VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 910, 26 September 1879, Page 3

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual two-monthly meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday the 24th hist., in the Council Chamber, Clyde. There were present—Messrs Pyke (Chairman), Naylor, Green hank. Pitches, Colclough, Eraser, M'Ginnis, Masters, and Jolly. The minutes of the previous meetings read and continued. Schedules of inward and outward correspondence were read. The following correspondence was read and dealt with. From Mr J. Perriara, Louburn, covering claim for L3S 10s, for removing sand from off the road inclose proximity to his homestead, and stating that as the work was so close to his homestead he would reduce the cailra to L2O. A deal of discussion ensued on the prin- ** ciplc of people undertaking works on their own responsibility, and afterwards making demands on the County for the cost. The claim was referred to the Engineer, who reported that the claim was reasonable, but that no authority had been given. The question next arose as to tin- power of the Council to entertain tbe claim. 11 was at length decided that without Notice of Motion in the ordinary course, the claim could not he consi lered. From Mr R. Kidd, covering charge L 4, for conveying material from Cromwell to Wanaka. Resolved that the amount be paid. From T. Gorman, Kirtlehurn, re claim for fencing his private property off the Cardrona track. The report of the Engineer was read to the effect i hat Mr Gorman had no claim against the Council, as no authority was given for the outlay. Resolved—That the claim he not euter- •* tained. From Clyde Cricket Club, asking for a donation of say L 3 towards a trophy to be competed for during the ensuing season be tween the Cricket Clubs of the adjacent Counties. The Chairman ruled, and the Council agree 1 that they ha I no power to devote any p irtion of their funds for such

a purpose, From Messrs Grant ami M'Kellar, asking for a refund of a portion of amount paid —L3O for (piarried stone in connection with the light traffic bridge. After discussion it was resolved —That the request be not entertained. At the request of Or Colclouoh, letter from Messrs Grant and M'Kellar, complaining of the system the works of the County were given out, was read. It was explained that the particular work referred to was of so insignificant a character that it was not worth the cost of inviting tenders. From Public Works Department, Wellington, to the effect that one of the officers •*oi the Department, when making the survey of the railway, would make an estimate of protection works at Albert Town. From the Chairman of the Lake County, stating that the charges on Morvern Ferry had been ieduced 50 per cent., and that they would be abolished in the course of a few months.

The report of the Engineer on existing contracts was now read and received.

The report on roads was read. Both reports were of an exhaustive character, entering minutely into the various works, and the system adopted. Both reports created a lot of discussion, resulting in an instruction to the Engineer to, in all cases, where practicable, have the works done by tender.

The conduct of the Bendigo puntman was also referred to—Resolved that the Engineer be empowered to discharge, if he deems it necessary to the public safety the Bendigo puntman, and to invite fresh applications for the position. The Rate Collector and Ranger’s reports were read and received.

Correspondence between the Chairman of the Carriok range Water-race Company and the County, comprising draught of an agreement on which the Company are prepared to take over and repair the waterrace was read.

Cr M’Ginnis said the terms of agreement read, were not the same as those agreed upon at a former meeting of the Council, and he would decline to alter in the smallest possible degree the agreement already arrived at. The terras offered were such he said that at any time the Company could sell the race, and place the proceeds in their pockets, whereas it was their intention no such power should be given. Crs Gbeenbank and Colclouoii agreed with the former speaker.

Cr Jolly said the conditions as laid down by the Council would have the effect of staying the works altogether, as with a heavy mortgage hanging over the race, liable at any time to be foreclosed, the the shareholders would never tniuk of expending another pound on it. Cr Colclougii here rose to a point of order, objecting to Cr Jolly either speaking or voting on the question, as he was interested in the question under discussion, he being a shart holder.

Cr M'Cinnis asked the Chairman to give his ruling on the question. The Chairman declined to give his opinion as the question was one purely of law. He however might say that he thought Cr Jolly could both speak and vote on the question. After further discussion it was resolved that the Council adhere to their former decision arrived at when they took over the race from the Government. Cr Greenbank asked what action had been taken towards bridging the Lauder Creek. He said he had seen the Chairman of Maniototo County, who had informed him that his Council had voted a sum to cover their share of the expense. The Chairman said in the pressure of other works this one had evidently been overlooked. He would make a note of it, and get it attended to before the next meeting.

A letter from Mr Harvey was road, conveying Ins resignation of the office of Hoad inspector, w 7 as read.

Resolved—That the resignation of Mr Harvey be accepted. better from same, applying for Inspectorship of Clyde Bridge, was read. Resolved—That the letter stand over till tenders are dealt with.

The Council now resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of tenders, and it was decided to adjourn from Committee till 8 p.m.

