VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 893, 30 May 1879, Page 3

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chambers, Clyde, on Wednesday last the 28th iustantPresent: —-V. Pyke, Esq., Chairman, and Councillors Jolly, Pitches, Greanbank, Colclough, Fraser, Naylor, and M’Ginnis. The Chairman explained that the meeting was in accordance with the Counties’ Act. to settle the Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the past year as passed at the last Special Meeting of the Council, and as audited by the County Auditor. The Clerk then read the Statement (to which we refer our readers in another column. Ck. Colclough proposed that the Statement as read he settled by this Council. He said he desired before the resolution was passed to draw ithe attention of Councillors to the fact that by the Statement the Council’s liabilities exceeded the assets by some LCOOO, it accordingly behoved them in tkeir future -expenditure to bear this in mind. Cr. Pitches seconded the proposition. Ck. Jolly explained that though the Statement showed a deficiency of over £0 1.2090, it was not so in fact, as the liabilities included the whole of the County’s indebtedness, which included over L7OOO on contracts that were only just let, and which would not be completed within the next 12 months. The Chairman said the real position of the Council, taking into consideration the amount due by the Government for subsidy •and on other accounts was, that they had over i'HO,OOO in hand, the Council accordingly he thought, had no grounds for fear. The motion was then passed. The minutes of the last ordinary and special meeting were read-land confirmed. The Chairman said.it was now necessary to strike the rate, previous action of the Council having been only to make it. Proposed by Cr Joi.lv, seconded by Cr M’Ginnis—That a rate of Is. in the £. on alle-ateable property wit tin the County for the .ensuing year be made and levied. Carried. Schedules of the inward and outward correspondence were read, on which the following explanations were made and motions carried. In reply to Cr Grrenbank it was explained’that the application of W. Wilson, f r the boring rods was placed third instead of first on the list, through a misapprehension, his application not having been a written one, and that he being the next in order he could have them in three weeks.' -Gn Greknbank, it was necessary to vindicateJiim with Mr Wilson ; that a full explanatiou should be given Mr Wilson by letter. Secouded by Cr Colclough and agreed to. Letter from Mr Bmmmv asking for a further sum of LB7 in addition to sums al- ■ ready received for extras in connection with Macandrew bridge, was referred to the Engineer for his report. _ At a later stage of the meeting—The En gineer reported that the amount claimed by Mr Brummy was in dispute between them, and was over some measurements, and that he was perfectly satisfied that his were correct. It was luled that the Engineer’s reportfee adhered te, and that if Mr Brummy had a claim, he had also his remedy. ILetter from Mr M ‘Cormick offering a pile driver for sale to the County. Ruled that the Council decline to purchase, they having no use for it . Letter from the Mavor of Christchurch asking the co-operation of the Vincent ■ County in getting the next meeting of the I * Assembly held at Christchurch. Ruled that the Council decline to interfere in the m itter. Le'ter from Wong Gye, (Chinese Special ■Constable) asking for a bonus from the Council rin consideration of the (large amount : —over L2OO be had been instrumental in putting into the County coffers for miners’ rights, &c. He explained that his salary 1 from the Government was only LSU a year, ( and Cs. per day travelling expenses when ho ; was out on active duty. A good deal of discussion took place over this letter, gome Councillors arguing that as Wong Gye was a Government officer, the matter could not bo entertained. Others, however, taking the smallness of salary into •consideration, thought otherwise, and it ruled—“ That a bonus of 1.5 be given him, and 10 per cent, in future on all sums obtained by bringing the oases into Court.” Letter from Mr M’George, asking for leave of absence for ten days, from the 16th •June, on private business. Agreed to. In reference to letters re chandelier, the Chairman stated that when in Dunedin he purchased one for 20 guineas, the sum agreed upon at a former meeting, and explained it was a five burner silber. A return compiled by the rate collector and valuer of all leaseholds and freeholds in the County was laid on the table. The Chairman said it contained a vast amount of useful information. Cr Jolly asked leave to move in tbouuatter of a petition presented by him at the last meeting. Ruled—“ That no motion on a petition could be made without notice of motion.” Cr Pitches presented a petition from ratepayers in Manuherikia Riding against the system of day labour. Read ami re■c ived. Cr Jolly presented a petition from ratepayers in Hawea and Clutha Ridings, praying for the erection of, a bridge across the Clutha in the neighbourhood of the Luggate. Read and received. The Engineer’s reports on roads, bridges, and contracts, were read, and with the exception of one clause relating to contract No. 52, which was to stand over till the "tenders were dealt with, were adopted. The following recommendations contained in the reports were dealt with— Resolved—“ That Ll5O be expended on approaches to suspension bridge over the Manuherikia at Alexandra, and that the work be tendered for.” Resolved—“ That surface men be put on road Hawksburn station to Bannockburn.” Resolved—“ That tenders be called for ■gravelling 110 chains of road Blacks to Muddy Creek ” Resolved—“ That road Gorge to Kirtlebum be put in repair by day labour, at a ■cost not exceeding L 50.” On tho recommendation that a further - sum of LSOO he expended on road to head Jr of Lake Wanaka, a considerable amount of ■discussion took place. Cr FraSer, while not saying that the work was not necessary, opposed the vote, urging as his reason that there were other works of far more Importance to the district that required attention, and which would not be done if this sum were voted, instancing amongst other works the bridge across the Hawea. Cr Colclough supported Cr Eraser. Cr Jolly supported the vote, stating as liis reasons that if the work was not at once proceeded with, the LSOO already expended on the road would be lost, and moreover that the large body of men employed on it •would be broken faith with. The question was left in abeyance as the •motion for the vote, and an amendment that the matter stand over, were both lost. The Council then adjourned till 7 p.m. Evening Sitting. • t)n the Council resuming, JL-rejicrt from Engineer on contract No.

