VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 797, 27 July 1877, Page 2

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

—o— A special meeting of the Council was hold in the Court-house, Clyde, on Tuesday last, at 2 p.m. Present —Vincent Pyhe, Esq. (Chairman), and Councillors Green hank, Pitches, Masters, and Colclough. The Chairman opened the meeting by stating the business of the day was the consideration of the question of railway extension into the interior, and the considering of proposed amendments in the Counties and other Acts, as suggested at the late Conference of County Council Chairmen. The Clerk then read the whole of the correspondence received by the Council re the railway question, ns follows Ist. resolutions as arrived at by public meeting hold in Clyde. 2nd. Letter from the Oamaru Railway Committee, asking the support and co-operation of the Council in the obtaining a line of railway to connect Oamaru with Naseby. 3rd. From the Taieri County Council in favor of the Strath Taieri lino. 4th. From the Cromwell Borough Council, pointing out the advantages of a line of railway from Queenstown to Cromwell. The Chairman said he had been induced to convene a special meeting for the discussion of the railway question, not simply because other bodies had done so, but because the question was one demanding earnest and careful consideration, and also because the County Council W'as a power, and on so momentous a question it should express an opinion. The question for the Council to consider was whether they would support the Oamaru or the Strath Taieri line as a raaiu line to tap the interior. The Cromwell and Queenstown line could, at the best, bo but a branch line, consequently, at the present stage of the question, could not be considered. The Dunedin policy has all along

been characterized by extreme selfishness, and its chief end will be to perpetuate it, i and continue, as heretofore, to draw tho j population from tho interior. To upset that 1 policy every nerve must be strained.' Tho ] speaker then recapitulated the advantages to bo derived from tho Strath Taiori line which 1 he maintained was tho one best suited for 1 tho County of Vincent, and ho held, if commenced at both endait would be completed in three years j while, if commenced from Dun« edin only it would take twenty years. His suggestion was, that if the Government was unwilling to construct the line that tho Counties through which it passed be en* do wed With land equal to the cost of construction, and for them to construct it under Government supervision, and as per Government survey. In-reply to Mr Colclough—Mr Pyke explained that it the Counties had the construction of the line, and the works were commenced simultaneously at each end of their territory, it would be completed in three years. Cr Colclough said he was in favor of the Strath Taieri line as the one to reach Dunedin, and would stiOngly advocate it ; but at the same time thought that for immediate wants the Kingston and Cromwell line should be constructed, in support of this line he urged it could be completed in twelve months, and by its means the County would be supplied with timber at a third of the present rates, also with the produce of the Lakes, He was of opinion that the Strath Taieri line, however advantageous it might be, would not reach Cromwell in his lifetime. Cr Masters Would prefer a line up tho valley of theCluthatoLakeWanakaratherthan the Kingston line. The Wanaka line would ho a, part of the main line that would eventually connect the east and west coasts together, therefore should be supported j whereas, the Kingston line would be but a branch. Mr Pyke said, occupying the dual position of Member of the Horse of Representatives and Chairman of the County Council he should support the two lines, but he regarded the Taieri line as of first importance. A good deal of discussion ensued, eventually it was proposed ami carried, on the motion of Cr Colclough, seconded by Cr Pitches—That this Council heartily cooperates with the movement to construct a railway between Dunedin and Cromwell, via Strath Taieri, as a means of opening up an immense area of agricultural land, and being portion of an ultimate scheme of connecting the east and west coasts via Haast Pass, by railway. Mr Pyke said he was informed by good authority that the, average cost of constructing the railways of Otago, including purchase of land, station buildings, and rolling stock, had been L3G4O per mile, and he felt assured the line proposed would not cost more than L3OOO per mile. Proposed by Cr Greenback, seconded by Cr Masters—That it is absolutely essential to the best interests of the County that the necessary works should be commenced simultane nisly at both ends.