Waipawa County Council.

Waipawa Mail, Volume X, Issue 1055, 5 March 1887, Page 2

Waipawa County Council.

The Council met yesterday morning, when the following councillors were present : Crs Smith (in the chair), Ross, Small, Hall, Youngman, and Bibby. The minutes of previous meetings, special and ordinary, were read and confirmed. A discussion took place on the question of Charitable Aid. (This is reported fully in another column.) Correspondence was received from the Treasury, re loan mutters, which had bean attended to. Telegrams were read from the Colonial Treasurer, urging the Council to take the lqan . money in instalments instead of in one sum.

The Chairman said tlie suggestion to take the money in one sum was made by the Treasurer ; however, since £3,500 was .all. that was required, he.had wired back that that sum would suffice, and it was expected to arrive daily. . It was resolved, on the motion of Cr Bibby, seconded by Cr Hall— That the Council open a special loan account at the bank, and that the Chairman be authorised to arrange it. Also— That the Overseer’s salary be charged to the loan account, as that officer is devoting all his time now to carrying out the loan proposals. From the Treasury, stating that £ll 14s 7d had been forwarded as rates on Crown lands. From the Property Tax Department, forwarding £265 10s sd, in respect of rates collectable in Takapau road district, and refusing to make any further payments until the Kumeroa and Maharahara Road Boards have sent in statements of rates collected last year, also declarations, &c M The Chairman explained that when Government sent the other subsidies, (£SOO odd), nothing was sent -on account of the Takapau Road Board, ns no rate had been struck. It had since been struck and the subsidy was received. But Government refused to pay any more, because it appeared that the Maharahara and Kumeroa Road Boards had received 75 per cent of their subsidy last year but had not applied for the remaining 25 per cent. The result was that declarations would have to bo made, and the road boards would lose the 25 per cent altogether, and the county would lose its share of tlie subsidy. The Council also lay out of about £350" because these road boards had neglected to carry out the Act. The matter would have to be attended to.

From the Clerk Wairarapa North County Council, re Manawatu Gorge toll, stating that the resolution passed by the Waipawa Conncil had been considered. The Wairarapa Council had passed a resolution stating that the Gorge road was of no use to them and that if not taken over by the Waipawa Council the Wairarapa Council would establish a toll on the road within its boundaries.

The Chairman said it was the third letter to the same effect, viz., asking the Waipawa County to taka over a road from tlie Wairarapa County. Cr Hall referred to the number of toll gates which the Wairarapa had, and which were a direct tax on the people. The letter was received. From the Chairman Takapau Road District stating that the rateable value of the district was £113,289, and'that there were no Crown or Native Lands in it. From the Ormondville Town Board, forwarding £34 in part payment of money guaranteed to the Couucil. Cr Ross thought in future the Council should not undertake works for the Town Board until the money was in hand. From the Kumeroa Road Board, drawing attention to a clause in Counties Act, re constructing and maintaining bridges, and asking for assistance. On the motion of Cr Hall, seconded by Cr Small, it was resolved— That the matter be referred to the OverFrorn Mr A. Peters, Woodville, suggesting that the Wairarapa County Council should be remonstrated witli for erecting a toll-gate at the Manawatu River. The letter caused some amusement, and was acknowledged. From Mr W. Howes, offering to fence, stump, &c., in section 83, as the writer is lessee of that section.—lt was decided, on the motion of Crs Small and Youngman : That the matter be left in the hands of the Overseer. From the Secretary to the MastertonMangahao Special Settlement Association, urging that the road known as “ Ormond’s line” in Woodville, might be kept open, as it is of much value to the special settlement.—Cr Hall said Ormond’s line was a road which directly tapped the Special Settlement. He believed there was a desire on the part of Mr Ormond to close his road, and some fences had been put up, or something of that kind, either on the part of Mr Ormond or his manager. The settlors did not know that certain legal forms must be gone through before the road can be closed.

Cr Ross thought it very strange that Mr Ormond’s people should want to close the road. lie remembered only a short time ago that Mr Ormond’s manager had written applying for a grant of money to be spent on the road pointing out how important it was.— On the motion of Crs Hall and Small ; it was resolved : That the clerk reply aud re-assure the settlers that the road cannot be closed without proper steps being takeu under the Public Works Act, and that when the matter is brought before Council due attention will be given to this request.

