COUNTY COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 981, 29 August 1903, Page 3

COUNTY COUNCIL.

Tho monthly meeting of the County Council was held yesterday. Present: Capt. Tucker (Chairman), and Crs White, Gray, Matthews, Richardson, Sherratt, Harding, and Clayton, t Mr A. Reeves, Tolago Bay, waited upon the Council in reference to tho Mangatu petition. He objected to his signature ! being on it for the following reasons : He had not boen treated fairly on several occasions, and tho rates were being piled on. He did not care twopence whether the road was closed or not. Tho road ran through tbo Native land and was of no valuo to Mr Spence or Mr Somervillo. Should tho Council pass the petition he would put his land in tho Assessment Court and have it cut up, thereby leaving very little for rates. He understood that they were going to have an increased rate Four others pay £1 7s against his £1 15s, and the road was of no good as he did not use it. If he could use the road it would bo a different thing. The Chairman asked if JEI9O was tho amount of the proposed special loan. Cr White said that at the last meeting | Mr Fitzgerald promised to exempt Mr Reeves from paying the rates. Mr Reeves said Mr Fitzgerald had withdrawn all promises. He did not thick at the time that he would be lot in so heavily. Tho Chairman said tho promises should have been in writing, but tho difficulty was that Mr Reeves had already signed tho petition. Mr Reeves said that according to a clause in tho Rating Act ef ’B4, any person who was aggrieved by a special rate could apply to the Assessment Court to

have his property cut up. The Chairman : Ib it not a queer function for the Assessment Court i It I must Do the Supreme Court you moan. Mr Beeves : No, the Assessment Court, according to the Bating Act of 84. Mr Spence’s lease expires in January next, and tho land would tlion revert to the Natives. Cr White considered that the .best plan would bo for Mr Beeves to write a lottor expressfng his objections, which could be sent in to the Department along with tho petition. This Mr Beeves finally decided to do. Mr Beeves: There are a good many of the statements Dot correct. As regards

the driving of stock on Mr Somerville’s property, it was not his, but his son’s property. Regarding the payment of rates, Mr Fitzgerald promised to do so, but he afterwards withdrew all promises. Cr Gray proposed that Mr Beeves’ ■ name be struck out. Tho Chairman: It is cleat that he signed it under a misapprehension. Cr Clayton said it would not alter tho petition, as there was the necessary majority, Cr White considered that it would be putting Mr Booves in a worso position. Mr J. Fitzgerald explained at some longth tho position as far as he was concerned. As far as not taking stock over the road it was not so. During the last year about 26,000 sheep were taken over the road, and ever since the last meeting of the Council Mr Beeves had driven stpok on the road. The Chairman said they could remove thd boundaries and exclude Mr Beeves’ property. He moved to that effect. He considered Mr Beeves had shown good reasons, and thought it was but fair that that he should be left out.

Cr Matthews seconded tho proposition. Or Clayton considered that they should throw out the petition, as all the petitioners understood that Mr Beeves would sign it. Cr Harding said that a lot of time was being wasted in accepting a petition at one meeting and throwing it out at another. Ho would not like to see Mr Beeves suffer any hardship. The motion on being put to the meeting was carried on tho casting vote of tho Chairman.

Mr Fitzgerald : I suppose 1 can put a ioll on the road if I make it.

George Dixon, Tolago Bay, said that he did not sign tho petition. His property was in the special district, but he objected to it being included. _ , Cr White proposed that the petition be referred back to tho petitioners to be amended.

Or Clayton seconded the motion, which was carried. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. Mr P. MoLoughlin, Patutahi, wrote : “ Mir,s Herbert having threatened me with an action in the Supreme Court for £2OO damages, arising from an accident she met with on some metal on tho Patutahi road.

I settled the matter for £2O rather than go to tho expense and inconvenience of fighting it. As it was owing to a rut in the road that my dray broke down, I think in all fairness your Council should contribute toward the loss, and would respectfully ask your consideration.” Qr White asked where the rut was. Ur Gray: We are not responsible for ruts in the rood. It was deoided to answer that the Council did not recognise the liability. Cr Harding said that would raise a big question. Supposing Mr McLoughlin was not able to pay it, would the Council bo h *Cr 6 Clayton said that Mr McLoughlin was the contractor of the Council, and if he was unable to pay tho Council would have to do so. The Chairman contended that the Council was not liable. SANITATION.