—Carried. Proposed by Cr Masters, seconded by Cr Pitches, and carried on the voices—That, in the event of the Government being unwilling to undertake the construction of the proposed line, this County is willing to do so under the supervision of the Public Works Department, provided the County is endowed with public lands of equal value. Mr Pyke said, there will he a powerful combination in the House of Representatives in favor of this line, and he did not think there was a doubt but that the Government will agree with the proposition. Proposed by Cr Colclough, seconded by Cr Pitches—That this Council desires to record its approval of tho movement to construct the proposed line of railway from Wakatip to Cromwell, believing that it would be a great benefit to this County. Crs Greenbank and Masters spoke against the motion, thinking it premature, and would evidence a division of opinion. Cr Pitches should like to see both lines constructed. He had great faith in Invercargill. The motion could do no possible harm. It was eventually carried on the voices. Proposed by Cr Greenbank, seconded by Cr Masters—That the foregoing resolutions bo sent to the Councils of Maniotnto, Taieri, and Lakes, also to the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, and to the members of the House of Representatives for Lakes, Taieri, Maniototo, Dimstan, Wallace, Invercargill, Caversham, &c., asking their co-operation and support. Consideration of suggested amendments to the Counties and other Acts as agreed upon by tho late convention of County Chairmen held in Dunedin was now proceeded with. The only sections that created discussion wore the following : Section 40—That provision should ho made for tho non-allowance of the franchise by persons who have not paid their rates at the time of any election. Cr Colclough strongly objected to any such provision being made.—Carried. Section 73- Re payment of Councillors. Crs Colclough and Greenbank objected. Cis Pitches and Masters agreed with it and were supported by the Chair.—Carried. Section 7G — Re. exclusion of strangers from tho Council when in Committee. Cr Colclough stood alone in his objections against the exclusion of strangers, thinking that as tho duty of the Council was merely tho expending of the public monies, it should be done with open doors. The suggestion was, however, agreed to. Section 130, rc giving County Council power to raise ordinary loans, and to extend borrowing power of special loans. Cr Colclough also strongly objected to tho power of tho Council being extended ; and for ordinary work, he held that ordinary revenue should suffice.—Agreed to. Section 97 Public Works’ Act.—Provision for tho laying of informations or complaints. Substituting Chairman for full

Council. A long and animated discussion ensued pver this, Cr. Colclough again opposing, urging that all informations should, bo laid by the Engineer or Clerk. On being put to the vote, it was agreed to. The Council declined to express any opinion on tho following resolutions of tho conference No. 1 and 2, but agreed with No. 3. 1. —“That the various Coqnty Couneils bq invited to consider the advisability or otherwise of reducing the number of Counties,'so as to induce greater uniformity of action and more economical management. ” 2.—“ That, pending tho receipt of answers to the foregoing Resolution, and any action that may be taken thereon, this Conference deprecates the efforts now being made in Various quarters to increase the number of Counties by the constitution of new Counties.” 3. —“That, so far as practicable, the boundaries of Electoral, Licensing, Road, and Resident Magistrates’Districts should he made coterminous with the boundaries of Counties, and that the County Electoral Rolls should be also the Electoral Rolls for the House of Representatives.’’ This concluded the business of the special meeting. An Ordinary Meeting of the Council was held in the Court House, Clyde, on Wednesday the 25th July, 1877. * The same Councillors present as at the special meeting. Tlie minutes of the previous meetings were read. Councillor Colclough asked that the paragraph referring to letter from the Government be amended, by inserting the words some of before ‘ ‘ clauses of the Lease of the Bannockburn Bridge,” as the letter contained only some of the clauses. Tho minutes, as amended, were then confirmed. The Chairman said while the Bridge was under notice, he would take the opportunity of stating that he was informed a letter had been received by a resident of Bannockburn from the Hon. D. Reid to the effect that no toll can be charged for foot passengers. Cr. Colclough said he would take the opportunity of saying that the Chairman should not place too great credence on everything ho hears, as he the speaker understood that two interpretations could be put on the letter. Schedules of inward and outward correspondence were read. The whole of the correspondence between the Chairman and the Government on the proposed dismemberment of the County was laid on the table and read. The last letter from the Government, being to tho effect that W. L. Simpson, Esq., had been appointed a Commissioner to inquire into the whole