From tlie United Charitable Aid Comir.ittee, acknowledging receipt of levy £57 9s, &c. From Mr R. E. Rasmussen, asking if the clerk was authorised to send receipts for rates collected, as he had paid rates and not received a receipt. The Clerk said he had received a cheque for amount of rates, but it did not include Gd for bank exchange. He had applied for this and subsequently received it. Th en, Mr Rassmussen complained that Mr V. Rasmussen’s back rates were paid, and Mr V. Rasinusson field the receipt. The clerk had applied for the date and number of the receipt and other particulars, and the only reply was this request from Mr Rasmussen, who asked the Council if tlie clerk was authorised to collect rates.

The Council considered the ratepayers should assist the clerk, and if Mr Rasmussen did not see that the rates were paid and properly entered up lie would be sued for the money together with a number of other defaulters.

The clerk brought up the question of deducting the exchanges from cheques given by successful tenderers for contracts only. It was decided that successful tenderers must pay the exchanges; other tenderers to receive tfieir cheques baok as sent.

A petition was received from 32 rale>ayers in the Norsewood riding, as fob ows ;

_ “ We, the undersigned ratepayers residing within the Norsewood riding respectfully request that your Council will be pleased to divide the Norsewood Riding and to make a new riding called the “ Ormondville Riding,” and to include the Ormondville Town and Road Board districts and to give such new district a representative, and we believe this will, if done, prove of great benefit to your

petitioners, and your petitioners will ever pray, &c., R. R. Groom, William H. Beale, Clias. Baines, Alf. Codlin, Job. Packer, R. Roythorne, F. W. Red ward, W. Beale junr., N. J. Brodersen, J. Barnes, G. Fothergill, A. Fredsberg junr., Christian Petersen, George Hansen, H. J. Bai, Janies Youngman, Joseph Moran senr., Mary Skinner, Neals Larsen, Wra. Howes, John O’Leary, P. Thompson, M. J. Skinner, Clias. Leach, T. W. Groom, Thos. Lund, John Linehan, D. Barnes, John Daly, F. W. Hollins, W. Westlake, D. Davies.

The chairman said that under the new Counties Act, it would be necessary that day to decide upon the number of members. The matter would be dealt with with-the ordinary business. Another petition from 19 residents in the Heretaunga district praying that a grant might be made to improve the road to the Oringi Station. It was as follows : •“ We the undersigned ratepayers in the Heretaunga and Maharahara districts earnestly request that you will grant a sum of money to re-form and metal a portion of the road commonly know as No. 1 Heretaunga, it being one of the most important roads in the district, leading directly from the above settlements to the Oringi railway station.—William Morris, Lawrence Farrelly, Edward iMcMahon James Curtis, John Morgan, Angus Dittmez, Thomas Launey, Paul Debrecency, Alex Cavinous, W. L. Brnndt, J. Danielson, Thomas Dwyer, W. Elliott, R. Sturdy, J. J. Murph}', W. Hederman, M. T. McGrath, J. H. Monteith.” All the signatures are witnessed by W. G. Graham. The petition was presented by Cr Hall, who said it was understood, when the loan was taken up, that roads which were omitted from expenditure should be assisted. He moved— That a grant be made to the Heretaunga Road Board for expenditure on the road in question. Cr Ross said the overdraft was not being reduced and the district was not thickly settled yet. Cr Bibby said it was true that roads not included in tlie loan expenditure were to be assisted, but the council was not in a good position yet. Tho motion was seconded by Cr Ross,

on tho understanding that it only applied to such times when the council is in funds. Carried. Cr Smith moved—lhat the sum of £l2 be passed for payment to Mr Sydney Johnston, as trustee to the Lambcrtford estate, as compensation for a piece of road in that estate. The motion was seconded by Cr Ross and carried. The Clerk then read THE OVERSEER'S REPORT. 1 Vaipaiva Hiding .—According to instructions I have pegged off another 40 chains of the Hampden Tikokino road, which, when completed, will carry this work to the clearing near Tikokino saw-mills, aud tenders will be laid before you to-day for the same. But I am of opinion that this work should have been let in conjunction with formation, and for this reason ; that the principle part of the road is composed of heavy cuttings and fillings, and it is so well known that trees are more easily stumped with a high standing top than if they are felled close to the ground. And independently of this, facilities of traffic will not be obtained until the road».is formed. I have examined the Hampden bridge, and I find that owing to the decking having been put on longtitudinally. the planks tend to wear out more quickly than if they had |been put on cross wise. I would therefore recommend that a four inch decking be put on top of the present deck, cross wise, which would I believe last for the next 8 years. I have taken the same course with similar bridges in the 70 mile bush, with satisfactory results. I have been unable to inspect the Mareakakahu road, cwing to other pressure of work on other roads, but I have sent a road man for a few days to repair the worst of the places.

