Meetings.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1006, 29 July 1881, Page 2

Meetings.

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL

The usual two-monthly meeting of the above Council was held in the County Offices, Clyde, last Wednesday. Presenters Jolly (in the chair), Naylor, Pitches, Fraser, Stronach, McGinnis, and Colclough. AN OMISSION. The Clerk intimated to the Council that the minutes of the March meeting were not confirmed. A discussion ensued as to flu minutes of the March meeting, in reference to the raising of aLIO,OOO loan, as transcribed in the minute book. The motion was, “ That it was not advisable to refer the matter to the ratepayers.” Crs Colclough and Fraser maintained that no reference at the time was made to the ratepayers, consequently the matter having reference to them should be deleted from the minutes.

Cr McGinnis strongly objected to the deletion.

After further discussion, it was resolved that the words objected to be expunged. The minutes were then confirmed as amended. Cr Fraser remarked that nothing was said re Mr Jolly’s resignation of the office of Treasurer.

The Chairman explained that at their last meeting he did not withdraw his resignation, as he was asked by the Council to reconsider his decision. Up to the present, he had had no opportunity of doing so, but lie might state that he desired to withdraw his resignation. crrespondenoe. Letters were read From the Chief surveyor, in reference to the deviation of the road at Hawia Flat.— The Clerk was instructed to inform the writer, that after the explanation of the Engineer on the subject, they had no objection to the proposed deviation. From the Chairman of the Grey County Council, requesting information as to the class of dredges employed in the county.— Clerk was ordered to inform the Council that they were not in a position to supply the information.

From the Ranger (Mr W. Williams),offering an explanation in connection with a question, brought before the Council by Mr Lott, anent a bullock, the brands of which had been wrongly advertised in the Dunstan Times previous to its sale at the Clyde Pound.—After an animated discussion between Cr McGinnis and Cr Colclough, during which the latter said ho would castigate the former, the letter was received.

From Mr Pykc, stating that, when in Dunedin lately, he had called upon the Manager of the Mercantile Agency Co., re the sending Home of rabbit skins, and ho had informed him that it would undoubtedly pay the Council to send the skins they had on hand to England through their agency. —On this question, councillors varied. Sonic thought that it was not right for the Council to have anything at all to do with the buying of rabbit skins, and others thought the reverse. However, after a lengthy discussion, is was decided to send the skins (about 50,000 altogether) to the Mercantile Agency Co. to forward Horae.

From Messrs Campbell and McLean, stating tlmt the W auaka punt requ» -sd cx

tensive alterations and repairs.—The Engineer was instructed to report on it at the Council’s next meeting.

From the Manager of Ardgour Station, requesting the Council to clear the rabbits off the commonages in the immediate vicinity of the run.—lt was determined that the manager in question be informed that the Babbit Trustees were the proper body to write to on the matter.

From MrC. Morris, requesting payment of his accounf B against the Council for shooting goats foiind trespassing on the Clyde commonage.—The account was ordered to be settled, and Mr Morris informed that the Council declined to pay any more accounts for goat-killing. From the Clerk to the Cromwell Borough Council, calling the Council’s attention to the bad state of the roads a short distance beyond the northern town belt of Cromwell. —The Engineer reported that, as the bad portion of the road referred to was within the town boundary, it was the duty of the Borough Council to attend to the matter.— This Cr Colclough denied, but ultimately the report was adopted.

From Mr A. Wilmott, stating that he refused to return to the Council 0107 rabbit skins or 6167 pence, as requested by them, and asking for the immediate settlement of his account, or he would have to resort to legal proceedings.—The Clerk was directed to write and ask Mr Wilmott for a copy of the Chairman’s letter to him dated the Ist of April From Mr Chas. Colclough, asking what sum of money remained of the amount voted some time since to the Pipeclay Sludge Channel Company.—Cr McGinnis accused Cr Colclough of inconsistency, inasmuch as when it was first proposed to vote a sum of money to the original company, he had strenuously opposed the vote. Since then his (Colclough’s) views of the subject had undergone a rapid change. He now advocated the company’s cause, simply because he was a large shareholder in the concern. —At this point Cr Colc'ough interrupted Cr McGinnis in his discourse.—Cr McGinnis saiil he thought it very unmannerly, and disp'ayed ignorance on Or Colclough’s part, to interrupt him or any other member whilst addressing the chair on a question that was before the Council.—Cr Fraser intimated that if Cr Colclough interrupted the busi ness of the Council in the future in the way he had invariably done in the past, he for one would refuse to sit at the Council table with him.—The Chairman thought it cl is played very bad judgment by Cr Colclough to obstruct business in the manner he was then doing.—Ultimately it was resolved that Mr Chas. Colclough he informed that the vote had lapsed. MEMORIALS. A memorial, presented by Cr Fraser, was read from 30 residents in the Clutha Valley, near the Luggate, praying that a punt, not a chair as directed by the Council, should he erected at the Luggate, on the ground that, being Agricultural settlers, it would be impossible for them to take their produce from one side of the river to the other by means of a chair.—Received. Cr Stronach a’so tabled a petition from settlers in Matakanui Riding, asking that the roads in that riding should he improved. —Received. REPORTS. The Engineer’s report on the state of tho various roads throughout the county was read and, after some alterations and amendments (made by the Council with the | view of authorising the expenditure of as | little money as possible), adopted. I Reports on the several bridges, ferries, 1 etc., were read and adopted, and some im- , portant instructions given to the Engineer. THE ALEXANDRA BRIDGE. I On the motion of a couneillol, the standorder to allow a motion proposed that was necessary to he despatched without delay. Cr Fraser moved- That the Government be requested to complete the construction iof the Alexandra bridge, fie maintained that the work was of too stupendous a character for the Council to have undertaken. It was a larger work than any other county had ever essayed, ami. considering their financial comfitiou he felt sure that the Government would commiserate with them in their predicament, and determine to take I the bridge off the Council’s hands, and fin- | ish it, themselves.

