AKAROA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 673, 27 December 1882, Page 2

AKAROA COUNTY COUNCIL.

A meeting of this Council was held on Saturday, at the Council Chambers. Present—Messrs T. S. Baker (chairman), J. Gebbie, Fleming, W.Bamett.G. R. Joblin, Boleyn, W. Masefield, Pettigrew, and 11. 11. Bradley. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. The following letter was read from Mr F. Gibson. Clerk to tho Port Levy L'ccnsing District : — " R.M. Court, Lyttelton, Dec. 5, 1882. " Sir, —By direclion of tho Under Secretary, Department of Justice, T havo tho honor to call your attention, to sec. 5, subsec. 1, of " The Licensing Act Amendment Act, 1882," whereby ihe "Returning Officer is to be appointed by the local body having jurisdiction throughout the licensing district," instead of by the Governor, as heretofore.—Yours, etc., •' Fred. Gibson, Clerk." Mr Gebbie said that a Road Board was under the impression that they had the power to appoint a Returning Officer, and that ho had told them he did not agree, and h id caused the letter to be written. After discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the Council were the only local body having jurisdiction in the licensing district. It was then moved by Mr Gebbie, and seconded by Mr Masefield, that Mr E. S. Latter be appointed returning officer. Mr Joblin moved that Mr A. I. McGregor be appointed, not because he objected to Mr Latter, but because Mr McGregor had previously held the post, and done his work well.

Mr Barnett seconded, and the amendment on being put was carried. Messrs Masefield, Boleyn, Gebbie, and Fleming voting for Mr Latter, and Messrs Joblin, Bradley, Pettigrew, Barnett, and the Chairman for Mr McGregor. A discussion ensued as to the great expenses of the returning officer, and it was moved by Mr Baker: " That the returning officer be paid for nomination and election, combined, the sum of three guineas, and have power to appoint deputy returning officers when necessary, at one guinea per day, no mileage fees to be allowed."

Seconded by Mr Gebbie and carried. It was then resolved that Mr McGregor should be telegraphed to, asking if he would accept the position as defined by the Council. Mr McGregor accepted. THE SUMMIT ROAD. The Chairman said that the Council owned a deht of gratitude to Mr Wilkin for the work he had done with regard to the plans for the Summit road, which had been very unremunerative to him. He had studied the matter, and found by the act and Gazette that elaborate plans were needed. He found it quite impossible to provide the plans and specifications asked for by the Government. He would read a letter from Mr Wilkin on the matter: — " Akaroa, Dec. 22,1882. "Summit Road.

" Sir, —In compliance with your memo, of 22d ulti., I have tho honor to hand you herewith a report on the subject of the proposed formation of the Summit Road, from the old Pigeon Bay Saddle to the Long Bay Saddle, together with a rough estimate of cost and sketch plan showing the locality of the contemplated works, and the positions of the. formed roads from tbe various bays which will be connected by it at their highest points on the main range. I now find that the Minister for Publio Works requires a much larger amount of information than was contemplated by your Council. Under sec, 9, part 1. " Roads and Bridges Construction Act," public roads requiring aid " Shall cause proper estimates of tbe work to he prepared, together with plans and specifications, in such manner as the minister directs." A notice has appeared in the Gazette containing these directions as follows :—" The plans, estimate, and specifications to be submitted to the Minister for Public Works, under sections 9 and 10 of the above Act shall be :—lst. One general k_y plan showing the route cf road between w.ll-known termini, with locality of proposed work marked thereon, scale 1 inch to a mile. 2nd. A section of the ground aud

road lino formation, having the grades marked upon it, and the heights at every I chanae of gradient from a datum line. 3rd. Depths of cuttings and embankments at every chain in rough ground, and at every 2 or 3 chains in ground of an even character. This section to be in sheets, each showing not more than one mile in length. Scale, 3 chain to 1 inch longitudinal, 30 feet to 1 inch vertical. 4th. Estimates for large culverts and bridges need not be given in detail, but per lineal foot. Full particulars of culverts must be given with height and thickness, and the material of which it is proposed to build them. Tracings to be sent to Government, the originals to be retained to work from. Specimen sheets of each plan will be furnished any local body applying for them." On receipt of your memo. I went to the Survey office in Christchurch, and have obtained, with the kind apsistance Mr Williams, particulars of the new surveys of the whole of the roads, except a small section between the old and new Pigeon Bay Saddles, which bas not jet been corrected ; but as the Government Survey staff do not grade or take levels, in the event of your applying to Government under tbe Act, the grading and leveling will, I think, have to be done.—Yours, etc " W. D. Wilkins." The Chairman said that Mr Wilkins had kindly consented to be present to day, lo explain matters. Mr Wilkins then read the following report :— " Report on, and rough estimate of cost of, formation of the Summit Road 15 feet wido from the Old Pigeon Bay Saddle to the Long Bay Saddle, distance 15J miles.

