County Council.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XVIII, Issue 1688, 13 April 1885, Page 3

County Council.

The usual monthly meeting of the Wairalapa West County Council was held at the Council Chambers, Carterton, on Saturday last. Present—Crs Booth (chairman), H, Bunny. H. B. Bunny, Tolly, Martin, Braithwaite, Phillips, Matthews,, and Buchanan. The treasurer’s report showed a credit balance of L 834 17s. A return was presented re cost of applications under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, showing average cost of 5 ifc 3 lOtbs per cent. WAIOHT.NE TOLLiiAIE. The Waiohine tollgate question was then discussed at great length. Replying to some remarks of Cr Buchanan, Cr H. Bunny said the main question was, —Was the Council in a position to give up a revenue of between L3OO and L4OO per annum ? As the Council could not deal one way or the other with the matter of either abolishing the toll or continuing the same without the concurrence of the two Road Boards interested, he would move—“ That tenders be called lor the re-leasing of the tollgate lor the ensuing year." They were pledged to uphold the tolls on this bridge for oue more year at least, and the Council was only losing time by discussing the question until they had before them the decisions of the two Road Boards. Cr Martin considered that the tollgate could not be abolished for one year at least; Le would second Cr H. Bunny’s motion. Cr Braithwaite would move as an amendment, “ That the Road Beards first be consulted before calling for tenders.” He was of opinion that the continuance of this toll-

gate was au injustice to the particular part •£ the district in which it was located ; the position of the gate was not sufficiently central to affect proportionately the whole of the settlers in the Wairarapa. Cr Phillips said that this was another evidence of the slovenly manner in which the business of the county was being transacted by the Council ; the matter should have been considered before. It was a veiy serious matter and a question which greatly affected the settlers dcwn the Valiev ; jet a committee had been formed at the last moment. They had not yet even heard the opinions of the Taratahi-Carlerton and the Featherston Road Boards, and he, tu the interests of his constituents, would strongly protest against thewhole modus operand! of the Council’s action in this particular matter. Was ‘the Council simply existing upon the revenue of this gate ? Were the proceeds equivalent to meat and drink that they should so tenaceously bolster up, what he considered was a gross to a great number. Cr Matthews considered that the council at all events, were pledged to maintain the tollgate for the present. Cr Buchanan said there was no absolute necessity for the question to be disposed of at that sitting. There was ample time to communicate with the Road Board. Let the council make the necessary enquiries and have all the facts of the case set before them at their next meeting. He was of opinion that the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board would meet them fairly and liberally and would not too persistently press, their interests when they found that a reform was necessary. Cr H. R. Bonny said it was as well to call for tenders. He thought tho Road Boards would decline to agree to abolish the toll-gate and there was now only seven weeks before the time for letting. The Chairman said it was as well to make known, that the council does not exist on the tollgate as had been so facetiously remarked by a Councillor, and more than that the Council would have no chance to do so Until other more pressing demands iu the shape of debt, had been liquidated. It was the building of the bridge that had necessitated the toll, and he would be as pleased as any person to sea the toll abolished, if practicable, but tuat was a question at present Cr H. Bunny said that he objected to the Council’s jumping at conclusions. By informing the Road Boards that the Council propose abolishing this toll they would perhaps only invoke a spirit of opposition, and the Board would set their backs up. They may give a direct negative to the idea. It would be more to the purpose to ask their opinions before giving any expression from the Council. If they (the Road Boards) were in favor of the proposed abolition, he would not have tho slightest objection. Buchanan moved, as au amendment, the two Road Boards be written to, i king if lacy were willing to forego their claim if the Council should consider it advisable to abolish the tollgate, tenders to be called for iu the meantime. Cr fl. R. Bunny seconded this amendment, and it was ultimately agreed to. COP.RESPO.VDESCE ISWAP.D3. From the Registrar General, asking to be furnished with form of statistics for the year ending 31st March, lbS3. From G. Croot, Lower Ferry, remitting half year's rent of Ferry reserve. From Cr Phillips, enclosing notice of motion. From Tirotahi Carterton Road Board, agre sing to advance the amount required to complete works on Carterton to Gladstone road. From Hawke’s Bay County Council, containing memorial re the altered valuation of Crown native lands. The clerk read the correspondence outwards. The engineer (Mr King) fail lie had no time to prepare a report, bat No. i contract, Pa’nuua road, would be completed in a few days, and the other works under his supervision were proceeding in a satisfactory way. Owing to press of matter we are compelled to hold over the continuation of our report of the business transacted by the County Council on Saturday, The report contains some matter relating to the Martmborough-Pahaua Road, Late Trains, Gravel Pits, payment of members ,ve. The committee on the Martinborough to Pahana road, not having prepared a report, the matter was adjourned till nest meeting.