Cr Colclongh willingly seconded the motion, although he slightly differed from Cr Fraser’s views of the affair. He thought it would be a bad time to forward a petition now that the House was in such a disorganised and quarrelsome state. It was a bail season for their member to ask the present Ministry to construct the bridge. They should wait till after the session, then send in their petition, and ho did not see how Government could shirk the work on the ordinary grounds, nor put them off with specious promises.

Cr McGinnis imagined that it was a very opportune time to petition the Government, through their member. If they waited till a f ter the session, and sent it through the post to head-quarters, their petition would be thrown into the waste-paper basket, and they would receive a letter from an underling stating “that the Ministry regretted their inability to go on with the work, through the want of money,” etc. They should send it to their member at once, to present it to the House assembled, and they would probably get support from the majority of the members. Cr Colclongh said it was not customary to petition Parliament for money ; only for relief.

Cr Fraser thought it a very opportune time to memorialise the House, and there was every possibility of their prayer being granted Cr Naylor: If the motion were carried, would the work of construction bo interfered with ?

The Chairman : No ; that could not be clone without the contractors’ consent. The motion was carried on the voices, and a sub committee appointed to draw up a memorial. This was done, and presented and read at a later stage of the meeting, approved, and ordered to bo forwarded to Mr Fyke without delay. FINANCE. The Chairman drew the attention of councillors to the fact that the total sura of money at their disposal was L 376. The Treasurer’s statement was read and received. Accounts amounting to L 35 us IDs were passed for payment. The petty cash account was also passed, and L2O voted for the ensuing two months. In reply to a question, the Chairman said arrangements had been made with the Bank of New Zealand for an overdraft of 1.5,000, for eighteen months, from June 1. Several applications for depasturing licenses were received, and granted. RE THE KATES. Cr McGinnis asked what steps had been taken towards collecting rates. If something was not done soon, the bank would be pulling them up short. Finally, it was suggested that the Clerk should visit the centres of population for the purpose of collecting rates, duly advertising the dates of his visits. Copies of the several rolls were tabled. tinker's cui.lv sludge channel. Cr Strnnach moved—That the memorial of the miners of Tinker’s Gully re sludge channel be considered, and the subsidy asked for be voted ; the amount not to ex-

oood LSO. In support of tho motion, he said there would not bo a repetition of the request. Or Naylor said, as a large revenue wns derived from the mines, the petition should be granted, But it should be distinctly understood that it would bo the last sum of money voted for the purpose, Cr Colclough was willing to support tho motion if it wore understood that the money would not be paid until work to the value of 1,1(10 was done.

Cr Fraser did not object to the expenditure of the money asked for, but was opposed to the motion, as it would bo a precedent upon which any other body of miners would be entitled to ask tor relief.

