VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL

Dunstan Times, Issue 971, 26 November 1880, Page 2

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL

The nsnal two-monthly meeting of the Vincent County Council was held on Wednesdav, the 17th inst., in the Council Chamber, Clyde. There were present— Vincent Pyke, Esq. (in the chair), and Councillors Pitches, Naylor, Masters, and Fraser, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and and confirmed The Chairman said the next business of th • meeting was the election of Chairman. Cr Fraser said as there was but a hare quorum present, and as ho thought other members of the Council were in the town, he would ask the meeting to adjourn for a quarter of an hour to give those members an Opportunity to attend. Oi her members objected to an adjournment. The Chairman said—Though it was necessary to elect the Chairman during the meeti g it was not necessary to do so at the present stage ofr'tho meeting. Schedules of inward aud outward correspondence were read. A number of returns, including several by Mr Dickie, relating to the Commonages and the result of his late impoundints weredaid on the table, fleturn of all expends for travel ing (boggy hire) paid to the. Chairman, other Officers anil Council bns since the starting of the Council were read. Members’ travelling expenses . 372 8 0 Chairman’s do (including three j unties to Dunedin) ... 143 14 6 Chairman and Engineer ... 30 0 0 Chairman and Clerk ... 13 9 6 The three hist items are from Jannarv4fh, 1877, to September 30th, 1880. C. Coldough, Deputation to Wellington ... 52 10 0 Do, Conference at Ophir 410 0 £613 12 0 The Engineer’s reports on current contracts were laid on the table, and read and adopted. Crs Jolly and Stronach now put in ait appearance. Cr Fraser said he had that morning visited the Alexandra Bridge works, and he thought it a very gnat mistake that other Councillors had not visited them, they then would have seen for themselves and been in a better position to form an opinion of many rumours current respecting the structure. He was pci Petty satisfied with the structure and the way it was being carried on, but he failed to see the I utility of the pile driving for the Eastern pier ; from what be hj id seen it was an impossibility to drive many of 'he piles to the full depth on accountof the hardness of the ground, many of them busting and spiking in the driving, ami he would Hite to ask the Engimer if he was aware of that fact Th<- Chairman explained—That one half the piles were already driven, it was im-po-isbde before the plans were .prepared to ascertain the nature of ihe ground, unfortunately for the contractors, as in many other cases, it ha 1 proved bard, and they would have to stand the consequences had it, however, proved toft they would i have had the benefit. Councillors.— Aie there any complaints ; fr'm the contractors ? The Chairman said—On the contrary, and that the contractors fid informs I him that the whole of the piles would have to be driven The Engineer, who was called upon, said- -He was perfectly awaic that the 1 ground was hard, and that he hail arranged j that those piles that could n >t be driven i wi hout bursting and splitting should be j cut off at the tops. The election of Chairman was now proceeded with. Cr Pitches proposed, and Cr Jolly seconded—That Cr Pyke, member for Kawarau Hiding, be elected to the office of Chairman for the current year. Cr Fraser said —He had no intention of opposing the election of Cr Pyke, he, believing him to be the best man in the Council for the position, but lie felt bitns -If compelled to speak sn that it could not be said that he silently supported the proposition. He could not forget what hat occurred during the past year, nor could he forget being accused i f speaking of the present candidate and late Chairman behind his back, but ite denied doing so in any spirit of antagonism. There was an occasion when he spoke against the late Chairmm for taking, what he considered an ar bitrary course, but that was not what lie would now refer to. What ho wished to say was, that he hoped the Chairman would in future, give a more eq tiia'ile support to the whole County and do justice to all the Hi ings alike, which he did not think ho had hitherto done - Cr Pyke —So far as the equitable distribution of the funds of the Council: if that was what Cr Ftaser referred to, be could only say it was not in his power to do other than carry out the wishes and expe id the votes of the Council. Crs Pilches an I M'Oinnis supported the candidature ot Cr Pike, and condemned the insinuations of Cr Fnser. The motion was then put and carried unanimously. Cr Pyke, in returning thanks for the honor eonfei re 1 on him, said He thank'd the Council for the very g eat honor they hl l conterro 1 upon him by electing hi n as Chairman for the fourth timo without opposition. He was glad that they had done so because it would give him an opportunity of pulling the County eo.ic't out of the difficulty. He accepted the honor, but it was at a sacrifice of his own personal interests, as he had had offers made to him in connection with the press which would much better remunerate him. But he felt that it would bo cowardly to desert the ship m distress. It should not be said of him that he snick to the County in tho days of its prospeii'y amt deserted in the day of adversity, 'therefore ho was willing to give another year to the business of theCouny. Dm ing that p-riod he hoped to be able to extricate the County from its financial difficulties, and that having been accomplished, he should retire and ask the Council to elect Some other member as Cuairnian, so that he might be able to at tend to hs own interests. Having th. n given four years to th i pa die hj s th in ;h", it would be admitted that he had performed his share of Peal public work The con espondeuce was now considered as follows. A letter f'-ora Inspector Hickson staling that Constable Farrell was removed from the District, and suggested thit Const abo Higgins be app kited 1 ispector of slaughter houses in his sfc-a I. was read and approved. From Raboit Trustees, to the eff ot that unless the County Council took steps to reduce ths Rabbit Nnisam-oon the Clyde and Ciomwoll Commonages tho Tm»t would have to take the matter in hand. Consideration deferred till the notice of motion m imna of C{ Pitches was dealt , with.