42, known as Sl a-kne’s near Cromwell, was I read, to tho etfeet that he had put on men to complete the formation, and recommended 1 that the gravelling be tendered for. The reIport was adopted. A report from the Engineer on the erection of protective works on the banks of tho Clutha at Albert Town, was read. The Chairman said the question involved was a very serious one, and meant that if in this instance the Council undertook the task of protecting private property from the river, they would be open to cal la from one end of the County to the other. He held that it was the duty of the Government to protect all lands on river banks that were liable to be flooded, and he would suggest that the report be sent to the Government, asking them to give in exchange for lands in danger others that were not so, or to take such steps as they may deem necessary to remedy the evil complained of. The suggestion was acted upon, and a resolution passed in accordance with it. A letter from J. Richie, overseer of works, asking for an increase of wages from 15s per day, was read. Also letter from Mr Harvey, County inspector of works, asking for refund of L 6 5s expended by him in erecting a partition in County Buildings, Cromwell. Ruled—“ That both requests be refused.” Resolved—“ That the sum of LIOO be voted for work performed on road Clyde to Lauder.” The report of Mr J. S. BicLie, rate collector and inspector of commonages, notifying that LlO9 13s unpaid rates were still due, and that 1044 great cattle were depasturing nn the Clyde mad Cromwell Commonages, was read. The Engineer’s report on Ihe Lindis road, and saying that a further sum of L 750 would be required to fiuish it, was read. The question was ordered to stand over. The Chairman said the next business was fhe opening of tenders, but before doing so it was necessary that tho question deferred from last special meeting, as to whether they should be dealt with in open Council or in Coinmrnittee, be settled. Or Jolly proposed—“ That tenders be opened in Committee as in the past.” He said he did so being of opinion that it would be impolitic to alter the old rule, and because all public bodies followed a similar course. Cr Eraser seconded and Cr Pitches supported the motion. Crs'Green-rank, iColclough and M’Gtnnis supported the opening of tenders in open Council, giving as reasons that tenderers themselves did not object, that it would put a stop to all rumours of secrecy, and that the question of dummy tenderers was not worth considering, as an easy way of combatting the dummy tenderer whs to increase the amount of deposit. On the question being put, it was decided in favour of Committee, the Chairman voting with the ayes. The Council then went into Committee, :and on ireeuminglVlio following report was read mid adopted : “ That all tenders for maintenance contracts be defei red till the next day of bitting. , That Mr J. Brummy's tender for contract No. 52, Alexandra' Bridge, be accepted. That Grant and.M’Kellars tender contract No 53, additions to Macandrew Brid. e, be accepted That no tenders for supplies be accepted.” Or Colclough asked if under the peculiar surroundings of some of the contracts he could lodge a protest against the report being adopted. The Chairman ndd be was in a position to-du so, but would ask him to defer it till to-morrow. Cr Colclough agreed to do so. Accounts amounting to Ll2O 5s 4d were passed f,,r payment. Cr-Jolly moved—“ That the question of compensating Mr T. Gorman, for taking a roadway th’xmgh his property be now considered.” Resolved—“ That the evidence of the inspector of works he take®, and reported on at next meeting.” Cr Colclough asked that the wages of Mr G. M'(.aughls.il, for wortting the Rocky Point punt, lie increased to 10s per day. After discussion, agreed to. The Council then adjourned till the following day at 10 a.m. In opening the meeting, the Chairman said as the tenders and contracts had been dealt with, it was now necessary to deal with Engineer’s report on same. Resolved Mi* J. B. Dickie, rate collector and valuator, handed in a letter explaining that, the Fidelity society in which he had obtained his security had intimated him its intention of ceasing business in New Zealand, and asked for time to obtain private securities. Agreed to. NOTICES of motion. 