"No 1 Section —Old Pigeon Bay Saddle to new Pigeon Bay Saddle, distance 1 mile 44 chains, or thereabouts.—The road starts with a grade of about 1 in 6 for a distance of about 7 chains. This steep hill might easily be avoided by a diversion (at its widest divergence about 300 links lower down on the Pigeon Bay side of Ihe hill). Thero is about 20 chains of old benching of various widths, averaging, say, 9ft already done. The first 40 chains is tho most expensive portion lo make, there being rock in many places. I estimate the cost of forming a 15ft ror don this section, including culverting, engineering expenses, and all other expenses except cost of metal, at £410.

" No 2 Section.—New Pigeon Bay Saddle to Little Akaloa Saddle, distance 2 miles 5380 links.—This portion of the road is already benched 10 feet wide. The grade wants improving in many places, hammocks require cutting down, and hollows filling in ; much of the cul - verting requires reconstructing, and new culverts are needed. I estimate the cost of performing theso works, and making the roadway 15ft wide, including all expenses except metal, at £450.

"No 3 Section.-Little Akaloa Saddle to Okain's Saddle, distance 3 miles 6458 links.—This Section of the work includes the diversion (graded by tbe Council and adopted by tho Chief Surveyor) which was made to avoid the impracticable road over the top of Duvauchelle's Peak. The work requiring to be done on this section includes forest falling one chain wide, in addition to the other works necessary to the forming of the road. The ground is for the most part a fair benching siding with one rocky point and several gullies requiring large culverts. I estimate the cost of forming a 15ft bench on this portion, including bush falling 1 chain wide, culverting, and all expenses except metal, at £1430.

" No 4 Section,*—Okain's Saddle to Le Bon's Saddle, distance 5 miles 983 links. —The first 2J miles of this section forms by far the heaviest portion of the whole contemplated construction. The bush has been cleaied 1 chain wide the whole distance, but no benching has been attempted. A great many unburnt broadleaf logs number portions of the track. There are also a number of rocky points to cut off and some heavy side cuttings. A very good grade can be got within the chain reserve in most parts of the section and nowhere need it be worse than I in 8. I estimate the cost of formation on this section, together with culverting and all expenses except metal, at £1900.

" No 5 Section.—Le Bon's Saddle to Long Bay Saddle, distance 2 miles 2542 links.—This section is already benched 10ft wide. It requires re-grading altogether in a few places, and widening to 15 ft all along, also additional culverting. Grade fairly good part of distance, very good for remainder. I estimate the cost of necessary works, including all charges except value of metal, at £550.

•• Total.—No 1 section £410, No 2 section £450, No 3 section £1430, No 4 section £1900, No 5 section £550—£4740. If metalled and blinded, the work would cost about £1500 more, making a total of. say, £6240.—Yours, etc., " W D. Wilkins, Engineer and Surveyor." " Akaroa Dec. 1882." Mr Joblin said that he understood from Mr Wilkins' letter that bo was afraid there was a chance of the application being refused as informal. Mr Wilkins : " Yes ; I have been told that applications from other parts of New Zealand have been rejected on similar grounds. lam sure that full particulars will be required, which it would take both time and money to get." Mr Joblin regretted the plans prepared could not be m«de available*.

Mr Wilkins said he thought they could take the poll before getting the elaborate information required by tho Government. By this means they could ascertain the feelings of the people, and be saved unnocessar}' expense. The Chairman said that was the best course to pursue. They could apply again on or before June 30th, which gave them six month* time. He was strongly in favor of the work, which he thought would generally benefit the county. It was true it was out of his beat, and did not directly affect the riding he represented, but his opinion was, that what benefited one part of the county must indirectly benefit another part; and it was the duty of tho Council to work for the general good. Directly the Bays on the other side were opened by the Summit road, good must ensus. They might think perhaps he was speaking of trifles when he said that he believed it would bo a great thing to have roads formed that would make pleasant rides for visitors. He believed, however, that by opening up the country they were making it more attractive, and leading to the advancement of Akaroa, which would doubtless in the time to come be a great watering-place. They should not be onesided, and think how such a matter would