Evening Sitting. On resuming at S p.ra. The following report of the Committee was then read and adopted : “That the tender of Messrs Grant and K'Kellar, for contract .No. 41., construct 'on of suspension bridge over the Hanea river, near the foot of the lake, he accepted. That the tender of Messrs Grant and MTvellar, for contract No. 60, re-eonamic-lion of Clyde Suspension htidge, be accepted. That the tender of Mr Edward M ‘Manus, for contracts Nos 01 ami 62, construct ion of two bridges over I be Poolhum, he accepted." The Clerk here laid on the table the plans of Clyde bridge, which were inspected by the CouncilNotices of Motion were now dealt with. Cr Colclol'gii moved—That 0 months’ notice be given to the Bank of New Zea hind to terminate tiie existing agreement, ami that the County account he again offered by tender. He most ably and eloquently advocated the adoption of the motion. The arguments raised against it to his way of thinking' were in its favour. One of these arguments was that as there is a possibility of the Council having in a short time to seek accommodation in the shape of an overdraft, it was impolitic to seek a change of banks. He thought if such wore to be the case the greater the reason for a change. But he did not anticipate any such thing. He maintained that the difference in the money market between now and the time when the existing arrangements were entered into was so great that the Council were bound to make belter terms than they had, whether it was with the Bank of New Zealand or any other bank. Any of the banks he said were as good to him as lire other. He bold that it was not because the Bank of New Zealand had had the account hitherto that it should be assumed they had a right to it in perpetuity. He hoped the motion would be carried. Cr Pitches seconded the motion, saying that he thought the time had arrived for a change, feeling fully assured that better terms could be obtained Or Jolly did uot see any force in any of the arguments, and would oppose the motion Crs M'Ginxir and Naylor supported the motion. Cr Eraser said he thought there was more below the surface of the motion than appeared on the face of it. It appeared to him more a question of banks than banking, and looked upon it as exceedingly wrong, with the account gradually drifting

from a credit balance to an overdraft, to attempt to shift it. The effect of the motion would be to create a feeling of insecurity amongst the banks. He was bound to oppose the motion. The Chairman said up to the present, under the existing arrangements, the Council had been receiving interest at the rate of 5 per cent, on the current balance, and further, that under existing arrangements the Bank of New Zealand insured them an overdraft of L3OOO, the which it was very doubtful if any other bank would do. He would oppose the motion. A division was taken with a result of— Ayes, 5 ; noes, 4. The motion was accordingly carried. 1. Cr Naylor moved—That L 35 he granted to repair the road between Duncan Robertson’s crossing on the Manuherikia and the Little Valley woolshod. distance about 8 miles, 4 \ miles being part of the old Teviot road. Seconded by Cr Colclouoh, and carried, 2 CrM'GiNNis moved—That the sum of L4O be voted for widening and repairing road leading from Earnscleugh Flat to Alexandra, being known as Dry Gully road. Seconded by Cr Colclough, and carried, that the amount do not exceed,'L4o. 3. Cr M’Ginnis moved That this Council recommend the Governor to proclaim Vincent County a Rabbit Nuisance District under “The Rabbit Nuisance Act, 1876, Amendment Act, 1877.” Seconded by Cr Jolly.

This motion created a lengthy discussion, its advocates arguing that without the motiou was carried the country would he ruined by the peds, while the opposition urged that while in some parts of the country it might be required, there were plenty of parts where it was not, Crs Gbeenbank and Pii'uhes warmly maintaining that it was not required. The motion was eventually carried on a division by 6 to 3.

4. Cr Pitches moved—That the resolution passed by the Council on the 28th May last, when all money' should be paid by some officer of the Council, he altered to read as follows—That the vouchers be sent to the ganger. Seconded by Cr Colclougii.

Crs Greenbank, M'Ginnis, Fraser, Jolly, and Naylor spoke against the motion, all agreeing that the real object of the original motion was that an oliicer of the Council should visit all the works at least once a mouth, aud the present motion would defeat that. Motion lost.

5. Cr Pitches moved That one uniform rate of wages be paid to all day men working on County roads, viz; Si shillin.'S per day, except in special eases. Seconded by Cr Master-’., and carried. 6. Cr Pitches moved—That the rate for horse and dray be 10s per day.

Seconded by Cr Fraser, and carried. 7. Cr Pitches moved—Tint the sum of L2OO be voted for roads iu Ida Valley. He said at the time he sent in his motion he was not aware that the Engineer would deal with the same question. He would ask leave to postpone consideration of it till the schedule of votes required by tbe Engineer was dealt with. The Council then adjourned till 10 a.m. the following day.

September 25th. The Council resumed at 10 a.m., the same Councillors being present. 8. CT M'Uinnis moved That this Council do now proceed to the amount of the Chairman’s salary for the ensuing year of office. In support of his motion he strongly urged that the question should not only he dealt with hut settled.

Cr Fraser could not conscientiously support the motion, as the question assumed more the shape of voting a s tla y to the present Chairman than to the office. There was no telling who might be the next Chairman. He might say however that he would support the candidature of the present occupant of the office at the next election, he being the more fitted for the position than any other member of the Council. Cr Jolly thought there was a little undue haste iu bringing up the question, ami doubled the power of the Council to ileal with the question until lire office was filled.

Cr Masters regretted that pcrsoualii ies should have been imported into the discussion, but thought when a full Council was present the time was most opportune for dealing with the question.

