THE GISBORNE-WAIKATO STOCK ROUTE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2145, 21 March 1908, Page 2

THE GISBORNE-WAIKATO STOCK ROUTE.

THE ROAD FROM WHAREKOPAE TO MAUNGAPOHATU. TO BE FORMED BY THE COOK COUNTY COUNCIL. .SOME CAUSTIC COMMENTS. The question of spending the County money to form a route for travelling stock was considered by the Cook County Council yesterday, when 'the rival routes, Wharekopae-Maungapo-liatu and via Lake Waikaremoana were discussed at length. Cr. Matthews voted that £250 be voted for tho opening up of tho former stock track, from where it ends at Maungapohatu. He felt sure that lie would have the support of Cr. W. D. Lysnar on tho motion, although he know Cr. Lysnar was anxious to see the Waikaremoana route opened up. Ho would like the Engineer, with some one who could speak, to visit the district and see wliat assistance could be got from the natives to got tho route put through to tho Waikato, wliero there were buyers for sheep. Cr. Ivenway seconded the motion. The Chairman said he admitted the Council had been remiss in not doing more in forming a- stock track. Ho drew attention to the by-law that no greater sum than £SO could be spent unless in case of emergency, without giving previous notice. From what ho 'knew £250 would be sufficient for tho work. Cr. Matthews held the route was a case of emergency, and hoped that the notice would be dispensed with. Cr. W. D. Lysnar said he would vote against tho motion, as the estimate was only made on hearsay evi- ' donee. Ho would like the Engineer to visit the route and report upon it. The track had been condemned by Waikato and Opotiki people, and was absolutely useless for 'a. stock route. The Hon. James Carroll had expressed similar views in tho Council room. The Chairman said he did not remember the statement. Cr. W. D. Lysnar, continuing, said that unless the route was inspected by the Engineer he would vote against the motion, as the expenditure would be useless. The track was too precipitous, and useless for stock-driv-ing purposes. Tho meeting had no official report ; and should have tho opinion of the Engineer on both proposed routes. Cr. 'White asked, considering the whole Council was present, whether notic© of motion was necessary. The work was one of necessity. Cr. Sherratt also supported the motion. Cr. Matthows, in reply, said ho held that tho Wharekopae-Maunga-pohatu track was essential to the district, and hoped the Chairman would not rule that notice of motion be given.

The Chairman suggested that £SO be voted, and notice of motion be given for .an additional £2OO. Cr. Matthews agreed to adopt tho suggestion. Cr. F. Lysnar said some members appeared to be in a great hurry to push on the work. He did not know the objective. Cr. Boland said the season was getting too late for travelling with stock. Cr. W. D. Lysnar said it was a well-known thing that two members of tho Council, who were interested in property on tho load, and were afraid of the Engineer reporting against it.

Cr. Matthews rose to a point of order, ‘•and said that Cr. Lysnar was making inuendos. Cr. Lysnar: Tho route has been condemned by the Road Department. Cr. Ma tthews: The route was laid out by the Department of Roads. Cr. Lysnar said he thought it would bo inadvisable to spend money without having a report. They would be acting in the dark. If he thoughttile money would bo wisely spent, ho would support the motion; but in his opinion the route was useless.

Cr. Matthews: Cr. Lysnar is only going on hearsay evidence. Cr. Lysnar said he had specific information on the question, and was confident the track was useless for stockdriving purposes. Ho would ho sorry to see the money voted. The natives had now abandoned this track and were using the Wai'karomoana track.

The Chairman said he knew somo natives used the Mauugapoliatii track. Cr. W. 1). Lysnar: The track on the other side of Rua’s camp is dense bush and impassable.

Tho Chairman: There are only eight miles to form. It is not an engineering work, hut a question of the best route for stock.He had no objection to obtaining a report from the Engineer. Cr. AV. D. Lysnar : You are very frightened, Mr. Chairman, against allowing the engineer to go. What is your reason? Don’t you think the Engineer could give a report? 'I he Chairman : I dare say he could, and I am not frightened of any report- lie might make, but I would rather have Cr. Macdonald’s opinion. Cr. Lysnar moved as an amendment that the Engineer visit- tho locality and report. Cr. Boland said the Council had promised money to him for the Tolaga. coach road before any further money was spent. Cr. Matthews’ motion to spend £SO on the route, and that- a further vote of £2OO be passed was carl ■ied. Cr. Matthews then suggested that Mr. Cyril White, who was interested in the route, should be asked to supervise the spending of the money. The Chairman agreed that t-Jie miggestion was a good one, and stated that he had no doubt- Mr. White would willingly undertake the work.