AKAROA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 551, 25 October 1881, Page 2

AKAROA COUNTY COUNCIL.

-* This Council met on Saturday last. Present—Messrs Dalglish, (chairman,) J. Gebbie, Bradley, Fleming, Coop, and Barker. MINUTES. The minutes of hist meeting were read and confirmed. okaim's bay ro d board. Mr Barker explained that the copy of Mr Ollivier's letter t» the Okain's Road Board had not been sent till a week after .last meeting, and arrived too late for the meeting of that Board, who had only a newspaper report to go by. The Clerk explained that he had written the letter on the second day he was at the office alter the meeting, and that having a great deal of business to do in connection with tho. last mooting ha had not been able to do it before in the regular course of things. If, however, he had known the Okaiii'u P>ay Road Board was going to sit ho would have sunt the letter earlier. Mr J. .Gubbie said that he thought the Clerk's explanation was quite satisfactory, as they had given him a gr«at deal of business to do at their last meeting.

The Chairman said he quite concurred in what Mr Gebbie s.aid, and was glad it had !>een pointed out, as ifc had been said that tlio Clurk could do-all the writing of the Council in four or five hours per month. . ■ The matter then dropped. chairman's statement. The following statement was read: — " The first business to come before you to-day is tho consideration of the question of the stoppage of the Ohl Duvauchelle's Bay and Old Le Bon's Bay roads, plans and specifications of which havo been received from the Akaroa and Wniniii Road Board. A telegr.un has been received from tho Colonial Secretary, stating that the County elections had been deferred until the third Wednesday in November, as the (second Wednesday is tho Prince of Wales Birthday. Notice was immediately given to the Returning Officer and he has given public notice in the newspaper of the alteration. The half-ye.irly b-ilance sheet of the County lias been prepared find is ready for audit. The following , correspondence bus been received since Jast meeting:—A telegram i has been received from Air Montgomerj\ | stating that it was the intention of tho Government to continue the Little Ilivor

Railway as far as Lake Forsyth, and that he yiould interview Mr Blair, Chief Engineer, on his return from the south, as to the further extension of the line to Little River.

" A tplegram from the Under-Secretary of Justice has befen received asking for tta description of the boundaries of the riding, and also the number of ratepayers in each riding, which information has been forwarded by the Clerk. Letters have been received

"From the Little River Road Board, stating that they would undertake the work on behalf of this Council of clearing the bar at the mouth of the river Halswelf." From the same, stating that the Board "had ,, examined the river Halswell in conjunction with the .Springs Road Board, and have come to the conclusion that no actual bar exists, but that the river at one point is obstructed by a series of mud banks. "From Mr A. Dunbar, offering to supply dog collars for 1882 at the same price as last year; "From Mr A. 0* Knight, in reply to the copy of the letter received from the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board re the Mount Bossu road.

" From the Returning Officer, forwarding necessary declaration required under 'Tlie Regulation of Loo.al Election Act, 1876," also asking for information as to the supply of ballot boxes. " From the Chairman Okain's Bay Road Board, asking on behalf of the residents in Okain's Bay Road Board, that a polling place may bo appointed in Okain's Bay. •' From the. Under-Secretary of Public Works, stating that the Council's application re letting out Lake Ellesmere will be duly considered. "From Hospital and Charitable Aid Board,' stating that the sum of 5s per week for 3 months had been granted to Richard Clarke. " From the Pigeon Bay Boad Board asking if any alteration had taken place in the boundary between the Pigeon Bay and Okain's Bay Road districts. The Clerk said he had replied that no alteration had taken place. CLOSING OF BOADS. The Chairman said that their first business was to confirm the closing of certain roads iv the Akaroa and Wainui Roal Board District. The Old Duvauchelle's Bay road came first on the list. Mr Martindale, who was present, objected strongly to the closing of this road. He said that. the. Akaec-a. Mail- had made a wrong statement in announcing that at the late meeting of the Road Board to consider the closing of this road he had been the only objector. There were three others present vrho objected, and four others outside the office.

Mr Geljbie pointed out that they had nothing to do with the paper. They had a edinmiinication from the Road Board before them, that at a public meeting held on October Ist sixteen ratepayers had voted for the closing of , the road, and only one against it. Mr Martindalo said that the closing of the road did him and'other men of property an injury, and he did not see they should suffer because Mr Libeau wanted the road closed. ■

The Chairman asked what injury the closing of the road Would inflict on Mr Martindale.