matter. The Chairman said, at the last meeting, it was attempted to throw discredit on him for acting in the matter, in spile, howevei, of that ho had still acted, and would now ask the Council to give a decisive vote as to whether the course he had taken wsa a right one or not. He at the time considered it, and still considered it was his duty as Chairman of this Council to do anything that was in his power to prevent a dismemberment. Cr. Colclough said ho was perfectly satisfied with the correspondence, as a better case could not be made for the petitioners. Cr. Pitches agreed with everything that had been done by the Chairman, and thougt that cveay effort should be made to keep the County intact. He would propose, That this Council approve of the action of the Chairman in relation to the proposed dismemberment of tho Count}'. Cr. Masters seconded the proposition, at the same time giving tho Chairman every credit for his actions. Cr Colclough proposed as an amendment That admitting the Chairman had acted in accordance with the will of the majority of the Council, it shall not to he taken as in Heating the unanimous approval of the Council in the eject desired to he obtained by him. Cr. Greenbank viewed with disfavor the action of the petitioners, thinking the County could he as well and better worked as a whole than if divided—saw his way clear to support the Chairman in what ho had done in preventing a dismemberment. There being no seconder to the amendment, tlie motion was put and carried, Cr. Colclough alone voting against it. The Council then adjourned till 2 p.m. On resuming, the Chairman asked that, as tlie Mayor of Alexandra was present, the tenders for bridges he now opened. He explained that as tho Borough of Alexandra had agreed to give LIOO towards the cost of constructing the bridge across the Manuherikia at Alexandra, they were a party to tho bargain and should bo present. Tho suggestion was acted upon, and the tenders wore laid on the table. The Chairman said before the tenders were opened he would explain that the first tenders for the Manuhorikia Bridge he had opened, and finding them too high had instructed tho Engineer to amend his plans and call for fresh tendcis. He said he made the explanation because ho heard there was some illiberal remarks abroad about it. He was willing to admit that tho course was irregular, hut as it was done in tlie true , interest of tlie Council and with tlie view of . hastening a most needed work he felt justified in doing itOr Colclough was terribly shocked at this confession, and preached adolcful sermon nil the heinnusness of the crime, and urged Ins I follow Councillors to immediately lay down [ a rule so strong that even the most fractious of Chairmen could not break it—That no , tender shall over bn opened The Council . should bo above suspicion, like the wives . of the Roman Emperors, &c. The Chairman said he had opened tho tenders in the interest of tho Comity and to I save time, and that should he explanation 1 enough. Tlie question was raised at the

last meeting as to whether tho Chairman was to bo a more dummy or not. He might say once and for all that where ho saw’ it was necessary to act ho would not bo tied down with rod tape, he had had enough experience of that. Crs Groenbauk, Pitches, and Masters characterised the remarks of Cr Golclough as unwarranted. r Proposed hy Cr Greeonhank, seconded by Cr Pitches—That this Council endorse the action of tho .Chairman in opening the first set of tenders for the bridge across tho Jlanuherikia at Alexandra.—Carried. The second set of tenders were then opened as follows J. Drummy (accepted), L 1193 ; Grant and MacKellar, L 41 4; Speid and Begg, L 470. Resolved—That this Council extend their vote for bridge across the Mauuhenkia at Alexandra from L 250 to L 293. Tenders, as follows, for the bridge across the Clutha at Rooky Point were opened \ J. M’Cormack, laminated arch and pile, Oregon arch, L 4035 (accepted); pile and trussed, L 3693. Grant and MacKellar, laminated arch and pile. Oregon 'arch, L 423 0; birch arch, L 3993 ; pile and trussed, L 3925. J. Drummy, laminated arch and pile, egon arch, L 4671 ; birch, -arch, L 4358 ; pile and trussel, L 3798. Petition from 'residents on the south side of tho Kawarau, Cornish Point, praying the Council to erect afoot bridge to ccmnect them with Cromwell, and thus enable the children, between twenty and thirty, to attend school, together with correspondence between the Chairman and tho Mayor of Cromwell was laid on the table and read. Cr Masters proposed—That this Council i approves of the construction of a foot bridge ■over the Kawarau from Cromwell to Cornish Point, but as the' Cromwell Corporation has convened a meeting to consider the question ■of subsidising same, that the further consideration bo deferred till next meeting. He was in favor df the project and Would give it his support. • Cr Cololough said it was not walited, there were only five or six families