THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Western Star, Issue 283, 8 February 1879, Page 6

THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

On Monday last the Hon. R. Stout, AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Lands, and the Hon. Mr Ballanoe, Colonial Treasurer, visited Riverton, accompanied by J. P. Joyce, Esq., M.H.R. The visit only extended over a few hours, but advantage was taken during that time of bringing under the notice of Ministers several matters of local importance. The members of the County Council, who happened to have a meeting that day, had an interview relative t,o a SITE FOB COUNTS' COUNCIL CHAMBEBS. Mr Cuthbertson explained the steps the Council had already taken with regard to this matter, and pointed out the total unsuitability of the site near the Hospital offered by Government. The Council wished a small piece of ground near the police station, and were willing to incur the expense of shifting these buildings so as to allow of that end of the reserve being* used, thus doing away with the objection that by granting a she to the County it would interfere with the public buildings already on the When the Council applied on a former occasion for a piece of this reserve, they were refused on the ground that part of it would be required for railway purposes ; but as the site of the station buildings had since been altered, no part of the ground would now be required for that purpose. The Council were not in a position to purchase a section, as a suitable one would cost a ransom. The Hon. Mr Ballanoe enquired minutely into the matter, and received satisfactory explanations from Messrs Hirst and Cuthbertson. Mr Ballance said although the reserve might be more than ample for the present requirements, still, in view of the extension of public buildings at a. future date, it would probably be found that the extent of ground would be small enough. They had to look ahead in considering these matters. It was the desire of the Government, however, to give as much as possible to County Councils accommodation of the nature sought. He could see no objection to granting the request, and on his return to Wellington he would consider the matter with his colleagues, and on a decision being arrived at would communicate with tha County Council. APABIMA BRIDGES. Mr Hirst said the next matter the deputation wished to bring under the notice of the Government was the necessity of bridges over the Aparima. The question had’ been discussed in the House last session. These bridges, be contended were part of the railwav scheme, and as such should have been provided for by the Government. A bridge at Collie's Lord would drain an enormous extent of Country on the east side of the river, while that at Upper Ford would afford the settlers on the west side convenient access to the railway. He thought the Government if it could not see its way to give the whole amount, should at least pay half the cost of the bridges. In reply to Mr Uallance, Mr Hirst said, the the roads leading to the bridges were not county Puads. , .. Mr Ballance said tbe question was one for the county to undertake. The Government had all they could do to push on the railway system and provide for the introduction of emigrants. Mr Hirst submitted that the bridges were clearly a part of the railway system; and it was upon the ground that they were part of that system that their construction was urged upon the Government.

Mr Ballanee said similar questions were arising all over the count "y; but as the Government had decided upon a certain line of policy in such cases, it would not be wise to make an exception in this case. The counties were given subsidies to carry on such works. The deputation, be admitted, had made out a strong case, but he held that the policy of the Government on the question was sound. ' Mr Cuthbertson pointed out thpt the borrowing powers of the Council were hedged in with such conditions that they were a dead letter. ■ Mr Ballanee said it was the intention of the Government to give counties the same borrowing powers as municipalities, subject to a vote of the ratepayers being taken. < Mr Hirst, replying to Mr Ballanee, said the two bridges were estimated to cost £4300. Mr Cuthbertson said this district was the ultima thule of the colony, and had always been neglected. Mr Ballanee admitted the strength of the claims of the district j but he again submitted that the question was purely one of policy. If the railway system was stopped, the consequences would be far more serious than throwing upon counties the onus of providing for such works. He was willing to bring the question before the Cabinet, but be cmld not bold out any hope that they would favorably consider the matter. Mr Cuthbertson said Dr Hodgkinson had not put the question properly before the House. Mr Ballanee considered that Dr Hodgkinson had done very well. The House would not listen lor one moment to the argument that the works were part of the general railway scheme, COMPILATION OP THE VALUATION LIST. Mr Hirst referred to the inconvenient time of lime of the year at which the valuation roll had to be made np. That was in summer time, when public works were in full swing, and in consequence the Bead Inspector, who was also valuer, was greatly inconvenienced thereby Owing to - the revenue of Wallace County being so small, the two offices had to he combined. This was a matter that probably only affected the County of Wallace, but if it could be so arranged that the date of making up the valuation Toll could be altered to some time in winter it would be a great convenience. Mr Ballanee stated that for obvious reasons it was necessary there should be a uniform date for making up the rolls. As that was the first time the question hod cropped up, he promised to consider it, with a view, if found advisable, to make the desired alteration. MBBQINe OP PART OP BOAT) DISTRICTS INTO COUNTY. Mr Cuthbertson said a difficulty had cropped 1 up with, regard to merging part of road districts into County. The Oreti Road Board contended that part of a road district could not merge, into 6 county, and in consequence refused to recognise that the districts rececently merged into the County of Wallace bad been legally merged. Mr Ballanee suggested that the opinion of the Attorney-General should bo taken upon the point, which he promised to obtain. THE RABBIT AND THISTLE NUISANCE. Mr Cuthbertsou brought these matt ere under notice.

Mr Ballance said the bonus of a halfpenny per j rabbit skin would be paid. As to thistles it was a disputed point whether or not they were a nuisance, and for that reason experience had shown that legislation upon, that question had been of very little use. Captain Hankinson said some people maintained that thistles disappeared in the course of time. They had existed on his property for over ten years, and they were as prolific now as ever they were. SOUTHLAND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. Mr Cuthbertson, as Secretary of the above association, pointed out the position of pastoral tenants of the Crown under the Land Tax Act. Their leases were taxed at the same rate as free* 1 holds. They had no power to break the surface of the ground to take a crop off it; they merely had grazing rights. Mr Ballance said the question had been discussed last session. The Government held that as the tax was an annual one the tenants should pay in accordance with the benefits derived. If a portion of the land was selected within the year, they escaped the tax. He was aware, however, that much might be said on both aides of the question, and he would promise that the Government would fully consider it when brought before them. RESERVES. Captain Hankinkson asked if the Government had any objection to point out reserves made on runs. Reserves of some thousands of acres had been declared years ago on runs, but the exact locality had not been fixed, thus cramping the efforts of lessees in improving the ground by fencing, &c. There were also a number of unused reserves for various purposes scattered over the country, which simply formed breeding grounds for rabbits and thistles..

Mr Ballance said he was not aware that such was the case, but he wonld make enquiry into the malter. The deputation then retired, after thanking Mr Ballance for the courteous way in which they had been received. Oeepuki. Messrs Hirst and M. and G. Fitzgerald, representing the residents of Orepuki, waited upon Ministers, and invited them to Orepuki. There were a number of matters requiring attention, which could only be properly dealt with after a personal inspection of the district by Ministers. The permanent site of the township, disposal ®f land recently surveyed, the railway and site of station, were matters in which the residents were deeply interested. Ministers regretted that the arrangements for continuing the journey compelled them to decline the trip. Mr Stout mentioned incidentally that Mr M'Kerrow, Assistant Surveyor-General, would shortly visit the district. SITE OP THOENBUEY JUNCTION EAILWAY STATION. A deputation of settlers interested in the site of the passenger station at Thorbury Junction, consisting of Messrs J. W. Hamilton, M. Insfone, F. Sutton, Collie, and Hoporoft, interviewed Ministers relative thereto. The advantages of the site which the deputation proposed were pointed out. These were—greater convenience, good shelter, and less danger to passengers. Mr Ballance promised the matter favourable consideration.