THE WAIMATA BRIDGE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2101, 8 June 1907, Page 4

THE WAIMATA BRIDGE

LOAN TO BE RAISED. Tlio Cook County^ Council held a special meeting yesterday to consider tli.- question of raising a loan of C 3,000 to construct four bridges across tho Waimata river on tho main road, tho suggested rato being onefifth of a penny in tlio .6. Present: Hon. Captain Tucker (Chairman), Crs. F. J. Lysnar, White, A. F. Matthews, Kenway and W. G. Shorintt.

The Chiarmau said that' tlio requisite number of signatures had boon obtained. lie moved that the petition be granted. Mr. R. U. Burgo attended and received assurance that no part) oi Mrs. Dornor’s property was included in the special rating area, wlioreupou lie withdrew.

Ci'. Lysnar pointed out that Messis. Bather’s property would not benefit in any way, and protested against the inclusion of their name. Cr. Konwav considered that the bridges would benefit 2000 acres of the "Glonroy property. Tlio petitioners, however, had no desire to act unit was ascertained that Mr. Stock had como to the conclusion that the Ccuncil must cither accept or reject the petition ns a whole. Cr. Lysnar did not sec whore any difficulty arose. He pointed out that Barkers had to cross one of the worst creeks in tho district before they could got any benefit from the roads Mr G. A. DoLautour attended and explained the legal position, showing how the Council could act m the matter. . . Mr. F. Barker also waited on the Council. Ho demonstrated that by one route the distance, to take advantage of the bridges, would be 28 or 29 miles, with a dangerous creek to negotiate, whereas the natural outlet was to the beach. They were subject in every way, he added, to the Pouawa road district lating. Cr. Matthews agreed that in cutting up this property the outlet would be to the beach and not inland, therefore the owners did not benefit. In discussion Cr. Kenway said ho did not anticipate any trouble about signatories objecting to pay a slightly increased rato, if Messrs. Barker’s pioperty wore excluded. The question as to how the technical difficulty could be overcome so as to oxclude the property and yot avoid loss of timo, was discussed. The Chairman moved: “That the Council eliminates this property (Barkers’) entirely; that the Council raises tho rate from one-fifth to onefourtli, and tlio Council proceeds to raise the loan on the understanding that if any ratepayer then included and remaining included make objection to the Council, that proceedings fall and have to be raised do novo. Cr. Lysnar seconded the motion. Cr. Kcnway moved that tho petition stand as presented. Ho said as tlio mover of it ho must do that, and would prefer to havo that as the main resolution. This amendment was not seconded. Tho Chairman’s motion was then carried, Cr. Kenway dissenting. Tho prayer of tlio petition with tho name eliminated and the rating altered from one-fifth to one-fourtli, was gi anted. Tho County Clerk was of opinion that tho process adopted would prolong matters, and considered the quickest way would be to havo a new petition. Those who signed the petition are: Kenway Bros., Clias. Gray, J. C. Field, J. L. Perry, W. Branson, M. H. Straclian, W. H. Perry, A. It. Watson, IV. A. Dods, E. B. Martin, H. A. McPhail, A. S. Monde, AV. H. Lsngdon, Frank McTwistleton, Oliver Tyre, A. A. Todd, E. Ellemors, G. Snowsill, H. E. Dyrnac’k, I’ • G. Black, David Todd, Wooler and Norcross, W. B Spurrell, John Tombleson, A. McPhail, Marshall Bros., T. Todd. Messrs. Young and Greaves have not signed, but the area affected is very small.

At a later stage Cr. Kenway moved that the settlers who were borrowing be assisted by the Council to the extent of £SOO. This was carried.