Huataniwlui Hiding. —Duncan has completed his coqtract of metalling on the Ashley Clinton road. The surfacemen are engaged prepariug an additional 40 chaios to receive the metal, as tenders are called for this work. About 30 chains of the Ashley Clinton Takapau road require forming, being very tough and full of pig rootings. I have laid off three contracts on the Blackburn Ashley Clinton road, which comprise 90 chains and one contract on the Blackburn bridge road, of 79 chains. Tenders for these close on 24th inst. if necessaay. JVorscn-ood Hiding. —l have had the crossing made at the south end of Makotuku so as to give facilities to the public for getting to and fro at nights and on Sundays, which for a considerable time they have been debarred from doing, owiug to the railway authorities closing the gate at 6 o’clock. Mr W. Hallett has completed the survey of the new road from rapatua to Ormondville, and 1 would recommend that this work be put in hand at once, so ns to be completed before the winter. 70 Mile Bush road.—Bradley’s metalling contract between the old Railway Hotel aud Norsewood is nearing completion but the amount of metal comprised in the contract is not sufficient to put the road in proper repair. It would take at least 200 cubic yards more, betweeu Morteuscn’s saw mill and the old hotel. I have made further enquiries as to how Mr Thacker got his trap damaged, and have found that there was a hole in the road about 6 inches square aud the roadman informs me that it was not there at 6 o’clock in the evening, and his attention was called to it the following morning, at 6 o’clock by the driver of the early coach from Woodville, when lie went at once to repair it. There has been no carelessness whatever, on the part of the roadman, and such a thing might happen at any time*without his knowing it. It seems hard if the council should be held responsible for unforseen matters of this kind. I have not been able as yet to ascertain whether the damage done to Mr Thacker’s trap has been to the extent represented by him. I would ask to bo allowed to go on at once with renewing and repairing all the decayed bridges on this road, as the safety of traffic cannot be insured for any length of time unless such is done. Drain pipes can in a great number of instances be substituted for timber.

Woodcillc Hiding. —Tenders will be laid before you to-day for three contracts in this riding. I would have had another contract out on the Manga-atua road, only that I want to add an additional 20 or 30 chains to it this month. I am See., A. GILMOUK, Couuty Road Overseer. The Chairman asked if lie thought Mr Peebles would continue bis contract of keeping the road to tho Gorge in order, at £25 a year.— It was resolved to leave the matter in the Overseer’s hands. WAIPAWA RIDING. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr Bibby— That fresh tenders be called for stumping, and forming 40 chains of the Onga Onca Hampden road. This was because it was considered cheaper-to do both works together instead of separately ; tenders received yesterday were not accepted. It was resolved— That the Overseer liaVe the Hampden bridge metalled. RUATANIWIIA RIDING. It was resolved— That the 30 chains on the Asbley-Clinton-Takapau road be formed, in accordance with the Overseer’s report, (loan money). Also— That tenders be called for the contract on the Blackburn ridge road, 79 chains metalling ; (loan money). Also— That tenders be called for formation Blackburn - Ashley - Clinton Road ; (loan money). With respect to the station yard and crossing at Ormondville, tho chairman said ho had seen Mr A. C. Macdonald who would have something done.

A. Small brought up the matter of the Norsewood drain, on the main road near Winger’s, which had been authorised before. It was resolved oq the motion of Crs Small and Ross, That tenders be called for the working. Cr Small drew the attention of the overseer'to a tree overhanging the road from Ormondville and Norsewood. Oa the motion of Crs Small and Smith it was resolved— That tenders be called for forming the aew road from Papatn to Ormondville. 70-mile bush road. Re Thacker’s accident on the road.—Cr Small said wlmt the road said was correct. —Cr Hall said ho had examined the place where Thacker had fallen and certainly he had had a heavy fall. He recommended that the 30s claim be paid.—The overseer said the breakage of culverts on the road was what no one could guard against, and the council would make a precedent if they paid. Cr Hall moved the 30s be paid. Cre Bibby and Ross thought it unwise to establish a precedent. Cr Roes said a similar case was tried on the Wallingford road, and the plaintiff had lost the case. The resolution wets seconded by Cr Small and carried. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr YouDgman, seconded by Cr Small That arrangemcats be made with the present contractors to put another 200yds of metat on the road near the old Railway Hotel. General business was then taken. The chairman said there had been a tremendous increase of work recently ; there had been some hundreds of new ratepayers and the work had been generally augmented It was a question if the officers could do all the work that now falls on them. Cr Hall said be would like to give notice of motion that the matter be considered at tho next meeting of the council.