2. Cr Colclough moved—“ That the introduction of Chinese labour upon the County works he discouraged, and with this object it be an instruction to the County Engineer to insert a clause in all County specifications prohibiting the use of Chinese labour by contractors.” In support he said that as all the public bodies, not only in the country, but throughout the worl d, notably California, were acting in the matter, it was necessary that this Council should take action in the matter of excluding the Chinese from participating in the expenditure of public moneys, and thus assist in the general movement. In reply, he said though he admitted the time had not arrived when the Chinese were an actual nuisance, yet he thought it wise to take time by the forelock, and anticipate anv such a result. The motion was carried. 3. Cr Colclough moved That a. donation of f 50 each be paid to the Hospitals within the County, contingent on a proportionate amount being paid by the Boroughs of Cromwell and Alexandra, such proportion being based upon the rateable value of the Ridings within the Northern and Southern. Hospital divisions, as against the rateable value of the said respective Boroughs.” 'Cr Eraser thought the motion was but the getting in the thin end of the wedge towards having all charitable institutions supported nut of the rates. Cr Green rank opposed the motion, saying that it was high time the management of the Hospitals were put under the control and management of the County. Cr Jolly moved--“That all the words after ‘ the County ’ he deleted,” as the County had no right to dictate what the Boroughs should do. The Chairman explained that by the Financial Arrangements Act, 1878, it was incumbent alike on the County and the Boroughs to provide any deficiency that may arise with all Hospitals. Motion carried. 4. Cr Pitches moved—“ That the Engineer be instructed to erect two footbridges across the Poolburn in Ida Valley, one on the road known as Glass’s, and the other as Thompson’s, the cost not to exceed Carried—the amount not to exceed 1.50. 5. Cr Pitches moved--“ That the .Engineer he instructed to put two men to repair the road known as Glass’s, tho coat not to exceed L 15.” . j Carred. | 7. Cr Grernrank moved—“ That all moneys expended on works by the Council be paid direct to the parties receiving tho same, through some officer of the Council.”

He said he did not intend to cast any reflections on Members of the Council or anyone else through whose bands the vouchers passed. His object was that at least once a month all works were inspected by the Engineer, or some other officer of the Council. _ Cb M’Ginnis said in supporting the motion, he did so, as many complaints had reached him of the present system—the general opinion was that the existing system ■was wrong, and ho would like to see it altered. The Chairman said the rule adopted was to send the vouchers to the nearest posttown to where the men were engaged. The motion was carried. 8. Cr Jolly moved—“ That application be made to the Minister of Lands for a grant of public reserve or reserves within the Vincent County of a maximum area not exceeding 301) acres, such reserves to be "elected in parts of the County specially adapted for tree planting purposes.” Cr M’Ginnis was opposed to the motion, thinking the scheme impracticable, and that the Council had sufficient to do in making roads and bridges, and not in ornamenting certain patches. He would rather be in favour of giving a bonus to people to plant trees, while at the same time he thought the thing would be a failure like all other things of the kind the Government had had a hand in, such as water-races, sludge-chan-nels, &c. Lost on division. 9. Cr Jolly moved—“ That inasmuch as the late floods have rendered it impracticable to carry out the policy of the County — 1 the expenditure of the vote for the erection of a bridge over the Clntba at Alberttown ’ —and having in view the present and the facilitation of the future settlement of the County, it is desirable to appropriate the said vote to the erection of a bridge at a place as near as possible to the confluence of the Lugget with the Clutha, and that the Engineer be instructed to select a site at the plaos indicated, and to report to the Council at its next meeting.” In support he said the erection of a bridge as indicated in his motion was a necessity. Thousands of acres of land during the past season had been planted in wheat, and the grain w r as now stored awaiting the bridge to either carry it to a market, or to a flour-mill that was proposed to bo erected immediately the site of this bridge was fixed upon. A long discussion ensued, Cr Eraser maintaining that at Albert Town tho bridge should be built, as being more advantageous to settlement. Cr Colclough said whore the bridge was erected was not the question, it was neither' the people nor the Engineer to say where it should be. That was’the duty of the Council ; a bridge they wanted, and they must have it. The Chairman said the Engineer had reported