The Engineers report on ferries, was read, and appnved. lies dved—That tho Engineer be instructed to place the Lowborn puut iu good working order without delay. The Engineers report on roads was read, and the following recommendations approved—That the sunt of L 36 be expended on road, Cromwell to W.naka ; L4O on road, Blacks to German Hill (near pool, burn) ; and LlOon road through Block X Leaning Rock District, Earnsebutgh, The Engineers report on Lindis Bridge was read and received. ' Tho meeting then adjourned till 7. 30. p m. hj Rom Measts M’Laugh]i n and M’Pherson lodging a claim for 140 old balance purchase of R e-ky Point punt was read. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Council refused to recognize the claim. Correspondence between Cromwell Barotigh Council an 1 the County re disputed claim for put’iog in repair the roa I thron ;h the Cromwell Town belt, was left iu thi hands of the Chairman to arrange. A letter from Mr O’Veil! re action of the Ranger in impounding oat'lenff Commonages ; also Hangers report were read. Resolved.—Tha. the report of Ranger is satisfactory. Several letters re the conducting of the Cromwell Pound ; atso s let'er from the Pound keeper, containing his resi nation, and suggesting the appointment of Mr Angus J, Robertson iu bis stead, were read. Resolved - That Mr \. J. Robertson be appointed keeper of the Cromwell pound vice R. Kidd. Evening Sitting. On resuming at 7.30, the full Council in attendance. The Treasurer read his report as follows : Balance in hand last report . 2372 14 11 Since received ... ... 1027 15 7 340P 10 6 Disbursed since last report ... 1930 10 8 Balance in hand ... ...£1469 19 10 Liabilities on contracts ... £1 1,212 The Treasurer explained tho receipts were small iu consequence of subsidies due not having bemt pn.i _ 3 he Hanger’s and Hate Collector’s report was read and received. The Collectors report showed that L6lB 13s 6 1 rates had been received since iast meeiing. The Rangers report showed that 860 head of gre it Cattle were depasturing on the Cromwell Commonage, and 578 head on the Dunslatt C.-mmonage, and that fir the three p-rio ls ending 31st March 1879, ISSOand 18SI there had bemt nc-iv.-d for depastu ing L 167 14s, 1286 2<61, L 179 3i 3 I. The report a'so dealt wi hj the late mustering of Cattle on the two Comm m - ages, an I showed that the cost of same hid been 1.67 17- 6 I, while the sums received for driving expenecs was L 63 12s ; the report also referred to the goat pest, a.ad suggested that tenders be called for destroying litem, and the cost of mustering would far exceed any sum that would be realized by th ir sale. Discussion now ensued on the report of the ranger—the Council, while uphd ling the action of the ranger, expressed the opinion that it was a pity th ; musteciiigs of the Commonages had not been more f equenf. The Council went into committee to consider tenders. On returning,—Reported they recommended the acceptance of the lullowing ders : ■ Messrs Mes'on and Co..—Co itract No 79 —Approaches to Clyde* In idee. Messrs Fierce and -'harcoe. - No. 80— Road —Fernands to Rocky Faint. Mr L. Botger-No. 81 —Hoad Perrtam’s to Rocky Point. 1 The Chairman read telegram from the ! Maniototo Conn'y Council—that that body | is willing to proceed with bridge over | Lauder Creek—and a-ked that Cr -krOnao-1 he granted have to bring up his notice of in kiou. Leave being granted, Cr S romch moved—That the cnnstiuntion of the Lander Bridge, in concur, i n *e with the Maniototo Comity Council, bo considered He sai-1 the bridge was on the mam Dunedin roa I, and was a nee asky, or he watild not iii the crippled state of.the ft mnees press his m twin. For tha want of a bridge the traffic was completely stopped for days together, and not a'ona the pent 1- in the district but the travelli ig public v ere c msoqueiitly inconvenienced. He won 1 i leave it to the Council. Crs Pitches and M OiUnis supported tha ra Obm. Cr Jo.ly did not like to oppose the spending of money on works of necessity in u hj kever pan of th • County, but seeing there were equally a* mgent works iu tho northern part of tile C maty- held over for the want oi funds, he felt compelled iu tha interests of his const! uents to oppose the motion. Cs Fraser said —Ho would like to hear the views of the Chairman onilio motion, an I also on the equitable expett kmc of money The Chairman said—On being referred to, he had no hesitation tn saying that this particular bridge was ivant-d as were also tue bri Ige at B utndary Creek Lake kanaka and the one acro-a the E.arn-a-lcugh. Tna great bugbear had been an 1 was the want a f m nicy, and on tins head he was conli lent when money was required it would be forthcoming. Af er further discussion it was resolved - f l hat this C um il agree in conn cion wiili tha Maaio’oto Cottmil to erfict a bridge across the Lauder Creek, the road to stand over for further c ms iler.k on. Cr Nay lor move I —That the motion for withdrawing payment of expenses to members of the Council be rescitt led, and that s.teh expenses be continued at former rates. He said n ither tile member for Kawaran noi himself required payment, there, however, were oilier Councillors differe itly sktta'ed, who had to trawl a long distance, and ho considered they should be paid. Cr Masters maintained that the Council was in error iu abolishing payment to Councillors, as it resolved itself into tho plain f ict that if there was no payment tho only men who could be got to undertake the work of the Council were th so who had either an axe to grind ot a log to ro I. Phe Council was not so impecunious hut ’hat they could afford to pay fir all work done, whether it was at the Council table or iu mending roads. The tuition was put and carried, five voting for and three against. Cr Coldough now took his seat. Cr Pik- moved—That the resolution of , the Coimoil dispensing with the services of the Inspector of Hoads be rescinded, and that the late Inspector, Mr M - Connoohic, be reinstated in that position. C msiderable discussion ensued on the subject. Withdrawn by consent. Cr Pitches moved—That the Engineer bo iiistruotel to at once have the mutt I roal from Blacks to German Till put iu repair (is at the Fo-dbum it is almost i a-pa-saM ), the cost not to exceed ten poum'e s or ing. I Willi irawit by consent. Cr Filches m veT—Thit aa the County is at a loss by the Clyde aud Cromwell