The District Health Officer furnished a report on his visit to Tolago Bay. He found there was no common source of sanitation in Tolago, every man being a law unto himself. The water supply was from rain stored in tanks, and the closets were pits. He recommended that care be taken in the collection and storage of water. Oxenham’e patent removed the necessity of frequent cleaning of tanks. Pans should be substituted for pit closots. Mr Halo had proved himself thoroughly capable in looking after the outbreak of the late epidemic. Dr PeLislo also expressed thanks to Constable McLeod for able assistance given. He was an intelligent and reliable officer. BLOCK X., WHANGARA.

Mr W. Hood asked permission to fel bush on the surveyed road at Section 1* Block X., Whangara, so that a fence could be put up without danger of its being destroyed by falling timber. The Engineer said he had no objection, and the request was granted. TRAMWAY TO MOTU. Mr A. Hickford, Motu, wrote as follows ” I desire to seek from your Council certain information for public purposes concerning the proposed tramway to Motu, and would deem it a favor if you will supply me with the same. Firstly, has your Council the authority to grant to a private individual or company the power to construct a steam tramway on tho County roads providing such construction doos not injure the road or imperil traffic ; secondly, if your Council has the power would you withhold such from any company desirous of using certain portions of the County road for a tramway.” The Chairman said the answer to the first clause could bo in the affirmative. In the second case ho thought it would be the same if the Council deemed that it wae in the interest of the ratepayers. SLAUGHTERING LICENSE.

Mr E. F. Dovery’s application for a slaughterhouse license was granted. KAITI DRAINS. Mr J. Hay and six other residents of Haiti wrote drawing attention to the storm water from the Titirangi hills flooding their property after crossing the City The Chairman said he thought there was a report from the Engineer on the subject. _ .. Cr Matthews understood the Council were to move in the matter if the Road Boards interested Titirangi and Haiti—did so. He considered it was only a question of a larger culvert.

Boman Catholic Services, to-morrow (Sunday): Gisborne, Mass 8 and 11 a.m.; Vespers, 7 p.m. There will bo no country service. Wesley Church Services, to morrow (Sunday) : 11 a.m., “ Christ, the Power of God ”; 7 p.m., “ A Silent Domestic Tragedy: The Hero of Last Sunday Night out of his Chair.” Solo, Miss Golding.—Bev. B. F. Bothwell. St. Andrew’s Church Services, to-mor-row (Sunday) : Morning, “ A Burning Passion for Souls evening, “ Gambling at our Street Corners—A Young Man Smitten Down in the Shambles of Sin by tho Pole-axe of Gambling.”—Bev. J. G. Paterson. Holy Trinity Church, 12th Sunday after Trinity : 8 a.m., Holy Communion ; 11 a.m., Morning Prayer; 2.30 p.m., Confirmation Class; 7 p.m, Evening Prayer. Anthem, "The Badiant Morn Hath Passed Away ” (Woodward).—Bev. W. Welsh. Salvation Army Services, Sunday.— Gisborno, 11 a.m., 3 p.m-, and 7 p.m., Major and Mrs Spargo. Bevival addresses. Special singing.

The Chairman said it was not a question for the Council, but for the Boards, and he thought if the Boards wanted any assistance front the Council in the matter it could bo granted. The Engineer read a report on the matter, which had been furnished to the Council some time previously. The Chairman thought that the petitioners should be referred to the report. The Council would bo willing to do their share. , . . Cr Matthews moved that the petitioners be answered that the County Council will do its share of the work if the private parties concerned and Road Boards interested will do their part. Cr White seconded the motion, which was carried.

PAKARAE FERRY. Mr J. R. Shaw, ferryman, Pakarae, wrote asking that the present punt be looked to as soon as possible. On the motion of the Chairman, it was resolved to accede to the request. The Engineer explained that the punt was in a very bad state, and wanted a thorough overhaul. MOTU ROAD. The Motu branch of the Farmers’ Union wrote drawing attention to the bad state of the Motu main road. Mr T. McGregor also wrote asking the Council to remove a tree near whore he was orecting his factory at Motu. He also drew attention to the state of the road. Cr Richardson said he had made arrangements about the matai tree. Tho Chairman thought that the matter should bo left to the Engineer.—Agreed to.