' affect their own locality, but look further J afield, and he believed that by carrying out works like the Summit roul they were not merely benefiting the Peninsula, but, indirectly, the whole of New Zealand, by making the beauties of the Peninsula more accessible. Mr Barnett thought they should forward what information they had collected before the end of tho year. They could not, bo believed, lose by such a" course. Only £40,000 had as yet been applied for, and he thought that they stood a good chance of getting what they required, as the advisability of forming the Summit road was generally acknowledged. It was for the working of such matters as the Summit road and the lake reclamation that the Council was of use. There were strangely erroneous ideas as to the cost; one ratepayer had told him he believed it would cost £30,000. whereas their engineer's estimate was only £6000. The road would be a great and general benefit. The Chairman said that as he supposed many of them had not yet had lime to fully study the ,; Roads and Bridges Construction Act," he would read some notes of Mr Wilkins' on the subject. Clause 42 provided that an informal application would not preclude them from applying again ; and clauso 34, that all applications up to the 30th June would be considered together after that date. Clause 12 said ' that the fourth of tho money could be repaid in ten equal yearly instalments, no interest being added. Mr Barnett said that he saw the Council had the power to pay the fourth itself. The Council were in the habit of allotting any surplus funds amongst the Road Boards, bin it was a mere dribble and did not do much good. Would il not bo better instead of this to devote tho money to paying tho fourth of the sum themselves. The Chairman said that from the large , district that would be rated, tho rate would be a mere trifle in this case. It was only fair to Mr Wilkins, however, , to point out that the estimates had been hurridly prepared, and the cost might bo more than anticipated when full parti— i culars were ascertained. Mr Joblin said ho looked at the work '. as one_ specially belonging lo the County Council. It was one of these works which would not be easily arranged by the other i local bodies who had local and not general interests to consult. Mr Masefield asked what would-ho the cost of preparing complete plans in accordance with the act. Mr Wilkins said it would cost about £120. Mr Joblin said that the work was one of vast importance, and like the reclamation of Lake Ellesmere, was one which it was the duty of the Council to push forward. There was another work which bo thought the Council would have to undertake, and that was the making of a tramway from , the Hill Top to Duvauchelle's Bay, in I order lo feed the railways, as be thought, i j there might be delay in getting the tunnel ' through the hill, after the railway had been i carried to that point. It was for objects , like this, that were not within the pro- . vince of the Road Boards, that the County Council was constituted. ■** Tiie Chairman asked if any one would propose that the money should be voted for the survey, and that the application, with all present information at their command, should be forwarded at once to Wellington as well. If it was refused, then proper plans could be sent by the 30th of June. Mr Gebbie said he did not think they had the money to throw away on such a matter, when they were not sure of getting anything at all after all. Mr Masefield said he believed they were bound to get what they asked for by the act if there were sufficient funds, and tho plans were properly prepared. The idea, however, tbat they could take a poll i before the Government granted the money was erroneous, it being clearly stated in ; the act that the preliminary steps could ■ not be taken till tbe money was granted. On referring to the Act, all agreed with Mr Masefield. The Chairman said ho thought they | might send the plans they had got, and write to Mr Rolleston also, wdio was an old advocate of the Summit road. It could do no harm, and if they were rejected, all they had to do waa to get fuller plans and estimates prepared before the 30th June. In the meantime members could ascertain public feeling on the matter. Mr Barnett then moved—" That the plans, estimates, &c, of the Summit road, as prepared by Mr Wilkins, be forwarded to Wellington, and also that an application b. made for the estimated cost of £6240, under 'The Roads and Bridges Construction Act.'" This was seconded by Mr Boleyn and carried. bed John's gully. Mr Joblin complained of the bad state of R.d John's Gully. He did not know which Road Board District it was in, but thought it would be well for the Council to call attention to the matter. The Chairman said he did not think it was etiquette for one local body to say to another, You are not doing your business properly. Ho thought tho Road Board should be first applied to. Mr Masefield and Mr Gebbie agreed with the Chairman. Mr Joblin said tbat when life was in danghr, as it certainly was by the road being left in such a state, he thought the Road Board would be more likely to listen to them than to a private individual. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £81 were passed for payment. adjournment. The C.iairman said that they had now to decide the date of their next meeting. Ho saw by the papers that there was some talk of doing away with the Council altogether, directly. (Laughter.) Mr Joblin thought they should meet once a month. Mr Masefield said that whether tbe business of the County were conducted by the Chairmen of the Road Boards, or by the Council as at present constituted, the same expenses would bo incurred, so the cry about economy was nonsense.

Mr Gebbie said the present Council would lose its usefulness if composed of Chairmen of Road Boards. Their use was to be a check on the Road Boards. For instance, they all knew the case of Stewart, of Little River. If the Council had not been in existence to lay his claim before the Road Board, he might have been kept out of the road to his section, which was his just right. Mr Joblin said there was no pleasure or profit in being a member of the County Council, but tho County Council was a

necessity. Speaking of the mileage fees, people had said they were paid, and Road Board members not:; and it was for that reason he was so anxious to see all theso allowances done away with altogether, a The real fact was, thai; Road Board mem- fl bers did benefit by their deliberations, j whereas County Council matters were of W such general import that no private inter- . Q| est. was served. Take, for instance, tho Summit road, the Road Board would never agree about such a work as that. The carrying on of the Railway, too, nnd the ' drainage of the Lake, were works within their province—Works no Road Board could undertake. He could instance many cases where the existence of tho County Council had been useful. 'Ho jj might speak of a dispute regarding a road 9 concerning Mr O'Callaghan. Important as fl their functions at present were, they would increase as time went on. He belie they had made a mistake, and extravagant at first, in putting "______^^^H Council Chambers in which-lhcy ting. It was a mistake, but because was a mistake there was no reason Council should be abolished. On the understanding that tho Council ■ should be called together if any important j| business needed attention, the Council then adjourned to that day eight week..