VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1265, 28 May 1886, Page 2

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual two monthly meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chambers, Clyde, on Wednesday, 2(l f li May. 78SG. Present—W. Eraser, E;q. (Chairman), an 1 Councillors Pitches, Stronnoh, Butler, Howell, Sheppard, M Carthy, and Anderson.

The minutes of previous meeting were rerd and confirmed,

Schedules of inward and outward correspondence were read, of which the following were considered and dealt with .- From Waste Lands Board and Chief Surveyor's Office, to the effect that road from main Cromwell roar! to Marie’s coal leases would ha surveyed on payment by Holt of survey fees—Llo 13s oed The Chairman state I that he had written to the Chief Surveyor regarding these charges as bring out of all reason, pointing out at the sumo time that it was understood though the Vincent Survey Officer was removed from Clyde the survey and mileage charges were to remain as though the office were cxistant; and further recommending that as Mr Langmuir, from Lawrence, waa in the district, that ho be ordered to make the survey. From the Minister of Mines to the effect that LSOO was still available for road to Wait am Bush. From the Charitable. Aid Board and the District Board calling for 1 the, sum ot L2SO 3s lid, as the County’s contribution for the year ending 31st March, 1887.

Resolved—That the Chairman be instructed to pay the amount by monthly payments Prom Properly Tax Commissioner accompanying valuation toll. From Coltimb Dalton, asking for return of his deposit on cdntract, ho having made an error in his calculation.

From W, and ,T. Melton, tbo owners of a water-rrco, notifying tint I y carrying out of contract for roadway their water-race would have been interfered with, and asking to be protested in their rights. The Chairman said he had consulted with the Engineer, and having been satisfied that, no harm, either one way or other, would accrue from the construction of the road, had written Messrs Mslton a letter of indemnity. After discussion it was resolved—That the guarantee of indemnity gi>-eu by the Chairman in his letter to Messrs Melton bo su -ported by this Council. From the Cintha County Council, embodying its ideas as to working of tbs Rabbit Act, etn. The Chairman said ho did not agree with the idea of asking the Government to enter into the rabMt skin trade. Ho felt assured the Government would never submit to any such a thing. He was agreeable to a bonus of say Id per skin being given by the Government, he ng fully pursitaded that the b nos would bo incentive sufficient to make everybody go iu for the extermination of the pest. ET-i then read the following icsoIni ions as p'oposed by him at a meeting lately held at Cromwell, and would submit aaiit" f->r Ihc consideration of the Council.

The propositions were then read as follows :

(1) That the response ility for keeping the rabbits in cheek on occupied Cowa lands devolves primarily onthc occupiers thereof.

(2) That in consequence of the low valuo of rabbit skins, in cotjuuothm with the ruinous prices for produce of all kinds, it is impossible for the occupiers of land to bear unaided the entire cost of destroying rabbits effectually throughout the year. (3) That the Government should defray a certain portion of |he cost of abateing this evil, as apart from the consideration which it should have -for the prosperity of its settlers, it is directly interested in the rabbit question as the landlord of a valuable estate which is gradually but surely being depreciated. (1) That for the foregoing reasons the Government be respectfully requested to recommend Parliament at its present sitting to grant a bonus of id per skin on all rabbit skins exported from the Colony.' (5) That, in the event of this bonus being granted, the provisions of the Babbit Act should be enforced most stringently against all occupiers of land who fail in their duty to continually keep the pest effectually in check. (6) That more efficient measures should be adopted for the future in regarl to destroying rabbits on unoccupied Crown lands and reserves.

Cr. Butler said he would like to see a clause embodied so that the skins of suckers should be paid for, as he was of the opinion that in the matter of exterminating the pest the death of one sucker was more telling than the death of many pld o n es Cr. Stronaoh thought the Government would never agree to give a bonus in addin tion to the cost of the present staff ot Inspectors and agents. The Chairman explained that with the bonus the Act would have to be enforced to the very letter' As to the cost of the department, it was erroneous to suppose that it was anything like L 30.000 for Otago, that was the cost of the department for the whole of the Colony, and. moreover, it ap* peared to be lost sight of the fact that the she p department, which was in-luded in the 130,000, co.st no inconsiderable part of that sum, and again, the keeping clear of the Crown Lands of the rabbits.

The matter hero dropped without any decision being arrived at From the residents of Bannockburn conveying a vote of censure on the Council for not'appointing retiring officers for the election of LicensingCommitt.es in the county. The Chairman said it appeared to him that the Bannockburn was the only people in the County who took an interest in the question. The Licensing Act with its Local Option clauses might ho good enough for large centres, but it was uo good for upcountry. ■; »•

I r. Pitches thought that it was the dnty'of the C >uucil to carry out Ihe Acts of the assembly. Tha Licensing Acts gave the people certain powers, and it was for tha people and not the county to say whether thew) poweis should he- exercised. Prom liobert Stewart, manager of Wanaka Station, pointing out that notice of rates due was incorrect, inasmuch that certain of tha properties included in the notice had been parted with for over two years, and enclosing'cheque for amount considered to be due.