on tho point, and they could reach Cromwell the same as they had done for years paslt. The feeling ■of the ratepayers of Cromwell were against spending any of their money on such a Work. The argument of the Chairman that it would lessen the market value of tho Kawarau Bridge he did not agree with, it was not honorable. Cr Pitches thought the work was not of ■sufficient importance to warrant the Council spending hundreds of pounds. They could find other works of far greater importance. The Chairman said ho thought the bridge should he built. As he said before, it would not only save the County L2OOO in the purchase of the Kawarau Bridge, but it would have the'afiect of opening up a large area that is at present isolated for the want ■of a bridge. If it would do no other good it Would save the district the very large, amount of money that is paid by foot passengers for tolls. Cr Cololough, on the assumption that it would be a free bridge, would second the motion, which was'ptit and carried. Correspondence between the County and the Government was laid on the table. The Chairman said he scarcely expected anything definite would be done till he was in Wellington. As tho question of tolls was fresh in the minds of the Council, he might state that the right to charge tolls for crossing the Kawarau Bridge, as cited in the lease, is by Order of Council published in *sho Provincial Government Gazette. Strange to say, no 'such Gazette or order can be found. Whether there ever was such an Order it is hard to say. Letter was read from the Pipeclay' Gully Sludge Channel Committee asking the Council to waive its right to one half the gold obtained in the construction <cf the Channel, urging as a reason for tho request that'the Banks will not make any advance unless they have security over the Channel and the gold in it. After some discussion, duriug which some Councillors spoke very strongly against the work, characterising the principle as vicious and saying from the hundreds of thousands of pounds spent in trying to prop up the mining industry, not a single benefit had er been derived. The motion was de- ■ .|< rod vialrried. Moved hy Cr Masters, seconded by Cr Pitches—That tho accounts, amounting to Llsl Us 3d he passed for payment.—Carried on the voices. Over item horse and buggy hire for Chair- ■ man Cr Colclnugh was indignant, characterising it as a most unheard of piece of extravagance, to pay their Chairman’s buggy hire was simply preposterous, and he would never submit to it, etc., etc., etc. [Our representative hero left the room, we are consequently indebted to the County Clerk for tho rest of the evening’s sitting.] Tho Council then adjourned till 7 o’clock p.m. NOTICES OF MOTION. Moved hy Cr Masters, seconded hy Cr Pitches—That the sum of L 450 he voted hy this Council far the construction of a dray road from Nevis to the southern boundary of the County.—Carried. Moved hy Cr Golclough-, seconded hy Cr Greenbank—That the resolution of this Council to subsidize the Cromwell Company towards keeping the road to Welsh town in repair he revoked, and that the said road bo kept in repair by the Council. - -Negatived. The next Motion—That tho Executive Committee undertake only such duties as shall have been confided to them uy the Council, and that to monies he paid before the vouchers shall have been approved by the Council—was withdrawn hy consent of the Council, Moved hy Cr Cololough, seconded by Cr Greenbank, pro forma— That, inasmuch as the Council consists of only eight members there is no occasion for an Executive Committee, and that tho same bo abolished.— Lost on the voices. Moved by Cr Cololough, seconded by Cr Greenbank— That the sum of L 25 hc> ex-

pended ('il the construction of a foot bridge (•cross the Luggute Creek, at Maidmau’e on the main road to Wanaka.—Carried on tho voices.' Moved hy Cr Golclough, seconded by Cr Masters—That the raonoy expended by Oliarlos M‘Donnell in making road from Bendigo township to the top of Ardgour ■ Terrace, to wit, L 5 10s, be paid to him if approved hy the CoUuty Surveyor and considered hy him a necessary work,—Carried on the voices. Moved by Cr Pitches, Seconded by Gr Masters—That the sum of L3OO be voted for making about 15 chains this end of M’Oonnochie’s contract at Lauder Creek Flat.—Carried on tlte voices. Correspondence wus here read from Messrs M'Cotmochie and Tohill- No. 1 (Muddy Creek contract) asking for extension of time. No. 2 (same contract) applying for L2O extra for additional work said to bo 1 done by them. No. 3. : offering to construct a further portion of the road at same coat per chain as the present contract. The Surveyor’s report on the above was also read. Moved by Cr Cololough, seconded hy Cr Masters—That tho extension of time asked for bo granted,—Carried. Moved by Cr Greenbank—That the sum asked, viz., L2O, he not grauted.—Carried. Moved hy Cr Cololough, seconded by Cr Greenbank—That' tho offer of Messrs M'Connochie and Tohill to construct a further portion of the road at Schedule rates be not accepted, but that tho work be done by contract.