Commonages, it is expedient that this Council take steps to place them on a better footing, and would propoie thit tenders should he called for a lease of them, to take effect at the expiration of the present licenses. The Chairman explained that as the Council had no power to lease the Com>no mges, the motion was ultra vires, and should be withdrawn, ttnir power was was limited to issue depasturing licenses ( >r great catt’e ■ n'y. By consent of the Council all the woids after “ footing" were eliminated, and the question was then a lowed to be discussed. Cr Pitches said he brought the matter up because the Commonages were not paying, and he felt fully persuaded that before long every member of the Council Would agree with him. that the Council shoal-' give up all control over them Or Co'chmgh followed in support. Cr M’Ginnis maintained that for the Council to give up their control over the Commonages would he ruinous to many The people both of Crmiiwe, 1 an I Cljde hot fought hard and st-nggled with a deal of opposition to get the boon conferred, un i for this Council now to propose to give them up was rums rnm. He drew a vivid picture of the misery and ruin that would he ciuse I to the many smalt holders who wore now locite I on the Comm mages if the Commonages were leased an 1 they had to rein ive, and said he should opp<>B ■ to the ntin ist any attem it to lease them or otherwise alter the existing poiiiion. Cr .Jolly spoke against interfering with the Commonages Cr Naylor failed to see why the C mmonages should be expected to pay a pro•Jit anv mo ethan roads or bridges. They ha I ai led settlement imenssly a id should not he i terfered with. It wa- eventually resolved—That a Committee of the while Council do bring uo a rep >rt on the Commonages at next meeting of :he I 'onncil. Cr Fraser moved—That in future the Council hold its meetings alternatively at the County Offiia s, C yde, and the Corny Offices, Cioniwell. He said, though he brought the question up, he had but faint hopes of carrying it, he thought, however, it 'would he gracious on the part of rh« Councillors of lh( lower tidings if Ihcv agreed to an occisioual meeting at Cromwell. After discussion the motion was agreed to, the word “ occasi mally ” being suoatitured for “alternatively." Cr Fraser moved—That all road works excepting woi ks of emergency be suspended during the summer mon'hs. Withdrawn by consent Cr Fraser move I—That the Council take into con si ‘oration the claim of Campbell and W‘Lean t-T ronairs effected to the Upper Albert Town Ferry. Agreed to, Tne Council then adjourned till 10.33 a.m. next day. On resuming, the full Council in attendance. Accounts amounting to LBS 7s 6 1, and petty cash Lls. were o-dered for payment. Latter from Babbit Trustees, requesting the Conner t > take st ps for extermiiia img the rabbits from the Commonages, was read. Resolved- -That the Council resume poisoning when the season favourable for doiog so arrives. The Ch lit man was authorised to obtain :a supply of dog collars, an 1 take steps for bringing the Dog Registration Act into fol CO. ' ' * In reply to questions, the Clia’rmau said that lie w oil I obtain a icport relative to the Garrick Race Wa’er Race, and le'iirding the I’ipcclay Sludge Channel, th it the Council had no intimation that the rights of the Company were about -bang interf red with. He would, however, see io it. Tue meeting then udj turned sine die.