After discussion it was resolved—That Mr Stewart be informed that every facility bad been given him for correcting the roll, and as ho had not taken advantage of the chances afforded, that ho would be credited With amount received, and he requested to forward the balance without delay. The Chairman explained that it was necessary that all the rates for the year should he paid before the 3i)th June, or the Council would lose subsidy on same. Prom Mr D. Moran, contractor, to effect that in connection witn tlie contract taken off bis hands by the Engineer, he had, through miscalculating some of the quantities, lost considerably, and asking for relief. At a later stage the matter was considered with Engineer’s repni-t, and it was retolved That in face of Engineer’s report, the Council do not consider that Mr Moran has any claim against the Council for relief. From Mr D. Maekellar, Cromwo'l, to effect that he is prepared to make an offer to the Council for the construe- ion of a new iron bridge at Cromwell, and asking lbs Council to grant him an interview ° Crs. Stronach and Howell const lered the offjr of so favorable a character that it was worthy of consideration.

Cr. Pitches said it would be most unfair to the general body of contractors to consider the private offer of anyone for tl e construction of a work of the character, and, moreover, that it would be a divergence from the established rules of the Council, he would object to an interview being granted. The first thing for the Council to doin the matter of the Cromwell Bridge was to finally understand what proportion of the cost the Government would bear, afterwards to prepare plans, and call for tenders.

The Chairman thought no harm could bo done by granting the interview, as the Council need not commit itself to anything. After long discussion it was eventually resolved -That Mr McKollar be informed that this Council, without in any way committing itself to an expression of opinion as to his off-r to rebuild the Cromwell Bridge, will he happy to have a peisonal interview with him at 10 a m. to-morrow.

A vote of L2O for petty cash was agreed to. -- ‘ . . °

The Council then adjourned. Tho Council then met as an adjourned statutory meeting to consider the balance sheet for tho year ending March ->lst ISSG. Tho statement of accounts having been rea l, and the chairman having explained, that it had been du'y audited, it was resolved— That tho annual balance sheet, be, in terms of the Counties Act. accepted, and the same be published. The Council then resumed business.

The Trea-urer read his statement of accounts for the past two rnonlhs, showing a credit balance of £1209 10s Id. The statement was approved of. and mutual contr.atpla ions were espresso 1 by the council at the satisfactory state of tho financ s ■ and hopes were expressed that safaie might be coutinned.

The Chairman said from the fact of the roll being incomplete, tho Council were nob in a position to strike a rate for the current year ; however by the next meeting the full rateable value of the County would be ascor. tained, and then the rate would have to be struck.

The chairman laid on table a list of unpaid rates,and said that he had placed same in the bauds of the solicitor for collection.

Tin report of Committee appointed to consider Mr J, Holt's claim for supplying tho town of Clyde with water for the past four years, was read as follows

Your Committee having read over and considered carefully all the documents in connection with this claim, beg to report as fol'ows:--

Ist. That in your Committee’s opinion Mr Holt has no legal claim against the Council for payment of the account he has rendered.

2nd. That having regard to tho claims of the inhabitants of the town of Clyde on the consideration of this Council for the supply of water for domestic and other purposes, your Committee recommend that Mr Holt be paid, without prejudice, a sum of L4O in liquidation of any equitable claimj ho may

have for work done in connection with the water race from September 1881 to this date, and that from and after this date he be paid at the rate of LIO per annum for keeping said race in a proper repair, and maintaining one sluice head of clean water in such portion of the race as passes through the town of Clyde. Tint a fresh agreement be drawn out setting forth these matters, and agreement to be terminable by either side giving 6 months notice to the other, •. The report as read was adopted. The Engineer's report on roads, bridges, / ferries, and contracts were read, and the following recommendations were affirmed : That a sum of L<so be expended in gravelling the worst placet between Clyde and Butchers Gully. That 1,12 be expended in putting the cvevis chaws in working oider. That Lls be expended in putting track, Hawts F at to Lagoon Valley, in repair. That L 23 be expended in maintenance of Clyde tt ■nets. That L 25 be spent in formation of road in Block IV, Tiger Hill, near Mr M ‘ln tosh’s farms.

Resolved—That application be made to Was'e Land Board for gravel reserves on run No. 244 x. Cr. Butler asked how it was that tenders had not been in vited for formation and gravelling piece of road between McCormack’s old contract and present contract of Carroll and Lynch, on the Alexandra and Teviot road.

