Patangata County Council.

Waipawa Mail, Volume X, Issue 1023, 16 December 1886, Page 2

Patangata County Council.

The Council met this morning at Waipukurau, when Crs Mackereey (chairman), Cross, Me Hardy and White were present. The niimitcs of previous mooting were road and confirmed. THE SPECIAL MEETING was first held. Cr Mcllardy proposed that the motion adopting the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act be confirmed, Cr White seconded the resolution, which was carried. TIIE ORDINARY MEETING was then gone on with. Correspondence was received : I 1 rom the Council’s solicitors, suggesting that a local solicitor be employed to conduct the court cases for getting the over due rates, but expressing their willingness to undertake the duties if desired to do so. From Mr Walter Hallett, stating that the writer had decided to retire from Government service and offering to undertake any work for the Council. I'rom Mr R. Sid well, asking for an extension of time for completion of contract. —-Decided on the motion of Crosse, to give an extension to January 7th. From Cr Hunter, regretting that he was too unwell to be present. Leave of absence granted.

From Mr J. D. Ormond, re deviation of road near Wallingford. From the Chief Surveyor, re same.—The clerk said tho deviation had been made before tho Crown grants were issued, therefore the old provincial road had nothing to do with the Council, and therefore Mr Johnson had a right to fence up to the road and no one could dispute it. The chairman said there were two reads which were iu dispute either of which could be used by the public. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr R. Johnston’s letter (received some time ago) that tho Council have no jurisdiction over the old road, but that the road passing by Mr Pope’s house is still a public road and is shewn as such an the maps. From tho Premier’s office, re appointment of a member of the Patangata Council to tho Charitable Aid Board, and HU gesting that u member be recommended. It was resolved to ask the chairman to represent the County ; on the motion of Crs White and Mcllar-ly.

From the l nder Secretary, rc section 46 of Couulies Act, 1886, rc adjusting,

stating that the Government do not undertake to interpret the Jaw for Local Bodies. A list of corrections to the Valuation Roll was adopted, and the clerk instructed to make alterations accordingly. The audited balance-sheet was adopted. The dog tax was then considered. Cr White proposed that the tax bo 5s a head on all dogs, excepting rabbit dogs ; seconded by Cr Mcllardy. Cr Crosse moved an amendment to the effect that every bona fide shepherd be allowed two dogs free, all others ss. Cr Crosse added that the employers of the shepherds in most cases paid the taxes, and they had calls onnugh to meet already. The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder. The original motion was carried inspector's report. The road inspector’s report was then raad : 5 Patangata District. —The road board of 1 this district hare expended a portion of the 1 Council’s grant in forming portions of the I County Road at the Homewood Bridge and I’ at Mr Mackny’s also in ; forming and metalling 37 chains between Messrs Collins’ and Dillons’ ; an old bridge having been removed and replaced by large pipes, and the i grades of cuttingaon each sidehavingbeen re- | duced and improved. This work is near its ! completion. The Government have com- ■ menccd widening the railway crossing at ■ Kaikora. I beg to suggest that the above road board be invited to form and metal a ; portion of the road near the junction at the Waipawa and Kaikora roads, in all about 10 chains—out of the subsidy allocated to i them. Eparaima and Porangahan Hidings. — Plans and specifications for the following works have been drawn out and await the authorisation of Council before tenders are called : 1 Delivering of GOO yards of metal near the secoud bridge at Eparaima Bush. 2 Alteration of cutting from table on to Ormoud’s Flat near Wallingford. 3 Metalling 60 chains at Poranguliau. 4 Formation and metalling of 16 chains opposite Mr Franklin’s, at Waiuui. Under the authority of the Chairman, I have ordered 2000 feet of squared timber, and engaged a carpenter to |ercct piling and sheeting at the bend of the Topui Creek, where it encroaches ou the road. The roadmen will assist in the work. It will be necessary to metal the 33 chains of formation at Herbertvillc, opposite the schoolhoase when complete, also the approaches to the two bridges in Doctor’s Gully. In order to carry out the above, I must ask the Council to permit me to expend say £4O of the allocation for contracts on the north side of the Porangnhau River : on the south side of same, the amount (£125) granted being insufficient to finish these works, all of which arc urgently needed. A second roadman on Wainui track being indispensable. I have kept a man on last month. The contractor for the two bridges in Doctor’s Gully had not commenced the erection of same on 27th November. A portion only of the timber being then on the ground. Contract time closed on 17th of that month. The reduction of the rocky corner and widening of the turntable has been commenced as directed on Poraugahau Hill. The hill on Mr Ormoud’s at Eparaima has turned out soft on a minor face and resulted in the quarrying and breaking of 25 yards of good metal. It is inadvisable to continue work at the few patches of rock remaining. E. Gilbertson, Road Inspector. Cr White said the road board intended to do what the report suggested. The Chairman moved that the Inspector be instructed to call tenders for work suggested in the report, to be done at Porangaliau. Motion carried. The purchase of 2000 ft of squared timber in Wainui was approved. It was decided to retain the services of a second road man in Wainui for another two months, on the motion of Cr Crosse. Also, that the Inspector be authorised to expend the £4O allocated to north side Porangalmu river, on south 6ide, viz., near Wainui school ; in accordance with an offer to that effect made by Cr Hunter. Cr Mcllardy wished to provide against casualties in event of there being no quorum at any meeting days. He therefore proposed that in event of there being no quorum the Finance Committee bo empowered to call for tenders for works that may be necessary. Motion seconded by Cr Crosse and carried. The Council then rose.