The chairmati asked the clerk if he could manage the whole of the work without outside assistance.

The clerk replied that he had given his best attention to the council’s affairs, and had no hesitation in saying that the work was very heavy. He had stuck to it without any grumbling and hoped that a great deal of arrears in rates would bo swept off. The matter was a.lowed to stand over till the next meeting, it being understood that the officers could obtain assistance if necessary, and if they could scrape along, then overtime would be allowed. Cr Hall referred to the deviation on Mr Healey’s property, Woodville, the funds being in hand. He moved and Cr seconded—

That the deviation in Pinfold’a Road be completed as soon as convenient. Cr Bibby asked if the plans had been prepared for the bridge over the Waipawa river. The chairman replied in the negative ; but they would be put in hand very shortly. The chairman referred to clauses in the Counties Act, dealing with the alteration of tlie numbers of councillors. It was now necessary to decido if any new councillors were desired.

Cr liall said he knew the Danevirke people wished to be divided from the Woodville riding. Cr Youngman said the Norsewood p cople wanted to be divided too. Cr Bibby announced his intention of proposing that another member be elected to represent Waipawa in council. It was felt that there was a great injustice done to Waipawa when the county was separated. The following notice of motion was tabled by Cr Bibby— That a special meeting be held on Friday, Ist April, to consider a special order to alter the number of members and of ridings in the county. (The intention is to divide the Woodville riding into two, making a riding for Danevirke and one for Woodville, a councillor representing each; to divide the Norsewood riding-into two, viz., Ormondville and Norsewood, one councillor representing each ; to increase the number of councillors to nine, a second member being given to Waipawa.) Tenders were received as follows :

For 42 chains formation and metalling, Heretaunga No. 2 :

McCarthy & Cosgrove ... A. Cam mock ... John Ncwdick (accepted) ... 1*. Scally 8 16 0 4 19 6 4 7 6 6 7 0 Oringi to Herctaunga school, liara, 26 chaius : McCarthy A Cosgrove 8 19 0 J. Ncwdick (accepted) 6 0 0 August Dittmor A Co. 10 2 6 W. Rerkham ... 6 19 3 G. W. Lines .. 7 10 0 P. Scally 9 12 0 80 chains Mangatera-Umutcroa Eoad : P. Magnussen 3 5 5 S. McGrccvy ... 3 9 0 J. Aic,ken McCarthy A Cosgrove (acptd) >342 58 chains formation and metalling Ormond-ville-Makotuku Road : F. Forward A D. Smith 4 0 0 S. McGreevy (accepted) 2 18 0 W. Howes P. Magnussen ... J1B2 -.. 3 4 0 26 chains formation and metalling on Ger* man Line : B. Gundcrsen ... ... Mathias Beck ... A. FredsbergA T. A. Pet7 19 0 5 8 2 tersen 4 19 Hi If. Brieskc ' ... 6 16 11( W. Maloney... 5 8 0" W. Howes (accepted) 4 14 0 Andres Halverson ... 6 17 6 L. A. Mathisou S. McGrccvy ... ... 5 10 1 40 chains felling and stumping Hampden : —Not accepted ; tenders to be called for formation and stumping instead of stumping alone. 130 chains metalling, Blackburn • Ashler* Clinton road : S. McGreevy (accepted)... 17 S 6d ner chain Johanues Thompson ... 20s R. Ward 25s Bryaut and Worsnop ... 17s 9d ” ’’ A. H. Anderson 19s H. Hickev ... oq.. H. T. Ellinghara 17s 6J „ „ 10 chains metalling, Ashley-Clinton road : A. J. Duncan 17s 9d ner chain Bryant aud Worsnop ... 17g Anders Larsen ... ... 19s lOd ” 1 H.T. Ellingham (accepted) 16s Albert Wheeler 10s 4d . Formation and metalling Ashler-Clinton-JLakapau Road : A. J. Duncan (accepted) ... 17 3 Albert Wheeler H. T. Ellingham 1 17 6