Mr Mnrtindale said that it debarred him from the use of wuter close at hand, forcing- him to go half a mile out of his way'to get it. Ho had taken round a petition agMi?int its being closed, which had been signed by several. He was sure the road was n moat useful one, and that the public generally were more willing to keep it open than to close it. Hβ thought the ballot would in these oases be preferable to open voting, as it prevented influence being used. Mr Gebbie Raid tliat all they had to do was to confirm the action of the public meeting. It had been before decided to close this road, but through Home error in the proceedings the business had to be done over again. The matter had been most fully considered nnd generally approved by the great majority of the ratepayers affected. He begged to move— •♦' that all that portion of the Old Duvauchelle's Bay road forming respectively the r.orth-cnstern and Routh-weetom boundary of rural sections 332, 856, and 752. situated in the Akaroa and Wainui Eoad District, County of Akaroa, plans and description of which are now before the Council, be stopped, in accordance with the Public Works Act, 1880, section 4, sub- section G." Mr Barker endorsed Mr Gebbie's view of the case and seconded the resolution."

Mr Coop said he thought what" Mr Martindale said was worthy of consideration. If a wrong would bo inflicted, it should be fully explained before they took the grave step of closing the road. J, After further discussion, during which ■it was explained to Mr Coop that the matter had been fully considered previously, the motion was put and carried, Mr Coop and the Chairman voting against it. STOPPAGE OF PART OF LB BOtf's BAY BOAD. The Chairman said they had now to consider the closing of another road. Mr Coop said that he should like to know something about it. It was explained that the matter had been fully considered, and that no one had objected. Mr Bradley then moved, Mr Gebbie seconded, and it was carried—" That all that part of the Le Bon's Bay road commencing at the junction of the said Lβ Bon's Bay road with the Main Valley road, German Bay, and forming respectively the south-eastern and north western boundary of rural sections 1922 and 881 till it joins tho south-eastern boundary of section 186, thence forming the northern and southern boundary of rural sections 2388 and 1922, till it joins the present Le Bon's Bay road, German Bay, County of Akaroa, plans and description of which are now before the Council, be stopped, in accordance with the Public Works Act, 1880, section 4, sub-section G." CORRESPONDENCE. The telegram from Mr Montgomery re Little River Railway was read. Mr Coop srtid.it was a great waste of money to carry the lino where at present proposed ; tho lake was shallow and useless in summer time, and no one could use it for timber traffic. Mr Gebbie agreed with Mr Coop. Mr Coop said that even if the line were made to the jetty he should still use tho road. He would move—"That the telegram from Mr Montgomery, M.H.H.' re the Little River Railway be acknowledged, und that ho be asked to lay before Mr Blair, the chief [engineer, the waste of money it would be to extend tho line to Lake For-

pyth, as the lake is not available for casrying timber in summer, and that the Council therefore consider that no deviation should tak*-place from the original line to Little River."

This was seconded by Mr Gebbie and earned unanimously. t The following letters from tho Little River Road Board wero read:—

" Little River, Oct. 4, 1881

" Sir,—l have the honor by direction to acknowledge receipt of your favor of 29th ulto., requesting to be informed if the Board is willing to undertake the expenof £25 voted by your Council, towards removing a bar said to exist in the Halswel! Eiver, provided such bar be found, and to let you know that the Board will undertake the responsibility, and have made arrangement with the Springs and Lincoln Road Boards to co-operate in removing it.—Youre, etc., " T. QUEALY." . " Little Rivor, Oct. 14,1881. «< Sir, —We have the honor to inform you that in Gompany with Mr Herrick and the Clerk of the Springs Road Board, we have this day thoroughly •examined the river Halswell a view of finding the bar said to obstruct the course of said river as far as wo think it effects the drainage of this district, andhave come to the conclusion that no specific bar exists, but that we have discovered what, m our ' opinion, equally obstructs the free flow of eaid river, in the shape of a series of mud banks which -extend three parts across tho entire width, nnd that these occur between the lagoon at Ahuriri and Manson's lower bridge. We are further of opinion that the amount voted by the Akaroa and Selwyn County Councils would be beneficially spent in removing above obstructions, though wo believe the amount will i not be sufficient to do all thai is necessary.. Yours, etc., il E. A. Forbes, M Chairman, M T. Quealy, " Clerk."

