VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 850, 2 August 1878, Page 3

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

(For the following report we are indebted to the Cromwell Argus.)

Adjourned meeting of the Council from the previous day, Wednesday, the 24th of July.

Thursday.—A fternoon Sitting. The Council met at 3 o’clock. All present. The joint report of Engineers Hay and M‘George on the proposed bridge over the Molyueue at Alexandra was read. It is set forth that three sites had been inspected. No. 1 was about half-a-mile below tho Manuherikia Eiver. This was rejected on account of bad approaches, and the necessity of erection of a second bridge about 130 ft. long. No 2 site was about a chain below the present punt, but the objections to it W ere the necessity of erecting expensive cofler-daras, bad approaches, and being subject to floods. The engineers strongly recommended site No. 3, situate three or four chains above the punt. It bad the advantage of good solid foundation, tho approaches were good and easy, and without hesitation it was recommended as the site of the bridge. It was also recommended that the structure be a wire-rope suspension bridge of one span, with piers of masonry and concrete. Tho approximate cost, including approaches, was put down at LlO.fiOf).

On the motion of Cr M’Ginnis, seconded by Cr Greeubauk, it was resolved—That the Chairman be requested to lay the engineer’s report before the Government, and to point out that as the bridge is on the main arteiial highway and will be a feeder to the Strathtaieri Railway, its immediate erection is highly necessary. In reply to Cr M’Ginnis, the Chairman intimated that the engineer had .selected site and taken measurements for the bridge over the Fraser River, and that probably at its next mooting the Council would he asked to deal with tenders for the work.

Respecting road from foot of .Lake Wan aka to Makarora, it was intimated that no further information couli he laid before the Council, and nothing could be done until the season was more advanced.

By leave, without notice Cr Colclongh moved that the bridge over the Kawarau hitherto known as the Bannockburn he henceforth called the Macandrew Bridge. The mover thought it would he a deserved tribute to the non. Minister of Lands in recognition of the valuable aid he had given in obtaining assistance from Government towards purchasing this and other bridges in the County. The Chairman expressed himself much pleased with the motion, and spoke highly of Mr Macandrew's endeavours on behalf of thn County.—The motion was carried unanimously.

Tenders were opened for contract 39 construction of off chains of road between Tiger Hill and Spottis Creek. The tender of William Williams was accepted.

Applications for the office of assistant engineer were then opened and considered. There were four applicants. After a good deal of discussion, the Chairman and Engineer were empowered to engage the services of Mr Joseph Slater. A number of applications to depasture great cattle on the Cromwell commonage Were granted. A letter was read from Mr John Marsh relative to the proposed narrowing of Mol-more-street, Cromwell, and intimating that he had forwarded to the Minister of Justice copy of Mr Simpson’s judgment in the case “Marsh v. Brown." The writer addressed the Council because it was interested in the traffic. Resolved that the letter from Mr John Marsh be not received, as the County Council declines to interfere with Borough matters. The Council then went into committee on finance.

Evkntno Sittiko. Schedule of accounts amounting to T.C4 14s lOd was read, nml passed for payment. The Treasurer, Cr Jolly, presented a statement showing the revenue and approximate expenditure from Ist April to 20th July. During that period the income from various sources amounted to 1,3,39R Us 6d, while the expenditure showed 1.5,012 Gs, being an excess of 1,2,215 11s. The chief items of outlay were—Hoads and works, L 1,946 Gs 6d ; contracts, L 2.512 17s' rent of bridges and ferries, 1,185; salaries, 1.354. On the Ist April, the credit balance was 1d,2?3 Ss a* 1 , while on 20th July there was a debtor balance of L 1,014 5s 4d. There was still to the credit of the County 1,10,000 lodged as a fixed deposit. It was explained that the period over which the foregoing figures extended was the worst of the year for revenue purposes, and that much of the expenditure had been for permanent works.

Nonces OF MOTION. The consideration of {motions of which notice had been given was then gone on with,

Or Pitches moved—“ That the construction of a traffic bridge over tho Manuherikia lliver at Blacks be forthwith proceeded with." On this inotion a very long debate ensued as to Site of proposed bridge—the Chairman and Cr Greenbank supporting a position above Spottis Creek as against that recommended by the engineer, who had failed to send in report and estimates as instructed. Several amendments were proposed, but ultimately one by Cr Greenbank was carried—That the engineer prepare estimates of cost of a traffic bridge at or near tho present crossing, and report at next meeting. Cr M’Ginnis moved—“ That in future the Vincent County Council will not contribute any money to Libraries until such time as they come under the “Public Libraries Powers Act.” One of the principal reasons for the motion was stated to be that last year funds were Voted from the County treasury to Libraries in boroughs, and the ratepayers whose money had gone to support the institutions found the doors closed against them. Under the Act quoted, the Libraries would have to keep open for certain hours free to the public.—The Chairman explained that unless institutions came under the Act they would not be entitled to Government subsidy.—The majority of the members thought the Act could not be put in operation as regarded struggling Libraries in outlying districts, and the motion finding no support was lost. Cr Pitches moved—“ That the sura of LIOO be voted for widening and repairing main road near the junction of Blacks No. 3 road.”- Cairied.

Cr Jolly moved—“ That tenders be called for forming and gravelling about one mile of the Wanaka road commencing from Gromwell town boundary and terminating at the gravelly gully to Low r er Flat.—Seconded by Cr Pitches, and carried.

Cr Joily moved—“ That the Engineer be requested to inquire and report as to the best method of improving the Clntha River from the Lakes towards Cromwell for the passage of rafts.”— The mover spoke eloquently of the great advantages that would accrue from the river being rendered navigable. Not only would it make timber cheaper to the residents, but othei produce could be transmitted by this highway, to the great benefit of the district generally. Material for the Strathtaieri railway could also then be procured from the Lakes district in the shape of sleepers, &c., and in various ways it would be money well spent. —Motion carrieh

A motion by Cr Jolly for the extension to Cromwell of the proposed Strathtaieri railway was strongly supported in a lengthy address by that gentleman.—The Chairman said the great ambition of his life was to see the railway carried through to Jackson's Bay—in fact, this was his “hobby,” and he would support the motion as a part of his original scheme. Motion carried—- “ That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that the Strathtaieri railwayshould bo continued till it is completed as far as Cromwell, and that the Chairman be asked to support this resolution in his place in Parliament.”

This concluded the business, and the Council rose.