Cr Pyke saitl the opposition to the question being discussed was on the side of those very Councillors who originated it, when the question was one of reducing the salary. The present was the lime ho buhl to treat with the matter, as he thought it a most derogatory position to place the Chairman elect in to ask him to leave the chair during the discussion of his salary.

After no end of talk it was decided that the motion was in order, and it was resolved that the Council go into Committee to consider the amount.

Cr M'Ginxis rose and proposed that the salary be L 350 per annum. In his opinion the amount was high, lint in tabling tbe motion he was bat expressing the views of his constituents, who held that the Chairman of Vincent County was worthy of a large salary. Ho would leave it with the Council to say if they were of the same mind as his constituents, Cr Masters seconded.

Cr Colclough was opposed to any such ridiculous an extravagance. He said the Council would fight and squabble over a few pounds for a road or bridge, but freely give such a large salary. He would propose as an amendment that the salary ho LluO per annum. There being no seconder, the amenclent was not put. Cr Pitches supported the motion. Cr Jolly deprecated the course taken by Concillors indulging in personalities. He thought the sum named was high, and would propose is an amemlent £3OO.

Seconded by Cr Colclouoh pro forma.

Cr Greenbank thought the position was getting tiresome altogether beneath the notice of the Council, he thought it better to affirm the principal of lotting things remain as they are until it was decided to remodel the office. He meant that it had been and was necessary to maintain the present salary until all the officers thoroughly understood their duties, and when that was the case a high salaried Chairman would not he necessary, to merely reduce the salary by £SO was beneath the Couucil; ho would support the motion.

The amendment was then put and lost. Further discussion ensued, after which the motion was put and carried.

9. Cr Masters moved—That a sum of money not to exceed LIOO pounds he voted for the erection of two chairs over the Nevis River, one at the Nevis township, and one near to Whitten’s Creek, Upper Nevis, tenders to be called for same to ho dealt with at next ordinary meeting. Seconded by Cr Grenbank and carricd-

10. Cr Fraser moved—That the financial state of the County be considered, as regards the revenue for the ensuing twelve months proving sufficient to meet the requirements of works in course of construction and already voted ; also the maintenance of roads, bridges, and ferries without having recourse to borrowing. The Chairman explained that until the proportion of the Otago land fund, due to the Counties was paid, he could not tell the exact position of affairs—the whole question wanted going into ; he stated however that £20.000 would be required within the next 12 months on account of contracts let. He would suggest that the question be postponed till uoxt meeting. Resolved accordingly.

11. Ci' Fraser move! That this County is not prepare! at present to merge the Jaekson’s Hay an.! Haast settlements within its boundaries, if by so doing the ratepayers of this County will have to bear the expense of maintaining roads and bridges within the above distiicts.

The Chairman said the Council was asked to refuse what had never been of fered ; he did dot think Westland, would consent.

12. Or Fraser moved Whereas the ferry at Lindis Fiver is unsuitable for traffic communication from the Hawca ami Lindis Hidings to the lower district, it is advisable that the new road at present being constructed from Rocky I’oint to Cromwell on the east side of the River Chiiha be completed with all possible despatch, to some point where a ferry can he worked during the summer and winter levels of the river, and the Lindis pant removed thereto.

After discussion, during which the Chairman stated that the portion of this road already completed about 1 mile 50 chains had cost LISOO, and the Engineer’s estimate fur a further 3 miles was L2'JOO,

it was resolved that tenders bo called for completing this road, and that a snb-Com-millce consisting of Crs Joliy, Colclongb, and the Engineer lie appointed to accept the lowest tenders, providing they aie not beyond the estimate. 13. CV Fraser moved—That the sum of Lls be spent in forming a road to the boat harbour at the outlet of the Hawca River.

Carried, subject to the Engineer’s report. 14. Cr Fraser moved—That the Engineer he instructed to spend a portion of the Albert Town-Wanaka-vote in cutting a bush track above high water mark from the Nek to the Hawea Bush settlement. Carried. SciIEIIUI.E OF VOTES REQUIRED BY THE ExCIXKF.It FOR MO.NTU3 of OfIUBEU AND November, 1579. 1. Bendigo to Tinkers ... £2O 0 0 2. Bendigo to Tinkers (Rise and •Shinn Bully) ... 33 0 0 3. Ida Valley Roads ... 200 0 (I 4. Clyde to Bander Creek ... 40 0 0 •5. Cromwell to Nevis ... 250 0 0 6. Cromwell to Kirtlebuni ... 250 0 0 7. Clyde to Nevis ... 75 0 0 8. Kirtlebuni to Cardrona ... 50 0 0 9. Survey and Preliminary Expenses. ... ... 100 0 0 The above amounts, after explanation, were voted.

By leave.-Cr Masters moved.—That the maintenance of road—Nevis Crossing to tipper Nevis—for the next six months be let by tender. Resolved—that the Engineer be instructed to have road put in repair.

Constable Bell was appointed Inspector of Slaughter-houses in Blacks district, vice Sergeant Brown resigned. The Council then resolved itself into Committee to deal wilh applications for the post of Inspector of Clyde bridge, and on rising the m cling separated.