Mr Barker said that it was distinctly understood that the money should only be voted for a bar, and that as no bar existed the vote should be withdrawn. Mr Coop said he thought the money should be verted ac there was an obstruction to tho water in the shape of a deposit ( of mud, which was really a bar, as it, stopped the water. i Mr Gebbie thought the money should ha 1 ■withdrawn. As he had pointed out before, j there was not room in the river to carry out the water. Hβ always denied that the bar existed. It would cost £500 to do the work required. Mr Barker then moved "That as no bar can be found.in the River Halswell, that the Little River Board and Selwyn County Council be informed that this Council has withdrawn the amount voted towards clearing the bar, viz., £25." Seconded by Mr Gei-bie. Mr Coop moved as an amendment "That the amount voted, £25, bo still expended iv clearing the bar at the month of the lagoon thiough which the river runs." Mr Coop's amendment was not seconded, and the resolution was then- put and carried, Mr Coop being the only dissentient From Mr A. Dunbar as follows :— "Christchurch, Sep. 28,1881. "Dear Sir,— Having received contract for supply of dog collars for year 1882 for Selwyn County Council, I shall be pleased to execute your Councils order nt same price as I executed same last year. So as to prevent their not being delivered by end of year, I ehould be pleased to hear from you as early as possible.—Yours, etc., "A. Dunbar. •••-.. "Saddler." Messrs Barker and Coop thought tenders ehould be called, as « local man aught then get the job. Mr Gebbie moved " That Mr Punbars offer be accepted." Ho had supplied the Council with good oollnre last year and he liad been below the others considerably. gjMr Barker moved "that tenders be called for 1000 dog collars for 1882, to be sent in before next meeting. Mr Gebbie's motion was seconded by Mr Bradley, and Mr Barker's amendment by Mr Coop. The amendment on being put was carried, the Chairman, Messrs Fleming, Coop, and Baiker voting for it. From Qkain's Bay fioad Board ns follows: —

"Okain'e Bay, Oct. 15, 1881. "Sirs,—l am requested to forward for your consideration a copy of a resolution unanimously carried at a meeting of ratepayers here tin's evening. You will understand that as this bay is divided between two ridings, many, of the ratepayers have property in each, and as it is impossible for them to vote both in Le Bon's and Little Afealoa, it fa debarring them from the privileges to which, they are entitled. Resolution—Mr Priest m oved and Mr E. W. Harris seconded that the Chairman of the Okain's Road Board write to the Akaroa '•County Council, pointing out te them the inconvenience accruing to ratepayers of these districts in having no pollIng booth at Okain's Bay, and asking them to have this wrong adjusted.—Yonrs etc., " William Moore, " Chairman."

The Chairman said he had examined, the rolls and found that there were only four electors who would have to vote in both Lo Bon's and Little Akaloa.

Mr Barker supported the application for a polling booth at Okain's Bay which was uiueh required. Mr J. Gebbie said that he thought tho anatter was out of the hands of the Council as they had appointed a Returning Officer, He was sure that gentleman could arrange the matter satisfactorily..

Mr McGregor, the Returning Officer , , who was present, said the matter might be safely left .in his hands. He understood the people of Akaroa wanted a polling place for the Berard Riding near the town. He would endeavor to sea the public convenience properly attendtd to, and at the same time avoid any needless expenditure of public money-

Mr Gelbie then moved " that in reply to the letter from the Chairman of the Okain's Bay Road Board, that the Returning Officer he authorised to appoint what extra polling places he thought necessary for the benefit of the electors in the Okain's, Le Bon's and Berard Ridings, he to be paid at the rale of three guineas for each extra polling booth. {seconded 1-y Mr Barker r.iul carried. From Mr McGregor f.s follows:— ; Ak.iio;.-, Gtli October, l^Bl.

'• Gentlemen. —1 have the ho. or to fK.- ,- knowlcclge receipt letter of !r'7th ultimo, informing niu that I Lmve kuiit

appointed by the Council, Returning Officer for the County of Akaroa, and alsV giving a list of polling places for each riding. I have the pleasure to say in reply that I accept the appointment in verms of your letter, and that I will endeavor to faithfully carry out the dntie3 in terms of " The Regulation Act 1876." I now enciofsetiie declaration required by the Ist schedule to the Act, —Yours etc., "A. I. McGregor."