Cr Pitches could not consistently vots in favor of the motion, in the face of the straitened circumstances of the county. Moreover, there was no difference between tho application under discussion and the one from tho German Hill miners, which was refused. Cr McGinnes said if tho motion were carried, they would bo inundated with similar petitions. If it was desired to relievo the mining interest, it should be done systematically. Or Jolly believed in assisting the raining industry, and he thought the motion should bo amended by adding the words, “ That the sum be not paid till the end of the current financial year.” C- Fraser proposed as an amendment—- “ That the motion stand over till next meeting.” Cr McGinnis seconded the amendment, but it was lost on division. The motion was then put to the Council and declared lost. THE DEPASTURING REGULATIONS. Cr Jolly moved—That the resolutions of the Countv Council, passed on January 2G, 1881, revoking Sections 2,3,4, and 5 of “The Depasturing Regulations," be rescinded ; the said sections to rake effect and became law from August 1, 1881. Or Stronaoh seconded the motion. Cr Colclough said he intended to oppose the motion, as he looked upon it that the whole thing smelt rather strongly of an electioneering dodge, and looked like patting the miners too much on the back. He felt assured there were very few miners or leaseholders who wanted the priviledge in his district. He did not know of six miners who possessed cattle. Cr Naylor spoke warmly and ably on the subject, saying he would vote against it. The motion was lost on the voices. FEE FOR GREAT CATTLE. Cr Jolly moved—That the resolution alterating Section 8, increasing the assessment fee payable annua'ly for great cattle to ss, be rescinded ; the fee to be fixed at 3s fid as formerly, and come into force from August 1, 1881. Gr Naylor seconded. It was argued that commonages should be so worked as to pay expenses, and nothing more ; and, as tho present revenue was greatly in excess of the expenditure, the time had arrived to reduce the present fee. Cr Naylor supported the opinion of the previous speaker. Cr Co'clough would rather raise the fee another shilling. The present fee was fixed to regulate the number of cattle to the run. He would vote against tho motion. Cr Fraser said with a reduced fee the expenses would exoesd the revenue, and it would never do to reduce it.

I Cra Stronach and Pitches spoke against j the motion. I Or M'Rinnis said ho was in f ivor of reducing the fee to 4s, and he proposed that the words “si” be deleted, and 4s substituted j The moHnn woo put and lost. MISCELLANEOUS.

The reports of Rangers of Cromwell and Clyde commonages were read. Discussion ensued as to the appointment of permanent rangers. Eventually it was decided that applications should bo invited for the office of ranger for the Clyde and Cromwell commonages, the remuneration to be Gd per head on all registered cattle, and 2H each for all rabbit skins delivered at Cromwell or Clyde.

A letter was read from the Lake County Council in reference to tire destruction of rabbits on unoccupied Crown lands and commonages ; also as to the leasing of common-ages.-Cr McGinnis proposed, and seconded by Cr Stronnch— That the C mneil was willing to co-oporato with the Lake Council in urging Government to t >ko steps for the eradication of rabbits on unoccupied Crown lauds.—Carried. OUR ROADS. Cr Fraser moved—That the Government be requested to app'y tire scheme of constructing roads through lands about to be sold to the Vincent County, seeing that a large area in the same will shortly be available for- settlement. Upon consideration, however, the mover thought that, pending tire decision of Parliament on the Local Go vernment Bill, it would he best to defer the consideration of the question until the next meeting.—Leave granted. RE A SURFACEMAN. Cr Fraser moved—That a surfaceman be put on tire road between the Lindis and Hawta.—'The motion was withdrawn, as the Engineer had dealt with the question. THE LUOOATK. Cr Jolly moved—That the resolution passed at a meeting of the Council, held on the 25th May, ISBI, ordering the erection of a chair ovor tiro Clutha River be rescinded, with a view to passing the following “That the Engineer be instructed to inspect the Clutha River, and report to the Council as to the best site for working a ferry near the proposed Luggate bridge, having in view the removal of the Clyde punt and working the same ; the cost of erection and approaches not to exeeed L 330.” During the discussion on this motion, Cr Fraser said the time had not arrived for so large an expenditure of money on a bridge at this part of the Clutha River. Where a bridge was required, and doubtless would be built first, was at Albert Town. A punt was wanted, and he would support the motion.

Cr Colclough would not oppose the proposition, although he did not believe in it. A bridge was the only thing that would suit the requirements of the district, and he would take the opportunity of saying that had it not been for the half-heartedness of the members of the upper ridings it would have been built ere now.

Cr Naylor supported the motion, urging that the punt was the forerunner of a bridge, and when the necessities of the district demanded a bridge it would he built. Cr Stronaoh said, first there was a memorial to the Council, then one for a punt, and no two councillors were of one mind on the subject. They did not know really what they wanted, and he would oppose the motion.

Cr McGinnis understood that the residents in the district would bo satisfied with a punt, accordingly he would support the motion.

Cr Bitches would support the motion if it were understood that until the funds were in a healthier condition the work would not be proceeded with.

This being understood, and the Engineer’s report on the subject ordered to stand over till next meeting, the proposition was carried.

MISCELLANEOUS. The Council wont into Committee to consider tenders, etc. On resuming, the Committe reported—That Mr B. McNulty’s tender for contract No. 38 bo accepted ; that none of the condors be accepted for either the Blacks or Rocky Point bridges ; that the draft memorial to the House of Representatives, pointing out that in consequence of the passing of “ The Financial Arrangements Act, 1880,” the revenue of the county had been decreased by some £ 14,000, conseqnenty largo works, amongst them a bridge across the Molyneux at Alex, andra, to cost some L20.0U0, could not be proceeded with, unless with a total cessation of all other works on roads, etc., and praying for relief; that the draft circular letter to the gentlemen forming the late Railway Commission be agreed to, was read and adopted. The Council then adjourned.