MISCELLANEOUS. Mr A. F. Kennedy was appointed to represent the Council on the Hospital Board. A communication from tho Maraetaha School Committee, rc stagnant water on road, was referred to the Engineer. On tho application of Mr C. Coop, it was decided to spend thirds accumulated on the Maraetaha road. Mr T. Oxenham, Makauri, wrote drawing attention to tho dangerous and useless state of the Makauri water troughs. Referred to the Engineer. Ihaia Hoke and Te Matikena Takina wrote applying for permission to erect a fence and gate at the eastern and northern boundaries of the Whangara No. _E block. It was decided to ask them to give public notico of same. Permission to plant trees on the Kaiti and Wbataupoko main roads was granted. It was decided to reply to the Tolago Bay Farmers’ Union that tho Council had no power to appoint Mr W. E. Holder to undertake small repairs, such, matters being in tho hands of the Engineer. A letter from Mr E. Richardson, of Motu, re expenditure of thirds, was considered. The applicant asked for 118 to do necessary work on the road. Referred to Waste Lands Board,

ENGINEERS EE PORT. The following report was received from the Engineer “ Contract 70.—Ford deviation at Waimata : This work was reported complete some weeks ago, but on my final inspection I was unable to take it over until the batters have been further taken down in accordance with the specifications. “ During the last heavy rains a few slips have occurred on the different roads, but little damage has been done. On the Tolago road the mail coach was stopped for two days. “ On the Wharokopae road, under loan works, I have laid off and levelled 4£ miles of road and prepared detail drawings and specifications, as well as contractors’ copies of same. The work is now ready for letting, and I propose to call for tonders for next meeting.

“ On the Mangatu Block (also out of loan) two miles have been laid off, giving access to Martin’s section. The plans, however, for this have not yet been put in band. I hope, however, to get the work out in the course of a few days. “ On the Poututu road I have had'the old road lines traced out, and propose to proceed with the surveys of the deviation next week. “ I would a6k for necessary instructions re clearing slips, etc., on the Tauwhareparae and Arakihi roads. The work extends over 30 to 40 miles of oountry, and iB best done by day labor. The work should be put in hand early, so as to enable wool waggons to get access. “At the Patutahi quarry the depot platforms are completely rotten, and should be renewed. I would be glad of instructions in the matter. “ With regard to the work north of Tolago, namely, renewal of bridge and road formation : As the completion of this work will cost a considerable sum, I would request definite instructions in the matter. Three bridges require renewal and about one mile of formation (heavy) executed. My previous instructions were to have the work ready for lettiDg in September. “ Many complaints have been made with regard to the state of the Motu road, from Biddles’ to Smith's. I rnado an inspection of this section a few weeks ago, and

found the road in a very bad state. Not withstanding the assertions to the contrary, the principal cause of this damage is duo to the heavy carting daring wet weather, the teams double-banking and cutting the road to pieces. As it would have been perfectly useless to attempt to repair the road (beyond cutting off the water and opening the culverts) until fine weather set in, I did not feel warranted in employing extra labor; but would suggest that the be placed on this section when the weather is suitable, as the road requires practically reforming for several miles. While there are many new settlers on this road, who, of course, were anxious to get in their materials speedily, it must be borne in mind that clay roads will not stand heavy carting in wet weather, nor can tho Council be expected to keep repairing the damage done, In the Mangatawa bush some two to three chains have been thoroughly fascined (the road at this place beiDg a-new side cutting full of springs). I hope to havo it in good order shortly.” The Engineer estimated that the cost of the Tolago bridges and formation would be JEIIOO, the bridges costing about £7OO.

The Chairman considered that the Waiapu County should contribute a certain amount. On the motion of Cr Eichardson it was decided that the Engineer be instructed to put the machine on the Motu road in suitable weather. It was decided to give the Engineer authority to repair the bridge on Mr Harding’s property on the Waiapu Inland Eoad. It was decided to renew the platforms at the Patutahi quarry. The report was adopted,-': The Council adjourned 'until September 18tb, the Finance Committee to meet the previous day to receive a report from the Engineer in regard to the estimated expenditure required on roads for the following year, f