COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1000, 19 September 1903, Page 3

COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the above was held yesterday, there being present: The Chairman (Captain Tucker) and Crs White, Richardson, Clayton, Murphy, Gray, Matthews, and Sherratt.

CORRESPONDENCE. Mr R, St. Leger applied to have a road formed through his property from his house to a ford in the Hangaroa river. The cost of the work would be about £4O. Referred to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for his approval.

Mr S. King Spencer wrote asking that the sum of £lO be spent on clearing and widening Ngatawakawaka track, part of the Inland Waiapu Road, Or Murphy considered that the matter should receive the attention of the Council, The settlers in that locality were in an isolated position. It was decided to grant £5 and the the thirds available for expenditure. The native owners of Whangara E block applied-for permission to erect a gate on the County road, —Granted.

Mr W. D. Lysnar wrote asking the Council to have a small piece of road near the Okitu factory metalled, —Deferred, NOXIOUS WEEDS. Mr C. E. Smith, Tolago Bay, wrote asking the consent of the Council to erect a temporary gate to the extent of 12ft, with a view of eradicating blackberry bushes. Cr Sherratt said the Inspector should give notice to all parties to have the weed eradicated to tho middle of the toad, as laid down by law. Or Matthews asked if the Council allowed Mr Smith to erect a gate and an accident occurred, would they be liable ? The Council decided not to permit such an encroachment, but were willing to allow the fence to extend as far as the law allowed. BANGER’S REPORT. The Ranger reported that he had impounded 69 head of cattle and horses during the month.

ENGINEER’S REPORT. The Council then went into committee to consider the Engineer’s report, to whioh was attached estimates for the remainder of the year. The report stated : “Contracts 58 and7o, metalling Wainui road and road formation, Waimata, have been satisfactorily completed. “ I have according to instructions prepared a schedule showing the cost of necessary repairs and metal required during the ensuing year. I would respectfully point out that while we have been fortunate as regards tho weather during the past winter it is advisable that fair provision of metal should be made for the coming season, and I would urgently request the Council to give mo as liberal a supply as possible to keep tho roads already metalled in good order and the bridges properly maintained, even if new works are delayed. During the month, and since the last meoting, iny time has boen almost exclusively empioyoijl in executing surveys at Poututu, etc., plans of which I am having prepared under the Public Works Act. “ The plans have also been oompleted for road deviations at Waiomoku and Waimata ford,

“Tenders have been called, to close on the 10th inst.. for four miles and 23 chains of tho Wharekcpae road.” Cr Gray thought the report spoke for itself. The Chairman said it was very satisfactory. The Chairman said they bad been assured by tbe Minister that Native land would be rated just the same as European land, which would considerably swell the rovonue.

Cr Gray thought that they went to near tho limit last year, and considered that they should not do so during the ensuing season.

Cr Matthews thought that they should ondeavor to reduce the overdraft by JEIOOO. Tho Chairman said he was not in favor of practising the economy which ho preached when taking over office. They might not know what the policy of the new Council might bo. Ho was satisfied with things as they had pannod out. Cr Gray said tho estimate showed that all their funds would be consumed in maintenance. Ho did not think it wise to try and reduce the overdraft. TAHORA BLOCK.

Cr Clayton introduced Mr Steele, of Tiniroto, who was anxious to know what definite information the deputation had received re the special loan for tho roading of tho Tahora block. Tho Chairman oxplained that a Bill was being- brought beforo tho House whioh would compel tho full rating of Native lands, and would therefore strengthen tho security, Mr Steelo asked if the Council could do nothing to help forward tho Bill. The matter was of great importance to settlers. He further asked if the change of management of the Tahora Block would affect them, as he understood it was now vested in tho East Coast Trust Board. The Chairman was of onj^" D t g- 1 ' new manage;, lC n- would" not affect the tenure, It was resolved to wire to Mr Carroll, drawing his attention to the necessity of having the Bill passed.

A PETITION. A petition signed by 44 Patutahi settlers was received, praying for the Council to take steps to alter the grade of the road approaching tho Lavenham bridge. Cr Sherratt said that the cutting was a most dangerous one, and demanded immediate attention. A number of milk carts were driven that way by children. He proposed that the work be carried out. Cr Clayton seconded the motion, which was carried. MISCELLANEOUS.

On tho application of Cr White, Mr Bailey, of Mabia, was granted £lO for the repair of the road from tho Junction to Boat Harbor.

| The sum of £lO was also granted on the application of Cr White for the repairs of the road between Wharorata and Tarewa Cr White drew attention to a dangerous pit hoJe near the Pakirikiri pah.—The Engineer was instructed to have the matter attended to. Mr J. Malone was the successful tenderer fjr contracts 72 and 73. It was decided to hold a special meeting on Friday, October 2nd, to further consider tho Engineer’s estimates.