that the ai’e at Albert Town was not impracticable, while that at Luggate was. Cu Colclough said, in face of the Engi neer’s report he had evidently made no his msnd, and as a site to be selected by Hiim would be one for the best, from an Engineer’s point of view, it might not be the beat from a settlement point of vi“w. Tie .would propose as an amendment--That the Chairman, and Councillors Jolly, Naylor and Fraser, together with the Engineer visit the locality, sgleet a site, and report to the next meeting on tho same, and the probable cost. The amendment was carried. I. Cr Colclough moved—“ That this Council proceed without delay to tPe construction of the bridge over the Hawca River-on the main line to the West Coast, the work having been sanctioned before the flood of last year, and withdrawn temporarily in consequence thereof.” Tho Chairman said he had received a petition from the'residents in the neighborhood saying that a horse bridge was all that was required. Cr Fraser said that was correct, and moved an amendment - “ That the Engineer be requested to report to next meeting on the construction of a horse bridge across the H.awea, cost, not to exceed L6OO. After no end of argument between Councillors representing the northern end of the County, it was resolved that a bridge. 9ft wide, at a cost not exceeding LISOO, be erected. Cr Pitches twitted Councillors on their inconsistency of forcing upon a district a bridge at a cost of LliWO, when the residents and the member for the Riding also said a LSOO bridge was all that was required. 6 Cr Grernrank moved —“That the petition of Thomas Spain and others from Matakanui bo taken into consideration with the view of comparing the cost of road works done by day labour as against similar work done by contract ” 10 Cr Fraser moved—“ That it is desirable that ail works constructed by the County be let by tender when practicable.” Both these motions wore postponed till next meeting, the Engineer in meantime to prepare a statement of the relative cost of works done by both day labour andcoutract 11. Cr Eraser moved—“ That in the event of bridge connection at Rocky Point proving impracticable, that tho Engineer bo requested to survey and lay off in sections the road on the east side of the Clutha River—Rocky Point to Cromwell—and that tenders be called for constructing same without delay ” Withdrawn by consent, on the explanation that the Engineer was attending to the work. 12. Cr Fraser moved—“ That the fob lowing improvements be made on tho main road, Lindis to Gladstone: -(1) Removing obstruction on road at Moori Point. (2) Reducing the cutting at Eight-mile Creek to a moderate gradient, and forming storm channel round same. (3) To lay off main road at Hawca Flat, and to construct pitched crossings or woo len culverts over same where necessary. ” Carried. The coat not to exceed 1,200. 13 Cr Eraser moved—“ That efficient landing stages be provided for the Alberttown punt Carried. 14 Cr Eraser moved—“ That the sum of fifteen pounds (LIS) sterling be spent on the road Bandy Point to Tarras Black.” Carried. . . 13. Cr Eraser moved—“ That a sum not exceeding L 250 be spent on repairing road east side of Hawea Lake.” Withdrawn, on explanation that L2OO already voted. 16 Cr Eraser moved—“ That whereas about -40 chains of the road, Lindis to Waitaki, still remains unformed, that Mr M’Phail’s offer of constructing same at L 4 sterling per chain be accepted, subject to the Engineer’s approval.” It was explained that L 965 13s 3d had been already expended on this road, and that the Engineer reported that to complete it, L 735 would be required.—Resolved that the work be tendered for. 17. Cr Eraser moved—“ That the Council compel all individuals owning water-races that cross any County road, to make proper pitched crossings or culverts over same.” Withdrawn, it being understood that the Engineer had power to act. Tho Treasurer read a statement of receipts and expenditure since last meeting, shewing receipts L 1377 4s 3d, and expenditure,

L 5909 0s 6d, leaving a balance in hand of L 9471 9s 4d at date, Resolved—That in terms of conditions of tender for Alexandra bridge, the specifications and plans bo amended, to make the top part of the piers solid, and to remove the ornamental cornices. Resolved That the Chairmen write to the Lake County Council to deferontly point out tire very grievous wrong inflicted on this County by the imposition of tolls at Morven Ferry, and ask them, if possible, to remedy it. Resolved—That a special meeting, for the consideration of Tenders for Contracts Nos. 54, 55, 56 be held at Clyde, on Thureday, June 12th at 1 p.m. The meeting then dissolved.