From the came :— " Akaroa, 21st October, 1881. ! "Sir,—As it will be necessary to procure a supply of ballot boxes for the coming election of councillors, I have enquired the price of making suitable b«xea, and find that Messrs CuHen and Walker of Akaroa, can furnish any num.her on a short notice at 12s each. I shall be glad to receive the Council's instructions in reference.to this mutter. I have received official permission fron the most of the Chairman of school committees, granting the use of their achoftl-rqoma on the occasion of the electing, and als6 from Mr Perryman, Chairman of the Tai Tapu Library, granting the use of that building subject to.the payment of the usual fee of 10s Gd.—YourJ etc.. " A. I. McGregor.

After discussion it was resolved—"That the Clerk be instructed to obtain nine ballot-boxes from Missrs Cnllen and Walker, at the rate of 12s a box. MrGebbie thought that the charge of 10s 6d made for the vie of the Tai Tapu Library was hardly a : reasonable charge He thought that *he use of the building, ought to be given free for such a purpose. From Mr A. C. Knight, as follows :— " Tekau, Barry's Bay, Oct. 8,1881. v si r I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 1 of the Ist instant, covering copy of letter from the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board to your Council re opening of Bossu road through Rhodes's Flat, intended as a reply to my letter to you of August 16th on the same subject. The Road Board submits certain statements, called by that body "facts to show the falsity ot my unjustifiable censure of the Board's action in the matter." I think it will be sufficient to driw your attention to one of the Road Board's facts, which may betaken as a sample. "As regards the trespass complained of by that gentleman I have to point out that the Board some time ago made Arrangements with Mr W. Mackay for a ri/;ht of way through his property . . , - and have already paid Mr Mackay £9 sterling." The right of way through Mr Mackay's property is for a very short distance indeed ; the real trespass is over Rhodes's Flat; and Mr Barrett, who is in possession, informed the Road Board at its meeting on- the Ist inst. that he intended to Aop -trespassers on the road. I very much regret your Council COUld not See its W-»y to have the work put in hnnd and the road opened, but earnestly hope yoa will not allow the matter to be lost sigh? of, but- will at as early a date as possible take such steps as are necessary to profide tho settlers in that part of the ridinj with a public road, as we cannot help feeling it is a great hardship to be without one of any description. —Youre, etc., A. C. Knight." From the.Government, as follows:— •' Public Works Office, Wellington, '• October 14, 1881. "Sir,—l am directed by the Acting Minister for Public Works to acknowledge the receipt ot your letter, subject and date as noted in the margin (Oct. B—That a yearly nmouns be paid to Selwyn and Akatoa Gourdes for purpose of keeping Lake Ellesine» down to low level), and to state that ihe same will be considered. —Yours, etc.,' John* Knowles, *' Under-Secretary for Public Works." From Mr J. E. Marsh, as follows : —

« Christchurch, Sept. 24, 1881. « Sir.—Referring to my letter of 16th ulto.. 1 havo now the honor to inform you that the Charitable Aid Board will grant Richard Clark, of Le Bon's Bay, aid to the amount of 5s per week for three months. Yours, etc., " J. E. March." From Mr D. Stewart, Pigeon Bay Road Board, as follows :— " Pigeon Bay, Oct. I, 1881. <i Sir,—l have the honor, by direction, to reqeust you will have the goodness to inform ihe Board if tho boundary between Okain's Bay and Pigeon Bay road districts has been adjusted, and if so when ? Yours, etc., "D. Stewart, " Clerk." The Clerk said he had replied that there had b'jon no a'teration in the boundaries since Hie coming into force of the Counties Act. PAYMENT-?. Accounts amounting to £26 6s 6d were passed for payment. chairman's honorarium. Mr Bradley eaid that he thought as this wis the last meeting of the present Council, they should vote a sum as the Chairman's honorarium., That gentleman did uot take travelling expenses as the ptherb did, and he had a great deal of work to do. He thought they would all /agree that Mr Dalglish had done his duty, arid begged to propose that a sum of £20 09 voted te the Chairman as an honorarium. Mr Gebbie seconded the resolution, which, after a few remarks from Mr Barker to the effect that he should like in future to see the . Chairman take his travelling allowance, the same as other members, but nothing else ; was put and carried unanimously.

The meeting then adjourned