—Carried. Letter from Messrs M'Connochie and Tohill offering to construct a further portion of' road at Bald Hill Jflat, was read, with report of Surveyor-op the same. Moved by-Cr Cqlclough, seconded hy Or Pitches—That the offer, of contractors to do certain work at Bald Hill Flat he not •accepted. —Carried. NOTICES OF MOTION. Moved by Cr Pitches, seconded hy Cr Cololough—That the sum of L 230 be voted; for tho main street of Ophir, for forming, kerbing, channelling, and gravelling about •20 chains.—Carried on the voices. Moved by Cr Pitches, seconded by Cr Masters—That section 6 'of Bye Law No. 1, be suspended to enable Council to consider motions No. 21, 22, and 23.—Carried. Moved by Cr Greenbank (for Cr Davidson) —That the direct track from Tinkers to Devonshire be repaired, and that the work .he proceeded with at once.—Carried. Resolved—That the Executive Corarait|teo be instructed to select a site for the Rrection of County Council offices, and to 'report to the Council at the next ordinary meeting. Moved hy Cr Greenbank (for Cr David- ■ son)— That the surveyed road from Chappie’s, at Tiger Hill, through the agricultural block and hundred, to Tinkers, Matakanui, andDrybread be made passable at once, and that LIOO be voted for that purpose. County Clerk was instructed to get the Surveyor’s , report on tlte Tiger Hill road, read at last meeting of County Council, and to instruct the County Surveyor to attend. Moved by Cr Greenbank, seconded by Cr Cololough—That the,sum of L3O be voted to form new road from Tinkers to Newtown. —Curried. The Council then adjourned till 10 o’clock a.m., on Thursday. Council resumed business on Thursday, 26th inst., at 10 o’clock. Present—V. Pyke, Esq. (Chairman) and Councillors Pitches, Greenbank, and Masters. Letter from Clyde Corporation re charge for the use of County Offices was read. Moved by Cr Masters, seconded by Cr Greenbank—That the offer of the Clyde Corporation for hire of offices be accepted. Carried on the voices. Adjourned notice of motion No. 22. Moved by Cr Greenbank, on behalf of Cr Davidson, seconded by Cr Masters—That the surveyed road from Chappie’s to Tiger Hill (through the agricultural block and Hundred) to Tinkers, Matakanui, and Drybread he made passable. The Surveyor to be instructed to inspect and report upon the road at once.—Carried on the voices. The Surveyor's report on Works and Roads was read and laid on the table. Moved hy Cr Masters, seconded by Cr Pitches—That the Chairman he requested to enforce section 16 of the General Maintenance Conditions in the matter of contract No. 9 respecting tho crossing at Smith’s Gully.—Carried. The sums as under were authorised to ho expended on the following works Dry Gully road, west hank Molynoux, L2G; Alexandra to Doctor’s Point, L 10; Clyde to Cromwell, L 320 ; Clyde to Alexandra, LlO ; Alexandra to boundary, L4OO ; Foot bridge across Poolburn, L 2 3; Works of emergency, 1,100 Moved by Cr Greenbank, seconded by Cr Masters—That the sum of LlO bo voted as an advance to tho County Clerk tor petty cash. ' Moved hy Cr Masters, seconded hy Cr Pitches— That tho Chairman bo instructed, to wrfie to the Tuapeka County Council respecting the disgraceful state of the main road within their boundary between Alexandra and Lawrence, and to intimate to them that if they do not put it in repair it will be tho duty of this Council to apply to the Government to bring into operation subsection 2 of section 185 of the Counties Act, 1876.—Carried on the voices. Tho Chairman represented that Westland County was making a road from Ross to the boundary at HaastPaSs, and he meant to ask the Council to make a road, in Spring, to join tho Westland Road to bring the West Coast as near to Clyde as the East Coast ; and als.. to make a road down Lake Wanaka, With a Jetty for shipping wool. Letters were road from Mr Shrirapton respecting roads bordering on the Canterbury Province, and also from Mr Stewart respecting the same. Resolved—That the Chairman answer tho letters to the effect , that in Spring the matter will he brought before the Council, and then measures will he taken to construct

a main road from tho Hoad of Wanaka Lake to connect tho West with tho East coast. Tho letter from tho Cook County Council re alteration of the Waste Lands Act. Moved by Cr Masters, seconded hy Cr Orccnbank—That tho Council entirely agrees with Cook County Council that the waste lands of the Grown should he vested in tho County Councils, and that tho member for the district be requested to use his best endeavor to assist in carrying out the object proposed for amending tho Waste Lands Act.—Carried on tho voices. Moved by Cr Masters, seconded by Cr Greenbank—That tho Executive Committee bo authorised to open and accept tho undermentioned works :—Continuation of road works Bald Hill Elat; do. do. Muddy Creek ; do. do. Oohir. Tho Council then dissolved.