I—R. McKeDzie, £l9 7s 6d (accepted) : Gr. Bose, £4O 6s. No. 2 contract—Peebles and Gardner, £56 6s ; B. McKenzie, £49 15s 6d (accepted.) Kaikora-Patangata Boad—L. Phillips, £204 12s 4d ; J. Duncan, £156 11s; W. Monk, £165 15s; R. McKenzie, £l2l (accepted) ; 11. Hickey, £3 14s per chain ; B. Kennedy, £IBB 14s. Porangahau-Wainui Boad P. Neilsen, £45 ; J. Cripps, £35 15s (accepted.) Webster’s Boad, Makaretu —P. Jensen, senr, £2 9s per chain ; Hans Hemmingsen, £3 12s 3d (informal) ; Carl Pearseu, £1 14s 6d (accepted) ; J. Johansen, £2 15s 6d. (For continuation of news see fourth page.)