The Chairman said that the cost of same was greater than ho felt disposer! to deal with, and preferred that tenders should ba invited in the ordinary manner, and dealt with by the Council. The meeting then adjourned till 930 a m on the 27th inst,. when, on assembling. The Council resolved itself into committee to consider tenders, pass accounts, and consult with Mr D. Mackellar re the rebuilding of the Cromwell Bridge, etc. On resumption of business, the following report was read and adopted : That the fo'lowing tenders be' accepted : No. 162 Herbert Hard ng. No. 103—Russell and Co.' •• No. 164-J McLean. No. 163—Wade and Barclay, , That accounts amounting to L 32 5s 61 be nassad for payment. That stops be taken by f.h’a Council to hj vo Mr R dibit Inspector Shaw appointed Crown Lands Ranger and Registrar of Brands for Vincent County. That this Council do not agree with resolutions passed by the Ciutha County Connell re the.rabbit pest. ’ That the Chaitm n proceed to Wellington without delay for the purpose of protecting the interests of the county generally during the present session of Parliament. And that pending the completion of arrangements with Government as to monetary assistance to he given towards the rec instruction. of the Cromwell Bridge, that this Council proceed no further in the matter. The Council then.adjourned till 2.30 p.m. On the resumption of business, a latter from Mr Welsford relative to the nuisance ot horses and cattle wandering about the town of Clyde was read

_ After discussion, during which it trangpired that none of the local authorities had power to impound under existing laws, it was decided to refer the letter to the police, whoaloue, apparently, had power in the matter. The opinion of the County Solicitor on the claim of Mr McLellan, of Hawea Flat, for damages from the flooding of a portion of his farm having been read, it was resolved —That Mr McWlan he informed that ihgf Council decline to admit of any liability. A Resolved—That whilst Chairman was in ■Wellington he arrange for supplying each Councillor with a copy of all the Acts of Parliament relating to county government. Letter from Mr W. G. Stewart, of Makarora Valley, re roads from hj ad of Lake to the Post Office, the Wilkin Sawmills, and his homestead was referred to the engineer to report at next meeting. The list of names omitted from the roll and representing a rateable value of LafiOOO o Id, was laid on tab's and it was recommended that same bo sent to the Property Tax Commissioner with a respectful request that he order same to he included on the 0-umty roll.

The following applications in connection with the prospecting regulations were ordered on as fol 'ows

Of Guilford, Murchio, and another for assistance under clause 11 of the regulations for driving for a quartz reef at the head of Smith's dully, Bannockburn -granted for 2 months.

Of Poake and others, for further extension of time for six weeks ti piospeot in locality of Devonshire Gaily—refused. _ Of R. and C. Holden, for further extension of time for prospecting on Dunstau Flat—refused.

The notices of motion were ordered on as follows .

Cr. McCarthy moved—That the siim of L2D be voted towards repairing the road leading from the Makarora Road to Messrs Caldwell and Nees saw-mills, Wilkin River. —Loft in the hands of the Engineer to do the work if ho deems it neeessaiy. Cr. H»well moved—That the chair be tween Cromwell and Cornishtowu be repaired and putin proper working order Arranged for in Engineer’s report. Or. Howell moved—That Mr H. Tobin be refunded at schedule rates the cost of a culvert on the Cromwell-Wanaka man road.—The Chairman said this culvert; was constructed by Mr Tobin for his own special benefit, ami shoo'd not be considered. Referre 1 to the Engineer to report at next meeting.

Cr. Howell move*!— That about 30 chains of the Cromwell-Wanska main road, between section 2, block iv, Wuktfield Snr. vey Ditriot, ho repaired at a cost not exceeding Lso. Referred to the Engineer for hi- report.

Cr Sheppard moved—That the road between Spelhman’s and White’s farms, Spotti>, be repaired at a a cost not exceeding Llo. Agreed to. * • Cr. Sheppard moved—That, the road to 'Tinkers f.om the junction of the Ophtr, D -voi shire, Dry-bread, and Cruder roads bo formed and gravello-1.-Re-olvel th it tenders he invited for thii work.

Cr. Sheppard moved—That several swamps in Block v„ Lauder, be drained so as to give access to new road already formed. Resolved that same be dona at a cost Hot A exceeding Lls. W

C. Fraser move I—That the sum of LIOO be expended in forming and gravelling the main road Com Alexandra Borough boundary past the Brewery, ° Cr Fraser asked that this motion stand over till next meeting, as he had ascertained y" that the present roadway was private proiT perty. Agreed to. Cr, M ‘Carthy, by leave moved—That LlO9 he expended in addition to the sum of L 278 on tho track from the Neck to the head of Lake Wanska. Lost. Cr. Sheppard moved—That the sum of L 4 be expended in repairing road to Drybread township from main road. Agreed to. Resolved—That L2d bo expended in repairs to county offices.

j Resolved—That it bo an instruction to : the BngineT that the maximum rote of ! «’a;-es to be paid for day labor bo 8s per ; day,but that ho bo at liberty to engage good . men at any less a sum when able to ’do so. Tho meeting then closed.